Skip to Content

Best Instant Pot Rice Pudding (The Original)

Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe: A Creamy and Comforting Dessert

Discover the luscious and delightful world of Instant Pot Rice Pudding, where every spoonful delivers velvety bliss. This easy, foolproof recipe gives you the perfect balance of creamy texture and subtle sweetness, with endless customization options to suit your tastes. And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!

If you’re new to making rice pudding or looking for a quicker method, this Instant Pot recipe will be your go-to. Let me take you through it step by step, adding my favorite tips and variations along the way.

Check out this recipe using Earl Grey Tea: Earl Grey Amira Rice Pudding with Wine, Lemon and Vanilla Nectarines Recipe

This is not only the BEST Instant Post Rice Pudding; it’s the ORIGINAL Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe.

A bowl of creamy rice pudding made in an Instant Pot, topped with cinnamon

A Childhood Favorite with a Twist

When I lived in Miami decades ago, I developed a deep love for Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding). My abuelita made it for every special occasion. I can still remember the warmth and comfort of a bowl of rice pudding on a chilly evening.

But after realizing I could only indulge in this treat when my abuelita was cooking, I decided to take matters into my own hands. My first attempt? Well, let’s just say I ended up with buckets of rice and spent hours hovering over a hot stove. Not ideal.

Fast forward to today, and thanks to the Instant Pot, I can recreate that same rich, creamy rice pudding in just 35 minutes—without the endless stirring!

A bowl of creamy rice pudding with raisins, made in an Instant Pot, with a bowl of raisins in the background.

Why Make Rice Pudding in the Instant Pot?

Here are some reasons why using an Instant Pot for rice pudding is a game-changer:

  • Time-saving: The Instant Pot pressure-cooks the rice pudding in a fraction of the time. No more standing over a stove for hours.
  • Foolproof: It delivers perfectly cooked rice every time with consistent results.
  • Hands-off cooking: Just set the timer and let the Instant Pot do the work while you focus on other tasks.
  • Versatile: Experiment with different types of milk, spices, and toppings to suit your taste.
  • Easy cleanup: Only one pot to clean—no mess, no fuss.

A bowl of creamy Instant Pot rice pudding topped with cinnamon, made with simple ingredients.

ngredients for Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy dessert:

  • 2 cups milk (whole milk, almond milk, or coconut milk works well)
  • 1¼ cups water
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (short-grain rice like Arborio also works)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • ⅛ cup sugar (optional; adjust to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional toppings: cinnamon, raisins, nuts, or fresh fruit

Make a complete Spanish Meal with Abuela Approved Black Beans and Arroz con Pollo for a complete meal!

The Original, Easy Instant Post Pudding Recipe

Prep Time, Cook Time, Servings, and More

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes for natural pressure release)
  • Servings: 6-8
  • Expert Tip: Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the Instant Pot for an even more aromatic pudding.

Instant Pot Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche) Ingredients:

  • 2 cups milk (I use whole, but it’s up to you)
  • 1¼ cups water
  • 1 cup long-grained rice (you can use short-grain if you like)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • ⅛ cup sugar (I use Vanilla sugar)
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt (table salt works too)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I like Nielsen-Massey Vanillas)

Instant Pot Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche) Directions:

How to Make Rice Pudding in the Instant Pot:

Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water using a fine-mesh colander. (Or if you’re feeling rebellious, throw it in un-rinsed. I’ve done both!)

Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot: Pour the milk, water, sugar, and salt into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.

Milk being added to an Instant Pot for making rice pudding.

 

sugar being added to an Instant Pot containing a milk mixture for making rice pudding.

A small amount of salt being added to an Instant Pot containing a milk mixture for making rice pudding.

Water being added to an Instant Pot containing a milk mixture for making rice pudding.

 

Add the Rice: Stir in the rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed. At this point, you can also add a cinnamon stick or some lemon zest for extra flavor.

White rice being added to an Instant Pot containing a milk mixture for making rice pudding.

  • Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set the vent to “Sealing,” and press the Porridge button (or Manual High Pressure if your Instant Pot doesn’t have that setting). Cook for 20 minutes.

 

A finger pressing the 'Porridge' button on an Instant Pot set to 'OFF' mode to make rice pudding.

Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until the pudding becomes rich and creamy.

Serve: Ladle the pudding into bowls and top with cinnamon, raisins, or your favorite add-ons. Enjoy it warm, or refrigerate for a cold, refreshing treat.

Condensed milk being poured into an Instant Pot containing cooked rice pudding.

Stir until well mixed.

Close-up of a jar filled with creamy rice pudding topped with cinnamon, made in an Instant Pot.

Recipe Tips and Variations

  • Experiment with Milk: Coconut, almond, or even oat milk can add a fun twist to the flavor profile.
  • Raisins: No need to soak them—just toss them in the Instant Pot with the other ingredients.
  • Spices: Splurge on good-quality cinnamon and nutmeg. Even a small sprinkle will elevate the flavor.
  • Sweetness: The sweetened condensed milk makes the pudding sweet enough for most, but you can add more sugar if desired.

A bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with cinnamon, labeled as 'The Best Rice Pudding in the Instant Pot' from Mommysmemorandum.com

FAQs About Instant Pot Rice Pudding

Q: Can I use different types of rice?
A: Yes! Long-grain, short-grain, or even Arborio rice works well in this recipe.

Q: Can I add different spices or flavors?
A: Absolutely! Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla extract for a twist.

Q: How long does rice pudding last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze rice pudding?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or coconut, and swap sweetened condensed milk with a non-dairy alternative.

Why not give your Instant Pot a deep clean when you’re finished? 

 

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and easy-to-make Instant Pot recipes? Check out my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! And if you’re eager to make meal prep even simpler, don’t miss out on my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens. It’s packed with 100 easy recipes designed to elevate your cooking game—grab your copy today!

A bowl of creamy Instant Pot rice pudding topped with cinnamon, made with simple ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Rice Pudding is not just a dessert; it’s comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re experimenting with different milk alternatives, throwing in a handful of raisins, or topping it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon, this recipe delivers consistently creamy and delicious results every time. So why not give it a try? What’s your favorite twist on rice pudding? Let me know in the comments below!

Close-up of a jar filled with creamy rice pudding topped with cinnamon, made in an Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe

Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make this creamy Instant Pot Rice Pudding recipe in just minutes! A quick, comforting dessert with simple ingredients—perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk (I use whole, but it's up to you)
  • 1¼ cups water
  • 1 cup long-grained rice (you can use short-grain if you like)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • ⅛ cup sugar (I use Vanilla sugar)
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt (table salt works too)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Rinse rice well using a fine mesh colander
  2. Add milk, sugar, water, and sea salt to Instant Pot
  3. Add rice to the milk mixture.
  4. Stir
  5. Place lid on Instant Pot, seal lid, and close vent.
  6. Press the Porridge button. The rice will take 20 minutes to cook in this setting.
  7. When the timer beeps, allow Natural Pressure
  8. Release for 10 minutes.
  9. After 10 minutes, press the Cancel button and open vent to release pressure.
  10. When depressurized, open lid.
  11. Add Sweetened Condensed milk and vanilla.
  12. Stir until well mixed.
  13. Serve with an optional choice of toppings.

Notes

When you take the lid off, it will look “mushy”. Don’t panic. Just start adding the condensed milk and stirring. It is going to get thicker the longer it sits.

When you store it in the refrigerator it will come back out “dry”…just add milk (or other liquid) and stir back to your desired consistency.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 143mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 6g

Nutritional information may not be accurate

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
Skip to Recipe
error: Content is protected !!