Rice pudding. Just the words conjure up images of warm, comforting goodness, a taste of home, and maybe even a hint of nostalgia. For me, this love affair started way back when – late nights in South Carolina, a simple stovetop, and a craving for something creamy and sweet. Back then, it was all about speed and ease, using boil-in-the-bag rice to whip up a comforting bowl. And while those late-night creations hit the spot, my rice pudding journey has evolved, especially since discovering the magic of the Instant Pot and being inspired by the queen of home cooking herself, The Pioneer Woman.
Like many home cooks, I admire Ree Drummond’s knack for creating approachable and utterly delicious recipes. Her version of Pioneer Woman Rice Pudding became my gold standard. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and it’s undeniably satisfying. However, life gets busy, and sometimes, standing at the stove stirring occasionally just isn’t in the cards. That’s when the Instant Pot stepped in as my kitchen superhero.
knowitallnikki instant rice pudding in bowl
(Alt Text: Creamy Instant Pot rice pudding served in a white bowl, showcasing its rich texture and inviting warmth. A close-up shot emphasizes the dessert’s homemade appeal.)
Why Instant Pot Rice Pudding is a Game Changer
If you’re a fan of Pioneer Woman rice pudding but crave a quicker, hands-off approach, the Instant Pot is your answer. This electric pressure cooker takes the traditional stovetop method and streamlines it, delivering the same creamy, dreamy results with minimal effort. No more constant stirring, no more babysitting the pot – just simple ingredients transformed into a luscious dessert in a fraction of the time.
This Instant Pot rice pudding recipe captures the essence of what I love about Pioneer Woman’s rice pudding – that comforting, custard-like texture and sweet, satisfying flavor. And honestly? I can’t tell the difference. This recipe is a testament to the fact that you can have incredible flavor and texture without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu dessert cravings, or anytime you need a little taste of comfort.
knowitallnikki easy instant rice pudding close-up
(Alt Text: A close-up view of easy Instant Pot rice pudding highlighting its creamy consistency and inviting appearance. This image focuses on the dessert’s smooth texture and delicious details.)
The Easiest Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe
This recipe is designed for simplicity and deliciousness. It makes roughly six to eight servings – perfect for sharing… or not!
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes (including pressure release)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups whole milk (2% works too, but whole milk is richer)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- ½ to 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground nutmeg or cinnamon, for topping (optional)
Equipment:
- 6-quart Instant Pot (or larger)
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork
Instructions:
- Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent sticky rice pudding.
- Combine Ingredients in Instant Pot: Add the rinsed rice, milk, water, butter, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing”. Select the “Porridge” setting (or manual/high pressure for 20 minutes).
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.”
- Prepare the Egg: While the pressure is releasing, in a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork until just combined. This tempers the egg and prevents it from scrambling in the hot rice pudding.
- Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk and Saute: Open the Instant Pot and stir the rice mixture. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir again. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot.
- Add Egg and Thicken: As the rice pudding mixture begins to bubble (this will happen quickly), slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring constantly. Continue to stir for 30-60 seconds until the mixture slightly thickens. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the egg from scrambling.
- Turn Off Heat and Finish: Turn off the Instant Pot by pressing “Cancel.” Remove the inner pot and place it on a trivet or heat-safe surface. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Spoon the Instant Pot rice pudding into ramekins or a serving dish. Serve warm or chilled. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Rice Pudding:
- Rice Choice: Long grain white rice works best for this recipe, providing a classic rice pudding texture. Avoid using instant rice, as it will become too mushy.
- Milk Fat Content: Whole milk contributes to a richer, creamier rice pudding. 2% milk can be used, but the texture may be slightly less decadent.
- Sweetness Level: Start with ½ can of sweetened condensed milk and add more to taste if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
- Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing a gummy texture.
- Constant Stirring When Adding Egg: This is crucial to ensure the egg incorporates smoothly and thickens the pudding without scrambling.
- Cooling and Thickening: The rice pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it sit for a bit before serving.
- Variations: Get creative with your rice pudding! Stir in raisins, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits after cooking. A dash of lemon zest or almond extract can also add a lovely flavor dimension.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
| Amount Per Serving: |
|---|
| Calories |
| % Daily Value* |
| Total Fat 8.26g |
| Saturated Fat 4.78g |
| Trans Fat 0g |
| Cholesterol 53.21mg |
| Sodium 110.75mg |
| Total Carbohydrate 46.63g |
| Dietary Fiber 0.41g |
| Sugars 22.07g |
| Protein 8.44g |
| Vitamin A 81.57mkg | Vitamin C 0.86mg |
|---|---|
| Calcium 214.97mg | Iron 0.44mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
knowitallnikki easy rice pudding light
(Alt Text: Bright and airy image of easy rice pudding in a clear dish, highlighting its light and creamy texture. This photo emphasizes the dessert’s simplicity and delicious appeal.)
Enjoy Your Instant Pot Rice Pudding!
So there you have it – a simple, speedy, and utterly satisfying Instant Pot rice pudding recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite. Inspired by the comforting flavors of Pioneer Woman rice pudding, this version is perfect for any time you crave a creamy, homemade dessert without the fuss. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
