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Mexican Rice Pudding

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

This traditional Mexican dessert combines rice, milk, and cinnamon for a creamy, comforting pudding. Simple to make with just 6 ingredients.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:12:43 GMT
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A bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pin it
A bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon. | recipesbyclare.com

My Arroz con Leche recipe comes from my grandmother who made it for every special occasion. The way the rice slowly simmers with cinnamon and milk creates the most incredible aroma filling the whole house with warmth and memories. It's amazing how such simple ingredients can create something so comforting.

Simple Yet Special

What makes this dessert so wonderful is how it transforms basic ingredients into pure comfort. I love that I can always make it since I keep these staples in my pantry. Whether served warm on cold evenings or chilled on summer days it never fails to bring smiles.

What You'll Need

  • Milk: 4 cups of whole milk for a creamy, rich base. 2% milk works as a lighter alternative.
  • Sugar: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, or substitute with dark brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, for the best texture.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: 2 sticks of either Ceylon or Cassia cinnamon for warm, aromatic flavor.
  • Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.

Let's Make It Together

Start with the Rice
Get those grains cooking with water cinnamon and just a touch of salt.
Add the Good Stuff
Pour in your milk and sugar watching it all come together.
Make It Perfect
Keep stirring until it reaches that dreamy creamy consistency.
Time to Enjoy
Serve it up however you like warm and cozy or cool and refreshing.
A bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon, alongside a small dish of additional nuts and cinnamon sticks. Pin it
A bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon, alongside a small dish of additional nuts and cinnamon sticks. | recipesbyclare.com

Mix It Up

Sometimes I add plump raisins or swap in condensed milk for extra richness. Each variation brings its own special touch while keeping that classic comfort we all love.

Make It Extra Special

A sprinkle of cinnamon or drizzle of honey makes each bowl unique. My kids love adding chopped nuts or coconut on top creating their own special dessert.

Keep It Fresh

This pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge perfect for quick treats throughout the week. When reheating just add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

A wooden spoon is stirring creamy rice pudding in a black pot, with vanilla bean pods visible on top, placed on a wooden coaster against a light marble background. Pin it
A wooden spoon is stirring creamy rice pudding in a black pot, with vanilla bean pods visible on top, placed on a wooden coaster against a light marble background. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use non-dairy milk?
While not tested, alternative milks like almond, soy, or oat milk should work, though texture may vary. Whole or 2% dairy milk is recommended.
→ How long does it keep?
Store in airtight container in fridge for 5-6 days or freeze up to 3 months. Texture may change slightly when reheated.
→ When should I add raisins or dried fruit?
Add any dried fruit mix-ins when you add the milk to ensure they soften properly during cooking.
→ How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on stovetop or in microwave, adding a splash of milk or water as needed since it thickens when chilled.
→ Can I serve it hot or cold?
Both ways are traditional - serve warm right after cooking or chill for 2 hours to serve cold.

Conclusion

This traditional Mexican dessert combines rice, milk, and cinnamon for a creamy, comforting pudding. Simple to make with just 6 ingredients.

Arroz con Leche

A comforting Mexican rice pudding infused with cinnamon and sweetened with sugar. Can be served warm or cold with optional toppings.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (4 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2½ cups water.
02 1 cup long-grain white rice.
03 2 cinnamon sticks.
04 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.
05 4 cups milk.
06 1 cup granulated sugar.
07 Ground cinnamon for topping (optional).
08 Chopped nuts for topping (optional).
09 Raisins for topping (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Combine water, rice, cinnamon sticks and salt. Boil then simmer covered for 15 minutes.

Step 02

Stir in milk and sugar, bring to boil then simmer for 25-30 minutes until thickened.

Step 03

Serve warm or chill for 2 hours and serve cold with optional toppings.

Notes

  1. Use whole or 2% milk.
  2. Add dried fruit with milk.
  3. Keeps for 5-6 days refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 242
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
  • Protein: 6 g