
Why I Love This Polish Rice with Apples
I love making this rice with apples recipe because it reminds me of cozy autumn afternoons spent with family. The combination of creamy rice, sweet apples, and fragrant cinnamon creates a comforting and nostalgic dish. It’s versatile enough to be served as a breakfast, dessert, or even a comforting snack.
This apple rice recipe is perfect for using up apples and creating a dish that’s both satisfying and heartwarming. And if You love sweet Polish dishes, i highly reconned trying these Pierogi with Strawberries!
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients for this Polish rice with apples recipe include rice, milk, apples, and cinnamon. The rice is cooked in milk to create a creamy base, while the apples are sweetened and spiced with cinnamon for a delicious filling. Butter adds richness, and vanilla sugar provides a lovely aroma and flavor. Lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the apple flavor.
How To Store and Reheat Polish Rice with Apples
To keep your rice with apples fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm the rice and apples in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Expert Tips for Perfect Polish Rice with Apples
- For the best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet rice.
- When cooking the rice, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Taste the apple mixture before layering to ensure it has the right balance of sweetness and spice.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with a plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk, and use vegan butter.

Polish Rice with Apples
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
This traditional recipe for Polish rice with apples combines creamy, sweet rice with tart, spiced apples. It’s a comforting dish perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a warm, cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Uncooked rice (200 g)
- 2 cups Milk (500 ml)
- 6 tablespoons White granulated sugar (divided)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (divided)
- 1 package Vanilla sugar
- 2 lbs Apples (peeled and grated)
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed )
Instructions
- Prepare Rice: Place the rice in a pot, add the milk, and bring to a boil. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft. Add more milk if necessary.
- Cook Apples: Peel and grate the apples. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, and then add the grated apples. Add the lemon juice and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the apples are soft. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Layer the Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a baking dish (about 10 inches in diameter or 7×9 inches). Spread half of the cooked rice in the dish, then add the cooked apples, and top with the remaining rice. Dot the top with the remaining butter.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cinnamon before serving. Serve warm, optionally with sweetened sour cream.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk such as coconut, almond, or oat milk. Substitute the butter with vegan butter.
This dish is best enjoyed warm, but it can be refrigerated and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories: 394
Nutrition Information
Per 1 Serving:
Calories: 394, Carbs: 65g, Fat: 16g, Protein: 9g
This website offers estimated nutritional details, which may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.



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What’s a packet of vanilla sugar? How much is it?
Vanilla sugar packets are sold in Polish stores (also known as cukier waniliowy). If you cant find it you can substitute it with 2 tbsp of white granulated sugar mixed with 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract!
What is package vanilla sugar ?
Great question! A package of vanilla sugar is usually about 8–10 grams. It’s just sugar flavored with vanilla and sold in small sachets. If you don’t have it, you can use 1–2 teaspoons of regular sugar with a few drops of vanilla extract instead!
This is delicious hot, warm, or even cold! Hot and warm is a breakfast – cold is a dessert!
I remember my Babci making this. I never had the recipe. Thanks. XXXOOO
I do really look forward to making this recipe. It sounds absolutely delish! I just want to ask what type of rice is best. I am thinking short grain but just want to confirm.
Thank you! 😊 For Polish rice with apples (Ryż z Jabłkami), I usually recommend short-grain rice because it becomes soft and slightly creamy as it bakes, which is traditional for this dish. Arborio rice also works very well. If you only have medium-grain rice, that’s fine too. I would avoid long-grain rice, as it tends to stay too separate and fluffy for the classic texture. Enjoy! 🍎🍚
After bringing the rice to a boil, I would think that you lower the temp (simmer, low, etc.), to continue to cook it? (It doesn’t specific in the recipe…) Thanks! Sounds heavenly, and I cannot wait to make it… I just don’t want to mess it up!
Hello! Yes You can cook them on lower temperature to simmer! Thank you for pointing it out 🙂