Mediterranean Super Easy Rice Cake (Milk Custard Cake)
This Mediterranean Super Easy Rice Cake sits right between a soft milk custard and a tender cake. It is the kind of dessert you find in small coastal kitchens where simple pantry ingredients turn into something comforting and elegant. The texture is lightly set, creamy in the center, and gently fragrant with citrus and vanilla. It works as a light dessert, a tea time treat, or even a breakfast slice when you want something soft and not overly sweet. Best of all, it requires no complicated steps, no special equipment, and very little active time.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients
½ cup short grain rice or risotto rice
2 cups whole milk
½ cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons all purpose flour or cornstarch
Powdered sugar or cinnamon for topping
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
In a saucepan, combine the rice and milk and cook over medium low heat, stirring often, until the rice is very soft and most of the milk is absorbed. This takes about 20 minutes.
Remove the pan from heat and allow the rice mixture to cool slightly. It should be warm, not hot.
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Lightly grease an 8 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with sugar until pale and slightly thick.
Add olive oil, vanilla extract, citrus zest, and salt. Mix well.
Stir in the cooked rice mixture until fully combined.
Sprinkle in the baking powder and flour or cornstarch. Mix gently to avoid overworking.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until set in the center and lightly golden on top. Cool before slicing and dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon.
Tips
Use short grain rice for the creamiest texture. Long grain rice stays too firm.
Stir the rice often while cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
Do not overcook the rice to dryness. It should remain soft and creamy.
Let the rice cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
Citrus zest is key for Mediterranean flavor. Use fresh zest only.
Olive oil gives a traditional flavor, but butter works if preferred.
Baking at a moderate temperature keeps the custard tender.
The cake will firm up more as it cools, so avoid overbaking.
Use a shallow baking dish for even cooking.
Chill leftovers for a firmer, sliceable texture the next day.
Variations
Replace lemon zest with orange blossom water for a floral note.
Add ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates for natural sweetness.
Stir in ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom.
Use almond milk for a dairy free version with a lighter body.
Add 2 tablespoons ground almonds for a richer texture.
Top with sliced almonds before baking for gentle crunch.
Replace sugar with honey for a deeper Mediterranean sweetness.
Add a thin layer of fruit preserves at the bottom of the pan.
Serve chilled with fresh berries and yogurt.
Bake in individual ramekins for elegant single servings.
Q&A
Is this a cake or a custard?
It is a soft custard style cake with a spoonable center.
Can I use leftover cooked rice?
Yes, but it must be very soft and plain.
Does it taste eggy?
No, the milk and citrus balance the eggs well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Is it very sweet?
No, it is lightly sweet and balanced.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture changes.
What rice works best?
Arborio or any short grain rice works perfectly.
Can I skip baking powder?
Yes, but the texture will be denser.
Is it gluten free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour to keep it gluten free.
How should it be served?
Warm or chilled, plain or with fruit.
Nutrition
(Per Slice Approximate)
Calories: 180
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Super Easy Rice Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create something deeply comforting and quietly elegant. With its creamy texture, gentle sweetness, and bright citrus aroma, it fits perfectly into everyday cooking or casual entertaining. Whether you serve it warm after dinner or chilled the next day with coffee, this milk custard cake brings the warmth and simplicity of Mediterranean kitchens straight to your table.