Arroz con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)

5 (19 ratings)

A thick and creamy rice pudding served for breakfast or dessert with warm flavors of cinnamon and plump raisins.

Prep Time3

Cook Time25

Steeping1

Total Time1 28

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: servings

Get Recipe Ingredients

Over high heat, bring the water to a boil with the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and salt.
Remove from the heat and cover. Steep for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves and discard. Add rice and over medium heat boil for 20 minutes.
Add the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and raisins and continue to cook over low heat for about 5 minutes. Stir gently but be careful not to stir too much so rice doesn’t get mushy.
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Arroz con Leche can be served hot or cold, for breakfast or dessert.
Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Reheat: Reheat arroz con leche in a pot on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl. You may need to add a splash of water or milk since it will thicken in the fridge.

Optional Variations:

Atole de Arroz: For a warm and silky beverage version of arroz con leche, simply transfer it to a blender and purée until smooth.
Arroz con Dulce: Also known as arroz con leche de coco, this naturally vegan tropical-flavored version is popular in Puerto Rico. To make it, swap in canned full-fat coconut milk for the evaporated milk and use canned vegan sweetened condensed milk, preferably made from coconut milk to double down on the tropical flavor.
Vanilla or Almond Rice Pudding: Feel free to add a split vanilla bean or about a teaspoon of vanilla extract or paste. You can also opt to use almond extract for more of an amaretto vibe if you prefer.
Vegan Arroz con Leche: Use canned full-fat coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. The coconut flavor is delicious in this application! Alternatively, you may be able to source vegan evaporated milk alongside sweetened condensed coconut or oat milk at your grocery store.