🧰 What You’ll Need
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A slow cooker (3–6 quart works well)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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A mixing spoon
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A ladle for serving
🔁 Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
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Dairy-free: Swap in almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
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Sweeteners: Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar in place of white sugar.
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Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice.
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Add-ins: Stir in raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries during the last hour of cooking.
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For extra richness: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut cream before serving.
👩🍳 How to Make It
Step 1: Rinse the rice
Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents mushiness.
Step 2: Add everything to the slow cooker
Pour the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Stir and serve
When the rice is soft and the pudding is thick and creamy, give it a good stir. Serve warm with toppings of choice, or let it cool slightly to thicken more.
🍽 What to Serve With Rice Pudding
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream
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A drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce
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A sprinkle of toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch
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A cup of chai, black tea, or strong coffee
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Fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist
💡 Tips for the Best Results
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Stir occasionally. This helps prevent the rice from sticking or clumping.
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If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk before serving.
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Use whole milk or full-fat coconut milk for ultra-creamy pudding.
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Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving—it thickens as it rests!
📦 Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk.
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Freeze? Not recommended—it changes the texture too much.
📚 General Info
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Yield: 6 servings
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 4–5 hours
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Total time: About 5 hours (mostly hands-off)
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Skill level: Beginner-friendly!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook (6–7 hours) and may result in a chewier texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough and stir more frequently to avoid sticking.
Can I use instant rice?
Not for this version. Stick with uncooked long-grain or medium-grain rice for best results.
What if it’s too thick?
Add a bit more milk and stir gently until loosened.
✨ In Conclusion
There’s just something so soul-soothing about a warm bowl of rice pudding. It’s unfussy, it’s made from pantry staples, and it carries that delicious old-fashioned charm we all crave when we want a little comfort.
Make it for your family. Or make it just for you. Either way, this is a slow cooker win you’ll turn to again and again.
