There’s something magical about a bowl of warm, creamy rice cooker rice pudding it wraps you in comfort like your favorite blanket on a chilly day. This easy rice cooker version is a lifesaver for busy parents, new cooks, or anyone who just wants to enjoy a nostalgic treat without fussing over the stove. It’s become a staple in our kitchen, especially when we’re craving something sweet yet soothing.

I’ve found that letting the rice cooker do all the heavy lifting makes this recipe perfect for families. You can start it, walk away, and come back to a pot full of creamy, cinnamon-scented goodness that’s just waiting to be shared. Whether served warm or cold, topped with raisins or left as-is, it’s a hit with kids and grown-ups alike!

Why You’ll Love This Pudding

Set-It-and-Forget-It Simplicity: The rice cooker takes care of everything while you focus on family or kick up your feet.
Creamy, Comforting, and Customizable: Whether you love it classic or loaded with toppings, this pudding delivers on every level.
Kid-Approved: The gentle sweetness and soft texture are a hit with little ones.

Simple Ingredients

Let’s break down the core ingredients that make this pudding so luscious:

Short-Grain Rice (Arborio or similar)
These starchy grains create that iconic creamy texture you want in every spoonful.
Whole Milk
Gives the pudding its rich, velvety base. You can also swap in some cream for extra decadence.
Sugar
Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the rice and milk.
Vanilla Extract
Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the dessert.
Ground Cinnamon
Adds a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the creamy pudding.
Salt
A small amount enhances all the sweet and creamy flavors.
Optional Toppings: Raisins, Nuts, Fresh Fruit
These add texture and personality. Kids especially love choosing their own mix-ins!

PRO TIP: Learn from my mistake! I doubled the recipe and made a mess… Because this is a pudding all the liquid will not be absorbed and the rice also increases in size. You can only image 🙁

Recipe Time and Serving Info

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

What Is Needed

1 cup Arborio or short-grain rice
4 cups whole milk (or half milk, half cream)
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional toppings: raisins, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit

How to Make Rice Cooker Rice Pudding

Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent clumping.
Combine Ingredients in Rice Cooker: Add the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to your rice cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Cook the Pudding: Set your rice cooker to the “Porridge” or “White Rice” setting. Let it cook for 30–40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
Stir and Adjust Consistency: Once done, open the lid and stir. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner texture.
Serve and Top as Desired: Spoon the pudding into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like raisins or nuts. Serve warm or chilled.

Top Tips

Rinse your rice well this removes excess starch and prevents the pudding from becoming too gluey.

Use whole milk for creaminess the fat content makes a big difference in texture don’t skimp!

Customize the sweetness taste before serving. Add more sugar at the end if you prefer it sweeter.

Let kids pick their toppings it makes dessert interactive and more fun for little ones.

Cool it for a thicker texture the pudding thickens as it cools, so if it seems thin right after cooking, give it a bit of time.

Recipe Variations

Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace half the milk with coconut milk.
Chocolate Swirl: Stir in some chopped chocolate or cocoa powder at the end.
Fruit Twist: Add chopped apples, berries, or banana slices as a topping.
Chai-Spiced: Swap cinnamon for chai spice blend or cardamom.

Recommended Equipment

Rice Cooker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowls

Make Ahead Tips

This pudding can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

What to Serve With This Recipe

A cozy cup of chai or hot cocoa
Fresh berries on the side
A drizzle of honey or caramel
Whipped cream for extra indulgence

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Rice Cooker Rice Pudding

Michelle

This creamy rice cooker rice pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert. Easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect served warm or chilled.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Servings 4

Equipment

Rice Cooker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden Spoon
Mixing bowls

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio or short-grain rice
4 cups whole milk or half milk, half cream
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional toppings: raisins chopped nuts, or fresh fruit

Instructions

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent clumping.
Add the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to your rice cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Set your rice cooker to the “Porridge” or “White Rice” setting. Let it cook for 30–40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
Once done, open the lid and stir. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner texture.
Spoon the pudding into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like raisins or nuts. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

Beware when increasing the ingredients that they fit in your rice cooker, otherwise the recipe could boil over…

Keyword Rice Cooker Rice Pudding

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