If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that’s comforting, creamy, and simple to make, then this Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender grains of rice slowly cooked in rich milk, sweetened just right, and infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla aromas that fill your kitchen with irresistible coziness. This dish is a timeless classic, perfect for any time you crave something sweet but wholesome, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare thanks to your slow cooker doing all the work. Whether you’re a seasoned dessert lover or new to rice pudding, this recipe will become a favorite that you’ll be excited to share and savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making a perfectly textured and flavorful Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe. Each element plays an essential role, from the creamy milk that creates the luscious base to the cinnamon that adds that iconic hint of warmth.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Choose this rice for its ability to absorb liquid beautifully without becoming mushy, helping achieve the perfect pudding texture.
- Whole milk or 2% milk (4 cups): The milk provides a rich, creamy foundation; whole milk offers extra creaminess, while 2% keeps it a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the pudding just enough while balancing the natural creaminess of the rice and milk—you can adjust this to match your desired sweetness level.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a delicate, fragrant sweetness that elevates the pudding’s flavor profile to a whole new comforting level.
- Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon (1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon): This brings a cozy spice note that perfectly complements the creamy rice base.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from overpowering the natural taste of the milk and rice.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Stirring in butter at the end adds an indulgent richness and velvety finish to your pudding.
How to Make Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly in cold water to wash away excess starch; this step helps keep your pudding from becoming gummy and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Once rinsed, add the rice to your slow cooker along with the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything well so the flavors blend evenly before cooking.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Mixture
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the magic happen over 3 to 4 hours, allowing the rice to absorb the milk and soften into a luscious, creamy pudding. Every now and then, open the lid and give the mixture a gentle stir. This prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom and helps create an evenly cooked texture. You’ll start to notice the lovely thickening and that tempting aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Finish and Adjust
When the rice is perfectly tender and your pudding has thickened nicely, remove the cinnamon stick if you used one. Then, stir in the butter for an extra layer of richness—this is optional but highly recommended for that silky mouthfeel. Taste your pudding and adjust the sweetness or vanilla if needed. Let it cool slightly before serving, allowing it to thicken up even more and intensifying the flavors.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving experience by topping the pudding with fresh berries, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or a handful of toasted nuts for a satisfying crunch. Some drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream can turn this humble dessert into an elegant treat in no time.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a delightful finish to any meal. For an extra-special touch, serve alongside spiced cookies or fresh fruit compote to add complementary textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving the pudding in individual ramekins or mason jars, perfect for parties or gifting. Layer it with fruit preserves or a sprinkle of granola for an irresistible breakfast twist. You can even chill it for a refreshing cold dessert on warmer days, making this recipe versatile for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rice pudding keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Its flavors often deepen and mellow overnight, making it a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the pudding in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your pudding slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to restore that creamy texture and ensure every spoonful is comforting and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice in the Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe because it cooks evenly without becoming overly sticky. However, you can experiment with short-grain rice for a creamier texture or brown rice, but keep in mind that cooking times and liquid amounts might vary.
Is it necessary to stir the pudding during cooking?
Yes, occasional stirring helps prevent the rice from sticking to the slow cooker and ensures even cooking. It helps keep the pudding smooth and creamy instead of lumpy or burnt on the bottom.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like coconut, almond, or oat milk. The pudding will still be delicious, though the texture and richness might differ slightly depending on the milk used.
How sweet should the pudding be?
The amount of sugar can be tailored to your taste. The recipe’s suggested 1/2 cup creates a balanced sweetness that complements the creamy rice and warm spices without being overpowering.
Is it better to serve rice pudding warm or chilled?
Both ways are lovely! Warm pudding feels especially comforting on chilly days, while chilled pudding offers a refreshing and satisfying alternative during warmer months. Try both and see what suits your mood.
Final Thoughts
Making this Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, delicious hug at the end of a busy day. It’s so simple to prepare and endlessly rewarding to eat, whether you enjoy it as a cozy dessert, a sweet breakfast, or a comforting snack. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this humble dish can bring smiles and satisfy cravings with every creamy, cinnamon-kissed bite.
Print
Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Rice Pudding recipe offers a comforting and creamy dessert that’s easy to prepare. Made with simple pantry ingredients like long-grain white rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, this pudding slowly cooks in a slow cooker, resulting in perfectly tender rice infused with warm vanilla and cinnamon flavors. Ideal for a cozy treat or a make-ahead dessert, it requires minimal hands-on time and yields a deliciously rich pudding that can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Rice and Dairy
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk or 2% milk
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Flavorings and Sweeteners
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the pudding from becoming too sticky.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Cook the Pudding: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 3 to 4 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent the rice from sticking to the sides and bottom. Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
- Finish and Adjust: Once the rice pudding is cooked through, remove the cinnamon stick if used. Stir in the optional butter to enhance richness and creaminess. Taste the pudding and adjust sweetness or vanilla extract as desired.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly in the slow cooker to thicken up before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on preference.
Notes
- For a thicker pudding, cook an additional 30 minutes or adjust the milk quantity.
- Use whole milk for a creamier texture; low-fat milk will result in a lighter pudding.
- Stirring periodically is important to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer, substitute cinnamon stick with ground cinnamon, reducing the amount to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste, especially if you plan to serve the pudding with sweet toppings like fruit or caramel.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
