What are the ingredients for arroz con leche?

Traditional arroz con leche calls for long-grain white rice, water, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, a cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and salt. Optional add-ins include raisins or citrus peel, depending on your family’s tradition. Some recipes add evaporated milk for extra richness, like mine.

What’s the difference between rice pudding and arroz con leche recipe?

Both are creamy rice-based desserts, but arroz con leche is rooted in Latin American and Spanish tradition. It uses whole milk and cinnamon, often without eggs. Rice pudding, especially in Anglo recipes, may include custard-like egg yolks, nutmeg, or different sweeteners. The flavor and texture of arroz con leche are simpler and more fragrant.

Is arroz con leche Mexican or Spanish food?

Both! The dish originated in Spain but was lovingly adopted and transformed across Latin America. The Mexican version (like in this recipe) is extra creamy and usually includes sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon. It’s a staple in Mexican kitchens and a favorite at family gatherings.

Is arroz con leche healthy for you?

Arroz con leche recipe is a dessert, so it’s meant to be enjoyed in moderation. It’s rich in calcium and carbs, but also contains sugar and full-fat milk. For a lighter option, you can use plant-based milk and reduce the sweetened condensed milk. Either way, it’s a comforting treat worth savoring now and then.

Arroz Con Leche Recipe – Creamy, Traditional & Easy to Make

Name: Arroz Con Leche Recipe – Creamy, Traditional, and Easy to Make
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups water; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 cups whole milk; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: 1/4 cup raisins; Ground cinnamon for garnish

Description

This creamy arroz con leche recipe is a traditional Mexican rice pudding made with pantry staples like rice, milk, and cinnamon. It’s simple, nostalgic, and perfect warm or cold.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

4 cups whole milk

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/4 cup raisins

Ground cinnamon for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs mostly clear.

2. In a medium pot, bring water and cinnamon stick to a boil. Add rice and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Pour in the milk and stir gently.

4. Add sweetened condensed milk and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Stir in vanilla extract. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

For a richer version, swap in evaporated milk.

Add orange peel or clove for flavor variations.

Arroz con leche thickens as it cools—add a splash of milk when reheating.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 260
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg