This Slow Cooker Creamy 3-Ingredient Rice Pudding is an easy, old-fashioned dessert made with just three simple ingredients. Creamy milk, tender rice, and sweetened condensed milk slowly cook together until the rice is soft and the pudding becomes rich, thick, and comforting.
With minimal preparation and no complicated cooking techniques, this is the kind of dessert you can start in the slow cooker and let gently cook while you take care of the rest of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Rice Pudding
- Only 3 main ingredients
- Easy slow cooker preparation
- Rich and creamy texture
- Perfect for dessert or a comforting snack
- Delicious served warm or chilled
- Great for family gatherings and holidays
- Uses simple pantry and refrigerator staples
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white long-grain rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Rice Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This helps reduce sticking around the edges.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Pour the uncooked rice into the slow cooker.
Add the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together thoroughly so the rice is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours.
Stir the pudding every 45–60 minutes if possible, particularly toward the end of cooking. This helps prevent the rice from settling and encourages an evenly creamy texture.
The pudding is ready when the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened considerably.
Step 4: Let It Thicken
Turn off the slow cooker and let the pudding stand uncovered for about 10–15 minutes.
Keep in mind that rice pudding continues to thicken as it cools.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon the creamy rice pudding into serving bowls and enjoy warm.
It can also be refrigerated and served cold for a thicker, firmer dessert.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Rice Pudding
Use whole milk. The higher fat content helps create a richer, creamier pudding.
Stir periodically. Occasional stirring helps keep the rice from settling and sticking.
Do not overcook. Once the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened, turn off the slow cooker.
Remember that it thickens as it cools. The pudding may look slightly looser immediately after cooking but will become thicker as it rests.
Use a lightly greased slow cooker. This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent a thick layer from sticking around the edges.
Easy Variations
Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Add ground cinnamon for a warm, traditional flavor.
Vanilla Rice Pudding
Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract after cooking for extra sweetness and aroma.
Raisin Rice Pudding
Add raisins during the final 30 minutes of cooking so they become soft and plump without breaking down too much.
Nutty Rice Pudding
Top each serving with chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Creamy Holiday Rice Pudding
Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy holiday-inspired dessert.
How to Serve Rice Pudding
This creamy rice pudding is delicious straight from the slow cooker, but there are plenty of ways to dress it up.
Serve it with:
- Ground cinnamon
- Fresh berries
- Raisins
- Chopped nuts
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Toasted coconut
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the pudding to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The pudding will become noticeably thicker when chilled. If you prefer a softer consistency, stir in a small splash of milk before reheating.
Can You Freeze Rice Pudding?
Rice pudding can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly after thawing. For the best results, freeze it in individual portions in airtight freezer-safe containers.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat with a little milk, stirring until creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
White long-grain rice works well for this simple version. Other rice varieties may absorb liquid differently, so cooking time and consistency can vary.
Why is my rice pudding too thick?
Rice continues absorbing liquid as it cooks and cools. If the pudding becomes too thick, stir in a little warm milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
Why is my rice still hard?
Cooking time can vary between slow cookers. Continue cooking until the rice is tender, checking periodically and stirring gently.
Can I serve this rice pudding cold?
Yes. Refrigerated rice pudding becomes thicker and is delicious served chilled.
Can I add cinnamon?
Absolutely. Cinnamon is one of the easiest ways to add extra flavor to this simple three-ingredient dessert.
Recipe at a Glance
Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy 3-Ingredient Rice Pudding
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 4 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients: 3
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Creamy 3-Ingredient Rice Pudding is a wonderfully simple dessert for anyone who loves old-fashioned comfort food. With just rice, milk, and sweetened condensed milk, the slow cooker does most of the work while the ingredients transform into a rich and creamy pudding.
Serve it warm for a cozy dessert or chill it for a thicker, refreshing treat. Either way, this easy rice pudding is a simple recipe that deserves a place in your regular dessert rotation.