Savor the creamy delight of our Instant Pot Rice Pudding! Indulge in velvety grains of rice, perfectly cooked to perfection. Bursting with rich flavors and a touch of sweetness, our recipe delivers pure comfort in every spoonful. Experience the magic of homemade goodness, effortlessly created in your Instant Pot. Whether warm or chilled, it’s a heavenly dessert that satisfies cravings and warms hearts. Elevate your dessert game with our Instant Pot Rice Pudding – the ultimate blend of simplicity and deliciousness. Try it today and discover a new level of culinary bliss!
This is the original, easiest Instant Pot rice pudding recipe. So easy! Instant Pot Arroz con Leche is creamy and aromatic. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or any of your favorites. The best part? This pressure cooker rice pudding recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. This is the best Instant Pot rice pudding easy recipe and one of my all-time favorite instant pot recipes,
You probably already have the ingredients for this pressure cooker rice pudding in your pantry.
This is not only the BEST Instant Post Rice Pudding; it’s the ORIGINAL Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe.
The Best Instant Pot Rice Pudding
Instant Pot Rice Pudding is one of the easiest ways to make the most delicious and creamy rice pudding!
Seriously, in 30 minutes, you are rewarded with rice pudding with perfect texture, sweet, fragrant, and Oh! so good!
When I lived in Miami decades ago, I came to love the food.
One of my favorites is Arroz Con Leche (or Rice Pudding).
I asked my mother-in-law, and she gave me her old-fashioned classic rice pudding recipe made on the stovetop.
It took a long time, and there was a lot of standing at the stove.
Thanks to the Instant Pot, my favorite dessert is now easy.
It is creamy and delicious.
It’s rice pudding. Rice pudding!
It’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, sweet, and the perfect dessert.
It’s the dessert that you roll your eyes and sigh as you count all your blessings!
It’s like coming home.
It seems just to warm the soul.
Why make Rice Pudding in the Instant Pot?
After realizing I was only getting to partake of this treat if Abuelita was making it, I took matters into my own hands and asked for the recipe. I was young and had buckets full of rice after my first attempt, and the hours it took standing in front of the hot stove had me rethinking my love affair with rice pudding. Things have changed, and now I make Arroz con Leche in the Instant Pot. It takes about 35 minutes from start to finish and is really easy, yielding the delicious creamy texture I have come to love.
Here are a few compelling reasons why making rice pudding in the Instant Pot is a great choice:
- Time-saving convenience: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods. It pressure cooks the rice pudding to perfection in a fraction of the time, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dessert in a jiffy.
- Foolproof results: The Instant Pot’s precise temperature control and automated settings take the guesswork out of cooking rice pudding. It ensures consistent results every time, eliminating the risk of overcooking or undercooking the rice.
- Effortless hands-off cooking: Once you set the Instant Pot, it does the work for you. There’s no need to constantly monitor the heat or stir the pudding. Simply set the cooking time, and the Instant Pot will handle the rest, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks.
- Consistency and texture: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking method creates a uniquely creamy and velvety texture in the rice pudding. The pressure helps the rice absorb the liquid evenly, resulting in a luscious consistency and perfectly cooked grains.
- Versatile flavor options: The Instant Pot allows you to experiment with various flavor combinations by adding spices, extracts, or even different types of milk. You can easily customize your rice pudding to suit your taste preferences and create exciting new variations.
- Easy cleanup: With only one pot to clean, the Instant Pot minimizes the number of dishes used during the cooking process. This makes cleanup quick and hassle-free, allowing you to enjoy your rice pudding without the added stress of a messy kitchen.
Experience the convenience, reliability, and delectable results of making rice pudding in the Instant Pot. Elevate your dessert game and treat yourself to a creamy, comforting delight with minimal effort.
What goes good with rice pudding?
We love it with generous amounts of sprinkled cinnamon.
But I encourage you to personalize it with your own flavors.
Customizing Instant Pot rice pudding is a delightful way to personalize the flavors and make it your own.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add your favorite spices: Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves. These spices add warmth and depth to the rice pudding.
- Experiment with extracts: Add a splash of vanilla, almond, or even coconut extract to infuse a delightful aroma and flavor into your rice pudding.
- Use alternative milks: Swap out traditional cow’s milk with almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. Each milk imparts its own unique taste, so feel free to explore different options.
- Sweeten to taste: Adjust the sweetness level to suit your preference. You can use sugar, honey, maple syrup, or alternative sweeteners like agave or stevia. Add it gradually and taste as you go to find your perfect level of sweetness.
- Incorporate fruits and nuts: Add a burst of freshness by folding in your favorite fruits like raisins, chopped apples, sliced bananas, or berries. For added crunch and texture, sprinkle toasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios on top.
