How can something that is so simple to make taste so indulgent and delicious?! This recipe for slow cooker rice pudding makes a rich and creamy dessert which is perfect for serving hot or cold.

Rice pudding is one of those desserts that many people have their ‘own’ recipe and ways of cooking. Traditionally in Britain it is made in the oven (which is the way I remember from when I was younger!) or on the stove. However, it can also be made very easily in the slow cooker.
Why use a slow cooker for rice pudding?
Baking in the oven produces a pudding that has a denser texture, and the top tends to brown and create that infamous cooked milk skin!
When you slow cook rice pudding you end up with a very different result, the texture is much creamier and smoother throughout. The rice really fluffs up and you get a pudding which you can stir through perfectly.

The beauty of cooking it this way (aside from being very simple and tasting fantastic!) is that it makes it so easy to serve a number of different ways. Enjoy it hot with spices, or cold with some fresh red berries on top.
What ingredients are in Slow Cooker Rice Pudding?

Although the general recipe for rice pudding is very simple, the ingredients can vary a little depending on how rich you want to make it. Personally, I like the richer end of the scale and when I make it I add in cream, butter and a dash of vanilla.
This creates a pudding which is very silky and creamy in looks and taste. It really feels like a treat to eat whilst still being very cost effective!
The ingredients for this crock pot rice pudding recipe are:
- Milk
- Cream
- Pudding rice
- Butter
- Sugar
- Vanilla essence
And that’s it!

Do I have to use pudding rice?
Pudding rice is a broad, short grain rice and holds up to the slow cooking required to make rice pudding. This is definitely the the best choice.
Arborio (risotto) rice is a similar shape to pudding rice and can be used as a substitute. The grain is a little firmer and will still produce a nice pudding, although it will take a little longer to cook.
Long grain rice varieties are much more delicate and will break down in the milk. You’ll lose the definition of the rice and end up with a more ‘stodgy’ texture in the pudding.

How to make Slow Cooker Rice Pudding?
There really isn’t much of a method to follow! It’s literally a case of putting everything in the pot, stirring through, then cooking. If you want a real no-fuss pudding then this is the one to make!
What can I serve with it?
As rice pudding is sweet and creamy, the accompaniments that work well and compliment the richness tend to have quite distinct flavours.
Some suggestions are:
- Spices. Ground Nutmeg or cinnamon lightly sprinkled on top taste wonderful, especially if you are serving the pudding hot. The flavour and aroma are amazing!
- Berry fruits. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries all work beautifully and have a real zing against the creamy pudding. These are a good choice if you are serving it cold.
- Sweetness. A little maple syrup, honey or even jam are a simple choice, but really compliment the flavour of the pudding.
More Hearty Slow Cooker Recipes
If you like the look of this meatloaf recipe, try these other hearty and delicious recipes:

How long will rice pudding keep for?
Slow cooker rice pudding will keep well in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to three days.
When the pudding cools it will thicken and set. The pudding can be loosened when heated through by adding a little milk and stirring gently. Ensure the pudding is piping hot all the way through before serving.

Slow Cooker Rice Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 150 g pudding rice
- 750 ml milk
- 300 ml double cream heavy cream
- 35 g butter melted
- 65 g sugar white or golden
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Instructions
- Grease the inside of the pot half way up, with a little softened butter.
- Add all of the ingredients into the pot and stir well.
- Turn on the slow cooker and cook for 3 hours on low.
- The pudding will be cooked when the rice is soft and fluffy, but retaining its shape without becoming mushy. You should still be able to stir through the pudding. Once cooked serve immediately.
Lisa Brookes
Friday 10th of March 2023
Quick question before I make it. Will it take longer if I double the recipe?
Rosalie Stephens
Tuesday 11th of April 2023
Hi Lisa, yes it will take longer as the contents take longer to heat up and then cook. You could add about 30 minutes to the cooking time, checking at the end of that time to see if it needs any longer.
Rosalie Stephens
Wednesday 22nd of March 2023
Hi Lisa, yes it will take longer if you double the recipe as there will be more ingredients in the pot which will take longer to heat up and cook through. It does depend on the cooker that you are using but a general rule would be to add an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time. You can check it is cooked towards the end of the cooking time and if it has too much bite or is crunchy it'll need to be cooked for longer.
Brigid
Wednesday 1st of March 2023
Tried this recipe today and it was absolutely delicious. My cooker has a ceramic pot so it cooked perfectly on slow heat for 4 hours. Thankyou so much for sharing these recipes
Jackie
Sunday 29th of January 2023
I've been craving rice pudding and am a newbie to slow cooking. I made this today with the intention of freezing half of it. Made it with a grating of nutmeg. OMG!!! It was amazing. I say 'Was' because there was non left to freeze!! Thanks for sharing this fabulous recipe. I think I love you 😍😍😁
Caroline
Tuesday 3rd of January 2023
Hi, This was such a good recipe and easy to do in the slow cooker. I used all milk instead of the cream, about 1000ml of milk altogether. In my ceramic slow cooker it took roughly 3.5 hours. It was nice and fluffy, better than doing in the oven, although I did use the amount of butter that you suggested and will prob reduce that a bit next time. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Penny Turvey
Sunday 20th of November 2022
Bought first slow cooker yesterday, thought rice pudding would be a good start. It was fabulous, the best rice pudding I have made! Looking forward to trying more recipes,