Avoid long-grain rice, as it tends to remain too firm and separate, resulting in a less cohesive and creamy pudding.
Can I make this rice pudding dairy-free?
Yes, you can absolutely make this rice pudding dairy-free. Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a rich plant-based milk alternative like oat milk or cashew milk.
Keep in mind that coconut milk will impart its distinct flavor, which can be a delicious variation. If using thinner plant-based milks, you might need to slightly reduce the total liquid or extend the cooking time to achieve the desired thick, creamy consistency.
Why is my rice pudding too thick or too thin?
If your rice pudding is too thick, it likely cooked a bit too long or absorbed too much liquid. To remedy this, simply stir in a splash of warm milk (dairy or plant-based) until it reaches your desired consistency, especially when reheating. If your pudding is too thin, it may not have cooked long enough.
You can continue cooking it in the slow cooker on LOW for another 30-60 minutes, or transfer it to a saucepan and gently simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Remember that rice pudding will always thicken significantly as it cools.