Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Introduction

Few desserts are as timeless and comforting as rice pudding. It’s a dish that spans cultures and generations — simple, humble, and deeply satisfying. But what if you could make this beloved classic without standing over a stove, stirring endlessly? That’s where Slow Cooker Rice Pudding comes in.

Imagine creamy, sweet, perfectly tender rice cooked slowly in milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until it transforms into a velvety dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With this recipe, all you have to do is combine a few ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let time do the magic. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for a chilly night or need an effortless treat for guests, Slow Cooker Rice Pudding delivers big comfort with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but in its versatility. You can serve it warm, chilled, or with your favorite toppings — from fresh fruit and nuts to honey and whipped cream. Every spoonful offers that nostalgic, creamy sweetness that makes rice pudding a favorite across generations.

Why This Recipe Works

There are countless ways to make rice pudding — stovetop, oven-baked, or even instant pot. But Slow Cooker Rice Pudding stands out for its ease and flawless texture. Here’s why this version works so beautifully:

1. Effortless Cooking

The slow cooker handles all the hard work. No need to stir constantly or watch the pot — just set it and let it do its thing. You can go about your day, and a few hours later, you’ll have a perfectly cooked dessert waiting for you.

2. Creamy, Luxurious Texture

Slow cooking allows the rice to gently absorb the milk and sugar, giving the pudding an incredibly creamy consistency. The starch from the rice naturally thickens the mixture, creating that luscious, custard-like finish without extra eggs or thickeners.

3. Simple, Everyday Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy — just rice, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. These pantry staples come together to make something truly special. Slow Cooker Rice Pudding proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort.

4. Adaptable and Customizable

One of the best parts of Slow Cooker Rice Pudding is how easily you can adapt it. Add raisins, shredded coconut, orange zest, or even a splash of rum for flavor variations. Each batch can feel brand new, depending on what you add.

5. Foolproof Results

Because the slow cooker maintains a consistent low temperature, there’s little risk of burning or overcooking. Even beginner cooks can achieve perfect results every time.

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Making Slow Cooker Rice Pudding requires just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

1 cup raw white rice – Short-grain rice (like Arborio) is ideal for pudding because it releases more starch, creating a creamy texture. Long-grain rice can be used but will yield a slightly less rich result.

4 cups milk – Whole milk gives the best flavor and texture, but you can use 2%, skim, or even non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, or oat milk) for different variations.

½ cup sugar – Adjust this amount to taste. Some like it sweeter, others prefer mild sweetness that can be enhanced later with toppings.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and aroma that balance the sweetness.

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Optional but highly recommended; it adds gentle spice and depth.

Butter or nonstick spray – For greasing the slow cooker so the pudding doesn’t stick.

Equipment

Slow cooker (3 to 6-quart size)

Mixing spoon or spatula

Measuring cups and spoons

Serving bowls or ramekins

That’s it! With these few items, you’re ready to make creamy, dreamy Slow Cooker Rice Pudding.

How To Make Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

This process couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add 1 cup raw white rice to the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups milk, then add ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using). Gently stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Set and Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 3–4 hours. The rice will gradually absorb the milk and sugar, becoming tender and creamy as it cooks.

If you’re around, give the pudding a gentle stir every hour or so to ensure the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t form clumps. If you’re not home, don’t worry — it’ll still turn out great.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After 3 hours, check the texture. The rice should be soft, and the pudding should have thickened but still be slightly loose. If you want a thicker pudding, cook for another 30–60 minutes. Remember, Slow Cooker Rice Pudding continues to thicken as it cools.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once it’s done, turn off the slow cooker and let the pudding rest for 10–15 minutes. You can serve it warm, or let it cool completely and refrigerate it for a chilled version.

For extra indulgence, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving — it adds richness and a silky texture.

Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success

To make your Slow Cooker Rice Pudding the best it can be, here are a few tried-and-true tips:

1. Choose the Right Rice

Short-grain rice, such as Arborio or sushi rice, works best because it releases starch, giving the pudding a creamy texture. Long-grain rice won’t be as thick or custardy.

2. Avoid Overcooking

Keep an eye on the pudding after the 3-hour mark. Every slow cooker heats slightly differently, and overcooking can cause the rice to become mushy.

3. Adjust Sweetness

Taste before serving — if it’s not sweet enough, stir in a little extra sugar or honey while it’s still warm.

4. Stir Occasionally

If possible, stir once an hour to prevent the rice from sticking to the sides or bottom.

5. For a Thicker Pudding

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stir it into the pudding during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and continue cooking until thickened.

6. Add-Ins for Variety

Customize your Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with:

Raisins or dried cranberries for classic flavor

Chopped almonds or walnuts for crunch

Orange zest or coconut flakes for brightness

Spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for depth

7. Serving Temperature

Warm rice pudding is cozy and comforting, while chilled rice pudding is refreshing and creamy. Try both and see which you prefer.

8. Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–6 days. It will thicken as it chills, so you may want to stir in a splash of milk before reheating.

9. Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a bit of added milk to restore creaminess.

10. Double the Batch for Meal Prep

This dessert is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch, portion it into jars or cups, and enjoy throughout the week.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Serving Slow Cooker Rice Pudding is all about presentation and pairings. You can keep it simple or elevate it into a restaurant-quality dessert.

Here are a few serving ideas:

Classic Style: Serve warm in small bowls, dusted with ground cinnamon or nutmeg.

Fruity Finish: Top with sliced bananas, fresh berries, or raisins.

Creamy Indulgence: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream over each serving.

Sweet Drizzle: Pour a ribbon of honey, maple syrup, or caramel sauce over the top.

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts for texture.

Breakfast Twist: Serve it in the morning with chopped apples or a spoonful of fruit jam.

Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up, Slow Cooker Rice Pudding always feels like comfort in a bowl.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve Warm or Cold

Warm pudding is soothing and rich, while cold pudding is creamy and refreshing — ideal for hot days or as a make-ahead dessert.

2. Add a Topping Bar

If you’re entertaining, set up a “rice pudding bar” with toppings like toasted coconut, chocolate chips, fruit compote, nuts, and sauces. It’s interactive and fun for guests.

3. Pair with Drinks

Enjoy Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with coffee, chai tea, or dessert wine for a luxurious end to a meal.

4. Holiday Touches

For special occasions, add cinnamon sticks, dried cranberries, or orange peel for festive flavor.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW

Total Time: About 4 hours and 5 minutes

In just over four hours — with only five minutes of hands-on effort — you’ll have a rich, creamy Slow Cooker Rice Pudding that tastes like it took all day.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Rice Pudding is more than just a dessert — it’s comfort, nostalgia, and simplicity all in one bowl. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no effort, you can make a dish that’s warm, creamy, and endlessly customizable. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or quiet nights when you just need a little sweetness to end the day.

Whether you enjoy it plain, with fruit, or with a drizzle of caramel, every spoonful of Slow Cooker Rice Pudding delivers the rich flavor and silky texture that have made rice pudding a timeless favorite.

So next time you crave something cozy and satisfying, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let it work its magic. Once you taste that first creamy bite of Slow Cooker Rice Pudding, you’ll wonder how something so simple could taste so extraordinary.