Ingredients (Serves 6)
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup raw white rice (short-grain rice such as arborio or medium grain works best for creaminess)
- 4 cups milk (whole milk preferred, but 2% works too)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional but lovely: a pinch of salt to enhance flavor, or a pat of butter for richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Place your uncooked white rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, which prevents the pudding from getting too sticky or gluey.
Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Add the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon directly into your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Make sure all the rice is submerged in the liquid.
Tip: Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray to make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let the rice pudding cook for 4 to 5 hours, stirring gently once or twice during cooking to keep the rice from sticking to the sides.
You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened into a rich, creamy pudding. It should still be slightly loose — it will thicken more as it cools.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
When the pudding is done, stir it well to smooth it out. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or any of your favorite toppings.
Topping & Serving Ideas
This rice pudding is lovely on its own, but here are a few ways to make it extra special:
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Sprinkle toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunch
- Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or caramel sauce for extra sweetness
- Top with dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates
- Pair with hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert hour
It’s a perfect finish to a light dinner — or a delicious afternoon treat for those who believe that soul comfort food should be enjoyed any time of day.
