How to Make Arroz con Leche the Easy Way!

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Arroz con leche, or rice pudding, is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It's a creamy, sweet treat that's perfect for any occasion, and it's surprisingly easy to make. In this post, we'll take a look at how to make arroz con leche with cooked rice as well as providing some tips on how to make it even better.

Arroz con leche is a popular breakfast staple in latino and hispanic cultures. It's especially popular and frequently made during the winter and chillier months. Think of it as a stick-to-your bones kind of meal, just like oatmeal.

This recipe was inspired by my Mexican heritage. I grew up eating a lot of arroz con leche as a kid and still love it to this day. Every warm bowl puts a smile on my face and brings me back to the days my Ita (grandma) and Lelo (grandpa) would babysit me.

I wanted to make this recipe unique and swapped out using condensed milk for cream of coconut. It added the right amount of sweetness and hint of coconut flavoring.

Here are a few other delicious recipes inspired by my heritage that may interest you: Mexican Dessert Bars and my Abuelita Hot Chocolate Brownies.

Ingredients

Below, you'll find the list of ingredients that you'll want to gather ahead of time.

• Cooked rice
• Milk
• Evaporated milk
• Cinnamon sticks
• Sweetened cream of coconut (can use condensed milk in lieu of)
• Dash of cinnamon for garnishing
• Toasted coconut for garnishing

See recipe card for quantities.

When to serve arroz con leche

Once your rice pudding has cooled down a bit, it's ready to serve. You can enjoy it warm or cold. You can even add some extra cinnamon on top for an extra burst of flavor. This dish can be served as breakfast or as a dessert.

Tips for making the perfect arroz con leche

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom.
• Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Use a combination of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk or sweetened cream of coconut for the creamiest, richest texture.

Substitutions

Here are a few substitutions you can use and still achieve an equally delicious recipe.

• Milk - instead of whole milk, you can use plant-based milk
• Cream of coconut - you can substitute with sweetened condensed milk

What toppings can I use?

Below are a few topping recommendations if you opt to add any.

• Raisins - it's common to add regular or golden raisins to your Mexican rice pudding
• Nuts - chopped pecans would add a fun texture
• Toasted coconut - I added this due to the coconut flavor I incorporated by using the sweetened cream of coconut
• Brown sugar - you can add a more caramel-like sweetness with brown sugar

Arroz con leche is a classic sweet dish that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious, creamy dessert that everyone will love. Follow these tips and you too will learn how to make arroz con leche perfect every time!

Equipment

The only equipment you'll really need is a rice cooker.

Storage

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Store up to 4 days. When reheating, add in a bit of milk and mix into your bowl. Even when stored in an airtight container, arroz con leche will tend to dry out because the rice is soaking up all the milk.

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