Guatemalan Sweet Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins

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

A creamy, comforting rice pudding flavored with warm cinnamon and studded with plump raisins, a traditional Guatemalan dessert. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers long grain white rice, whole milk, granulated sugar 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 280 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: 5 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large heavy saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 4 cups whole milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until rice is tender and mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup golden raisins, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring often, for 10 more minutes until creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let the pudding cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with 1 tsp ground cinnamon for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Guatemalan Sweet Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (5 min prep + 40 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 Guatemalan Sweet Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins?

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 Guatemalan Sweet Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins?

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 Guatemalan Sweet Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins 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 Guatemalan Sweet Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins?

Latin American 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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