Instant Pot Arroz con Leche

Arroz Con Leche

Arroz con leche means “rice with milk”. It’s a sweet, thick, creamy, and milky rice pudding. Many enjoy it as a comforting breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Many cultures from around the world have their tasty version of rice pudding. And many versions of arroz con leche originated from Spanish Arroz con Leche.

Nowadays, “arroz con leche” can refer to Spanish, Mexican, or Latin American rice pudding.

What is arroz con leche made of?

Arroz con leche is mostly made of rice, milk, spices, flavorings, and sweeteners.

There are many variations of arroz con leche from different cultures, and each adds its unique ingredients and twists.

Some common ingredients include cinnamon, raisins, star anise, vanilla extract, sweetened condensed milk, lemon peel, orange peel, various spices, dulce de leche, or sugar.

Different cultures also use different types of rice to make their arroz on leche. For example, Spanish arroz con leche is often made with Arroz Bomba (bomba rice).

How to Make Arroz con Leche in Instant Pot

The best part about making Arroz con Leche in Instant Pot means you don’t need to tend the pot and stir constantly to keep the rice pudding from sticking and burning.

Here are the simple ingredients you need to make Instant Pot Arroz con Leche:

Which type of rice is best for Arroz con Leche?

Most White Rice will work for making Arroz con Leche. You can make this Arroz con Leche Instant Pot recipe with Jasmine Rice, Basmati Rice, or Arborio Rice. These 3 types of rice are great choices.

*Note: We used Jasmine rice to develop this arroz con leche recipe.

Add Rice and Spices in Instant Pot

Optional Step: Rinse rice under cold water 2 to 3 times, then drain well.

First, add 1 cup (230g) Jasmine rice and 1 cup (250ml) cold water to the Instant Pot. Make sure all the rice is completely submerged in water.

Then, add 1 (3.5g) cinnamon stick, 1 star anise (optional), and lemon zest (optional) in Instant Pot.

Pressure Cook Rice

With Venting Knob in Venting Position. Close the lid. Then, turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position.

Pressure Cooking Method: Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 6 minutes, then Natural Release for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure by turning Venting Knob to Venting Position.

When the Floating Valve drops, open the lid carefully.

Make Instant Pot Arroz con Leche

Now, add 1 can (12oz or 354ml) evaporated milk to the Instant Pot. With a spatula, give it a few stirs to mix well.

Press “Cancel”, then press “Saute” button until the Instant Pot is in “Saute Normal” mode.

Add 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract, ¼ tsp (1.5g) table salt, and 1 can (10oz or 300ml) sweetened condensed milk in Instant Pot.

Thicken and Serve Arroz con Leche

Keep stirring until the rice pudding starts to simmer.

Stir and add raisins in Arroz con Leche.

Allow the rice pudding to simmer for another minute or two until the Arroz con Leche has reached your desired thickness.

Optional: Add and melt 1 tbsp (14.5g) unsalted butter in Arroz con Leche.

Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sweetened condensed milk if necessary.

Turn off the heat (press “Cancel”).

Finally, you can add more raisins and lemon zest, then sprinkle some cinnamon powder on the Arroz con Leche before serving.

How to Serve Arroz con Leche

The choice is yours! Depending on how you like your rice pudding, you can serve this arroz con leche hot or cold. You can enjoy it as a sweet creamy snack, a heartwarming dessert, or start your morning with this comforting breakfast. 

Toppings for Arroz con Leche

There are lots of toppings you can add to your arroz con leche. Here are some traditional and creative topping ideas:

• Raisins, golden raisins, currants, dried cranberries 
• Lemon zest
• Cinnamon powder, nutmeg
• Grated coconut
• Toasted pecans, toasted almonds
• Dulce de leche
• Granola

Enjoy Creamy Sweet Arroz con Leche!

Other Instant Pot Desserts

• Instant Pot Cheesecake #17
• Instant Pot Flan
• Instant Pot Dulce de Leche
• Instant Pot Creme Brulee
• Instant Pot HK Egg Custard