Mexican Rice Pudding, or Arroz con Leche, is a rich and comforting dessert that’s deeply rooted in Latin American tradition. This creamy dish combines rice, milk, cinnamon, and sugar to create a smooth, indulgent treat.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy consistency, enhanced by the subtle sweetness of cinnamon and vanilla, makes each bite a comforting experience.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have the ingredients you need right in your kitchen—milk, rice, sugar, and spices—so making this dessert doesn’t require much effort.
• Versatile: Whether you’re in the mood for a warm dessert on a chilly evening or a cold treat during the summer, this rice pudding can be served to suit the season.
• Customizable: Add-ins like raisins, coconut, or nuts allow for endless variations, giving you the flexibility to make this dish your own.

Tips and Tricks

Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this pudding because it tends to cook up nicely without becoming too mushy. Avoid using instant rice or sticky rice as they might not give you the right texture.

Slow and Steady Cooking: Keep the heat low and stir frequently to ensure the pudding doesn’t burn or stick to the pot. The slow simmer is what helps achieve that creamy, velvety texture.

Consistency: If you prefer your pudding thicker, let it cook a little longer until it reaches the desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can always add a little more milk to loosen it up.

Enhance with Spices: Mexican rice pudding is known for its subtle cinnamon flavor, but you can also experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or even a splash of orange zest for a unique twist.

Sweetness Level: Taste the pudding before removing it from the heat to check if the sweetness is to your liking. You can add more sugar or sweetener at this point if desired.

Variations

• Coconut Arroz con Leche: Add shredded coconut to the pudding during the last few minutes of cooking for a tropical twist. You can also replace some of the milk with coconut milk for a richer flavor.
• Raisin and Nutty: Incorporate raisins or dried fruit, and top with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
• Vegan Version: Replace the dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk and opt for a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option.
• Chocolate Arroz con Leche: Stir in a little cocoa powder or melted chocolate during the last phase of cooking for a chocolatey spin on the traditional rice pudding.

How to Serve

Mexican rice pudding is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

• Warm: Serve it fresh and warm, especially during the colder months. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings.
• Chilled: For a refreshing dessert on a hot day, let the pudding chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving. The pudding thickens as it cools, making it a satisfying treat.
• Toppings: Top with cinnamon, whipped cream, or even a few fresh fruit slices, such as berries or mango, to add a fresh contrast to the creamy pudding.

How to Store

• In the Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, simply transfer the rice pudding to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should last for up to 3-4 days. The pudding will thicken as it cools, so feel free to stir in a little extra milk before reheating to get it back to the perfect consistency.
• Freezing: While rice pudding can be frozen, the texture may change once it’s thawed. If you plan to freeze, store it in an airtight container and consume it within 1-2 months. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make Mexican rice pudding ahead of time? Yes! You can make it a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight in the refrigerator can help the flavors meld together. Just stir in a bit of milk when reheating to return it to a creamy consistency.

2. Why is my rice pudding too thick? Rice pudding thickens as it cools. If it’s too thick for your liking while cooking, you can always add more milk to adjust the consistency. The pudding will naturally continue to thicken as it sits, so don’t be afraid to add a little extra liquid when reheating.

3. Can I use a different kind of rice for this recipe? While short-grain rice is traditional for rice pudding, long-grain white rice is perfect for this recipe. Short-grain rice will yield a more starchy pudding, which can also be delicious if you prefer a thicker, creamier texture.

4. Can I make this recipe sugar-free? Yes! You can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or a similar sweetener that suits your taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.

5. How do I make Mexican rice pudding creamier? To make your pudding extra creamy, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. You can also stir in some coconut milk for a richer texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Mexican rice pudding is a beautiful, traditional dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a comforting treat after a long day. With its easy preparation and endless variations, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Try other pudding recipes:

• Homemade Banana Pudding
• Cornbread Pudding
• Banana Pudding Cake