Arroz Con Leche: The Ultimate Creamy & Comforting Dessert

Question 1

What’s the difference between rice pudding and arroz con leche?

Accepted Answer

Rice pudding and arroz con leche are similar, but they have a few key differences. Rice pudding is a broad term that includes variations from many cultures, while arroz con leche is a specific Mexican and Latin American version. The biggest difference? Arroz con leche typically includes cinnamon, sweetened condensed milk, and sometimes raisins, giving it a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
On the other hand, classic rice pudding (like the American or European versions) often uses plain sugar and nutmeg and has a more custard-like texture.

Question 2

Is arroz con leche junk food?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily! Arroz con leche is a comfort food, but it can be made in a healthier way. Traditional recipes do have sugar and dairy, but you can swap ingredients to make it lighter.
✔️ Use brown rice instead of white for more fiber.
✔️ Replace sweetened condensed milk with honey or agave.
✔️ Try plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut.
So, while it’s rich and creamy, it doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure!

Question 3

Do you need evaporated milk for arroz con leche?

Accepted Answer

No, but it helps! Evaporated milk gives arroz con leche its creamy, velvety texture without making it too heavy.
💡 Alternative options:
Use extra whole milk instead (though it won’t be as thick).
Try coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Mix half-and-half if you want an ultra-rich pudding.
If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can still make a great arroz con leche—it’ll just have a slightly different texture.

Question 4

How do you make traditional rice pudding?

Accepted Answer

Traditional rice pudding is similar to arroz con leche but often skips sweetened condensed milk. Here’s a simple recipe:
1️⃣ Cook 1 cup of rice in 2 cups of water until soft.
2️⃣ Add 2 cups of milk (whole, almond, or coconut).
3️⃣ Stir in ¼ cup of sugar (or honey) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Simmer on low, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
5️⃣ Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg and serve warm or cold.
If you love arroz con leche but want a simpler, less sweet version, this is it!

Question 5

How do you make homemade condensed milk?

Accepted Answer

Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in arroz con leche, but did you know you can make it at home? Here’s how:
🔹 Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
⅔ cup sugar
2 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
½ tsp vanilla extract
🔹 Instructions:
1️⃣ In a saucepan, simmer milk and sugar on low heat, stirring constantly.
2️⃣ Keep stirring for 30-40 minutes until it thickens and reduces by half.
3️⃣ Add butter for extra creaminess (optional).
4️⃣ Stir in vanilla, then let it cool before using.
And there you have it—homemade condensed milk, perfect for arroz con leche or any dessert!

Arroz Con Leche Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition