Creamy Mexican Pudding

Category: Treats That Make Everything Better

This creamy Mexican treat uses rice, milk, and cinnamon. It's quick to make with only 6 ingredients and tastes amazing.
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:19:48 GMT
A bowl of warm rice pudding with a cinnamon sprinkle and chopped nuts on top. Save
A bowl of warm rice pudding with a cinnamon sprinkle and chopped nuts on top. | lilicooks.com

This Arroz con Leche comes straight from my grandma's kitchen - she'd whip it up whenever we had something to celebrate. There's nothing like watching rice bubble away with cinnamon and milk, filling every corner of the house with its cozy scent and bringing back fond memories. It's crazy how these few simple things can turn into something that feels like a warm hug.

Basic But Beautiful

The magic of this sweet treat is how it turns everyday pantry items into pure bliss. I love that I don't need to run to the store since I've always got these basics on hand. It's perfect either hot when it's chilly outside or cold during those summer days - it always gets everyone smiling.

Your Ingredients

  • Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine will give you the nicest consistency.
  • Milk: 4 cups of whole milk creates that rich base. You can try 2% if you want something lighter.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: 2 sticks (Cassia or Ceylon) to add that warm, homey flavor.
  • Salt: Just a tiny pinch to make the sweetness pop.
  • Sugar: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, though dark brown sugar works too if you want a caramel-like taste.

Let's Cook Together

Time to Enjoy
Dish it up your way - all warm and snuggly or cool and refreshing.
Make It Perfect
Don't stop stirring until you've got that dreamy pudding texture.
Add the Good Stuff
Mix in your milk and sugar and watch the magic happen.
Start with the Rice
Get those grains going with water, cinnamon and just a tiny bit of salt.
A bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon, alongside a small dish of additional nuts and cinnamon sticks. Save
A bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon, alongside a small dish of additional nuts and cinnamon sticks. | lilicooks.com

Change It Up

I'll throw in juicy raisins sometimes or use condensed milk for extra decadence. Every little change brings its own special something while keeping that comforting vibe we all crave.

Fancy Finishing Touches

A dash of cinnamon or some honey drizzled on top makes each serving unique. My little ones love to add chopped nuts or coconut flakes, turning it into their own custom dessert.

Storage Tips

This pudding stays good in the fridge and makes for quick snacks all week long. When you warm it up again, just add a little milk to bring back that smooth, creamy goodness.

A wooden spoon is stirring creamy rice pudding in a black pot, with vanilla bean pods visible on top, placed on a wooden coaster against a light marble background. Save
A wooden spoon is stirring creamy rice pudding in a black pot, with vanilla bean pods visible on top, placed on a wooden coaster against a light marble background. | lilicooks.com

Final Thoughts

This creamy Mexican treat uses rice, milk, and cinnamon. It's quick to make with only 6 ingredients and tastes amazing.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I try dairy-free milk?
Haven't tested it, but things like almond, soy, or oat milk might work fine. Whole or 2% milk is your best bet for original texture.
→ How should I store it?
Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. Freeze for 3 months, but reheating might change the texture.
→ When do I toss in raisins?
Add them when putting in the milk. This gives them plenty of time to soften as it cooks.
→ How can leftovers be warmed up?
Microwave or heat on the stove, throwing in a splash of milk or water if it's thickened too much.
→ Should it be warm or chilled?
Go either way! Warm it up fresh or let it chill for a classic cold version.

Mexican Rice Pudding

A warm and creamy dessert with hints of cinnamon. Enjoy chilled or fresh off the stove with optional toppings like nuts or fruit.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
50 min
Overall Time
55 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Output: 8 Serves (4 cups)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 A cup of uncooked white rice (long-grain).
02 Two and a half cups of water.
03 A pair of cinnamon sticks.
04 A pinch (¼ teaspoon) of kosher salt.
05 Four cups of milk.
06 A cup of regular sugar.
07 Sprinkle ground cinnamon to taste (optional).
08 Optional chopped nuts for garnish.
09 Optional raisins as a topping.

Steps

Step 01

Mix rice, cinnamon sticks, water, and salt together. Bring it to a boil first, then lower the heat to simmer with a lid on for 15 minutes.

Step 02

Pour in the milk and sugar, heat it up until boiling, then let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes until it thickens.

Step 03

Serve it warm or chill it in the fridge for two hours to enjoy cold. Add the toppings if you want.

Tips

  1. You can use 2% milk or whole milk.
  2. Toss in some dried fruits when adding the milk.
  3. Store it in the fridge, and it’ll last 5-6 days.

Required Tools

  • A Dutch oven or a large cooking pot.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (milk).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 242
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 6 g