Easy Slow Cooker Playdough Recipe Without Cream of Tartar
We were shocked at how easily we could make homemade playdough in our slow cooker. There is no need to buy expensive ingredients when you can make this easy playdough recipe without cream of tartar with items you probably already have in your pantry.
When I was younger, I remember trying to make homemade playdough on the stovetop and totally burning the flour. Let’s say it did not smell great.
Don’t worry—this do-it-yourself playdough is so easy that even my 8-year-old self would be happy. When I realized you could make homemade playdough in your slow cooker, I knew I had found the best playdough idea for me (and you, too).
Why You Will Love This Playdough Recipe
What is cream of tartar?
Cream of Tartar is an acidic powder that is created by fermented grapes. Some people think it is like baking soda or baking powder, but it is not. It is generally used in cooking, especially when beating egg whites. If you are big into baking or cooking, you may want to check out this article about the purpose of cream of tartar.
Why do a lot of homemade playdough recipes use cream of tartar?
Just like cream of tartar can help a baker make meringue, it helps homemade playdough keep its stiffness and not collapse. However, the good news is that other acidic ingredients can be used as substitutes for cream of tartar. Cream of tartar may also act as a preservative in homemade playdough.
Some craft bloggers say that their homemade playdough lasts longer using cream of tartar. However, is it worth a trip to the store if you don’t have it in your pantry? We think not.
Cream Of Tartar Substitutes
You can substitute lemon juice or vinegar for cream of tartar in homemade playdough recipes.
Supplies You’ll Need
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How To Make Slow Cooker Playdough
Step 1: Add dry ingredients to the slower cooker.
Step 2: Add wet ingredients (vinegar, oil, and water).
Step 3: Cook on high for around an hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
Step 4: Remove Playdough
Be careful since the playdough will be hot. My adult hands were able to mold it together pretty quickly. Don’t let your children reach into the crockpot.
Optional: Add Colors or Scents
Use food coloring to create different “balls” of color. We have successfully used gel food coloring, regular food coloring, and Kool-Aid to create colorful play dough.
Tip For Mixing Colors
- Place a ball of playdough in a bag with a few drops of coloring.
- Let the air out of the bag and close it.
- Let your kiddos play and smush the color into the homemade playdough without getting a complete food coloring mess on their hands.
Play and have fun with your DIY playdough, then store it in airtight containers when not in use. We have made this recipe a few times now, and every time, it is a hit.
READ MORE – You can see how we used this recipe in our fun color wheel playdough activity.
Playdough Recipe With Lemon Juice
While we think the vinegar substitute works best, you can also substitute lemon juice for the lemon in the easy homemade playdough recipe.
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 cups warm water
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
Repeat the how-to instructions above (or from the printable card below).
Tips
- You can save old store-bought Play-Doh containers to store new playdough, or you can purchase small, airtight containers. In a pinch, a good Ziploc bag should do the trick.
- If doing multiple colors, place small amounts of playdough in baggies for a mess-free way to add coloring.
- It is simpler to make one color. If doing one color, add food coloring with wet ingredients.
- To make sure you don’t burn your dough, check and stir your playdough every 20 minutes.
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FAQs
To make any homemade playdough recipe last as long as possible, store it in airtight containers in your refrigerator.
We have not tested this recipe on the stovetop, but we are sure that it would work. We estimate that making this play dough on your stovetop would reduce cooking time.
If you find spots that have not cooked, stir and mix the play dough in the slower cooker and let it cook for 5-minute increments until it is all your desired consistency. You can also mix a small tablespoon of flour into the dough to see if it absorbs any extra moisture that may have come from the food coloring or essential oils.
This slow cooker play dough recipe does not use cream of tartar, and it was a hit with our preschooler. Have fun making it with your family!
Do you like this art project? Please give us 5 stars below 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 and have fun being creative with your family.
Slow Cooker Playdough Recipe Without Cream Of Tartar
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring Spoons or Cups
Supplies
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 cups warm water
- 3 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- Food Coloring Gel Food Coloring or Regular
Instructions
- Add dry ingredients to the slower cooker.
- Add wet ingredients (vinegar, oil and water).
- Completely mix together.
- Cook on high for around an hour stirring every 20 minutes.
- Take out the Crock Pot. Be careful as the playdough will be hot. However, my adult hands were able to mold it together pretty quickly. Don’t let your children just reach in to the crock pot.
- Optional: Use food coloring to create different “balls” of colors.
Store in airtight containers.
Video
Notes
- Save old store-bought playdough containers to store new playdough in or you can also purchase small air-tight containers to use. In a pinch, a good Ziploc bag should do the trick for a little.
- Use a baggie for easy coloring
- It is simpler to just make one color. Add food coloring with wet ingredients.
- Make sure you don’t burn the playdough (check it every 20 minutes while in the slow cooker)
I’ve learned so much about cream of tartar today! I didn’t know it was an acid or that acid was a key ingredient and now I’m a bit tempted to experiment with other acids. Very interesting article.
Hi Melissa. I am glad we inspired you! Have fun with your next creative idea.
This is awesome! I never thought to make homemade play doh!
Hi Lindsay! Yes, homemade playdough for the win! Saves a ton of money.
This is so fun! I cant wait to try this with my nephew!
Hi Lyssa. My kiddos had a complete blast with this homemade playdough recipe. I honestly couldn’t get over how great it turned out.
This looks very easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Meghan. I am glad you like this simple and easy slow cooker playdough recipe. Thanks for visiting our site.