Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of creamy sweetness—all bubbling gently, filling your home with the promise of pure comfort. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert, a timeless classic you can toss together in minutes and then let your trusty slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Each spoonful is lush and velvety, studded with plump raisins (if you like!) and kissed with warming spices. Whether you serve it warm on a chilly evening or chilled for an after-dinner treat, it’s the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and new, making you wonder why you don’t make it every week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert is how a short, humble list of ingredients can create such luxurious results. Each component plays a crucial role: from the creamy dairy to the flavorful spices, every bite is perfectly balanced with sweetness and a hint of warmth.
- Arborio or short-grain white rice: This type Dessert.
- Whole milk: Brings richness and creaminess—don’t swap for skim if you want maximum silkiness!
- Heavy cream: Adds that irresistibly decadent mouthfeel every memorable rice pudding needs.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount for gentle sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the surrounding flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
- Vanilla extract: Stirred in at the end for that floral, heady aroma and mellow flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice throughout, giving classic rice pudding vibes.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a little for depth and that almost nutty background note.
- Raisins (optional): Studded inside, they become juicy and sweet—skip if you’re not a raisin fan, but they truly are a comfort food secret weapon!
- Unsalted butter: Melted in at the end for a glossy finish and a touch of richness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray. This simple step ensures that your delicious pudding won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—always a win!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In the greased slow cooker, add the rice, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give everything a thorough stir so the flavors meld and the rice is evenly distributed. Kitchen tip: Combining first ensures every grain bathes in that creamy, spiced mixture.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking, especially if your slow cooker runs hot, to help the rice cook evenly and prevent sticking. The mixture will start out thin but gradually thicken up to luscious, creamy perfection.
Step 4: Finish with Flavor
About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract, unsalted butter, and raisins if you’re including them. The vanilla will stay fragrant, the butter melts in for silkiness, and the raisins plump up for chewy sweetness.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, give the pudding one last good stir and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to thicken up a little more—don’t skip this step! Now it’s ready to serve either warm, straight from the slow cooker, or chill it for later for a firmer, cool treat.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert
Garnishes
Dress your Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert to impress! A sprinkle of cinnamon, a few extra raisins, or even a dollop of whipped cream can elevate each bowl into a special treat. For crunch, a handful of toasted nuts like almonds or pecans adds a playful contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair this dreamy dessert with fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad—the bright, tangy flavors are a perfect contrast to the creamy sweetness. If you’re serving it at brunch or a casual dinner, a few crisp butter cookies or a biscotti add a delightful crunch on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert into a showstopper by layering it in parfait glasses with fresh fruit compote or a swirl of berry jam. Spoon it into tiny ramekins for elegant, individual servings or pack them into jars for a sweet treat on the go. For a festive twist, drizzle on honey or maple syrup and add a dusting of cocoa powder.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If you find it’s thickened more than you like, just stir in a splash of milk before serving to restore that signature creaminess.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert! Portion it into individual containers for easy treats later. Be aware that the texture may change slightly when thawed, but a good stir and a little extra milk brings back much of its original luxury.
Reheating
To rewarm, spoon the pudding into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, add a little milk, and heat gently until warmed through. Stir well—the fresh milk loosens everything up and brings back the delicate, silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice for this pudding?
While Arborio or short-grain white rice give the creamiest texture, you can certainly experiment with other types. Just note that long-grain rice won’t get as custardy, and the cooking time may need adjusting. Stick with short-grain varieties for the traditional Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy free?
Absolutely! Swap in canned coconut milk for the whole milk and cream, and use a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor will be a bit different—think tropical twist—but the pudding will still turn out creamy and delicious.
Do I have to add raisins?
Not at all—raisins are totally optional in Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert. Some people love their sweet chewiness, while others prefer pudding that’s perfectly smooth. Feel free to omit or substitute with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can absolutely make Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert the day before. Chill it in the fridge, then reheat gently with a splash of milk or enjoy it cold and thick—the flavors are possibly even better the second day.
How do I prevent the pudding from burning or sticking?
Make sure to grease your slow cooker before you start, and give the pudding a gentle stir a couple of times during cooking. If your slow cooker has hot spots, stirring more frequently helps as well. The key is low, steady heat and a little attention—then you’ll always get that perfect, creamy result.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert to make an ordinary day feel special. It’s the kind of recipe that welcomes tweaking to match your cravings and always draws people around the table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a regular request in your home!
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Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert, a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Made with Arborio or short-grain white rice, whole milk, heavy cream, and a hint of warm spices, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers a decadent dessert that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Rice Pudding:
- 1 cup Arborio or short-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional:
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prep Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook Rice Pudding: Combine rice, milk, cream, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until creamy.
- Final Touches: Stir in vanilla extract, butter, and raisins (if using) in the last 15 minutes of cooking. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving warm or chilled.
Notes
- Arborio rice yields a creamier texture.
- Adjust sugar to personal preference.
- Add milk when reheating for desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