- Drizzle with sauces: Elevate your rice pudding by drizzling it with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or fruit coulis. These sauces add extra decadence and flavor.
- Infuse with citrus zest: Add a zing of brightness by grating some lemon, lime, or orange zest into the rice pudding. It will lend a refreshing twist to the creamy dessert.
Remember, customization is all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find the flavor combinations that you love. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make your Instant Pot rice pudding truly one-of-a-kind.
Don’t use heavy cream; it will curdle.
Yuck!
Check out this dessert recipe using Earl Grey Tea: Earl Grey Amira Rice Pudding with Wine, Lemon and Vanilla Nectarines Recipe
You may also want to check out my Pinterest Instant Pot board for more great recipes like this pressure cooker rice pudding!
This easy instant pot rice pudding recipe is a basic recipe.
It is quick to make, and by adding toppings, you can customize it to your own liking.
It makes enough for the four of us to indulge and still have some leftover.
We love it warm.
Trust me; it’s so good warm.
We love it cold.
If it’s a special occasion or we have guests, we sometimes serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot and cold really makes it quite spectacular and it’s an easy dessert.
Please note that when you store it in the refrigerator, it will come back out “dry”… add a splash of milk (or other liquid) and stir back to your desired consistency.
I love that the ingredients are my pantry’s basic staples.
Seriously, you probably already have everything you need to make this Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe.
Start to finish it’s about 35-minutes. I can wash dishes from dinner and have dessert done at the same time.
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.
Make a complete Spanish Meal that includes Abuela Approved Black Beans and Arroz con Pollo for a complete meal!
Here is the Instant pot version of my mother-in-law’s rice pudding.
Easy Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups milk (I use whole milk, but it’s up to you. Almond milk, coconut milk, or a combination of milk also works)
1¼ cups water
1 cup long-grained rice (you can use short-grain rice, jasmine rice, or arborio rice if you like)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
⅛ cup sugar (optional)
⅛ teaspoon sea salt (table salt works too)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon (more for garnish)
How to Make Rice Pudding in the Instant Pot:
Rinse rice well using a fine mesh colander (You don’t have to, sometimes I’m wild and throw it in without rinsing)
Add milk to the Instant Pot
Now add sugar to the electric pressure cooker (this is optional).
Next, add a pinch of salt to Instant Pot.
Pour the water into Instant Pot.
Now mix the rice with the milk mixture.
This is where you would add a cinnamon stick, lemon zest, fresh fruits (like raisins), or dried fruit if you wanted.
Stir
Place lid on Instant Pot, seal lid, and close vent.
Press the Porridge button.
If you don’t have a Porridge button, Manual high-pressure works.
The rice will take 20 minutes to cook time to cook in this setting.
When the timer beeps, allow Natural Pressure Release (Natural Release-NR) for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, press the Cancel button and Quick Release (open the vent to release pressure).
When depressurized, open the lid.
Add the sweetened Condensed milk and vanilla.
Stir until well mixed.
Serve in small bowls with optional toppings and additional milk if you like.
Enjoy this Easy Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe!
This sweet rice, an easy dessert, is the sweet stuff dreams are made from!
Why not give your Instant Pot a deep clean when you’re finished?
Leftovers:
You can serve your rice pudding immediately or let it cool to room temperature and store it in the fridge in an airtight container for a cold, breakfast (top it with fruit and add extra milk) or snack.
The pudding will keep in your fridge for about four days.
Unlike that other plain-cooked rice bowl, it probably won’t last that long.
Can I freeze Rice Pudding:
This fuss-free dessert can also last for up to three months frozen. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on defrost is usually the easiest way to thaw rice pudding that has been frozen. I find it best to portion the rice pudding so I can defrost one serving at a time. You can place them in airtight containers or thick freezer bags (the latter allows better placement in the freezer). Just remove any excess air from the freezer bags, seal, and store.
Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot rice pudding.
Here’s how:
- Allow the rice pudding to cool completely. It’s important to freeze it when it’s at room temperature or chilled.
- Transfer the rice pudding to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Seal the container tightly to prevent freezer burn and place it in the freezer.
- When you’re ready to enjoy the rice pudding, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- To serve, you can enjoy it cold or reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy consistency if needed.
It’s worth noting that freezing may slightly change the texture of the rice pudding, but it should still be delicious and enjoyable after thawing.
Pressure Cooker Rice Pudding Tips Tricks and FAQs
Here are some instant pot tips and FAQs for making rice pudding:
- Use the right rice: Opt for medium grain rice, Arborio rice, or short-grain rice for the best results in achieving a creamy texture.
- Adjust liquid ratios: For a thicker pudding, use less liquid. If you prefer a more liquid consistency, add a bit more liquid to the recipe.
