There is something undeniably comforting and nostalgic about Creamy Macaroni Pudding. This dish is a cozy, custardy treat that blends tender pasta with warm spices, a touch of sweetness, and a luscious creamy texture that will wrap around your taste buds like a favorite blanket. Whether you’re revisiting a cherished family recipe or discovering it for the first time, this pudding captures the essence of home cooking in every bite.

Creamy Macaroni Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich flavor and smooth texture. From the delicate hint of vanilla to the cozy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, every element combines to create that signature Creamy Macaroni Pudding taste.

Dry macaroni: The pasta is the hearty base, perfectly soft to soak up all the custard flavors without becoming mushy.
Eggs and egg yolk: These provide the rich, thick custard that binds the pudding together and gives it that creamy silkiness.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: A balanced sweetness that deepens with the molasses notes from the brown sugar.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant aroma that enhances the custard’s flavor.
Milk and cream: The liquid base ensuring the pudding is decadent but not heavy.
Unsalted butter: Used to grease the baking dish, it adds a subtle richness to the finished pudding.
Ground nutmeg and cinnamon: These spices bring a comforting, cozy quality that makes this dessert truly unforgettable.
Salt: Helps season the pasta while cooking, balancing the sweetness later on.
Orange zest: Gives a bright, citrusy contrast that keeps the pudding lively and fresh.
Raisins or cranberries: Little bursts of sweetness and texture that complement the creamy custard beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Macaroni Pudding

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your Creamy Macaroni Pudding will bake evenly, forming that irresistibly silky custard texture.

Step 2: Boil the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, seasoning it with salt so the pasta picks up just enough seasoning from the start. Add your dry macaroni and cook for about 10 to 14 minutes or according to the package instructions. You want the noodles tender but definitely not mushy—they should have a slight bite to hold up in the custard.

Step 3: Drain and Return Pasta to Pot

Drain the macaroni thoroughly and immediately return it to the hot pot. This will prevent it from sticking together as you prepare the custard.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolk, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon together with milk until fully combined. This custard mixture is the heart of your Creamy Macaroni Pudding, offering both luscious texture and sweet, spiced flavor.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Custard

Pour your custard over the hot macaroni in the pot. Stir gently and thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated and infused with the creamy, flavorful custard. At this point, mix in the orange zest and raisins or cranberries if you’re using them to add a lovely brightness and chewy sweetness.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 2-quart baking dish with the melted butter to prevent sticking and add richness. Transfer your macaroni and custard mixture into the dish, leveling out the surface with a spatula for even baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Creamy Macaroni Pudding

Place the baking dish on a larger tray for stability and bake in the preheated oven for about an hour. The pudding should set to a delicate custard firmness without becoming dry, with a golden top signaling it’s done.

Step 8: Serve

Once out of the oven, you can sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it like a creme brûlée, adding a delightful crunch. If you prefer, simply dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside fresh fruits for a fresh, elegant touch.

How to Serve Creamy Macaroni Pudding

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a caramelized sugar crust with a torch makes the perfect finishing touch. For extra color and flavor, fresh berries or a thin slice of orange zest provide a gorgeous contrast to the rich pudding. Candied nuts also add a lovely crunch if you want to mix things up.

Side Dishes

Creamy Macaroni Pudding shines beautifully as a dessert but can also appear in a more savory meal setting with fresh fruit salads or tangy citrus compotes to balance its richness. Lightly spiced tea or a crisp white wine pairs wonderfully if you’re serving it as part of a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try individual ramekins instead of one large dish for elegant single servings, especially handy for dinner parties. Layer with thin slices of baked apples or poached pears for an autumn-inspired twist, or add a dollop of whipped cream mixed with a drop of vanilla to elevate the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Creamy Macaroni Pudding tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding may firm up a bit, but the flavor only deepens, making it an easy treat to enjoy later.

Freezing

This pudding freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight to keep its creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to prevent drying out, or warm individual servings in the microwave with a light cover. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help restore the lovely creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for Creamy Macaroni Pudding?

While elbow macaroni works best for texture and consistency, feel free to experiment with small pasta shapes like shells or small penne. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so the pasta doesn’t become overly soft.

Is there a non-dairy option for this pudding?

You can substitute milk and cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk, and use a vegan butter substitute for greasing. The custard may have a slight flavor variance but will still be deliciously creamy.

Can I add other dried fruits besides raisins?

Absolutely! Cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or cherries all work wonderfully and can add a new dimension of taste and texture to your Creamy Macaroni Pudding.

How do I avoid the pudding becoming too dry?

Keeping a close eye during baking time and ensuring that the custard has enough liquid by using full-fat milk and cream is key. Avoid overbaking by removing it as soon as the custard has set but still jiggles slightly in the center.

What is the best way to get that classic caramelized sugar topping?

Using a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize a thin sprinkling of sugar on top is the easiest way. If you don’t have a torch, placing the pudding under a hot broiler for a short time can achieve a similar effect, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

Your journey to making the perfect Creamy Macaroni Pudding is sure to bring delight to your table and warmth to your heart. This dish feels like a comforting hug in food form, ideal for cozy evenings or special family gatherings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you might just discover a treasured favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Creamy Macaroni Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Macaroni Pudding is a comforting baked dessert featuring tender macaroni soaked in a spiced custard made with milk, cream, eggs, and sugar, then flavored with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, orange zest, and sweet raisins. It offers a unique twist on traditional puddings and is finished with a crisp caramelized sugar topping for a delightful texture contrast.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready for baking when the pudding is assembled.
Boil Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add salt, then add the macaroni. Cook for 10 to 14 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still holds shape—not mushy.
Drain Pasta: Drain the macaroni thoroughly and return it to the cooking pot to prepare for the custard mixture.
Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, egg yolk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon until completely combined and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Custard: Pour the prepared custard over the drained macaroni in the pot. Stir gently but thoroughly until the macaroni is evenly coated. Then fold in the orange zest and raisins for added sweetness and aroma.
Prepare Baking Dish: Melt the butter and use it to grease a 2-quart baking dish evenly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Transfer Mixture: Pour the macaroni and custard mixture into the buttered baking dish and level the surface with a spatula for even baking.
Bake: Place the baking dish on a large baking tray to catch any spills, then bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
Serve: Once baked, sprinkle some granulated sugar on the top and carefully caramelize it using a kitchen torch to create a crisp, brûléed crust. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh fruits for a simple finish.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling when mixing with cold milk.
You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for different flavor variations.
Ensure pasta is cooked al dente as it will continue to soften in the custard during baking.
The caramelized sugar topping adds a lovely contrast, but if you don’t have a torch, powdered sugar and fresh fruit make a delightful alternative.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: International