Crock Pot Rice Pudding is creamy, comforting, and easy to make in your slow cooker. Perfect for a cozy dessert or sweet breakfast treat.
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy rice pudding, and this Crock Pot version makes it effortless. Tender grains of rice simmer slowly in milk, sugar, and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, creating a rich, velvety dessert without ever needing to watch the stove.
Perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or even a sweet breakfast treat, this slow cooker recipe delivers all the flavor of classic rice pudding with minimal effort. If you love easy deserts as much as we do, also try Crock Pot Apple Crisp and Crock Pot Pecan Pie.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This
- Hands-Off Comfort – Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax.
- Creamy, Velvety Texture – Slow cooking allows the rice to absorb the milk and sugar perfectly for rich, tender results.
- Warm and Cozy – Perfect for chilly evenings, holiday dinners, or any time you crave a comforting dessert.
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples like rice, milk, sugar, and spices turn into a decadent treat with
Ingredients
- Whole milk – Provides the creamy base that makes the pudding rich and comforting.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the pudding evenly and helps create a smooth texture.
- Brown sugar – Adds a touch of caramel flavor and depth to the sweetness.
- Instant rice (uncooked) – Cooks quickly in the slow cooker while absorbing all the creamy flavors.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds warm spice and classic rice pudding flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and gives the pudding a comforting aroma.
- Butter, diced – Adds richness and smoothness to the finished pudding.
Variations
- Chocolate Rice Pudding: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cocoa powder or a handful of chocolate chips for a rich, chocolaty twist.
- Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace 1 cup of milk with coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a tropical flavor.
- Spiced Rice Pudding: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Fruit-Infused: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped fresh fruit like apples or pears for added sweetness and texture.
- Caramel Rice Pudding: Drizzle Homemade Caramel Sauce over each serving for a decadent dessert treat.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pudding.
- Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding: Use a scraped vanilla bean instead of extract for a more intense, natural vanilla flavor.
- Sugar-Free Version: Swap granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol and use unsweetened milk for a lighter version.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Start by adding the milk and both types of sugars to the crock pot. Then stir to combine.
Step 2. Stir in the rice, ground cinnamon and vanilla. Place the diced butter evenly on top.
Step 3. Add the lid and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
Step 4. Place into bowls. I like to serve with more cinnamon sprinkled on top.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. The pudding will thicken as it cools—reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Freezer: You can freeze rice pudding in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
Best Served Fresh: While chilled rice pudding is delicious, it tastes best warm and freshly made for the creamiest texture.
Pro Tips
- Use instant rice only. This recipe is designed for instant rice, which cooks quickly and absorbs the milk perfectly. Regular rice will not yield the same creamy texture.
- Adjust thickness as needed. The pudding will naturally thicken as it cools. If it’s too thin, give it a few more minutes to set. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir before serving. A gentle stir helps redistribute the creamy liquid and smooths out any thickened spots.
- Add extra flavor. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of vanilla before serving for enhanced warmth and aroma.
- Serve warm or chilled. This pudding is versatile—enjoy it straight from the slow cooker or chilled for a firmer dessert.
- Optional mix-ins. Fold in raisins, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel for added texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip butter. Diced butter adds richness and helps create a velvety, smooth texture in every bite.
More Easy Slow Cooker Desserts
- Crock Pot Peach Dump Cake
- Crock Pot Fudge
- Crockpot Cheesecake
- Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe
Enjoy this creamy, comforting Crock Pot Rice Pudding anytime you want a hands-off, indulgent dessert. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy nights in!
If you try this recipe, leave a star review and drop a comment to share how it turned out. Your feedback helps others discover this easy slow cooker dessert and inspires more delicious creations!
Crockpot Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk ($0.37)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ($0.12)
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar ($0.03)
- 1 1/2 cups instant rice ($1.23)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ($0.06)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ($0.44)
- 2 Tablespoons butter ($0.86), diced
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Add 4 cups whole milk, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 Tablespoon brown sugar to your crock pot and stir well to combine.
- Stir in 1 ½ cups instant rice, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Place 2 Tablespoons diced butter evenly on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve with additional cinnamon sprinkled on top and enjoy.
