Arroz con Leche Recipe (Rice Pudding Recipe)

Arroz con Leche, or Spanish rice pudding, is a delightful, creamy dessert about comfort and flavor. Imagine warm notes of cinnamon, plump raisins, and a rich milk mixture in every bite—it’s the kind of treat you’ll crave repeatedly.

This traditional dish, made with simple ingredients like rice, milk, and cinnamon sticks, is a staple in many Latin American homes. Whether served for breakfast or as a dessert, Arroz con Leche never disappoints. If you’re a fan of pressure cooking, don’t miss our Instant Pot Rice Pudding Recipe. Try our Instant Pot Earl Grey Rice Pudding with Wine, Lemon, and Vanilla Nectarines for a twist.

WHAT IS ARROZ CON LECHE?

Arroz con Leche translates to “rice with milk” in English. It’s a straightforward recipe where rice is cooked with milk, sugar, and warm spices to create a porridge-like pudding. Some versions even include eggs for extra richness.

 

WHY I Love Rice Pudding

Every home in Latin America has its unique take on Arroz con Leche. From different rice grains (We like Mahatma rice) to various citrus flavors like lemon, lime, and orange, the variations are endless. Some families add juicy raisins or other fruits, while others even incorporate chocolate. The recipes where rice cooks directly in the milk mixture yield the creamiest, most flavorful puddings.

This dessert is budget-friendly, utilizing everyday pantry ingredients. Enjoy it warm or cold, and feel free to swap out evaporated milk for coconut milk, oat milk, whole milk, or any nut milk for a rich, dairy-free version.

My First Experience Making Arroz con Leche

Living in Miami, Florida, I fell in love with Arroz con Leche thanks to my husband’s mother and Abuela. Their vague recipe instructions led to my first attempt, which resulted in an overwhelming amount of cooked rice. But I turned it all into creamy rice pudding. The second time, with specific measurements, I perfected it. Now, you can enjoy this Spanish classic with my shared recipe.

Find more food inspiration on our Pinterest Dessert Board.

Ingredients Check List:

• • 2 ¼ cups water
  • 1 ½ cups short grain white rice (Arroz)
  • 1 (1/4 inch x 3 inch) strip lime peel
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick (Canela)
  • 2 tablespoons anise seed, crushed
  • 12-ounce can evaporated milk
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (leche condensada dulce)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (extracto de vainilla)
  • ¾ cup raisins (optional) (Pasitas)

 

How to Make Arroz con Leche

How to Make Arroz con Leche

1. Cook the Rice: Combine 2 1/4 cups of water, rice, and lime peel in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until tender.
2. Prepare the Flavor: While rice cooks combine 1/2 cup water, cinnamon stick, and anise in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil for 3 minutes, then strain and discard solids.
3. Mix Ingredients: After 20 minutes, remove lime peel. Lower heat, stir in evaporated and condensed milk, flavored water, vanilla, and salt. Add raisins if desired. Stir gently until thickened, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Adjust Consistency: If too watery, increase heat to medium-low and stir. Once desired thickness is reached, remove from heat and serve in bowls. It will thicken as it sits. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and refrigerate leftovers.

Tips:

• Preferences vary; some like Arroz con Leche wet, others drier. Adjust by adding or reducing milk.
• Create a complete meal with Abuela Approved Black Beans and Arroz con Pollo.
• Too dry? Stir in ¼ cup of milk and heat. Too wet? Cook longer until it thickens.
• Any rice works, but adjust the cooking time for brown rice. We like short or long-grain white rice.
• Sweetness can be adjusted by using less condensed milk initially.
• For a vegan option, use coconut milk and sugar instead of condensed milk.
• If it thickens too much in the fridge, stir in warm milk to reach desired consistency.

Raisins and Other Additions:

Raisins and Other Additions:

• Raisins are traditional; maybe you’ll like one of these raisin varieties, but consider different dried fruits like cherries, cranberries, or mango.
• Soak raisins in brandy, tequila, or rum for a spiked version.
• Add chocolate chips, grated orange zest, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.

Love this dessert? You might also enjoy our Instant Pot Flan.