- Avoid overfilling: Rice and liquid expand during cooking, so avoid filling the Instant Pot beyond the recommended capacity to prevent spills and ensure even cooking.
- Natural release vs. quick release: Letting the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before doing a quick release can help prevent rice from splattering out through the valve.
- Stir after cooking: Once the rice pudding is done, stir it well to distribute any excess liquid and ensure a creamy consistency.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use different types of milk?
A: Yes, you can use various types of milk like whole milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or even a combination for a unique flavor profile.
Q: Can I add spices and flavorings?
A: Absolutely! Enhance your rice pudding with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or flavorings like vanilla extract or almond extract for a delightful twist.
Q: How long does rice pudding last?
A: Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, rice pudding can last for 3-5 days.
Q: Can I freeze rice pudding?
A: Yes, rice pudding can be frozen. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can double the ingredients for rice pudding, but avoid exceeding the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make vegan rice pudding?
A: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, and use a vegan-friendly sweetener.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific Instant Pot model and refer to the recipe you’re using for precise measurements and cooking times.
What Rice Is Best for Rice Pudding?
While taste preferences may vary, here are some observations on the best rice options for Instant Pot rice pudding:
- Medium grain rice: Creates a creamy pudding with soft but not mushy rice grains, blending well with creamy sweetness.
- Arborio rice: A go-to choice that may require slightly more liquid, resulting in a rich and creamy pudding.
- Jasmine rice & short-grain rice: Ideal for achieving softer rice grains and a smoother texture in the pudding.
- Long-grain rice: Provides a firmer texture and more textural contrast in the pudding.
- Brown rice: While it works, it tends to be too firm and may not achieve the desired creamy texture.
- Basmati rice: Similar to long-grain rice, it offers a texture similar to that of long-grain rice.
Remember, using uncooked rice is essential as it allows the starch to thicken the milk mixture and coat the grains, resulting in the creamy texture rice pudding deserves. Avoid using cooked rice, as it will yield a mushy consistency instead.
What I’ve Learned About the Other Ingredients:
- Milk – it’s all good. Dairy, non-dairy like coconut milk, hemp milk, almond milk, and oat milk. They all work and are easy ways to change the flavor profile.
- Butter – I didn’t add this to the recipe, but try smearing your serving bowls with butter. It adds a nice flavor and ensures you get every grain!
- Sugar – The sweetened condensed milk offers sweetness. Adding any extra is optional. My family likes it extra sweet, but it’s not for everyone.
- Raisins (Sultanas) – You don’t have to soak the raisins if you add them to the pressure cooker. Try 1/2 cup of your favorite raisin variety!
Recipe Tips:
- I use white, long-grain rice in this recipe. Basmati or sushi rice is also a good choice. Jasmine rice and Basmati rice are less chewy than Arborio Rice.
- You may want to wait to add the sugar; condensed milk may add enough sweetness.
- Splurge on the nutmeg and cinnamon, even if it is just a dusting. It elevates the flavor incredibly.
- Add raisins to the pot if you want a more complex flavor, or you can add them at the end if you prefer a more chewy texture.
- Canned coconut milk is a delicious substitute if you prefer a more low fat version.
Is rice pudding served warm or cold?
Rice pudding can be served both warm and cold, depending on personal preference. Some enjoy it warm, freshly cooked and fragrant, while others prefer it chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together for a refreshing dessert.
It is really up to you how you enjoy your rice pudding. Latin American countries prefer it warm–we do too…it’s creamy and delicious. We also like it the next day, cold–we just add milk to bring it back to the creamy texture.

Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe
This is the most amazing Instant Pot rice pudding recipe ever. It takes just 20 minutes in the pressure cooker. Plus you probably already have the ingredients for this pressure cooker rice pudding in your pantry.
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
- Rinse rice well using a fine mesh colander
- Add milk, sugar, water, and sea salt to Instant Pot
- Add rice to the milk mixture.
- Stir
- Place lid on Instant Pot, seal lid, and close vent.
- Press the Porridge button. The rice will take 20 minutes to cook in this setting.
- When the timer beeps, allow Natural Pressure
- Release for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, press the Cancel button and open vent to release pressure.
- When depressurized, open lid.
- Add Sweetened Condensed milk and vanilla.
- Stir until well mixed.
- 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: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 143mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 6g
Nutritional information may not be accurate
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Her first book The Instant Pot® College Cookbook: 75 Quick and Easy Meals that Taste Like Home, celebrates her family recipes and making quick meals everyone will love.
Her writing has appeared on The Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, Pop Sugar, SheKnows, Yahoo Shine, Love What Matters, and Ellen Nation. Her recipes have been featured on Bon Appetite, SparkPeople, and The Huffington Post.