The Story Behind This Dish
Arroz con Leche arrived in Peru during the Viceroyalty era with Spanish settlers, but it was in Lima's convent kitchens that Afro-Peruvian and Criollo cooks made it iconic by introducing citrus peel, dark pisco-plumped raisins, and unctuous condensed milk.
Today, on nearly every street corner from Lima's Plaza Mayor to the bohemian parks of Miraflores, dessert vendors sell the famous 'Combinado' or 'Clásico'—half a bowl of purple corn Mazamorra Morada nestled right next to ivory-white Arroz con Leche, representing the colorful harmony of Peru's colonial culinary history.
Amylopectin Gelatinization in Dual Milk Emulsion
1Starch Gel Network Formation
2Maillard Browning and Milk Caramelization
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Make-Ahead, Reheating & Freezing
Make-Ahead Prep
Best Reheating Method
Freezing Guidelines
What to Drink with This Dish
Step-by-Step in Photos: Mastering Traditional Peruvian Arroz con Leche (Spiced Sweet Rice Pudding)
Follow along with our kitchen test photos to master the exact sizzle, color development, and sauce reduction at home.
Infusing Rice with Spices
Adding Evaporated & Condensed Milk
Cooking Down with Raisins
Serving with Ceylon Cinnamon
Peruvian Ingredients in the US: Where to Buy & Easy Substitutes
Cooking authentic Peruvian food in the United States is easier than ever! Most signature ingredients are readily available at major supermarkets, Latin grocers, or online. Here is our tested guide for American home cooks:
Traditional Peruvian Arroz con Leche (Spiced Sweet Rice Pudding)
Recipe by The My Peruvian Kitchen Team
Ingredients(Check items off as you cook)
- 1 cupShort-grain white rice (Arborio or Calrose preferred)(Do not rinse; surface starch creates creaminess)
- 3 cupsCold water
- 2 sticksCinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon)
- 4 wholeWhole cloves
- 2 stripsFresh orange peel strips(White pith removed to prevent bitterness)
- 12 ozEvaporated milk (leche evaporada)(One standard can)
- 14 ozSweetened condensed milk (leche condensada)(One standard can)
- 1 tspPure vanilla extract
- NaN cupDark raisins(Soaked in warm water or 1 tbsp Pisco)
- 1 tspGround cinnamon(For dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Simmer Rice with Spices and Citrus
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unrinsed rice, water, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and orange peel. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat to gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook for 18-20 minutes until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.Chef's Pro Tip: Never stir the rice constantly while it boils in water; gentle simmering keeps the grains intact. - 2
Discard Spices and Pour in Milks
Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel. Pour in the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, stirring thoroughly with a wooden spoon over medium-low heat.Chef's Pro Tip: Adding the milks only after the rice grains are soft ensures the sugar does not prevent the rice from absorbing liquid. - 3
Simmer to a Velvety Custard Consistency
Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently along the bottom and sides to prevent scorching, until the mixture thickens into a glossy, velvety porridge. Stir in the soaked raisins and vanilla extract in the final 5 minutes.Chef's Pro Tip: Take the pot off the heat while it is still slightly looser than your desired final texture, as it will thicken significantly as it cools. - 4
Dust with Cinnamon and Serve
Ladle warm or chilled into dessert bowls or glasses. Dust the top generously with ground Ceylon cinnamon. Enjoy warm on cozy evenings or chilled from the fridge.Chef's Pro Tip: For the authentic Peruvian 'Combinado', serve half a cup of warm Arroz con Leche side-by-side with half a cup of Mazamorra Morada.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per recipe • Amount per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
© 2026 MyPeruvianKitchen.com. Tested and published for home cooks. All rights reserved.
Expert Answers for Traditional Peruvian Arroz con Leche (Spiced Sweet Rice Pudding)
The My Peruvian Kitchen Team
Our culinary team brings together passionate native Peruvian cooks, culinary educators, and food writers. Our mission at MyPeruvianKitchen.com is helping US home cooks master authentic, restaurant-quality Peruvian dishes with ingredients easily found in American grocery stores.
