My aunt makes this rich comforting treat for every family gathering. Only 4 ingredients for the creamiest dessert you will ever eat.

This slow cooker 4-ingredient Amish rice pudding is exactly the kind of rich, comforting dessert my aunt brings to every family gathering. It’s the kind you scoop out warm with a big spoon, thick and creamy with tender, plump rice and little vanilla specks running through every bite. Amish-style rice pudding is all about simple pantry staples and low, slow cooking, which makes it perfect for busy days—you toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to the creamiest dessert you’ll eat all week.

Serve this rice pudding warm straight from the slow cooker, or let it cool slightly so it thickens even more. I like to spoon it into small bowls and top with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a handful of fresh berries if I have them. It’s lovely with a cup of coffee or hot tea after a big family meal, and it also works as a cozy make-ahead dessert for weeknights—just reheat gently with a splash of milk if it gets too thick in the fridge.

Servings: 6

1 cup uncooked medium-grain white rice, rinsed

Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Rinse the uncooked medium-grain white rice under cool running water until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well. This helps remove excess starch so the pudding turns out creamy instead of gummy.

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the slow cooker, then pour in the whole milk and granulated sugar. Stir well to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and not clumped in one spot.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring every 45 to 60 minutes. Each time you stir, scrape along the bottom and sides of the slow cooker to keep the rice from sticking and to help it cook evenly.

After about 2 1/2 hours, check the texture: the rice should be very tender and the mixture should be thick and creamy but still a bit loose, like a pourable custard. It will continue to thicken as it cools. If it still looks very thin or the rice is firm in the center, continue cooking on LOW in 20-minute increments, stirring each time, until done.

Once the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened, turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until the pudding is evenly speckled with vanilla and smells fragrant and sweet.

Let the pudding sit in the uncovered slow cooker for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken slightly. If it becomes thicker than you like, you can stir in a splash of extra milk to loosen it back up.

Serve the rice pudding warm, scooping it straight from the slow cooker. For the creamiest texture, enjoy it within an hour of finishing. If you prefer it chilled, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a covered container and reheat gently with a little milk as needed to restore creaminess.

For extra richness, you can swap 1 cup of the whole milk for half-and-half or heavy cream, keeping the total liquid at 4 cups. If you like a hint of spice but still want to keep the ingredient list simple, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top right before serving instead of mixing it in. To make it slightly less sweet, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup—the texture will stay creamy, just a bit less dessert-like and more breakfast-friendly. Medium-grain white rice gives the best thick, custardy texture, but you can use short-grain white rice if that’s what you have; avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, as it can turn mushy. For meal prep, cook the pudding on a Sunday, portion it into small containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days; reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk, stirring every 20 to 30 seconds until warm and creamy. Food safety tips: Cool leftovers to room temperature within 1 to 2 hours, then refrigerate promptly in a shallow container. Do not leave rice pudding at room temperature for more than 2 hours total, as cooked rice and milk are both perishable and can support bacterial growth. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot before eating, and discard any portions that have an off smell or appearance.