Arroz con Dulce: Creamy Rice Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Puerto Rican dessert of creamy rice cooked in sweetened milk with cinnamon and raisins, served warm or chilled. This puerto rican-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers white rice, milk, water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup white rice, 2 cups milk, 1 cup water, and 1 broken cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until rice is tender and mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  3. Step 3: Remove cinnamon stick. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, cooking for 2 more minutes until sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup raisins and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for an aromatic finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Arroz con Dulce: Creamy Rice Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Arroz con Dulce: Creamy Rice Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Arroz con Dulce: Creamy Rice Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Arroz con Dulce: Creamy Rice Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Arroz con Dulce: Creamy Rice Pudding?

Puerto Rican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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