Colombian Rice Pudding Recipe: Creamy Arroz con Leche Classic 2026

Colombian arroz con leche is a homemade dessert with a delicious flavor and unmatched creaminess. Making it at home is very simple, and the result is surprising: a silky, sweet rice pudding scented with cinnamon and studded with raisins.

The key is to cook everything over low heat, stirring constantly so the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot. This also lets the rice release its starch, which is what gives the pudding its signature creamy texture.

It is important to respect the cooking times so the pudding does not become too thick, because it will thicken quite a bit as it cools. It is best to take it off the heat while it is still fluid.

Ingredients for Colombian Rice Pudding

For 4 servings

• 125 g short-grain rice (1/2 cup)
• 250 ml water (1 cup)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 250 ml whole milk (1 cup)
• 75 g condensed milk (1/4 cup)
• 125 ml heavy cream (1/2 cup)
• 20 g raisins (2 tablespoons)

How to Make Colombian Rice Pudding Step by Step

1. Cook the rice with water and cinnamon

Start by cooking 125 grams of short-grain rice with 250 ml of water and 1 cinnamon stick. First set it over high heat, and once it begins to boil, lower the heat and let it cook for 15 minutes until almost all the water is absorbed.

2. Add the milk and cook 5 minutes

Add 250 ml of whole milk and cook the rice with the milk for 5 more minutes over low heat, stirring constantly so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

3. Stir in the condensed milk and cream

Next, add 75 grams of condensed milk and 125 ml of heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes, without stopping stirring, to achieve a very creamy texture.

4. Remove from heat and add the raisins

Remove the pot from the heat, take out the cinnamon stick, add 20 grams of raisins and stir them into the mixture.

5. Serve the rice pudding

Divide the rice pudding among 4 bowls and serve it hot, or take it to the fridge for a couple of hours to chill and serve it cold, according to preference.

Tips for the Best Colombian Rice Pudding

Stir constantly over low heat

The most important thing is to prepare it over low heat, stirring constantly so the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot. This also allows the rice to release its starch and become very creamy.

Watch the cooking time

Respect the cooking times to avoid the pudding becoming too thick, since it will thicken quite a bit as it cools. It is better to remove it from the heat while it is still fluid.

Variations and serving ideas

Starting from this basic recipe, and depending on the family it is prepared in, you can add other ingredients to this delicious homemade dessert, such as crumbled fresh cheese on top, a little butter, or simply ground cinnamon. As for the raisins, you can stir them directly into the mixture, as we have done here, or soak them beforehand in some liquor. In the coastal region, versions that also add coconut milk are common, giving it a delicious tropical touch. You can serve it hot, freshly made, or cold after resting for a couple of hours in the fridge.

30 Favorite Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Maybe you're a lot like me and like having a stash of cozy comfort dishes, tried-and-true international favorites, and desserts that please a crowd.

On nights when I'm after something indulgent and rich, my picks tend to be this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever a fruity, comforting dessert is calling my name, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

For mornings that need to be easy and meals on the lighter side, these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe are a regular at my house, along with a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe or these vibrant Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And when my pantry needs a gluten-free basic, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I'm happy to whip up.

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And when guests are coming and drinks are part of the plan, I'll often serve dinner alongside this cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the spread, this zippy French Remoulade Sauce recipe works beautifully on the side, or I'll finish the table with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the greatest dishes are built on simplicity, dependable methods, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely keep coming back to—whether I'm putting together a fast meal just for me or making something memorable for friends and family.

When dessert is on my mind, the rich, silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to for those times I want something elegant without much fuss. The caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled on the well-known Central European chimney cake, is another sweet favorite. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

On days when I want something light and fresh, I'll usually make the timeless Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For comfort cooking with more heft, the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the fast weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe are ones I recommend often.

I'm also a big fan of passing along dishes from kitchens around the world, such as the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crunchy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the traditional Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another area I turn to often, since it cuts down on time without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be indulgent, cheesy, and deeply comforting without any gluten.

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