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Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée (topped with Macerated Oranges)

Published 28/09/2018, updated 14/09/2020 46 Comments

Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée recipe, an Italian-French fusion recipe of sweet risotto. This delightful dessert is finished off with oranges macerated in Cointreau. (Total time does not reflect chilling time).
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Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée in tea cup topped with macerated oranges
Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée in tea cup topped with macerated oranges
Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée in a tea cup

Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée, yes, it’s a sweet risotto. And it has 3 of my favourite things in a single dish:

  • Cointreau and Orange – my go-to drink when I fancy something quick and easy. See the image below.
  • Risotto – it’s rice, it’s Italian, need I say more?
  • Brulée – there is something so sexy and satisfying in breaking through that hard caramelised layer of sugar to get to the luscious bounty underneath

I first made this sweet risotto in the summer, for some clients celebrating their golden anniversary. Their daughter asked for something special made just for them, and this is what I came up with. It was, thankfully, a big hit!

Incidentally, I also catered for their 40th wedding anniversary, and various other family birthdays over the past decade.

Cointreau and Orange with DOM Benedictine
Cointreau and Orange with DOM Benedictine

So, our Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée is essentially rice pudding. No, no, no. Stop right there!

This is no ordinary, or worse still, stodgy, school dinner type rice pudding. This is an upmarket, stylish, classy, red nails and red Louboutins type of rice pudding! 

Spiked with Cointreau.

Flavoured with Orange.

Then bruléed baby, bru-léed!

Oh, did I mention it’s so easy to make? And, wait for this … drumroll, please …

It’s a make ahead dessert!

In the world of “I love to entertain”, that’s always a Godsend. Especially in my Louboutins. N’est-ce pas?

Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée
Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée in little ramekins

Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée

It’s a pretty easy recipe. This is how we do it:

  1. We start off by macerating the oranges, which go in the fridge
  2. Then we make the Cointreau and Orange Risotto, which is then placed in the fridge for a minimum 4 hours
  3. When the risotto is cold, we layer the top with sugar, which we then caramelise with a kitchen torch or grill (broiler in American speak)
  4. Finally, we top the risotto brulée with the macerated oranges and syrup

Let’s talk Flavour

I can’t tell you exactly how I came up with the combination, apart from the fact that as usual, it came to me as I was about to go to sleep. As Cointreau is something I cook with, and drink, regularly, I must have started there. And “Cointreau and orange” is a phrase that’s embedded in my head, so it must have been just a natural progression!

The flavour of the rice pudding itself is fairly nondescript. It’s creamy, with a hint of orange from the orange zest and Cointreau. And a touch musky, if you choose to use the Orange Flower Water.

It’s what we top the risotto with, that’s full of flavour; the orange (tangerine, satsuma) segments are macerated in a combination of Cointreau, orange juice and sugar. The result is a sweet, citrusy, syrupy topping with definite hits of alcohol. It is the topping that makes the dish.

Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée

pretty as a picture

Cointreau

Click here to read more. Cointreau is a French orange liqueur, and to me, the standard. You can substitute it with any orange liqueurs that you like. Cointreau has a high alcohol content, 40% abv. Chances are, any substitute will be around 27%, which is not necessarily a bad thing, right?

Orange Flower Water

Orange flower water, also known as orange blossom water, is basically water that’s been flavoured with orange blossoms. It is a very common flavouring in Middle Eastern and North African cooking, and is pretty easy to find here in the UK. Our regular, large supermarkets stock them alongside the vanilla and rose water.

Otherwise, you should be able to find it in baking shops and most certainly, online. It’s fantastic for flavouring custards, ice creams, panna cotta, and even savoury dishes like rice and couscous.

I’ve given it as optional here, because if truth be told, I’m not a massive fan, I’m a rose water kind of girl. However, I did use it in the original recipe, and so, have included it here.

More Risotto Recipes

For more risotto recipes, head over to the Risotto Masterclass page, for recipes like:

  • Risotto Nero (Squid Ink Risotto)
    Risotto Nero (Squid Ink Risotto)
  • Asparagus Risotto, bookcase background
    Asparagus Risotto
  • rice pudding topped with apples
    Sweet Vanilla Risotto
  • Red Chilli Pesto Risotto
    Red Chilli Pesto Risotto

Jazzing up the risotto

If you like your rice pudding “with bits”, you could add some raisins, nuts and/or chopped up candied fruit, like these ones. But go easy, as you don’t want to overdo it. After all, the beauty of this Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée is the contrast between the creamy, almost plain risotto and the citrusy, nectarous topping.

