Rice Pudding Cuban Style Arroz Con Leche
Creamy, comforting, and bursting with tropical flavor, Cuban-Style Arroz con Leche is a luscious twist on classic rice pudding. This traditional dessert combines tender white rice simmered to perfection in a silky blend of whole milk and sweetened condensed milk, infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon and the zesty brightness of lemon zest. A hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon tie all the flavors together, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful. Perfectly sweetened yet balanced, this creamy treat can be served warm for instant coziness or chilled as a refreshing indulgence. Ideal for family gatherings or as an elegant finish to a Cuban-inspired meal, Arroz con Leche transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until almost all the water is absorbed.
Add the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Simmer the pudding for 30-35 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the rice becomes tender. Add a splash of milk if the pudding thickens too quickly and the rice is not yet fully cooked.
Stir in the vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Remove the cinnamon stick from the mixture.
Continue cooking and stirring for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice pudding cool slightly. It will thicken more as it cools.
Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. Optional: add a small twist of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2483 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.3 g | 85% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.1 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 252 mg | 84% | |
| Sodium | 1482 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 411.6 g | 150% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 363.7 g | ||
| Protein | 67.8 g | 136% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.5 mcg | 58% | |
| Calcium | 2430 mg | 187% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 3030 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
