Rice pudding in slow cooker

Ingredients:

To make the perfect slow cooker rice pudding, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (preferably short-grain or medium-grain)
• 4 cups whole milk (or you can use half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a hint of spice)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (to add richness, optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for added creaminess)
• Raisins or other dried fruit (optional, for extra texture and sweetness)

How to Make Rice Pudding in the Slow Cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinse your uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring the pudding doesn’t turn out too thick or gummy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In the bowl of your slow cooker, add the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. During the cooking process, the rice will absorb the milk and thicken into a creamy consistency. You may want to stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even consistency, but it’s not necessary.

Step 4: Add the Egg (Optional)

After the rice pudding has cooked for 2.5 hours, if you’d like to add an extra level of richness, whisk together the egg in a small bowl. Temper the egg by slowly adding a bit of the hot pudding mixture to it, stirring constantly. Then, slowly whisk the tempered egg back into the slow cooker. This step helps make the pudding even creamier and gives it a lovely custardy texture.

Continue cooking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour until the pudding reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind that it will thicken further as it cools.

Step 5: Add Butter and Raisins (Optional)

Once the pudding is thickened to your liking, stir in the butter for extra creaminess. If you like raisins or other dried fruits, this is the time to fold them in, allowing them to plump up and soften in the pudding.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rice pudding has finished cooking, serve it warm in individual bowls. You can top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or even a few extra raisins for added texture. If you prefer your rice pudding cold, allow it to cool and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Rice Pudding Recipe:

• Convenience: The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you don’t have to stand over the stove constantly stirring.
• Creamy, comforting texture: The slow cooking process results in a rich, custardy pudding that’s perfectly creamy without being overly thick or lumpy.
• Customizable: This recipe is super versatile! Add your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or spices to make it your own. A touch of nutmeg or a few drops of almond extract can add unique flavors that take it to the next level.
• Great for meal prep: Rice pudding is a great make-ahead dessert. You can easily store leftovers in the fridge for a few days, and it even tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

Tips for Perfect Rice Pudding Every Time:

1. Use Short-Grain Rice: Short-grain rice has more starch, which makes for a creamier pudding. If you use long-grain rice, the pudding may not have the same velvety consistency.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure you’re using a slow cooker that’s large enough for this recipe. If the slow cooker is too small, the pudding may not cook evenly.
3. Add Egg for Creaminess: Adding an egg gives the pudding a custardy richness. However, if you prefer a lighter texture, feel free to skip this step.
4. Adjust the Sweetness: The sugar in this recipe is adjustable, so feel free to make it sweeter or less sweet depending on your preference. You can even use a sugar substitute if desired.

Conclusion:

Rice pudding in the slow cooker is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that delivers all the creamy, comforting goodness we crave without the stress of constant monitoring. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can have a delicious homemade treat that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed warm on a chilly evening or cold as a sweet snack, this easy rice pudding is sure to become a go-to in your recipe repertoire.

So next time you’re craving a comforting dessert, give this slow cooker rice pudding a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!