Best Arroz con Leche Recipe

Introduction

Best Arroz con Leche Recipe is creamy, comforting, and gently spiced—tender rice slowly simmered in milk with cinnamon and vanilla until rich and silky. This beloved Latin dessert is simple yet deeply nostalgic, delivering cozy sweetness in every spoonful. Served warm or chilled, arroz con leche is the ultimate comfort dessert made with humble pantry ingredients.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Creamy, rich texture
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Naturally gluten-free
• Comforting and nostalgic

• Delicious warm or cold

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups whole milk
• ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

• Optional garnish: ground cinnamon or raisins

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Cook the rice

In a medium pot, combine rice, water, cinnamon stick, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, until rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed.

2. Add the milk

Pour in whole milk and stir gently. Increase the heat to medium-low and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

3. Simmer slowly

Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. The rice should be very tender.

4. Sweeten and flavor

Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Simmer 5 minutes more, stirring constantly, until smooth and rich.

5. Adjust consistency

If the pudding becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. Remove the cinnamon stick.

6. Taste and rest

Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Let rest 5 minutes—it will thicken slightly as it cools.

7. Serve

Serve warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or raisins if desired.

Mistakes to avoid

• Cooking on high heat — scorched milk
• Not stirring — rice sticks to the bottom
• Skipping salt — flat flavor
• Overcooking — overly thick texture
• Adding a sweetener too early — sticking risk

Variations of the Best Arroz con Leche Recipe

• Mexican Style — add orange peel or cloves
• Coconut — replace half the milk with coconut milk
• Dairy-Free — use almond or oat milk + coconut condensed milk
• Extra Creamy — add a splash of heavy cream

• Raisin — stir in raisins during the last 5 minutes

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Add milk when reheating to loosen
• Stir well before serving
• Flavor improves overnight

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use short-grain rice?
Yes—texture will be creamier, similar to rice pudding.

Is arroz con leche supposed to be thick?
Yes, but it should still be spoonable.

Can I serve it cold?
Absolutely—many prefer it chilled.

Why condensed milk?
It adds sweetness and richness without graininess.

Conclusion

Best Arroz con Leche Recipe is pure comfort—simple ingredients transformed into a creamy, cinnamon-kissed dessert that feels like home. Whether served warm on a cozy night or chilled as a refreshing treat, this classic never goes out of style.