Rice Pudding Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 20 m Total: 24 h 20 m Intermediate
Rice farming shaped Cajun Country after Acadian settlers adapted to Louisiana’s wetlands in the 1760s. This ice cream honors that agricultural heritage by transforming the comforting spices and textures of rice pudding into a frozen tribute to the crop that built our community.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 tbsp sugar + 2 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 1/3 cup cooked long-grain rice, cooled
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 tbsp golden raisins (for mix-in)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend, xanthan gum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt in pint container.
  2. Blend in protein shake (or milk), cooked rice, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
  3. Ensure rice is well incorporated for creamy pudding texture.
  4. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  5. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.
  6. Mix-in golden raisins during final processing for authentic rice pudding texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my ice cream icy instead of creamy?

A: The xanthan gum is critical for smooth texture. Make sure you're measuring it accurately—too little and you'll get ice crystals. Also, process it immediately after removing from freezer when it's at the right hardness.

Q: Can I taste the rice grains?

A: You should! That's part of the authentic rice pudding texture. But if you want it smoother, blend the mixture longer or pulse the rice in a food processor before adding to the base.

Tips and Techniques

Cook that rice until it’s just tender - not mushy! Louisiana long-grain rice works best because it holds its shape and gives you that perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • monk fruit/erythritol blend: all sugar (use 3 tbsp total)
  • golden raisins: regular raisins or dried cranberries

Equipment Needed

  • Ice cream maker with LITE ICE CREAM setting
  • Blender or food processor
  • Pint container for freezing
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Historical Context

Rice became central to Cajun Country when Acadian settlers adapted to Louisiana’s wetlands in the 1760s. The fertile prairie lands of southwest Louisiana proved perfect for rice cultivation, and by the 1880s, rice farming had transformed the region into America’s premier rice-producing area, sustaining entire communities.