Making Puerto Rican Arroz con Dulce
Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding with Holiday Spices
Arroz con dulce is one of Puerto Rico’s most cherished desserts—especially during the holiday season. Creamy, fragrant, and gently spiced, this coconut-based rice pudding is comfort in a bowl. Unlike other rice puddings, Puerto Rican arroz con dulce is made with coconut milk, warming spices, and a hint of ginger, giving it a flavor that’s unmistakably Boricua.
This dessert is slow-cooked with love and meant to be shared.
⏱️ Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
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Total Time: ~1 hour
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Servings: 6–8
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Difficulty: Medium
🛒 Ingredients
For the Rice
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1½ cups short-grain rice
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2 cups water
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1 teaspoon salt
Coconut Milk Mixture
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2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut milk
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1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
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¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Spices & Flavor
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2 cinnamon sticks
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3–4 whole cloves
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1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional but Traditional)
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Ground cinnamon
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Toasted coconut flakes
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).
2️⃣ Add Coconut & Spices
Stir in coconut milk, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger. Increase heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy.
3️⃣ Finish with Flavor
Once the pudding reaches a rich, creamy consistency, remove from heat. Discard the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger. Stir in vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Cool & Serve
Arroz con dulce will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with ground cinnamon or toasted coconut.
🌿 Tips for Perfect Arroz con Dulce
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Stir often to prevent sticking
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Use short-grain rice for the creamiest texture
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Adjust sugar near the end to taste
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For extra richness, add ¼ cup coconut cream
✨ Variations
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Dairy-Free: Skip evaporated milk and use more coconut milk
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Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or star anise
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Raisins: Stir in during the last 10 minutes for a classic touch
❤️ Why We Love Arroz con Dulce
Arroz con dulce is more than dessert—it’s tradition in a pot. Made during Christmas, shared with neighbors, and passed down through generations, this creamy coconut rice pudding is pure Puerto Rican comfort. Every spoonful carries warmth, nostalgia, and celebration.
Buen provecho y felices fiestas. 🇵🇷🥥🍚