Creamy Dominican Arroz con Dulce (Rice Pudding)
This creamy Dominican arroz con dulce is rich, comforting, and gently spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Easy to make and deeply nostalgic, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like home from the very first spoonful.
What’s The Difference Between Arroz Con Dulce And Rice Pudding?
Arroz con dulce is made with coconut milk and warm spices, giving it a rich, tropical flavor. Rice pudding is usually made with regular milk and has a milder, creamier taste. Same idea, very different vibes.
Ingredients for Dominican Arroz con Dulce
For the Base: Long-grain rice simmered with water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a pinch of salt for warmth and aroma.
For the Sweet Cream: Combine sugar, evaporated milk, and butter for richness, and add nutmeg and vanilla for depth. Check out this list for a few ideas!
Optional: Raisins for a sweet, chewy touch.
How To Make Arroz Con Dulce
- First, combine the uncooked rice, 3 cups of water, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a big bowl and set it aside.
- Next, pour the soaked rice into a large pot, stir in the salt and water. Bring it to a boil, lower the heat, and let it simmer, stirring often so the rice doesn’t stick.
- Once the rice is tender, add the sugar and evaporated milk, and let it cook over medium heat.
- Stir in the raisins, lower the heat, and cook until the mixture is creamy and thick, like a good pudding. When it’s ready, take out the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Finally, stir in the butter and nutmeg, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Variations of Arroz con Dulce
- Coconut: Replace half the milk with coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
- Citrus: Add orange or lime zest for brightness.
- Tropical: Top with diced mango or pineapple for a fresh finish.
Keesha’s Tips & Tricks
- Soak the Rice: I like to let the rice soak in the spiced water for about an hour. It really lets those warm cinnamon and clove flavors settle in.
- Low & Slow: Keep the heat gentle to avoid burning the milk.
- Stir it: While it cooks, make sure to stir often. It’s a small thing, but it keeps the rice from sticking and gives you that dreamy, creamy texture everyone loves.
How to Store Arroz Con Dulce
Arroz Con Dulce should be kept in the fridge once it’s cooled. It will stay fresh for up to three days, so you can enjoy the leftovers later, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day!
FAQs about Arroz Con Dulce
💛 Arroz Con Dulce is a sweet, creamy treat that brings back childhood memories with every bite. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for adding to your dessert table this festive season.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
If you enjoy desserts like this, try my Dominican Bread Pudding, Venezuelan Quesillo, or Puerto Rican Flan. Each one makes a beautiful addition to your dessert table, especially during the festive season.
Arroz Con Dulce – Authentic Dominican Spiced Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice
- 5 cups Water, divided
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 8 cloves of spices
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 cups Evaporated milk
- ¾- 1 cup Sugar
- ¼ cup Raisins
- 1 ½ Tbsp Butter
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Fresh granted nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- To start, combine the uncooked rice, 3 cups of water, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a large mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients well.
- Then, set them aside and leave the rice to soak for at least 1 hour.
- Next, transfer the soaked rice mixture to a large pot. Add the remaining water along with the salt. Stir the ingredients well to ensure their flavors blend.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow to simmer over medium heat. Stir often to ensure the rice doesn't stick to the pot or each other.
- Leave the rice to cook until it becomes tender. This will take roughly 15-20 minutes.
- Next, add the sugar and stir it well.
- Then, stir in the evaporated milk. Keep the rice cooking over medium heat.
- Then, stir in the raisins. Lower the heat and leave the pudding to cook until it becomes creamy and thick. It should have a decadent pudding-like texture.
- When you are happy with the consistency of your Arroz Con Dulce, remove the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks.
- Stir in the butter and nutmeg. Cover the pot with plastic wrap and leave the pudding to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once it has cooled, stir it to incorporate the crusty part that has formed on the surface. It will add a nice texture to the pudding.
- Serve it with some extra nutmeg garnish.
