Indulge in the comforting embrace of homemade Crock Pot Rice Pudding, a dessert that promises super flavorful, sweetened tender rice, delicately infused with the warm, inviting notes of brown sugar and aromatic cinnamon. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to rediscover a beloved classic, made simpler than ever before, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker.

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Creamy Slow Cooker Rice Pudding: An Easy, Irresistible Dessert

There’s something uniquely comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy rice pudding. It’s a dessert that transcends generations, evoking memories of simpler times and cherished family gatherings. However, rice pudding sometimes gets an unfair reputation, perhaps overshadowed by more elaborate or modern treats. We believe it’s time to bring this humble yet incredibly satisfying dessert back into the spotlight, and we’re doing it with an unbeatable slow cooker recipe that redefines ease and flavor. Forget the constant stirring and fear of scorching; your Crock Pot is about to become your best friend in creating this nostalgic masterpiece.

For those who adore the convenience and delicious results of slow cooker desserts, this recipe offers a fantastic introduction. If you’re keen to explore further delightful variations, be sure to check out our Crock Pot Coconut Rice Pudding for another creamy, slow-cooked sensation!

Slow cooker rice pudding recipe in a clear dessert bowl with two cinnamon sticks inserted.

Your Essential Questions About Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Answered

What type of rice is ideal for achieving the perfect rice pudding texture?

For this particular slow cooker recipe, quick-cooking white rice (such as Minute® Rice) is highly recommended. The goal is to achieve a wonderfully creamy consistency, and quick-cooking rice assists in this by having much of its starch already processed (though not entirely removed). This characteristic helps prevent the pudding from becoming gummy while ensuring a smooth, luxurious finish. While some traditional recipes might call for long-grain rice, we have specifically developed this method for instant rice. If you opt for uncooked long-grain rice, please be aware that cooking times and liquid ratios will need significant adjustments, which we have not tested with this specific recipe. Sticking to instant rice ensures the best results with minimal fuss.

Is it safe to cook rice in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. The slow cooker is a perfectly safe and incredibly efficient method for preparing rice, especially in a pudding format. The consistent, low heat ensures even cooking without the risk of burning, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully over several hours. This gentle cooking process results in perfectly tender rice and a deeply creamy dish, making it an excellent choice for a hands-off dessert.

What is the signature taste and texture of truly great rice pudding?

The best rice pudding offers a delightful contrast: it’s exquisitely smooth and creamy, yet punctuated by tender, soft bits of rice that add just the right amount of subtle texture. Imagine a dessert that shares a similar comforting mouthfeel to tapioca pudding but boasts its own unique, irresistible character. Our Crock Pot Rice Pudding delivers a rich, sweet flavor profile with hints of caramel from the brown sugar and a warm spice from the cinnamon, making each spoonful a truly memorable and satisfying experience.

What contributes to the thick, luscious consistency of rice pudding?

The delightful thickness of rice pudding is a harmonious combination of factors. As the rice gently cooks in the milk, it gradually releases its starches into the liquid. Simultaneously, the rice grains absorb a significant amount of the milk, plumping up and contributing to the pudding’s body. This dual action, facilitated by the slow cooking process, creates that coveted, comforting consistency without needing additional artificial thickeners. The low and slow cooking allows these processes to happen gradually, building an ideal creamy texture.

Is it necessary to rinse rice before making rice pudding?

When utilizing quick-cooking rice (like Minute® Rice) for this recipe, rinsing is generally not required. Much of the excess starch that can lead to stickiness has already been removed during its processing. Rinsing is typically recommended for traditional long-grain rice to wash away surface starches, which helps achieve a fluffier, less sticky result in savory dishes. However, for a creamy pudding made with instant rice, this step can be skipped without affecting the outcome; in fact, the slight remaining starch contributes positively to the pudding’s body.

How should I store and reheat any leftover rice pudding?

To maintain its freshness and quality, any leftover rice pudding should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will remain delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through. If the pudding has thickened too much in the fridge (which is common), you can stir in a splash of milk to restore its desired creamy consistency. Freezing leftover rice pudding is generally not recommended, as it can significantly alter the texture and creaminess upon thawing, often resulting in a grainy consistency.

a serving of rice pudding topped with cinnamon shown in a glass dessert bowl.

