Leftover rice arroz con leche was served often at home when I was a kid; mami used leftover arroz blanco to make this easy version of our favorite dessert. Try my video-recipe.
By - Reviewed: . Original: Oct 12, 2026
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Why we ❤️ it
Arroz con leche is one of our favorite desserts, and one always welcome at our table, but if you're looking for something quicker and easier, and you happen to have a bit of Arroz blanco left from another meal, this is the perfect recipe for you.
There's little to miss from the original in this dish.
Differences with arroz con leche
Unlike traditional rice pudding, this one is quicker to make because the rice is already cooked. Another trick I use is to add ground spices so the flavor absorbs more quickly; this gives it a slightly darker color than traditional rice pudding. I also used condensed milk to shorten the cooking time.
I didn't add raisins, but you can add them if you really like them.
It can be served warm or chilled, it's up to you.
Leftover rice arroz con leche rice pudding.
Serving suggestions
This is the perfect dessert to finish a Dominican lunch or dinner. Great with a little cafecito.
Top tips
- Adding raisins: If you prefer to add raisins, add a ¼ cup of raisins or sultanas when you mix the rice and spices.
- Salt: Unlike the original recipe, no salt is needed since arroz blanco already contains enough salt.
- Ground spices: You can use whole cinnamon sticks and cloves if you like, but the flavor will not be absorbed as well as in traditional Arroz con leche because it is not cooked as long.
- Milk: I find that using condensed milk shortens and simplifies preparation. If you want to use evaporated milk, add 3 cups plus sugar to taste instead of condensed milk. It will take longer
- Vegan: You can combine your favorite milk substitute with sugar to substitute for condensed milk to make a vegan version. These changes will alter its taste, but it will still make a lovely dessert.
About our recipe
Mami would make this dessert all the time, since we only need little more than a cup of leftover white rice to serve four.
It only take about half the time or less to make than traditional arroz con dulce, and I love it warm, so it can be ready to serve much faster too.
Did you make arroz con leche with leftover arroz con blanco at home too? Any tips you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments.
Video
Recipe
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Leftover Rice Arroz con Leche [Video+Recipe] Quick and Easy
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked white rice (arroz blanco per our recipe)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, (más extra para adornar)
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup condensed milk
Instructions
1. Combine the rice
In a medium saucepan or pot (1 gal [4 lt]), combine the rice, vanilla extract, clove powder, and cinnamon powder.Add 3 cups of water.
2. Simmer
- Simmer covered until the rice has your preferred consistency. Stir often to prevent it from scorching.⚠️ Add small amounts of water if needed.
3. Add milk
- Mix in the condensed milk little by little, until it is as sweet as you prefer.Simmer stirring until it the liquid has reduced to your preference.
4. Serve
- Serve in small bowls and sprinkle with some cinnamon powder.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutrition information.
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More rice leftover recipes
Rice is the staple of our cuisine, and we have many wonderful recipes with leftover arroz blanco in our blog.
The most popular one is Chofán, the Dominican-style fried rice, you can also use it to make my Arroz amarillo recipe, and Ensalada de arroz, my easy rice salad. And for something non-traditional, try my Stuffed rice balls.
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