
How to Make Arroz con Leche Recipe
Arroz con Leche tutorial provides easy recipe instruction for making authentic Mexican rice pudding with simple step-by-step directions that ensure perfect results every time. This traditional preparation demonstrates how rice can be transformed into elegant dessert while the step-by-step approach makes this accessible for beginners. The Mexican rice pudding tradition creates comforting desserts that connect families to cultural heritage through food.

This easy recipe will teach you how to make arroz con leche (Mexican rice pudding) with simple step-by step directions and photos.
This arroz con leche recipe is “great to warm you up and a perfect comfort dish,” according to recipe developer Kathryn Standing.
How to Make Arroz con Leche
You’ll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let’s go over the basics:
Arroz con Leche Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need for this homemade arroz con leche recipe:
- Water : Cook the rice in two cups of water.
- Cinnamon : Cook the rice with cinnamon sticks . Plus, use ground cinnamon to garnish.
- Rice : You’ll need a cup of uncooked white rice. Short grain rice will yield a thicker and creamier final dish, according to Kathryn.
- Milks : This creamy arroz con leche recipe calls for three types of milk: whole milk , evaporated milk , and sweetened condensed milk .
Tip : You can add raisins (stir them in with the milks), if you like.
How Do You Make Arroz con Leche?
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make arroz con leche:
- Bring the water and cinnamon stick to a boil, then simmer.
- Add the rice, bring to a boil, and simmer until the water is absorbed.
- Stir in the milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Garnish with cinnamon for serving.
Test Kitchen Tips
This recipe was developed in our test kitchen — check out some tips and tricks from culinary experts that might make the cooking process easier:
- Simmer longer in step 7 for a thicker consistency or simmer less time for a thinner consistency. Keep in mind that the pudding will thicken considerably once cooled.
- “Put a little cayenne pepper in it to really warm you up,” Kathryn recommends.
- Kathryn also suggests serving citrus zest to round out the flavors.
How to Store Arroz con Leche
Allow the arroz con leche to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
2 cups water
2 (3-inch long) cinnamon sticks
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 cup whole milk
1 (12-ounce can) evaporated milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon for garnish
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
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Combine water and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan over high heat.
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Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until cinnamon releases its color and flavor, about 5 minutes.
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Add rice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
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Stir in whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook uncovered over medium heat until mixture has thickened to desired consistency, 15 to 20 minutes.
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Serve warm or cold. Sprinkle each portion with ground cinnamon.
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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
515 | Calories |
14g | Fat |
84g | Carbs |
15g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
Calories 515 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 14g | 18% |
Saturated Fat 9g | 43% |
Cholesterol 52mg | 17% |
Sodium 199mg | 9% |
Total Carbohydrate 84g | 30% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 2% |
Total Sugars 57g | |
Protein 15g | 29% |
Vitamin C 4mg | 4% |
Calcium 472mg | 36% |
Iron 1mg | 4% |
Potassium 600mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.