Mexican Sweet Rice Pudding Recipe: Cinnamon-Infused Creamy Tradition

This traditional Mexican rice pudding transforms simple ingredients into a creamy dessert that’s rich with cinnamon and vanilla. I’ve refined this method to achieve the perfect balance of texture and sweetness every time.

The secret lies in slow cooking the rice in whole milk until it absorbs the liquid, creating a velvety consistency. Cinnamon sticks infuse the mixture with warm, aromatic depth, while raisins add natural bursts of sweetness.

What emerges is a comforting pudding that’s both nostalgic and luxurious, with each spoonful delivering tender rice grains suspended in a spiced custard. It’s a dish that tastes like home, no matter where you are.

Serve it warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for the perfect finish.

Ingredients for Mexican Sweet Rice Pudding

Simple pantry ingredients create this rich, spiced dessert with a velvety texture everyone loves.

The milk is non-negotiable here. Whole milk from a trusted dairy gives that luxuriously creamy base—low-fat versions just won’t deliver the same texture. I grab mine from Whole Foods or local dairies when possible. The cinnamon sticks should be fresh and fragrant (check the expiration date). For the rice, any long-grain works, but I prefer jasmine for its subtle floral note that complements the spices beautifully.

No raisins on hand? Diced dried apricots or currants add a similar sweet chew. Short on whole milk? Half-and-half mixed with 2% milk gets you close. The condensed milk can be swapped for evaporated milk plus 2 extra tablespoons of sugar if needed. For a deeper vanilla flavor, split and scrape a real vanilla bean instead of using extract (worth the splurge for special occasions).

This pudding thickens as it cools, so it’s best served slightly warm. Keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days—reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers (thaw overnight in the fridge).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mexican Sweet Rice Pudding

This traditional method ensures a creamy, cinnamon-infused pudding with perfect texture every time.

Step 1: Rinse and Toast the Rice

Place the 1 cup long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents a gummy pudding. Shake the strainer gently to remove as much water as possible.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains turn slightly opaque and smell lightly toasted. This step enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy during cooking.

Step 2: Infuse the Milk with Cinnamon

Pour the 4 cups whole milk into the pot with the toasted rice. Add the 2 pieces cinnamon sticks and 0.25 tsp salt. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.

Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the milk beginning to thicken slightly and the cinnamon sticks releasing their aromatic essence into the liquid. Watch for small bubbles at the edges—this indicates a proper simmer.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Rice Cooking

Stir in the 0.75 cup granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Continue cooking the mixture over low heat for another 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. The rice should become tender and the mixture should thicken to the consistency of a thin porridge.

The pudding is ready for the next step when the rice grains are soft but still hold their shape, and the liquid has reduced by about one-third. If the mixture appears too thick at this stage, add a splash of water to loosen it slightly.

Step 4: Temper and Add Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 whole large eggs, 0.5 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon until smooth. Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot rice mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the rice. Stir well to combine. Add the 0.5 cup raisins at this stage if using. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and discard the cinnamon sticks. Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to serving bowls or a large dish. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.

For best results, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly creamy. Serve chilled or at room temperature, dusted with additional ground cinnamon if desired.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

Energy Boost

This dessert provides a steady release of energy thanks to the complex carbohydrates in rice, making it a satisfying treat that won’t spike your blood sugar. The combination of rice and milk creates a balanced protein-carb ratio for sustained fuel. 💪

Calcium Rich

The 4 cups whole milk in this recipe delivers about 30% of your daily calcium needs per serving. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and it also supports muscle and nerve function.

Antioxidant Spices

Cinnamon isn’t just for flavor—it’s packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation. The 2 cinnamon sticks and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in this dish provide a natural anti-inflammatory boost.

Protein Source

With 2 whole eggs and 4 cups whole milk, this pudding offers a surprising 10-12 grams of protein per serving. The eggs also provide all nine essential amino acids, making this a more complete protein source. 🥚

Natural Sweetness

The 0.5 cup raisins add fiber and natural sugars, providing a healthier alternative to refined sweeteners. They also contribute small amounts of iron and potassium, which support blood health and muscle function.

Comfort with Benefits

While indulgent, this dish offers more than just comfort. The vanilla extract contains small amounts of B vitamins, and the unsalted butter provides vitamin A for immune support. It’s a treat that loves you back.

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