Mexican Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins - Arroz Con Leche
A creamy, comforting Mexican dessert featuring tender rice simmered in three types of milk with warm cinnamon and plump raisins. This traditional arroz con leche delivers rich, custard-like texture with aromatic spice notes. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or when craving nostalgic comfort food. The combination of evaporated, condensed, and whole milk creates exceptional creaminess that sets this version apart from simpler rice puddings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain ricejasmine rice1:1gluten-free
similar texture
- 2 cups water
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 14 ounces condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¾ cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice until it runs clear
- 2
Add water to large dutch oven on high heat and bring to a boil, then add in the rice, stir, and cover
- 3
Reduce to a simmer and cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes
- 4
Once the rice is cooked mix in the evaporated milk, condensed milk and whole milk
- 5
Bring to a simmer
- 6
Add in the cinnamon stick and raisins
- 7
Stir constantly and let simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice pudding is thick
- 8
Stir in the butter until combined
- 9
Remove the cinnamon stick, remove from heat and spoon into serving cups
- 10
Serve chilled or warm, dust with cinnamon just before serving
Tips
Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for better texture and prevent clumping during cooking.
Stir constantly during the final simmering stage to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom.
Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Stir before serving as it thickens when cold.
Can be made 1-2 days ahead. Best served same day for optimal texture.
Serve warm or chilled in individual cups. Dust with ground cinnamon before serving.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip rinsing rice to avoid gummy texture
Stir constantly during final cooking to avoid scorching milk
Remove cinnamon stick before serving to avoid bitter flavor
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use short grain rice instead?
Yes, but it will create a creamier, stickier texture. Long grain rice gives the traditional consistency most prefer for arroz con leche.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 4 days. The pudding will thicken when cold, so stir in a little milk when reheating if desired.
Can I freeze leftover rice pudding?
Freezing isn't recommended as the texture becomes grainy when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.