Creamy Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding) Recipe
Introduction
Arroz con Leche is a classic creamy rice pudding with warm cinnamon flavors, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack. This traditional recipe combines simple ingredients to create a rich, velvety treat enjoyed across many cultures.

Ingredients
- 7 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- Ground cinnamon, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine the water, rice, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, uncovered, and cook for 16 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Step 2: Drain any remaining liquid and remove the cinnamon sticks. Return the rice to the pan and add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from burning. Stir until the rice pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
- Step 4: Spoon the arroz con leche into serving cups and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use short-grain rice for a creamier texture, or add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk if the pudding has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make arroz con leche without canned milk?
Yes, you can substitute the sweetened condensed and evaporated milk with regular milk and sugar, but you may need to adjust the sweetness and cooking time accordingly.
Is arroz con leche typically served warm or cold?
It is traditionally served warm, but it can also be enjoyed chilled according to your preference.
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Creamy Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Arroz con Leche is a comforting and creamy traditional Latin American rice pudding made by slowly cooking rice with milk and cinnamon until tender and thickened, then topped with ground cinnamon for a warm and sweet finish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 7 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- Ground cinnamon, for topping
Instructions
- Boil the rice: Combine the water, rice, and cinnamon sticks in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil uncovered and cook for 16 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Drain and add milks: Drain any remaining liquid from the rice, remove the cinnamon sticks, and return the rice to the pan over medium-high heat. Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the milk from burning. Continue until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the arroz con leche among serving cups and sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Stir frequently during the milk simmering step to avoid scorching and ensure even cooking.
- Use whole milk for a richer, creamier texture; skim or low-fat milk can be used but result in a lighter pudding.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract during the thickening step.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Keywords: Arroz con Leche, rice pudding, Latin American dessert, cinnamon rice pudding, creamy rice dessert

