Arroz con Leche
A creamy and comforting Mexican rice pudding, gently spiced with cinnamon and sweetened just right. This classic dessert feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Rice
- b.In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and the cinnamon stick.
- c.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the water.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Infuse with Milks
- b.Uncover the saucepan and pour in the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk.
- c.Increase the heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to dissolve the condensed milk and prevent the rice from sticking.
- d.Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pudding has thickened to your desired creamy consistency. It will thicken more as it cools.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Final Touches
- b.Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- c.Carefully locate and discard the cinnamon stick.
- d.Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The salt will balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve and Garnish
- b.Ladle the warm Arroz con Leche into individual serving bowls.
- c.Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and raisins, if using.
- d.Serve immediately for a warm, comforting dessert, or allow it to cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to serve cold.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an even creamier texture, use Arborio rice instead of long-grain rice.
- 2Rinsing the rice is crucial. It removes excess starch, which prevents the pudding from becoming gummy.
- 3Stir constantly, especially after adding the milks, to prevent scorching at the bottom of the pan. A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly.
- 4The pudding will thicken significantly as it cools. If serving cold, you may want to cook it to a slightly thinner consistency than you prefer.
- 5For a citrusy aroma, add a wide strip of lime or orange peel along with the cinnamon stick and remove it before serving.
- 6If the pudding becomes too thick upon cooling, you can stir in a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Arroz con Coco
Replace the whole milk with full-fat canned coconut milk for a tropical, coconut-flavored version. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
Chocolate Arroz con LecheChocolate Arroz con Leche
Stir in 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder or 3 ounces of chopped dark chocolate along with the milks for a rich, chocolatey dessert.
Vegan Arroz con LecheVegan Arroz con Leche
Use a combination of oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk, and use a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk. The result will be just as creamy.
Fruity VersionFruity Version
Fold in diced mango, peaches, or berries just before serving for a fresh and fruity twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Calcium
The significant amount of whole milk and evaporated milk makes this dessert a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the rice and sugar provide a quick and easily accessible source of energy, making it a satisfying treat after a meal.
Comforting and Mood-Boosting
As a classic comfort food, the warm, creamy, and sweet nature of Arroz con Leche can have a positive psychological effect, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.
Frequently asked questions
A one-cup serving of this Arroz con Leche contains approximately 500-550 calories, primarily from the rice, milks, and sugar. The exact count can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.