Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert Recipe
There’s something magical about slow-cooked desserts, and this Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert is pure comfort in a bowl. Creamy, warmly spiced, and effortlessly cozy, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a classic treat that feels like home. Whether you enjoy it warm on a chilly evening or chilled as a refreshing snack, the Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert brings together luscious rice, sweet cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla in every dreamy spoonful. If you’re craving an inviting dessert that cooks itself while you go about your day, this is the recipe that pulls you back to the kitchen—again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert is in its simplicity. Each ingredient gives its own unique touch, resulting in a pudding that’s both familiar and delightfully indulgent. Don’t skip on the spices—they’re gentle but essential in building that unmistakable nostalgic flavor.
- Uncooked long grain white rice (3/4 cup): This forms the tender, creamy base of the pudding; be sure to use long grain for the best texture.
- Whole milk (4 cups): Offers luxurious creaminess and just the right amount of richness for our custardy dessert.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the pudding and balances the warmth of the spices.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny pinch goes a long way, brightening and bringing out all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a gentle spice that makes each bite irresistible.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A dash delivers a lovely aromatic depth, making the pudding extra special.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Stirred in at the end for that signature sweet, aromatic finish.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Melts in to give the dessert its luxurious silky texture.
- Raisins, optional (1/2 cup): For those who love added bursts of sweetness and chewy contrast—add them or leave them out based on your crowd.
How to Make Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Before anything else, lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This small step makes cleanup easier and ensures your Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert lifts out beautifully, with no sticky bits left behind.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
Add the uncooked rice, whole milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a thorough stir so the spices and sugar are well dissolved and the rice is evenly distributed. This ensures every bite is infused with sweet, spiced flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Creamy Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally—just once or twice during cooking—to prevent any rice from sticking to the bottom. Watch as the mixture transforms from simple beginnings to a luscious, thickened pudding.
Step 4: Finish with Flavorful Add-Ins
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the vanilla extract and butter. This quick step gives the pudding its irresistible silkiness and signature aroma. Now’s the time to gently fold in the raisins if you want an extra pop of natural sweetness.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once your Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert reaches a creamy consistency and the rice is perfectly tender, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy it warm for a cozy treat, or chill it in the fridge for a cool, refreshing dessert. Add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert

Garnishes
Turn every bowl into a little celebration by adding a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a cloud of whipped cream, or even a handful of toasted nuts. Fresh berries also make a beautiful, fresh contrast to the pudding’s warmth and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert with a cup of strong coffee, hot tea, or even ice-cold milk. For a more decadent touch, serve it alongside a platter of delicate butter cookies or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for double the creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation! Serve scoops of rice pudding in parfait glasses with layers of berries or jam, or drizzle caramel sauce on top for an elegant twist. Mini mason jars make adorable, individually portioned desserts for gatherings or lunchbox treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If the pudding thickens in the fridge, simply stir in a splash of milk before serving to revive its creamy texture.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze rice pudding! Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge; just note that the texture may be slightly less creamy, but a good stir will bring it right back.
Reheating
Warm your chilled or thawed pudding gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk to loosen it up if needed. Stir often until heated through, and watch it return to its original creamy consistency—just as comforting as when it was first made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While long grain white rice delivers a light and classic texture, arborio rice will make your Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert extra creamy and rich. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness as it cooks.
Do I need to rinse the rice before adding it to the slow cooker?
Rinsing isn’t strictly necessary for this recipe—it’s actually the rice’s starch that helps thicken the pudding. If you want a slightly lighter pudding, a quick rinse is fine, but you’ll get that signature creamy result by adding the rice as is.
Can I make this pudding dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the whole milk for full-fat canned coconut milk (or your favorite plant-based milk) and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The result is a luscious, Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert with a subtle coconut twist that everyone can enjoy.
Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop instead?
You can, though the slow cooker yields the most hands-off and even results. For stovetop, combine ingredients in a heavy pot, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and stir often until the rice is soft and the mixture is thick—about 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I prevent the pudding from becoming too thick?
If your Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert thickens up too much (especially after chilling), just stir in a little extra milk until it hits your perfect creamy consistency. Remember, pudding keeps thickening as it cools, so a splash of milk is the secret trick for leftovers!
Final Thoughts
There’s no sweeter comfort than diving into a bowl of homemade Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert. Whether it’s your first try or a new twist on a cherished classic, this recipe guarantees a batch of cozy, creamy happiness with very little effort. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite treat. Happy slow cooking!
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Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This classic dessert is made with simple ingredients and cooked to creamy perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cook Rice Pudding: Add rice, milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in vanilla extract and butter during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Add raisins if desired. Serve warm or chilled, topped with cinnamon or whipped cream.
Notes
- If the pudding thickens upon cooling, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
- For a creamier texture, use arborio rice or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg