Arroz con Leche: A Creamy Rice Pudding
This post may contain affiliate links which might earn us money. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy policies here
If you love creamy, comforting desserts, this Arroz con Leche is one to add to your recipe collection. It is a classic rice pudding with a soft, creamy texture and just the right amount of sweetness.
Growing up with Puerto Rican food, recipes like this always remind me that some of the best desserts don't need to be complicated. Arroz con leche feels familiar and comforting. It is the kind of treat that fits just as well after a family dinner as it does during the holidays.
What Is Arroz con Leche?
Arroz con leche is a creamy rice pudding enjoyed throughout Latin America and Spain. The name means “rice with milk” in Spanish.
Recipes can vary from one country to another. Even families often have their own way of making it. Some versions are thick and rich. Others have a softer, looser consistency.
For me, arroz con leche is one of those simple desserts that feels comforting from the first spoonful. It has an old-fashioned, homemade quality that makes it perfect for sharing with family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One of my favorite things about arroz con leche is how such a simple dessert can feel so special. You don't need a complicated recipe to make something the whole family can enjoy.
It is creamy, lightly sweet, and comforting. You can make it for an everyday treat or serve it after a family meal.
It is also easy to prepare ahead of time. Make a batch when you know you'll want something sweet waiting in the refrigerator. Best of all, one batch makes enough to share.
What Goes Well With Arroz con Leche?
Arroz con leche is satisfying enough to serve by itself. However, a few simple additions can make each bowl a little different.
Try topping it with raisins, chopped nuts, or toasted coconut. Fresh fruit is another good option if you want something lighter alongside it.
You can serve it with coffee, hot chocolate, or with Puerto Rican Tostones for a salty, slightly crisp contrast.
Serve it warm for a cozy dessert. You can also chill it if you prefer your rice pudding cold.
Other Arroz Recipes to Try
Rice shows up in so many Puerto Rican meals, and there is always another way to prepare it. If you keep rice stocked in your pantry like I do, here are a few recipes to make next.
Arroz con Garbanzos – A hearty combination of rice and chickpeas that works well with many Puerto Rican meals. Serve it as a flavorful side or make it part of a larger family dinner.
Instant Pot Arroz con Jamonilla – Jamonilla turns Spanish rice into a savory and filling dish. Using the Instant Pot also makes this an easy recipe to add to your weeknight rotation.
Arroz con Pollo – Chicken and seasoned rice come together for a filling one-pot meal. This is a great choice when you need a comforting dinner that can feed the family.
Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules – This classic Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas deserves a spot at the table. It is especially popular for holidays, celebrations, and big family meals.
Instant Pot Arroz con Habichuelas – Puerto Rican rice and beans get an Instant Pot twist with this convenient recipe. It is a handy option for busy days when you still want a satisfying homemade meal.
Arroz con Chorizo y Garbanzos – Chorizo and chickpeas make this rice especially hearty. Serve it as a main meal when you want something packed with savory flavor.
There is something comforting about ending a meal with a bowl of homemade arroz con leche. It is simple enough for an ordinary day but still feels special enough to share with family and friends.
Make a batch for dessert, save some for later, and enjoy it the way you like it best.
If you try this Arroz con Leche recipe, please leave a rating and comment below. I love hearing how these recipes turn out in your kitchen.
Arroz Con Leche Recipe
This Arroz con Leche recipe is a creamy rice pudding that's perfect for first-time makers. The rice cooks until tender and develops a soft, rich texture. Warm spices and a hint of citrus give the dessert its comforting flavor. It takes about 30 minutes to make and yields six servings, making it an easy dessert for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- ½ cup rice
- 4 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup condensed milk
- Orange peel from around ¼ orange
- 1 star anise or ¼ tsp. ground clove
- 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the rice, milk, orange peel, and star anise to a small pot. Place the pot over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes. Stir often so the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Continue cooking until the rice is tender.
- Add the condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined.
- Remove and discard the orange peel and star anise before serving.
Notes
- Stir the rice often while it cooks. This helps prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer. Avoid a rapid boil.
- Check the rice before adding the remaining ingredients. It should be tender before moving to the next step.
- Use star anise for the recipe as written, or substitute ground clove as listed in the ingredients.
- Remember to remove the orange peel and star anise before serving.
- Stir in the heavy cream only after removing the pot from the heat. This is the final step that gives the pudding its creamy finish.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 234Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 112mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 8g
This calculation might not be accurate.
5 Comments