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A bowl of creamy, cinnamon-topped Arroz con Leche.

Arroz con Leche

A warm, creamy delight with a hint of cinnamon, Arroz con Leche is a traditional dessert enjoyed across Latin America and Spain. This sweet rice pudding is comforting, simple to make, and perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Latin American, Spanish
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium-sized pot
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients
  

Rice Base

  • 1 cup white rice medium or short-grain
  • 2 cups water

Milk Mixture

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 strip lemon zest optional

Sweetener & Flavoring

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

  • ground cinnamon to taste

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
  • In a medium-sized pot, bring the rice and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
  • Add the milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy (about 20 minutes).
  • Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well and let cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with ground cinnamon.

Notes

This recipe is highly customizable. You can add raisins, condensed milk, or a splash of coconut milk for extra richness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days, adding a bit of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Keyword Rice pudding, Traditional dessert