Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Rice Pudding: A Creamy Old-Fashioned Dessert Made with Pantry Staples
This slow cooker rice pudding is the kind of comforting dessert that brings back memories of family kitchens, holiday gatherings, and simple homemade treats. Made with just five basic ingredients, it transforms uncooked rice and milk into a rich, creamy pudding with very little effort.
Rice pudding has a long history across many cultures, from Latin American arroz con leche to traditional British and European versions. This recipe embraces the simplicity of classic home cooking while using the convenience of a slow cooker.
The result is a dessert that can be enjoyed warm straight from the slow cooker or chilled until thick and custard-like.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Only five simple ingredients.
Minimal preparation required.
The slow cooker does most of the work.
Delicious served warm or cold.
Easy to customize with spices, fruit, or other mix-ins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm in small bowls with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
For a refreshing variation, chill the pudding and serve cold.
Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a spoonful of fruit preserves.
Add whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer dessert.
Pair with coffee, tea, or enjoy alongside a brunch spread.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Rice Pudding
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 cup raw medium-grain or long-grain white rice, rinsed
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for serving if desired
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with a small amount of butter or neutral oil if desired. This step is optional but can make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Rinse the Rice
Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water until the water runs mostly clear.
Drain thoroughly.
Rinsing helps remove excess surface starch and contributes to a creamier final texture.
Step 3: Add Rice to the Slow Cooker
Spread the drained rice evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
Step 4: Prepare the Milk Mixture
In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Continue whisking until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
The next step is what makes this recipe so easy—simply pour the prepared milk mixture directly over the uncooked rice and let the slow cooker transform it into a creamy dessert.
