Arroz Con Leche with Raisin

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A classic Mexican dessert made with tender rice slowly cooked in sweet cinnamon milk, finished with plump raisins and warm spices. Creamy, comforting, and filled with nostalgic homemade flavor — the perfect dessert for family gatherings and holidays! ❤️

Full Recipe (Ingredients + Instructions)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 strip of orange peel (optional)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Optional Additions:

  • ¼ cup shredded coconut
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Extra raisins soaked in warm rum (adult version)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

  1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clearer.
  2. Add rice, water, cinnamon stick, orange peel, and salt to a large pot.
  3. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and water is mostly absorbed.

2. Make the Creamy Milk Mixture

  1. Remove cinnamon stick and orange peel.
  2. Add whole milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and sugar.
  3. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook uncovered for 25–35 minutes, stirring often, until creamy.

3. Add Raisins & Finish

  1. Add raisins during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they become soft and plump.
  2. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Adjust sweetness if needed.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Serve warm or chilled with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Extra Recipe Tips & Variations

🍇 Extra Raisin Flavor
Soak raisins in warm milk for 10 minutes before adding for softer, sweeter raisins.

🥥 Coconut Arroz Con Leche
Add:

  • Coconut milk
  • Shredded coconut
  • Toasted coconut topping

🍫 Chocolate Version
Add:

  • Cocoa powder
  • Chocolate chips
  • Mexican chocolate

🍎 Apple Cinnamon Version
Add:

  • Diced cooked apples
  • Extra cinnamon
  • A little brown sugar

🥛 Extra Creamy Version
Replace some milk with heavy cream for a richer dessert.

Flavor Upgrades / Secret Tips

🔥 Use a Cinnamon Stick
Ground cinnamon alone cannot create the same deep, traditional flavor.

🍊 Add Orange Peel
A small piece of orange peel gives a beautiful Mexican bakery-style aroma.

🥛 Low and Slow Cooking
The creamy texture comes from slowly allowing the rice to absorb the sweet milk.

🍚 Don’t Overcook the Rice Before Adding Milk
You want the rice tender but still able to absorb the creamy mixture.

🍇 Add Raisins Near the End
This keeps them plump instead of becoming too soft.

Serving Ideas

Serve Arroz Con Leche:

✨ Warm in small bowls
❄️ Chilled like a pudding
🍪 With Mexican cookies
☕ Alongside coffee or hot chocolate
🎄 As a holiday dessert

Toppings:

  • Extra cinnamon
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh fruit
  • Toasted nuts
  • Caramel drizzle

Perfect for:

  • Christmas
  • Día de los Muertos
  • Family celebrations
  • Sunday dinners

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator:

Store covered for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

Warm gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.

Freezing:

Can be frozen up to 2 months, but the texture may become slightly softer after thawing.

Make Ahead:

Arroz con Leche tastes even better the next day because the cinnamon and milk flavors continue developing.

Calories + Nutrition Estimate

(1 serving – about 8 servings)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 32g

(Nutrition varies depending on milk and sugar amounts.)

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What does Arroz Con Leche mean?

It means “rice with milk” in Spanish. It is a beloved Mexican dessert similar to rice pudding.

Should Arroz Con Leche be served hot or cold?

Both! Many people enjoy it warm, while others prefer it chilled.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but the cooking time and texture will be different.

Why is my rice pudding too thick?

Rice continues absorbing liquid as it cools. Add warm milk to loosen it.

Can I make it without raisins?

Absolutely! Raisins are traditional, but optional.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is common, but medium-grain rice creates an even creamier texture.

Social Media Captions (Facebook / Instagram)

Version 1 🍚❤️

There is nothing like a bowl of homemade Arroz Con Leche! 🥛✨

Creamy cinnamon rice pudding, sweet milk, and soft raisins come together in a dessert that tastes like home and brings back memories of family kitchens.

👇 Full recipe in the comments!

Version 2 🇲🇽

A classic Mexican dessert that never goes out of style ❤️

This Arroz Con Leche is creamy, comforting, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor, sweet raisins, and homemade love.

The kind of recipe that reminds you of family, traditions, and special moments around the table. 🍚

👇 Full recipe below!

Version 3 (Family Memory Style)

Some recipes carry memories in every bite… ❤️

The smell of cinnamon simmering, the sweetness of milk, and a warm bowl of Arroz Con Leche shared with family — that’s what makes traditional recipes so special.

A simple dessert with generations of love behind it. 🍚🥛

👇 You can find the full recipe in the comments!

Final Food Description for Post

🍚🥛 Arroz Con Leche With Raisins is a timeless Mexican dessert made with creamy cinnamon-infused rice, sweet milk, vanilla, and tender raisins.

Every spoonful is rich, comforting, and full of traditional flavor. Whether served warm during a family gathering or chilled as a sweet treat, this homemade dessert brings the taste of Mexican kitchens and cherished memories to the table. ❤️