Make Ahead Risotto

Both the risotto and the macerated oranges can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep them covered and in the fridge.

That’s it. Let’s get cooking. Are you a fan of rice puddings?

♥ If you like the recipe, don’t forget to leave me a comment and that all important, 5-star rating! 😉 Grazie! ♥

And if you make the recipe, share it on any platform and tag me @azlinbloor, and hashtag it #linsfood

Lin xx

Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée in tea cup topped with macerated oranges

Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulee (topped with Macerated Oranges)

Cointreau and Orange Risotto Brulée recipe, an Italian-French fusion recipe of sweet risotto. This delightful dessert is finished off with oranges macerated in Cointreau. (Total time does not reflect chilling time).
5 from 49 votes
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Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian/French Fusion
Keyword: dessert, italian, risotto
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 507kcal
Author: Azlin Bloor

Ingredients

  • 750 ml milk
  • 125 ml double cream/thick cream
  • 150 g arborio rice
  • 60 g white sugar
  • finely chopped zest of 2 large oranges
  • 2 Tbsp Cointreau
  • 1 Tbsp orange flower water optional
  • 4 heaped tsp of white sugar

Topping (Macerated Oranges)

  • 2 easy peel oranges like satsuma or tangerine
  • juice of 1 large orange
  • 1 Tbsp white sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Cointreau

Instructions

Macerated Oranges

  • Peel the oranges, divide them into segments and place in a bowl.
  • Add the orange juice, sugar and Cointreau and stir thoroughly.
  • Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir 2-3 times in that time to ensure that the orange segments are throughly soaked with all the flavours.

Cooking the Cointreau and Orange Risotto

  • Place the milk, cream, rice, sugar and half the orange zest in a medium saucepan on medium heat and bring to a boil. Don’t rinse the rice before hand. And keep an eye on the mix, as milk will suddenly boil over.
  • Once it reaches boiling point, lower the heat, and give it a stir. Leave it simmering, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring 2-3 times more during the cooking time.
  • At the end of the 30 minutes, the rice will be done, and the risotto will be thick like rice pudding. If you want it thicker, cook it for another 5 minutes or so. Just remember that it will thicken when cold.
  • Take it off the heat and stir in the rest of the orange zest, the Cointreau and orange flower water, if using.
  • Dish out into little ramekin dishes, tea cups or any dessert glasses. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Can be made up to 2 days ahead.

The Brulée

  • Sprinkle 1 tsp of sugar on each risotto.
  • Using a kitchen torch on medium, caramelise the sugar topping until a deep golden brown to dark brown. Be careful not to burn it. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the dishes under a medium-high grill for 2-3 minutes.

Serving

  • Top the the Cointreau and Orange Risotto with the macerated orange segments and drizzle the Cointreau and orange syrup all over.

Notes

Total time does not include chilling time of he oranges nor the risotto.

Nutrition

Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 418mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 911IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 258mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @azlinbloor and tag #linsfood!
Made it? Upload your photosMention @azlinbloor and tag #linsfood!

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    08/10/2018 at 4:52 pm

    I’ve bookmarked this recipe to make on the next special occasion that comes up. You were truly inspired when you created of this dessert! the combination of orange, liqueur and rice sounds amazing!

    Reply
  2. Lisa Rios says

    01/10/2018 at 7:52 pm

    This looks so good! I love those orange slices at the top. Very nice garnish

    Reply
  3. Maartje van Sandwijk says

    01/10/2018 at 10:05 am

    Looks really good! Any ideas on how to make it vegan?

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      01/10/2018 at 12:36 pm

      Thank you, Maartje. Sure, that’s pretty easy to do, just replace the milk with anything non dairy. Soya or almond will work. And I’m pretty Cointreau is vegan.

      Reply
  4. Corina says

    30/09/2018 at 4:36 pm

    Post about a desert really attracts me, This desert looks so tasty. according to your instructions I will try this soon.
    xo Corina

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      01/10/2018 at 12:36 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Preet says

    30/09/2018 at 4:22 pm

    I just love everything about this! Everyone can dig right in!! My husband would absolutely love these. This would disappear in no time at our house!

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 4:25 pm

      Thank you, Preet!

      Reply
  6. Dariana says

    30/09/2018 at 3:57 pm

    Wow, what a well written blog post! I sure do love desserts and I’d love to try this recipe out. Comparing food with designer shoes was questionable, but none the less a very out there concept! Good job!

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 4:22 pm

      Thank you. Perhaps you missed the humour in the comparison!

