Let’s discuss the comforting dessert Arroz Con Leche that feels like a warm embrace from your grandmother. Rice pudding with creamy texture, flavored with a pinch of cinnamon, is one of those dishes that are ideal for any occasion. This recipe is perfect no matter if it’s made for a family dinner, a night in, or purely out of sweet cravings.
If you intend to serve more dishes with this dessert, I have something in mind that goes well with it—oxtail. Oxtail stew, which is slowly cooked with deep savory flavors, makes the meat tender enough to fall off the bone. When served alongside a warm comforting bowl of Arroz Con Leche, it’s the best. The combination? Absolute magic. You get rich, meaty flavors, and then boom—the last bite is with spoonful of cinnamon flavored sweet goodness. Trust me, this duet is something you will never forget.
Well, it’s time to get to the main highlight: the best Arroz Con Leche pair with oxtail stew.
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Quick Guide
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Why You’ll Love This Arroz Con Leche
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need anything fancy—just rice, milk, sugar, and spices.
- Ultra Creamy Texture: This version is extra thick and velvety, thanks to a slow simmering process.
- Customizable: Is your preference a bit more on the sweeter side? Or maybe add a little twist with coconut? The options for customization are limitless.
- Great for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day (if you have any left).
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Ingredients for the Best Arroz Con Leche
You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, which is part of what makes this recipe so great.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice (short or medium grain works best)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 pinch of salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for that extra richness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Coconut milk for a tropical twist
- Orange or lemon zest for a citrusy kick
- A splash of rum or brandy for a boozy version (because why not?)
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How to Make Arroz Con Leche
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a large pot, mix the rice, water, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. After it is boiling, turn the heat down and let it simmer until the water is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
(Pro tip: Don’t be in a hurry. Allow the rice to absorb water at its own pace for the best quality.)
Step 2: Add the Milk and Sweeteners
When the rice is tender, add the whole, evaporated, and condensed milk. Mix well, then let it simmer on low heat for a little while, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick.
After about ten minutes, pour in the sugar, mix in the vanilla extract and sprinkle the ground cinnamon. Mix well letting it cook for another fifteen to twenty minutes. You’ll notice it thickening quite a bit.
Step 3: Add the Raisins and Butter
If you’re using raisins, toss them in now because they will plump up in the warm mixture, adding little pockets of sweetness. Pour in a tablespoon of butter and stir to give it a smooth, silky finish.
Step 4: The Final Touch
Remove the cinnamon stick and give your Arroz Con Leche one last stir. If it looks a little too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
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Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
- Let it chill in the fridge for a cold and refreshing version.
- Pair it with a cup of strong coffee (Café Cubano, anyone?).
- Drizzle a little dulce de leche on top for extra indulgence.
And if you really want to take it over the top? Serve it alongside that rich oxtail stew I mentioned earlier. The contrast between savory and sweet is just chef’s kiss.
Is Arroz Con Leche Supposed To Be Cold Or Hot?
Arroz Con Leche can be enjoyed both hot and cold, depending on personal preference!
- Hot: Fresh off the stove, warm, and creamy—perfect for cozy weather.
- Cold: Chilled in the fridge for a few hours, making it thick and refreshing, especially in warm climates.
Either way, it’s delicious! Some people even like it at room temperature. It’s all about what you’re in the mood for.
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Tips for the Creamiest Arroz Con Leche
- Use whole milk—it makes all the difference in texture.
- Stir often to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Simmer low and slow to let the flavors fully develop.
- Taste as you go—some like it sweeter, some prefer it less sweet. Adjust accordingly.
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Is Arroz Con Leche Unhealthy?
Arroz Con Leche can be both indulgent and nutritious—it all depends on how you make it and how much you eat!
Why Some Consider It Unhealthy
- High in Sugar: Traditional recipes use a good amount of sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and sometimes even extra toppings like dulce de leche. Too much sugar isn’t great for blood sugar levels.
- Full-Fat Dairy: Whole milk and condensed milk add richness but also bring saturated fats, which some people try to limit.
- Carb-Heavy: Since it’s made with rice, it’s naturally high in carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar spikes, especially for those with diabetes.
How to Make It Healthier
- Use Less Sugar: Reduce the sugar or swap it for honey, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.
- Swap the Milk: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Use Brown Rice: It has more fiber and nutrients than white rice, making it a better option for digestion and blood sugar control.
- Portion Control: Instead of a big bowl, enjoy a small serving to satisfy your sweet craving without overloading on carbs and sugar.
Arroz Con Leche is not really “unhealthy” but like every dessert, moderation is the phrase to live by. You can still enjoy this rice pudding by balancing it with a healthy diet and perhaps making some adjustments to the ingredients.
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How Many Calories Are In Homemade Arroz Con Leche?
The calorie count in homemade Arroz Con Leche depends on the ingredients and portion size, but here’s a general estimate per serving (about 1 cup or 240g):
Calories Breakdown (Traditional Recipe)
- White Rice (1 cup, cooked) – ~200 calories
- Whole Milk (1 cup) – ~150 calories
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (½ cup) – ~550 calories
- Evaporated Milk (½ cup) – ~170 calories
- Sugar (¼ cup) – ~200 calories
- Butter (1 tbsp) – ~100 calories
- Raisins (optional, ¼ cup) – ~100 calories
Total Calories in a Full Batch (Approx. 6 Servings)
About 1,600 – 1,800 calories for the whole pot.
Calories Per Serving (1 Cup)
Roughly 250 – 300 calories per serving, depending on sweetness and add-ins.
How to Reduce Calories
- Use low-fat milk or plant-based milk instead of whole milk.
- Swap sweetened condensed milk for unsweetened coconut milk or a sugar alternative.
- Cut back on sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Skip the butter to reduce fat.
If you’re watching your calories but still want to enjoy Arroz Con Leche, go for smaller portions or tweak the ingredients to lighten it up!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arroz Con Leche
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Indeed, it will take longer to cook and it will have a different texture than expected. More liquid may need to be added.
Q: Can I make Arroz Con Leche dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Swap the whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free condensed milk substitute.
Q: How long does Arroz Con Leche last?
A: It stays fresh in the fridge for 4 days. Simply reheat with a splash of milk when serving.
Q: Why is my Arroz Con Leche too thick?
A: It thickens as it cools. Just add a little more milk and stir it back to the right consistency.
Q: What country is arroz con leche from?
A: Arroz Con Leche originated in Spain, influenced by Moorish cuisine, and was later adopted and modified by many Latin American countries. Each region adds its own twist, but the core ingredients—rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon—remain the same.
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Reader Feedback
Diana H.“Last night I made this Arroz Con Leche and as I expected, it was creamy and delicious. The family gobbled it up. I am serving it again! And I am most certain it would taste great For breakfast.”
Carlos M.“Throughout my life, I have consumed Arroz Con Leche, but this recipe enhanced it even more! I tried it cold and enjoyed it even more the next day. This will definitely be on my top dessert list!”
Your Comments Help Us! Have you tried this creamy and delicious Arroz Con Leche? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear your thoughts, and your feedback helps everyone who tries this recipe. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more sweet and comforting recipes!
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As promised, this Arroz Con Leche recipe will satisfy your taste buds like never before. Whether you’re cooking this dessert for your family or for yourself, this creamy rice pudding with the touch of cinnamon is the perfect dessert for every occasion.
And also, don’t forget that if you really want to impress your guests then serve it with a slow-cooked oxtail stew for the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Because who enjoys bland food, right?
Now, get your ingredients ready because we are about to cook something super delicious.