By: Franchesca Livraghi | @breakthrukitchen

Arroz con leche is one of the most classic Latin desserts, and it may also be one of the easiest to make! It’s ready in less than an hour, can be enjoyed warm or chilled (yes, each way has its own unique flavor and texture), and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

It’s creamy, lightly spiced with cinnamon and cloves, and has just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, arroz con leche is always a comforting treat that everyone will love.

Use Loisa’s Organic Cinnamon for clean, high quality taste

Cinnamon is the star ingredient in arroz con leche, giving the rice its warm, comforting flavor. But not all cinnamon is created equal. Loisa’s Organic Cinnamon has been rated “Best to Use” by Consumer Reports, and for good reason. 

Many ground cinnamon brands on the market have been found to contain high levels of lead, which can be harmful over time. Quality matters, especially when it comes to ingredients we use regularly in our cooking.

Luckily, Loisa sources clean, high-quality spices that not only benefit your health but also elevate the flavor of your dishes. Their cinnamon has a natural sweetness and robust flavor that brings depth to every bite. Trust me, you can taste the difference.

In my arroz con leche, I love using a combination of ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks. The ground cinnamon blends smoothly into the rice, while the cinnamon sticks release their flavor slowly as they simmer, making the entire dish aromatic and rich.

Don’t skip the lemon peel

Adding a piece of lemon peel might seem small, but it’s a game-changer in my Dominican-style arroz con leche. It brings a subtle, bright citrus flavor that really enhances the sweetness and spices, creating a more balanced and aromatic dish. Just like in my avena and farina recipes, the lemon peel adds a fresh touch that takes the whole dessert to the next level.

As it simmers with the rice and milk, the peel infuses just the right amount of lemony goodness without overpowering the comforting cinnamon. It’s such a simple step, but it makes a big difference, bringing out all the flavors. Once you try it, you’ll never skip it again!

Raisins are optional but traditional

I know not everyone loves raisins, but to me, arroz con leche just isn’t the same without a few in every bite. They add a little pop of sweetness and texture that makes the dish even more comforting and traditional.

If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out. It will still be a delicious, creamy dessert!

Freshly grated nutmeg is the perfect finishing touch

There are a few toppings that really take my arroz con leche to the next level, and freshly grated nutmeg is at the top of that list. It adds a warm, spicy aroma that goes perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the rice pudding. If you don’t have fresh nutmeg, a sprinkle of ground nutmeg works just as well.

I also love adding fresh fruit on top, with cherries and strawberries being a couple of my favorites. Nuts like almonds or walnuts are great too, adding a nice crunch and extra texture to the dessert.

Serve warm or chilled

This might be the biggest debate in my family: should arroz con leche be served warm or chilled?

Fresh, warm arroz con leche is so comforting, especially on a cool day. The cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg make it feel extra cozy.

But there’s something about having it chilled. It’s creamy, refreshing, and the flavors seem to blend together even more as it sits. Both ways are delicious, it really just depends on what you’re craving!