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.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest to the saucepan. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Stir in the vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Remove the cinnamon stick from the mixture.

Step 8

Continue cooking and stirring for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice pudding cool slightly. It will thicken more as it cools.

Step 10

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

Serving size	(2123.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2483.3

Total Fat 66.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 252.1mg	0%
Sodium 1481.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 411.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g	0%
Total Sugars 363.7g
Protein 67.8g	0%

Vitamin D 461.2IU	0%
Calcium 2430.5mg	0%
Iron 1.6mg	0%
Potassium 3029.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.7%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 65.5%