Yes, Arroz con Leche CAN be made dairy-free! This Vegan Arroz con Leche is both sweet and sticky, and made using white rice, cinnamon and your favorite dairy-free milk for an easy and delicious Mexican rice pudding recipe.Â
Every once in awhile, I listen to Miguel's request and make one of his childhood favorite recipes (like this Spanish rice, for example). This Arroz con Leche is another example, and it's not only husband-approved, but he said it reminds him of his childhood. He also said that, though many people consider this a dessert, you can really eat it any time of day -- win!
Why you'll love this recipe
- It's vegan + gluten free, and refined sugar-free
- You only need 5 total ingredients
- The texture and consistency are spot-on, but can also be easily customized to your liking
Ingredient notes:
Rice - Long grain white rice
Milk - ANY kind of dairy-free milk. Personally, I think oat milk or soy milk work best, simply because they're the most similar tasting to dairy milk (again, in my opinion). But, any milk should work!
Maple syrup - Would NOT recommend subbing honey, but could sub cane sugar if you prefer.
Cinnamon - You need cinnamon sticks, but additional ground cinnamon is optional. I like sprinkling a little on top.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Cook the rice with water. Add the rice, water and cinnamon sticks to a large pot or dutch oven, then bring it to a boil and boil the rice for 8-10 minutes or until it's absorbed the water.
Step 2: Add the milk. Remove the cinnamon sticks, then add the milk, syrup and vanilla and again, bring the rice to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer rice for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Sweeten as needed. Now, do a taste test and see if you want to add more maple syrup and/or a little ground cinnamon. At this point, you can also add a little more milk if you want the consistency to be more milky.
Tips and tricks
- As far as dairy-free milks go, I think oat milk or soy milk work best in this recipe. That's not to say almond or coconut won't work, I just think oat and soy are slightly sweeter, and arroz con leche is intended to be on the sweeter side.
- Don't forget to stir the rice every few minutes while it's simmering in the milk; this helps the rice cook more quickly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of your saucepan/dutch oven.
Substitutions include:
- Rice: Can use long grain brown rice, though the texture will be a bit different (not as sticky)
- Syrup: If you want to use actual sugar, you can. I'd start with 2 tablespoons of cane sugar, taste test, and then add more as needed.
How should I store this?
Store arroz con leche in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I don't recommend freezing it.
Related recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Vegan Arroz con Leche
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cups dairy free milk or more
- â…“ cup maple syrup or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Add rice, water and cinnamon sticks to a large saucepan or dutch oven and bring to a boil. Boil rice for 8-10 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the water.
- Then, remove the cinnamon sticks and add the milk, syrup and vanilla and stir, then bring mixture to to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste test and add more syrup and/or ground cinnamon if desired.
- Serve warm, or place in the refrigerator for a few hours then enjoy cold and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published in March 2015. It was updated with new text and photos in July 2020.
Maria says
I made it with coconut milk and added agave syrup instead of vanilla because I didn’t have any. So delicious!
Erin says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Mariah says
Can you reheat this to eat warm and make ahead of time?
Erin says
Yes! You may need to add a little more liquid before reheating, but yes that should work.
Karen says
Do you use a lid on your pot when cooking?
Erin says
Nope!
Mae says
Very delicious! Used oat milk and added more sweetener than in recipe (probably like 1/4 C extra) came out creamy and just like the real thing!
Erin says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
lorena says
Just finished making this. Used organic raw blue agave sweetener from Trader Joe’s and oat milk. Trying to cut back on sugars so I used less than 1/3 of the agave. Still tastes sweet and the cinnamon gives it such great taste.
Erin says
Thanks for these tips!
Pam Graver says
It came out delicious, thank you for the recipe. I’ve had to change my diet recently to dairy free . So I’m so happy to have found this recipe, I love rice dishes. I will be making this whenever I’m in need of dessert.
Erin says
I'm so happy you loved this dairy free version!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great way to enjoy a starchy dessert while still sticking to gluten free!