Essential Ingredients for Your Luscious Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Crafting the perfect rice pudding begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich, creamy texture and unforgettable flavor of this comforting dessert. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few insights to help you get the best results:

Butter (3 Tablespoons): You’ll need butter not only for greasing your slow cooker but also for adding a rich, velvety mouthfeel to the finished pudding. Both salted and unsalted butter work wonderfully. If you typically keep salted butter on hand, that’s perfectly acceptable to use, as the small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor balance.
Whole or 2% Milk (6 cups): This is the heart of your creamy base. Opt for whole milk or 2% milk for the best results; skim milk is simply too watery and will not yield the desired richness and luxurious texture. It’s also important to stick to regular dairy milk; evaporated milk can impart a distinct flavor that might detract from the classic rice pudding taste we’re aiming for.
Minute® White Rice, uncooked (2 cups): This is a crucial ingredient for this specific recipe. Instant white rice, due to its quick-cooking nature and pre-processed starch content, is precisely why it works so well in the slow cooker. It ensures a creamy outcome without requiring constant stirring or resulting in a gummy texture. Other types of rice, such as long-grain or arborio, would necessitate significant adjustments to liquid and cooking times and have not been tested with this method.
Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Standard granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness for this comforting dessert. This recipe relies on real sugar for both its flavor contribution and its role in achieving the proper texture. Sugar substitutes have not been tested and may not provide the same delicious results or consistency.
Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): This warm spice is essential, infusing the pudding with its signature aromatic and comforting flavor. Don’t hesitate to use a high-quality ground cinnamon, such as Saigon cinnamon, which offers a robust and sweet aroma that truly shines in this dish. You can readily find excellent quality cinnamon at most grocery stores.
Brown Sugar (2 Tablespoons): A non-negotiable addition, brown sugar imparts a wonderful depth of flavor. It introduces subtle caramel and molasses notes that elevate the pudding beyond simple sweetness, adding a layer of complexity. If you prefer an even deeper molasses character and richer color, feel free to use dark brown sugar instead of light.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): A small but mighty ingredient, salt plays a vital role in balancing the sweetness of the pudding. It enhances all the other flavors and prevents the dessert from tasting bland or overly saccharine, bringing everything into perfect harmony.
Vanilla Extract (⅓ teaspoon): The final touch of ⅓ teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a beautiful aromatic sweetness, completing the classic flavor profile of this beloved dessert. Use pure vanilla extract for the best quality and most authentic taste.

crock pot, minute rice, milk, cinnamon, sugar, butter, vanilla, brown sugar.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Crock Pot Rice Pudding

Making this indulgent slow cooker rice pudding is remarkably straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a hands-off dessert that’s big on flavor and minimal on effort. Remember, the magic of the slow cooker is in its gentle, even heat, allowing the ingredients to slowly meld into a creamy, comforting masterpiece without constant supervision.

Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by generously greasing the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with 3 tablespoons of butter. Ensure you coat the bottom and sides thoroughly to prevent sticking and to contribute to the pudding’s overall creaminess. Set aside any remaining butter; you’ll use it in a moment. A note on slow cooker shape: Whether you use a round, oval, or casserole-shaped slow cooker, the recipe will work wonderfully, but be aware that cooking times may vary slightly based on the specific shape and heat distribution of your appliance.

Combine Ingredients: Carefully add all the main ingredients into the buttered slow cooker. This includes the 6 cups of whole or 2% milk, 2 cups of uncooked Minute® White Rice, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ⅓ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.

milk, instant rice, cinnamon and brown sugar in a casserole crock pot.

Gentle Stir & Butter Dots: Give all the ingredients a gentle but thorough stir to ensure everything is well combined and the sugars begin to dissolve into the milk. After stirring, take the remaining butter you set aside and dot the surface of the mixture with small pats. These butter dots will slowly melt into the pudding as it cooks, adding an extra layer of richness and a beautiful sheen.

pats of butter added to rice pudding mixture in slow cooker.

Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set the temperature to the low setting. Allow the pudding to cook for approximately 3-4 hours. For optimal creaminess and to prevent any slight sticking, it’s highly beneficial to give the pudding an occasional stir (every hour or so) during the cooking process. The pudding is ready when the rice grains are tender, plump, and the mixture has visibly thickened to a rich, creamy consistency.

casserole crock pot, covered, cooking easy rice pudding.

Final Stir & Serve: Once the rice is perfectly tender and the pudding has reached your desired creamy consistency, give it a final good stir. The pudding will be wonderfully smooth and will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Serve it warm for the most comforting experience, garnished with an extra sprinkling of ground cinnamon for a beautiful finish and an added layer of aromatic spice. Enjoy this simple, yet profoundly satisfying, homemade dessert!

finished crock pot rice pudding in a casserole slow cooker topped with ground cinnamon.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Rice Pudding:

Adjusting Consistency: This delightful dish will naturally thicken as it cools. If you prefer an even thicker pudding, simply let it rest, uncovered, for about 30 minutes after cooking. For a slightly thinner consistency, stir in a small amount of milk (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired texture. This allows you to customize it perfectly to your liking.
Adding Sweet Surprises: While this recipe is fantastic on its own, traditional rice pudding often includes raisins. If your family enjoys them, feel free to stir in about a cup of plump raisins during the last hour of cooking. For a different fruity twist with a hint of tartness, dried cranberries also make a wonderful and colorful addition.
Slow Cooker Variations: As mentioned in the instructions, cooking times can vary slightly depending on the specific model, size, and shape (round, oval, or casserole-shaped) of your slow cooker. It’s always a good practice to keep an eye on the pudding during the last hour of cooking and adjust the time as needed until the rice is tender and the desired creaminess is achieved.

rice pudding in a decorative clear glass dessert bowl with two cinnamon sticks.

Craving More Comforting Dessert Recipes?

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for homemade, comforting desserts, these additional recipes are sure to please and expand your repertoire:

Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
Decadent Hot Chocolate Bread Pudding
Classic Homemade Vanilla Pudding
The Best Ever Banana Pudding

Originally published: November 2015
Updated and republished: December 2021

Crock Pot Rice Pudding: The Complete Recipe

This Crock Pot Rice Pudding is a comforting, super flavorful dessert featuring sweetened, tender rice lightly flavored with delicious brown sugar and cinnamon. Effortlessly made in your slow cooker for a truly hands-off, irresistible sweet treat.

Rating: 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 129 reviews

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons butter
6 cups whole or 2% milk (no skim milk – it’s too watery for rich creaminess)
2 cups Minute® White Rice, uncooked (INSTANT RICE ONLY – crucial for this recipe’s success)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅓ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

Generously grease the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with 3 Tablespoons butter, ensuring to coat both the bottom and sides. Set aside any remaining butter.
Add the 6 cups whole or 2% milk, 2 cups uncooked Minute® White Rice, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅓ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 Tablespoons brown sugar into the slow cooker. Give all the ingredients a gentle stir to combine.
Dot the top of the mixture with the remaining butter.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally (about once an hour) for best results and to prevent sticking.
The rice pudding is ready when the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Stir well before serving. Garnish with an extra sprinkling of cinnamon if desired.

Video Tutorial

Notes

IMPORTANT: This recipe specifically requires instant white rice for optimal results. Using other types of rice will necessitate significant adjustments to cooking times and liquid quantities, which have not been tested for this particular method.
For additional substitution ideas or answers to common queries, please refer to the detailed FAQ section and ingredient discussions provided earlier in this article.
Note that slow cooker models (whether round, oval, or casserole-shaped) can slightly influence cooking times. It’s advisable to monitor your pudding during the latter part of the cooking cycle and adjust as needed.
The pudding will naturally thicken further as it cools. If you desire an even thicker consistency, simply let it rest, uncovered, for about 30 minutes after cooking. To thin it slightly, incorporate a small amount of milk, stirring until your preferred consistency is achieved.
Traditionally, raisins are a popular addition to rice pudding. If you wish to include them, stir in approximately one cup of plump raisins during the final hour of cooking. Dried cranberries are also a delightful alternative for a subtle tartness and vibrant color.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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