Creamy Vegan Arroz con Leche: A Plant-Based Treat (Print Version)

Enjoy rich, creamy vegan arroz con leche that tastes like home. This dairy-free recipe uses simple ingredients for a comforting, sweet dessert.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Latin American
Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (ensure rice is certified)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 cup Arborio rice, rinsed
02 - 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
03 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or soy milk)
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 2 cinnamon sticks
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 tsp lemon zest
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish & Toppings

09 - Ground cinnamon, for dusting
10 - Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
11 - Fresh berries (optional)

→ Optional Extras

12 - 1 star anise pod
13 - A few cloves

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your Arborio rice and give it a good rinse under cold water. I usually do this in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove some of the surface starch, which prevents it from getting gummy later on. Honestly, I used to skip this step, and the rice would just clump together. Not the end of the world, but rinsing really does make a difference for that perfect texture. It sets us up for truly creamy vegan arroz con leche.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine your full-fat coconut milk, almond milk, cinnamon sticks, and the pinch of salt. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Don't let it boil vigorously! Just a nice, lazy simmer. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible, a real warm, inviting aroma. I always take a deep breath here; it’s the best part of the process.
03 - Once your milk mixture is simmering, stir in the rinsed Arborio rice. Give it a good stir to make sure all the grains are submerged and not sticking. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Check it occasionally, giving it a stir every 5-7 minutes, just to prevent sticking. This slow cook is essential for the rice to absorb the milk and release its starches, starting that journey to creamy vegan arroz con leche heaven.
04 - After 20-25 minutes, the rice should be tender, and the mixture will have thickened considerably. Now’s the time to stir in your granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and that lovely lemon zest. Give it a good mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the sweetness. I always add a little, taste, then add more if needed. You want it sweet, but not overwhelmingly so.
05 - Remove the cinnamon sticks (oops, don’t forget these!). Continue to cook the creamy vegan arroz con leche uncovered on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. This is where the magic really happens, and it becomes truly thick and luxurious. The rice will swell, and the liquid will transform into a rich, creamy pudding. It might look a little messy and bubbly, but trust the process!
06 - Once it reaches your desired consistency (it thickens more as it cools, remember!), remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes on the counter before serving. You can serve it warm or chilled, honestly, both are fantastic! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or toasted coconut. The smell of the finished creamy vegan arroz con leche is just pure bliss, a true taste of home.

# Notes:

01 - Always use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning, especially with plant milks which can scorch easily.
02 - Stir, stir, stir! Seriously, frequent stirring is key to preventing the rice from sticking and ensuring even cooking.
03 - Don't rush the cooling process; it allows the rice to fully absorb the liquid and develop its creamy texture.
04 - Serving it slightly warm with a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon is my favorite way to enjoy this comforting dish.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Heavy-bottomed pot
02 - fine-mesh sieve
03 - measuring cups and spoons
04 - stirring spoon

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 5g

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