Linda says
Can this be made in a rice cooker?
Erin says
I'm not sure -- I haven't tested it this way. Let me know if you do!
MJ says
Erin, can you use these exact ingredients and measurements to make this recipe in an instant pot?
Erin says
Great question! I haven't tested it myself, but I don't think you'll need quite as much milk. I'd use 2 1/2 cups of milk instead of 3.
Teresa says
How long did you boil the rice for? I ended up having to add more milk & cook for nearly 40 minutes.
Erin says
hi! unfortunately that's about how long it takes to make this recipe, so I'd say you did everything correct.
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
I watched the Bachelor finale, but I sort of wish I was eating this at the same time, it would have made it so much better! I was happy he chose Whitney, but we will see what happens 🙂
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I was actually happy that he picked Whitney because she seemed like she genuinely liked him. The other girl clearly didn't. And I agree, the velvet dress was not cute. I'm not feeling the two bachelorette thing. Hopefully they nix one of the (ahem...Brit) early on.
But back to rice with milk. This almost looks too good for breakfast! I could easily eat it for dessert.
Erin says
It's a breakfast/dessert 😉 And YES I hope they nix the two as well.... such a terrible idea in my opinion.
Monique @ Burpees to Bubbly says
hahahaha I love this recap of the bachelor! Sadly, I did watch the whole season (with my bf, mind you), but it was the worst season I've ever watched! Chris is just boring (although cute) and Whitney did talk wayyyyy too much towards the end. I think he wanted to pick becca, but since she said she wasn't in love with him yet and wasn't sure if she'd move... and whitney was ready for it all, he picked her. Love it.
Erin says
I think you're exactly right. He's like "ehhh, I guess she'll do" hahha
Ang @ Nutty for Life says
Haha Erin. The finale was the most boring episode all season except that I really thought he was going to choose Becca when Whitney was without a doubt the right choice for him.
Anyway where do I buy sprouted brown rice...?
Erin says
I bought mine from Trader Joe's 🙂 You can also use regular brown rice, I just prefer sprouted.... heeeeeeh
Vanessa says
Will Jasmine rice work in this recipe? Will the the amount of rice be the same?
Erin says
It should work with the same amount!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
Yeah you didn't really miss much this season lol but at the end of the day, if you watched the whole season, I'm sure he and Whitney will live a happy life together on the farm. Were they soulmates? Questionable. But I think they make each other happy and both have aligning goals. Not the most optimistic and romantic thing I've ever said, but I think it's true....
You're making me want to throw a really cool, authentic Cinco de Mayo party -- I know that's a ways away but hey, this got me excited. Spring always makes me want nothing but Mexican food!
Erin says
I like your analysis. They'll be happy enough lol and that's all that matters. Ahhhh I'm going to have to come up with a whole menu for Cinco de Mayo, though I think I have some time... 😉
Julia says
I really need to get cable so that I can keep on all the reality TVs...I just love watching other people make silly love choices. That's pure entertainment right there.
ARROZZZZZZ CON LECHEEEEEE!!! I love your brain. One of my friends made arroz con leche all the time in high school and I've been meaning to make a dairy-free version. I'm so whipping out the arroz this weekend. Thanks for the healthy treat, dear! <3
Erin says
Reality TV is full of silly choices so obviously it's my favorite. I want to see your arroz version!! It's going to be nom.
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says
I watched the whole season and it was definitely more exciting than the finale was! I don't think I could live in Arlington, Iowa, either, but Chris would definitely tempt me!
Erin says
TRUTH #HOTTIE
Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner says
I have never eaten arroz con leche but it is full of things I like and I am a rice fiend so I'm sure I would love it 🙂 I think I have only watched the bachelor once in my life! I don't think its quite as big down under? Either that or I'm missing something haha
Erin says
If you're a rice fiend then you'll definitely love it! No worries I've only ever watched one full season.. I think it's a bit overrated.