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Creamy Mexican Pudding

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

This Mexican comfort dish blends rice, milk, and cinnamon for a rich and smooth pudding. Just 6 items needed and super simple to make.
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Hannah Author
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:22:16 GMT
Creamy pudding in a bowl topped with crushed nuts and cinnamon. Pin it
Creamy pudding in a bowl topped with crushed nuts and cinnamon. | recipesbyhannah.com

Grandma's Arroz con Leche was her go-to treat for family gatherings. I love how the rice gently bubbles away with the cinnamon and milk, sending the most wonderful smell all through the house. It's funny how these basic ingredients can turn into something that feels like a warm hug.

Delightfully Simple

The beauty of this sweet treat is the way it turns everyday items into pure joy. I'm always ready to whip it up since I've got these basics on hand all the time. It works magic when eaten hot during winter nights or cold during sunny afternoons - everyone's always happy with a bowl.

What You'll Need

  • Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice, like basmati or jasmine, which gives you the nicest bite.
  • Salt: Just a tiny bit to make the sweetness pop.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: 2 sticks, pick either Cassia or Ceylon for that cozy, warm taste.
  • Sugar: 1/2 cup regular granulated sugar, or try dark brown sugar if you want a bit of caramel flavor.
  • Milk: 4 cups of whole milk for the creamiest result. You can go with 2% if you want something lighter.

Let's Make It Together

Time to Enjoy
Dish it up your way - steaming hot or nicely chilled.
Make It Perfect
Don't stop stirring until you've got that lovely thick texture.
Add the Good Stuff
Mix in your milk and sugar and watch the magic happen.
Start with the Rice
First, cook those grains with water, cinnamon and 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. Pin it
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. | recipesbyhannah.com

Mix It Up

I'll throw in some juicy raisins or switch to condensed milk when I want it extra rich. Every little change adds its own twist but keeps that homey feeling we all crave.

Make It Extra Special

A dash of cinnamon or some honey drizzled on top makes each serving different. My little ones enjoy adding their own toppings like nuts or coconut flakes to create their personal dessert masterpiece.

Keep It Fresh

This treat stays good in the fridge and works great for quick snacks during busy weeks. Just add a little splash of milk when warming it up to bring back all that creaminess.

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. Pin it
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. | recipesbyhannah.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is non-dairy milk ok?
It hasn’t been tested, but almond, soy, or oat milk might work. Stick with whole or 2% milk for best results.
→ How long can it stay fresh?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days, or freeze up to 3 months. The texture may change a bit when you rewarm it.
→ When should I toss in raisins?
Mix dried fruit or raisins in when you pour the milk so they soften as everything cooks.
→ What’s the best way to reheat it?
Warm it up on the stove or microwave with a little extra milk or water to loosen it up after thickening in the fridge.
→ Do I serve it chilled or warm?
Either works! Hot is perfect right after cooking, while cold is ideal after chilling for a couple of hours.

Conclusion

This Mexican comfort dish blends rice, milk, and cinnamon for a rich and smooth pudding. Just 6 items needed and super simple to make.

Mexican Rice Pudding

Rich and cinnamon-flavored Mexican pudding. Sweet, simple, and serve it warm or cold with extras if you'd like.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (4 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup white rice, long-grain.
02 2½ cups water.
03 Two sticks of cinnamon.
04 4 cups of milk.
05 A pinch of kosher salt.
06 1 cup white sugar.
07 Optional: Sprinkle with raisins when serving.
08 Optional: Use ground cinnamon for garnish.
09 Optional: Add some chopped nuts for crunch.

Instructions

Step 01

Throw rice, water, salt, and cinnamon sticks into a pot. Bring it to a boil, then let it cook covered on low heat for around 15 minutes.

Step 02

Pour in the milk and sugar, heat until it starts to bubble, then let it gently thicken for 25-30 minutes.

Step 03

Cool it in the fridge for two hours to serve chilled, or enjoy it warm. Add toppings if you'd like.

Notes

  1. 2% or whole milk works best.
  2. Toss in dried fruit when milk is added.
  3. Stays fresh in the fridge for 5-6 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot or a Dutch oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (dairy).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 242
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
  • Protein: 6 g