When the August heat makes turning on the oven feel like a bad idea, this simple slow cooker rice pudding-style dessert is such a practical little lifesaver. It uses dry long-grain white rice and just four other pantry-friendly ingredients to create a creamy, comforting treat with almost no hands-on work, which is exactly the kind of recipe that fits into a busy weeknight around here. It has the cozy feel of old-fashioned rice pudding, but the slow cooker keeps the kitchen much cooler.
This dessert is especially good served slightly warm with a spoonful of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a handful of fresh berries for a little contrast. If you want to make it feel extra special, pair it with iced coffee after dinner or serve it alongside simple butter cookies for an easy summer dessert spread.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker August Heat Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 cup dry long-grain white rice
Directions
1. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert if desired for easier cleanup, then add the dry long-grain white rice, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir well to combine, cover, and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking, until the rice is tender and the mixture is thick and creamy.
3. Once the pudding is creamy and the rice is soft, turn off the slow cooker and let it stand uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken a little more before serving.
4. Spoon into bowls and serve warm, or chill for a cooler dessert if your kitchen is already working overtime from the summer weather.
Variations & Tips
Raisin version: Stir in 1/2 cup raisins during the last 30 minutes of cooking if your family likes a more classic rice pudding flavor.
Extra cinnamon: For a warmer spice flavor, add another 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or dust a little more over each serving right before bringing it to the table.
Make-ahead tip: This dessert thickens as it cools, so if you're making it ahead, stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen it back up to a creamy texture.
Chilled summer dessert: For especially hot days, refrigerate the pudding for a few hours and serve it cold with berries for a refreshing twist that still feels cozy.
Watch the cook time: Slow cookers can run a little differently, so start checking early near the 2 1/2-hour mark to keep the rice tender and the milk from reducing too much.
