Sweet Arancini Dessert Board
Ingredients
Sweet Arancini:
- 3/4 cup Mahatma® Medium Grain Arborio Rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 oz dark chocolate bar, cut into 5 (1-inch) pieces
- 5 caramels
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
- (or freeze-dried berries, finely ground)
Dessert Board:
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup chocolate sauce
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 2 cups caramel corn
- 2 cups dipped pretzels
- 12 mini shortbread cookies
- 2 cups strawberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blackberries
Instructions
Whether your guests pop these sweet arancini treats right into their mouths or pile them onto their plates, the flavorful treats serve both as a no-mess sweet appetizer option or an enticing dessert.
Sweet Arancini
Step 1
In large saucepan, combine water, milk, sugar and salt; bring to boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Stir in butter and vanilla. Transfer rice to baking tray; let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or until well chilled.
Step 2
Roll 2 tbsp of rice mixture into ball. Press your thumb into center to create a divot. Place one piece of chocolate into center, reshaping rice ball to enclose chocolate completely. Repeat to make five rice balls. Repeat with caramels to make 5 rice balls with caramel in center. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes or until firm.
Step 3
Place flour in small shallow bowl. In separate small shallow bowl, beat eggs lightly. Place bread crumbs in separate shallow bowl. Dredge rice balls in flour, then dip into beaten eggs and roll in bread crumbs until well coated. Return to baking sheet.
Step 4
Meanwhile, pour enough oil in large saucepan to come three inches up side. Heat over medium heat until instant-read thermometer reaches 350˚F. Working in batches, carefully drop rice balls into hot oil; fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Using slotted spoon, transfer rice balls to paper towel-lined tray.
Step 5
While still warm, roll rice balls in cinnamon sugar or freeze-dried berries.
Dessert Board
Step 6
Arrange warm sweet arancini on large board or platter. Spoon whipped topping, chocolate sauce and caramel sauce into individual bowls; arrange on board. Fill board with caramel corn, pretzels, shortbread cookies, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Serve immediately.
Cooking Tip
Let your creativity run wild for this dessert board – change up the fresh fruit, sauces, cookies and sweet treats with your favorites. Use nuts, dried fruit, chocolate hazelnut spread, dulce de leche, tropical fruit, brownies, mini cupcakes or gourmet candies. The sweet possibilities are endless!
Can’t Get Enough Arancini?
Although this recipe is a sweet version of the traditional classic, have no fear as we have plenty of variations of the original.
These rich Air Fryer Rice Balls with Arroz Rojo may be just what you’re looking for! The gooey cheese and the flavorful tomato sauce are reminiscent of the Sicilian classic, but the red rice and the spicy kick add those irresistible Mexican elements — these arancini-inspired treats will not disappoint. While not completely traditional, these Israeli Fusion Rice Balls combine classic Italian technique with your favorite ingredients from the deli. It’s a classic savory Rueben covered in a crispy crust — it may just become your next favorite fusion!
Desserts From Around the World
Perhaps this decadent Italian-inspired dessert sparked your curiosity about other international desserts. Try any one of these other sweet treats from around the world.
Japan: Yet another convenient dessert for your mingling guests, these rich Matcha Green Tea and White Chocolate Rice Truffles will give your table a splash of color. Any description of matcha does not do the flavor justice; you will not be disappointed!
Thailand: Simple, sticky, and sweet: 3 adjectives to describe Thai dessert! Now, learn the 3 Essentials for Preparing Thai Desserts. Or just jump ahead to this creamy yet refreshing Mango Sticky Rice.
Argentina: We turn a traditionally savory dish from Argentina into a dessert: these Empanadas with Rice Pudding are a portable twist on a classic dessert.
USA: For a refreshing dessert from Florida, our zesty Key Lime Rice Pudding Pie puts a chewy twist on an American classic.
Of course, if you are looking for something a little more traditional, you can’t go wrong with a big helping of velvety Rice Pudding — a timeless dessert that has variations all over the world. Discover how to make Arroz con Leche by following our simple recipe with basmati rice.
Authentic Rice Grains
When it comes to classic and innovative rice dishes, Mahatma® Rice takes its products very seriously. That’s why we’ve created our authentic grains for making incredible rice dishes. Use Mahatma® Medium Grain Arborio Rice to make risotto and arancini dishes, our Short Grain Rice for Sushi, Long Grain and Jasmine Rice for fried rice, and of course Medium Grain Parboiled Rice — the perfect rice for paella recipes!
