Authentic Mexican Arroz con Leche Recipe (Rice

Name: Authentic Mexican Arroz con Leche Recipe (Rice Pudding)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Desserts
Ingredients: 200 g Long-grain white rice (or short-grain Arborio); 480 ml Water (for initial simmer); 2 sticks Mexican Canela cinnamon sticks; 1 peel strip Fresh lime or orange peel strip; 480 ml Whole milk; 1 can (354ml) Evaporated milk; 1 can (400g) Sweetened condensed milk; 5 ml + 3g Pure vanilla extract & ground cinnamon for dusting

Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step

Baking should be a joyful, reliable experience, and this Authentic Mexican Arroz con Leche Recipe (Rice Pudding) guarantees smiles at first bite. Combining long-grain white rice, mexican canela cinnamon sticks and lime or orange peel strip for a rich, balanced sweetness, it bakes into an irresistible treat that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for casual afternoons.

Ingredients

6 servings

1 cup Long-grain white rice (or short-grain Arborio)
2 cups Water (for initial simmer)
2 whole sticks Mexican Canela cinnamon sticks
1 strip Fresh lime or orange peel strip
2 cups Whole milk
1 can (12 oz) Evaporated milk
1 can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp ground cinnamon Pure vanilla extract & ground cinnamon for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a heavy pot, combine rice, water, cinnamon sticks, and lime peel. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and **simmer for 15 minutes** until water is absorbed.

Discard cinnamon sticks and lime peel. Pour in whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir well.

**Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 18 to 20 minutes**, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until thick and creamy.

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract. Ladle into bowls and dust generously with ground cinnamon.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Stir constantly during the final 10 minutes of simmering to prevent the rich condensed milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
The pudding will thicken significantly as it cools.

1. Spoon and Level Your Flour: Never scoop flour directly from the canister with your measuring cup, which packs excess volume by up to 25%. Fluff the flour with a fork, spoon it into the cup, and level the top with a knife. 2. Zest Before You Squeeze: The citrus peel contains natural aromatic essential oils that provide brighter flavor than juice alone. Microplane the colorful zest first, then roll and juice the fruit at room temperature. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Stir constantly during the final 10 minutes of simmering to prevent the rich condensed milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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Why Did My Authentic Mexican Arroz con Leche Recipe (Rice Pudding) Turn Out Drier Than Expected?: Dryness usually stems from slight over-measuring of flour or keeping the pan in the oven a few minutes too long. Check for doneness slightly early—a toothpick inserted into the center should emerge with a few moist crumbs rather than dry wood.
How to Prevent Uneven Browning?: Most domestic ovens have hot spots near the back corner. Rotate your baking sheet 180 degrees halfway through the timer to ensure uniform golden browning and rise.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store baked items in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 6 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in parchment paper and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar? A: Yes, substituting dark or light brown sugar adds extra moisture and subtle caramel undertones due to natural molasses content.

Q: Can I make this dessert gluten-free? A: A 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum (such as Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur) produces outstanding, nearly identical results.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 6)

290 Calories

48g Carbs 17% DV

7g Protein 14% DV

8g Fat 10% DV

1g Fiber 4% DV

120mg Sodium 5% DV

Carbs 67% Protein 10% Fat 23%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Desserts
Dietary Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Total Time 40 min
Yield 6 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate culinary explorer, recipe tester, and culinary director at YumAroma.

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Authentic Mexican Arroz con Leche Recipe (Rice Pudding)

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

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