Place uncooked rice in a slow cooker along with these 4 ingredients. It’s like bliss in a bowl.

Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Rice Pudding Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (Low)
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of raw white rice (you can also use short-grain rice for extra creaminess)
• 4 cups of whole milk (for richer flavor, but you can substitute with 2% milk or non-dairy options like almond or oat milk)
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (adjust the sweetness to your liking, you can also use honey or maple syrup as an alternative)
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (this adds a depth of flavor to the pudding, you can experiment with other extracts like almond or coconut)
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, but it adds warmth and a comforting aroma)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:
   Begin by rinsing the raw rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This step is important because it removes excess starch from the rice, preventing the pudding from becoming too gummy or sticky.
2. Combine the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
   Once the rice is rinsed, place it into the bowl of your slow cooker. Add the 4 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (if using). Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the sugar and spices dissolve well in the milk.
3. Set the Slow Cooker:
   Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on the low setting for 4-5 hours. During this time, the rice will absorb the milk and become tender, while the milk will thicken into a creamy consistency. It’s important to stir the pudding occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the sides or bottom of the cooker. This step also helps distribute the heat evenly throughout the pudding.
4. Check the Consistency:
   After 4 hours, check the pudding. The rice should be soft, and the mixture should resemble a creamy custard. If you find the pudding too runny, you can cook it for another 30 minutes to an hour, keeping the lid on and stirring occasionally. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a splash of extra milk and stir it in to reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the rice pudding has reached the perfect texture, give it a final stir and turn off the slow cooker. Serve the pudding warm in bowls. It can also be enjoyed chilled if you prefer a colder dessert. If you want to add some texture, top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts. For an extra burst of flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

Tips for Perfect Rice Pudding:

• Adjusting Sweetness: If you like a sweeter pudding, feel free to add more sugar. Taste it before the cooking time is over and add more sugar if necessary.
• Richness Factor: For a richer pudding, use whole milk, or consider adding a bit of heavy cream at the end of cooking. This will make the pudding extra creamy and indulgent.
• Flavor Variations: You can customize the flavor of the pudding by adding a bit of cardamom, nutmeg, or even a few drops of almond extract along with the vanilla.
• Nuts and Fruits: For an added crunch and texture, sprinkle toasted almonds, walnuts, or even pecans over the top. You can also stir in raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh berries right before serving.
• Make-Ahead: Rice pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Simply store it in an airtight container. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions:

Rice pudding pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a comforting dessert to enjoy after dinner. You can also serve it alongside a fruit compote or even a few fresh berries for a balance of sweetness and tartness.

This slow cooker rice pudding is the epitome of comfort food—easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and satisfying. Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet afternoon treat! Enjoy!