Arroz con Leche (or Mexican rice pudding) is a traditional dessert that uses simple ingredients and is a sweet embrace for your taste buds.
This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Traditionally, it’s a Spanish dessert with possible Moorish origins. Brought to Latin American countries by the Conquistadors.
As you can imagine, every country has their version. Here, I’m sharing my family’s version of Mexican Arroz con Leche.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- water (enough to rinse the rice)
- Medium grain White rice
- Water (to cook the rice)
- Cinnamon stick
- Star anise whole
- Milk
- Evaporated milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
- Raisins
- Ground cinnamon for topping
For me, star anise is a must! The smell of star and anise and cinnamon boiling is profoundly embedded in my childhood food memories.
We enjoyed this delicious dessert on special occasions or whenever a touch of sweetness was needed.
Substitutions and Variations
Use more regular milk if you don’t have evaporated milk, or substitute a cup of heavy cream for one cup of milk for a creamier texture.
As a variation, add 1 can of pumpkin puree to this recipe to make Pumpkin Arroz con Leche.
Instructions
- To a large stockpot, add rinsed rice, water, cinnamon, and star anise.
- Cook over medium heat.
- Discard the cinnamon sticks and anise.
- Add the milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, raisins, and vanilla to the rice pot.
- Stir and cook.
Be careful NOT to burn the bottom of the pan. Stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Or use a non-stick pot for easy cleanup.
Once you see that most of the liquid has evaporated, that’s when to add the rest of the ingredients.
Look for plump raisins. Then turn off the stove. You’re ready to serve!
How to Serve
- Serve with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of the pudding.
- Some people will add a pinch of salt as an option.
- The great thing about this delicious Mexican dessert recipe is that it can be enjoyed on cold days or chilled at any time of year.
Don’t confuse this recipe with Atole de Arroz, the latter is a hot drink whereas this is a dessert.
Customize your rice pudding by incorporating your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit like berries, toasted coconut, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Mexican arroz con leche tastes better the next day because the flavors have had time to meld and develop.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the leftover rice pudding gently on the stove top or enjoy it chilled.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t have any gluten-containing ingredients. With its cinnamon flavor and pudding-like consistency, it will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Typically, white long grain rice. However, you can also use arborio rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice, but know that other rices can change the flavor profile.
Sure. You’ll have to alter the ingredients a bit and use different types of milk like coconut milk or almond milk.
More Mexican Desserts:
This traditional Mexican rice pudding recipe is a comforting dessert dish that has been enjoyed for generations.
Only a few ingredients need to create this perfect dessert from the comfort of your kitchen.
Hungry for More?
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube for my latest recipes and videos.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below
Mexican Arroz Con Leche
Ingredients
- water (enough to rinse the rice)
- 1 cup white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star of anise whole
- 2 cups milk
- 1 can evaporated milk (4 ounces)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (7 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup raisins
- ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in water.
- To a large stockpot, add the rice, 4 cups water, cinnamon stick, and anise.
- Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes over medium heat.
- Most of the liquid should have evaporated.
- If not, cook for a few more minute until most of the liquid is gone. Be careful not to burn.
- Discard the cinnamon sticks and anise.
- Add milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, raisins, and vanilla to the rice pot.
- Stir to mix.
- Bring to a simmer on low-medium heat.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn heat off.
- Serve and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated. You might remember the old pictures.
This sounds amazing!!! Super simple! I have been craving arrzo con leche (rice pudding) for a few weeks. I have all the ingredients ready for it I just need to make it. Yummy! Thanks for the recipe.
Love the sweet rice try it with cinnamon toast.
Now that’s different. I’ll have to try that! Thank you.
This looks fantastic and easy. I have a ton of rice in my pantry so can’t wait to give it a try!
You’re going to love it. So yummy!
This looks like a really interesting dessert, and one that I already have all the ingredients for at home!
I hope you make this! You’ll love it. 🙂
I love rice pudding – so warm and comforting! Your recipe looks terrific and I love the addition of star anise.
Oh yeah. I love the flavor that star anise gives.
I love arroz con leche! My grandma used to make it all the time. So good!
Love that! This is my grandma’s recipe. 🙂
I’ve never tried this before but it looks delicious!
Kari
You so should! You’d love it.
This looks so good and easy to make. It looks like a great winter dessert recipe.
Definitely good in the winter. Me, though, I like it all year long. 🙂
I love arroz con leche! It was one of my favorite desserts growing up 🙂 One helpful tip is to always use regular white rice, not quick or precooked rice. Yum!
That’s a great tip! Thank you.
I love to discover new recipes from other cultures 🙂 Thank you!
Thanks, Klauss. I love your recipes just for that reason. 😀
This sounds so good! And love that it is light and refreshing for summertime!
Oh yeah! I didn’t even think about that, but yes, it’s perfect for summer. 🙂
I must try this recipe! , I make milk and rice often but this recipe is different and .. I love different
If you love different, you’re going to love this. 😀
Love the star anise & Cinnamon flavors in it.. Very Bold!!
I love bold flavors. It’s my Mexican blood.
I love this dessert! And hey it’s made with rice so that means it’s healthy right? 😉 Thanks for posting this recipe!
lol. I like the way you think. More rice!
I love it! Rice anything works for me!
Me too. Happiness is a big bowl of rice. 🙂
I love to try new recipes with different cuisines. This looks amazing and just right for my Monday dinner. Thanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoy! 🙂
Definately going to make this! We love pudding! Thanks for the recipe!
Hope you like it! Enjoy.
Oh I bet this is amazing! I’ve had Arroz but not like this, yum!
Yeah, everyone has a different way of making it. This is the way my grandma and mom make it, and it is so yummy.
I have an issue with textures and my food so I have never had rice pudding, but this looks really, really good. I may have to just try it and deal with the texture! Seems easy enough to make!
I know what you mean about textures. I hope you try this. It’s so yummy!
I’ve never had arroz con leche because I am intimidated to make it my self and not do the cuisine justice. But I think I could follow this recipe. And frankly, it looks and sounds so delicious!!
You must try it! I wish you lived closer, and you could come over and try some. 🙂