There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of creamy arroz con leche. This Instant Pot version simplifies the process without sacrificing the classic flavors: tender rice simmered in milk, scented with cinnamon, and sweetened with condensed milk. It’s rich but not heavy, easy to make with pantry staples, and perfect served warm or chilled.
This is a recipe I return to again and again. Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, so there’s no constant stirring or babysitting—just a simple dump-and-cook method that yields reliably creamy rice pudding. Serve it warm for comfort food vibes or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing treat. Add raisins if you like, or keep it classic and simple.
What Is Arroz con Leche?
Arroz con leche is a traditional rice pudding popular across Spain and Latin America. At its core it’s rice cooked slowly in milk with sugar and cinnamon until it becomes a creamy, spoonable dessert. Regional versions vary, but the comforting combination of milk, cinnamon, and rice is the common thread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience. The Instant Pot cooks everything together so you don’t need to stir constantly.
- Customizable sweetness and texture. Add more or less condensed milk, stir in raisins, or adjust the final thickness with a splash of milk.
- Simple pantry ingredients. You likely already have everything: rice, milk, cinnamon, and condensed milk.
- Easy to scale. Double or triple the amounts for a crowd—no change in cooking time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
- Water – helps the rice cook evenly under pressure.
- Evaporated milk – adds creaminess and body.
- Whole milk or 2% – for a soft, rich texture; 2% works if preferred.
- Long grain white rice – holds its shape and yields a pleasant texture.
- Salt (a pinch) – balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon sticks – or ground cinnamon if needed.
- Sweetened condensed milk – gives the pudding its characteristic sweetness and silkiness.
- Raisins (optional) – a classic addition if you like a little chew and extra sweetness.
How to Make Instant Pot Arroz con Leche
Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
- Add ingredients: Combine water, evaporated milk, regular milk, rice, and a pinch of salt in the Instant Pot. Gently stir and place the cinnamon sticks on top.
- Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Use the Porridge function or Pressure Cook/Manual on High for 20 minutes.
- Release pressure: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Sweeten: Open the lid and stir in sweetened condensed milk gradually, adjusting to taste. If using, add raisins and stir to combine.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with ground cinnamon, and enjoy warm or chilled. The pudding will thicken as it cools.
Tips for the Best Rice Pudding
✔️ Let it rest: The pudding thickens as it cools, so give it 10–15 minutes before judging final texture.
✔️ Adjust sweetness: Start with less sweetened condensed milk and add more if needed.
✔️ If it’s too thick: Stir in a little milk to loosen it up.
✔️ Prefer firmer rice: Reduce the cook time by a minute or two on your next batch.
Variations
Once you have the base, try these simple variations to suit your taste or pantry:
- Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground clove along with the cinnamon.
- Milk swaps: Use almond, oat, or canned coconut milk for a dairy-free or coconut-forward version—keep total liquid the same.
- Extra richness: Temper and stir in an egg yolk or two after cooking for a silkier texture.
FAQ about Arroz Con Leche in the Instant Pot
Long grain white rice gives the best texture for this version. Medium or short grain will be softer and more porridge-like; avoid quick-cooking or parboiled rice.
Both are delicious. It’s wonderful warm out of the Instant Pot, and it firms up into a lovely chilled pudding in the fridge.
Yes, but you’ll need to cook it slowly on the stove and stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. The Instant Pot removes that hassle.
Freezing is not recommended—the texture changes significantly when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore a creamy consistency.
- Freezer: Not recommended; thawed texture will be grainy or separated.
Serving Ideas
Finish each bowl with a dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve warm as a comforting dessert, or enjoy cold for breakfast with coffee or tea. Raisins, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of caramel are nice optional toppings.
RECIPE
Instant Pot Arroz Con Leche
Equipment
- Instant Pot, 6 quarts or larger
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk or 2% milk
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 (12 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Add water, evaporated milk, whole milk, rice, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine and place the cinnamon sticks on top.
- Secure the lid and set the pressure release valve to sealing.
- Press the Porridge function or use Pressure Cook/Manual on High Pressure for 20 minutes.
- Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir in sweetened condensed milk a little at a time until the sweetness is to your liking. Stir in raisins if using.
- Serve warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Notes
- Rinse the rice: Rinsing removes excess starch and helps prevent a gummy texture.
- Don’t skip the natural release: It lets the rice finish cooking gently and avoids mushiness.
- Sweetness control: Start with less condensed milk; you can always add more.
- Adjust thickness: Let the pudding rest 10–15 minutes to thicken, or add a splash of milk if you prefer it thinner.
- No cinnamon sticks? Stir in ground cinnamon before cooking.