Creamy Vegan Arroz con Leche: Velvety Sweet (Print Version)

Creamy Vegan Arroz con Leche Recipe is a delightful, dairy-free dessert that brings back sweet memories. Rich, spiced, and comforting a plant-based treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Latin American
Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup Arborio rice, rinsed
02 - 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
03 - 1 ½ cups unsweetened plant milk (almond or oat)
04 - ½ cup granulated sugar (or to taste)

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 2 cinnamon sticks
06 - 1 strip lemon peel (no pith)
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Garnish & Finishing Touches

08 - Ground cinnamon, for dusting

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, give that Arborio rice a good rinse under cold water. I'm talking until the water runs mostly clear. This helps get rid of excess starch, but don't overdo it; we still want some of that starchy goodness for a truly creamy vegan arroz con leche recipe. I’ve skipped this step before, thinking I was clever, and ended up with a slightly gummier, less distinct texture. Not ideal, trust me on this one!
02 - Now, in a medium saucepan, combine your full-fat coconut milk, unsweetened plant milk, granulated sugar, the lovely cinnamon sticks, and that bright lemon peel. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves completely. You'll start to smell those incredible aromas filling your kitchen, and honestly, that’s half the joy of making this creamy vegan arroz con leche recipe. Just don't let it boil vigorously, a happy little bubble is perfect.
03 - Okay, time to add your rinsed rice to the simmering liquid. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is submerged and cozy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. This is where patience comes in, my friend! I used to peek constantly, which just lets all the precious steam out. Resist the urge! The rice needs that gentle, slow cook to absorb the liquids and become wonderfully tender for our creamy vegan arroz con leche recipe.
04 - After the 20-25 minutes are up, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully take out the cinnamon sticks and lemon peel – they've done their job infusing all that goodness. Now, stir in the vanilla extract. Here’s the fun part: give it a really good stir, gently but consistently, for a few minutes. You’ll feel the texture change, becoming thicker and, yes, creamier! If it seems a little too thick for your liking, a splash more plant milk will sort it out. I sometimes add a touch more vanilla here, just because I adore it.
05 - Transfer your glorious creamy vegan arroz con leche recipe to individual serving bowls or a larger dish. As it cools, it will continue to thicken even more, so don't worry if it seems a touch loose right off the stove. I usually let it sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes, just to cool down a bit before popping it into the fridge. This also gives all those wonderful flavors a chance to meld even deeper and become truly harmonious.
06 - Once cooled, cover your arroz con leche and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s perfectly cold and set. Honestly, it tastes so much better chilled, like a refreshing, comforting treat! Before serving, give each portion a generous dusting of ground cinnamon. Sometimes I add a little sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a tiny bit of orange zest if I’m feeling fancy. It’s the perfect finishing touch for a delightful creamy vegan arroz con leche recipe.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the rice; low and slow heat is key for that perfect creamy texture.
02 - This Arroz con Leche thickens beautifully in the fridge; add a splash of plant milk if reheating.
03 - Oat milk makes this dish extra decadent if you want to swap out almond milk.
04 - A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or orange zest elevates the presentation beautifully.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Medium saucepan
02 - whisk
03 - serving bowls

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 4g

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