      Reply
  7. Rachael Eberhardt says

    30/09/2018 at 3:32 pm

    I have never tried to eat a desserts with liquor ingredients but this recipe of yours looks really delicious and I am sure my sister would love to try this.

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 4:23 pm

      Thank you Rachael, I love cooking with alcohol!

      Reply
  8. Lyosha says

    30/09/2018 at 2:12 pm

    The recipe looks awesome! So delicious! I will try to recreate it myself. I will come back to tell my results

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 4:24 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Nancie says

    30/09/2018 at 12:39 pm

    I love dessert with a liqueur as one of the hero ingredients. I’ve added this to my pocket and will try it one of these days. Do you think this would work with Gran Marnier instead of Cointreau?

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 4:23 pm

      Thank you, Nancie. yes, absolutely, Grand Marnier, with its combination of orange and cognac, will work beautifully here.

      Reply
  10. Angelica says

    30/09/2018 at 10:53 am

    This looks amazing! I’ll try it although I’m quite helpless in the kithen

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 4:24 pm

      Haha, thank you!

      Reply
  11. Laura says

    30/09/2018 at 8:59 am

    I shouldn’t have read this whilst hungry. Now I’m craving this deliciousness.

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 9:11 am

      Haha, thank you, Laura.

      Reply
  12. Ashley Rice says

    30/09/2018 at 3:12 am

    Wow!! This sounds amazing! I’ll have to see if I can make a vegan version of this! I really want to try it out!

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 9:11 am

      Thank you Ashley, that shouldn’t be too difficult!

      Reply
  13. HilLesha says

    29/09/2018 at 9:18 pm

    I have never tried brulee before, but I have heard that it is really good. I’ll definitely have to give this recipe a try sometime!

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 9:10 am

      It sure is!

      Reply
  14. Mahmud Moti says

    29/09/2018 at 6:34 pm

    Wow, look really yummy Desserts. I feel like stop working on my blog and start following these instructions to make it.

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 9:10 am

      Haha, thank you!

      Reply
  15. aisasami says

    29/09/2018 at 1:02 pm

    This looks yummy! I have to try this!

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 9:10 am

      Thank you.

      Reply
  16. Joanna says

    29/09/2018 at 12:58 pm

    This sounds like a lovely dessert! When I was little rice pudding was one of my favorite treats. I used to top it with sour cherries jam or cinnamon. I love it warm and I can imagine how delicious yours, especially heated up.

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 9:09 am

      Thank you, there is just something about rice pudding!

      Reply
  17. Ekenechukwu says

    29/09/2018 at 10:01 am

    Looks really delicious and the recipe is super self explanatory.
    I will definitely try this out.
    I rated your recipe because I loved it

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      30/09/2018 at 9:09 am

      Thank you, much appreciated!

      Reply
  18. remo says

    29/09/2018 at 9:16 am

    This looks like such a unique recipe. Mouth-watering. Will surely try it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      29/09/2018 at 9:47 am

      A pleasure, thanks.

      Reply
  19. kumamonjeng says

    29/09/2018 at 7:54 am

    I like how you use the beautiful cup to serve this dessert. The ingredient used was oranges which is very easy to obtain. I like to give it a go.

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      29/09/2018 at 9:47 am

      Thank you, yes, always helps when it’s a common ingredient!

      Reply
  20. Monidipa Dutta says

    29/09/2018 at 7:04 am

    Risotto is love but never thought of adding orange to it however I have noted the recipe will surely try out.

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      29/09/2018 at 9:46 am

      Thanks Moni, let me know how it goes.

      Reply
  21. Deborah Salko says

    29/09/2018 at 6:50 am

    Just reading my post made my stomach growl. I am so going to enjoy this when I try it!

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      29/09/2018 at 9:45 am

      Thanks Deb!

      Reply
  22. Sinjana Ghosh says

    28/09/2018 at 9:32 pm

    Awesome recipe. Will try it at home sometime. The orange will definitely add the tangy flavor which i love!

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      29/09/2018 at 9:45 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  23. Danielle says

    28/09/2018 at 5:01 pm

    Omg this look delicious!! I definitely will have to try it…

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      29/09/2018 at 9:45 am

      Thank you.

      Reply
  24. Jack Addy says

    28/09/2018 at 9:42 am

    This is great! Planning to make it tomorrow for Sunday lunch. Thanks mate!

    Reply
    • Azlin Bloor says

      29/09/2018 at 9:45 am

      Awesome, let me know how it goes!

      Reply

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LinsFood | by Azlin Bloor

Hey folks, I’m Azlin Bloor; former chef, culinary instructor and mum of 4.
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