Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is always a welcome treat, especially if you can set it up in a slow cooker and go on about your business until it's ready. These two recipes will produce creamy puddings you just might find addictive.

Slow-Cooked Rice Pudding

Contributed by Holly Swanson

This recipe produces a traditional rice pudding and will yield about 6 servings.

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 cups pre-cooked rice
• 1 and 1/2 cups scalded milk
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons soft butter
• 2 tablespoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat crock pot on high and lightly spray the inside with cooking oil.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, milk, sugar, and eggs. Ingredients should be well-blended.
3. Stir in the salt, spices, and raisins.
4. Add butter and vanilla and pour entire mixture into the crock pot.
5. Cook for 90 minutes or until soft and creamy.
6. Stir occasionally during cooking time to prevent sticking and clumping.

Slow Cooker Caramel Rice Pudding

Contributed by Holly Swanson

This recipe produces a darker, caramelized version of rice pudding, and it yields about 6 servings.

Ingredients

• 3 cups white rice, pre-cooked
• 1/2 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Set the slow cooker on low to preheat. Spray the inside with cooking spray.
2. Once heated, add all the ingredients to the cooker and stir thoroughly.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Flavor Variations

You can change the flavor of your pudding with various substitutions. For example, instead of raisins, substitute an equal amount of:

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Granny apple chunks

Different spices may also be used, either as a substitute or with the cinnamon, including:

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 or 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Stir-ins and toppings can also boost the flavor of your pudding. Consider topping your dessert with:

• Whipped cream
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Your favorite toasted nuts
• Shredded coconut
• Chia of flax seeds
• Honey
• Additional sugar and cinnamon

Serving Suggestions

Slow-cooked rice pudding can be enjoyed in different ways. For example:

• Allow it to cool a bit after cooking and serve it warm with an additional topping of your choice.
• Allow the pudding to cool after cooking and then refrigerate it until chilled. Serve with slices of fresh fruit or perhaps a dollop of vanilla yogurt on top to make it extra creamy.

Storing Leftovers

With pudding this delicious, you might not have any leftovers. If you do, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

A Slow-Cooked Delight

Every cook should have a least one rice pudding recipe in his or her arsenal. Give these recipes a try, and then feel free to adjust them and create versions that suit your tastes perfectly.