Name: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486365H46M9S
Total time: PT-486365H46M9S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 4 cups whole milk or 2% milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

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Looking for a creamy dessert? Slow Cooker Rice Pudding is the perfect comfort food, slow-cooked to silky perfection. This luscious treat combines tender rice, creamy milk, and just the right amount of sweetness—transforming humble ingredients into a warm, satisfying dessert. Whether it’s for an easy weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe fills your kitchen with enchanting aromas and delights every palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: Simply add ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the magic without constant supervision.
Silky smooth texture: Slow cooking allows the rice to absorb flavors deeply, resulting in a tender, creamy pudding.
Comfort food classic: It’s a warm, nostalgic dessert that soothes and satisfies every time.
Customizable flavor: Easy to tweak with spices, fruits, or nuts to suit your mood or season.
Great for any occasion: Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a cozy treat anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that signature creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and comforting flavor of Slow Cooker Rice Pudding.

Long-grain white rice: Provides the perfect tender bite without turning mushy during slow cooking.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best to create a rich and creamy base.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds the right touch of sweetness, adjustable according to taste.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the dessert’s flavor profile.
Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon: Adds subtle spice and aroma, enhancing the pudding’s comforting feel.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
Butter (optional): Adds silkiness and richness if desired.

Variations for Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Rice Pudding is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to add fruity notes, accommodate dietary preferences, or introduce a new twist, the pudding welcomes creativity.

Fruit mix-ins: Stir in raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh berries for bursts of flavor and texture.
Spiced upgrade: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or star anise for a more complex spice blend.
Non-dairy option: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk to make it vegan-friendly and dairy-free.
Chocolate twist: Fold in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a decadent variation.
Nutty toppings: Toasted almonds, pecans, or pistachios add crunch and a delightful contrast to the creamy pudding.

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How to Make Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by rinsing your rice to remove excess starch, then add it to the slow cooker along with milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Mixture

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the rice pudding slowly for about 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking, until it becomes creamy and tender.

Step 3: Finish and Adjust

Once the rice is perfectly soft, remove the cinnamon stick if used, then stir in butter for richness if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla if needed. Let it cool slightly before serving to thicken further.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Use fresh milk: Fresh dairy milk contributes to a richer, creamier texture compared to powdered or ultra-pasteurized options.
Rinse rice thoroughly: Helps remove starch that could cause the pudding to become overly sticky.
Don’t skip occasional stirring: Prevents the rice from settling at the bottom and burning.
Serve warm or chilled: Both ways taste amazing; just adjust the thickness by adding more milk or letting it sit longer.
Experiment with sweetness: Start with less sugar and add more after cooking if you prefer a sweeter dessert.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Garnishes

Elevate your serving with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey add natural sweetness and color, turning a simple dish into a stunning dessert centerpiece.

Side Dishes

This creamy dessert pairs wonderfully with crisp baked apples, toasted nuts, or even a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt to balance richness with tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Slow Cooker Rice Pudding in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming touch. You can layer pudding with fruit compote or granola for a parfait-style twist that adds texture and makes it visually enticing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover rice pudding in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The pudding will thicken as it cools, but a splash of milk before reheating will bring back its creamy consistency.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze Slow Cooker Rice Pudding in small portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

Warm the pudding in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in short intervals. Stir frequently and add a little milk if it’s too thick, ensuring it heats evenly and retains its smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used but requires a longer cooking time and more liquid due to its tougher texture; you may need to adjust slow cooker settings accordingly.

Is it necessary to stir the pudding during cooking?

While not mandatory, stirring every hour helps prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and promotes even cooking and creaminess.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap dairy milk for plant-based milk like coconut, almond, or soy milk, and omit butter or use a vegan alternative for a delicious vegan-friendly pudding.

How sweet should Slow Cooker Rice Pudding be?

The sweetness level varies by preference, but starting with about half a cup of sugar and adjusting after cooking allows better control over the final taste.

What’s the best way to serve rice pudding?

It tastes amazing warm or chilled, garnished with cinnamon or fresh fruit, and pairs excellently with nuts or cream-based toppings for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Rice Pudding is truly one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a creamy, satisfying treat that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try—your slow cooker does all the hard work while you enjoy the sweet rewards!