Creamy Pumpkin Arroz con Leche

This creamy Pumpkin Arroz con Leche is the perfect way to welcome autumn into your kitchen. It combines the classic comforting rice pudding with the warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor that make the season so special. Every spoonful is smooth, fragrant, and deeply satisfying, making it great for dessert, a cozy snack, or even breakfast.

I first tried this recipe at a fall gathering where it brought everyone together with its cozy sweetness and inviting aroma. Since then it has become a favorite whenever I want a little taste of autumn in a bowl.

Ingredients

• Water: the base for cooking rice vegetable broth is a good alternative for extra richness
• White Rice: shortgrain rice works best to achieve a creamy consistency so choose quality for best texture
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors so do not skip
• Sugar: adds sweetness to taste you can substitute honey if you prefer a natural option
• Condensed Milk: boosts sweetness and creaminess adjust sugar accordingly if you reduce this
• Milk: whole or lowfat milk adds important richness and smoothness to the pudding
• Evaporated Milk: contributes to the luscious texture replace with more regular milk if you dont have it
• Cinnamon Sticks: infuses a wonderful warm spice note ground cinnamon can work if youre short on time
• Cloves: bring aromatic depth fresh cloves are great but optional if unavailable
• Allspice Berries: enhance the autumn spice profile ground allspice is a fine substitute
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: packs a pumpkin flavor punch can use a blend of cinnamon nutmeg and ginger instead
• Canned Pumpkin: the star ingredient provides that creamy pumpkin flavor fresh puree is also fine to use
• Vanilla Extract: brightens and rounds out all the flavors pure vanilla gives the best result

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:

In a Dutch oven pour in water sugar cinnamon sticks cloves and allspice berries Gently stir everything and bring to a simmer over medium heat until fragrant and bubbles rise

Add Rice:

Once simmering add rinsed white rice and salt to the pot Stir to combine thoroughly to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution

Cook the Rice:

Turn heat to mediumlow and cover Let the rice cook about fifteen minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote creaminess

Stir in Creaminess:

When the rice is tender and most liquid absorbed carefully remove whole spices Fold in milk evaporated milk pumpkin puree vanilla extract pumpkin pie spice and condensed milk stirring until smooth and creamy

Simmer and Serve:

Heat gently over medium to warm through the pudding fully Serve warm with extra pumpkin pie spice sprinkled on top and a cinnamon stick for garnish Optionally add chopped nuts for crunch and contrast

I recall one autumn evening when my family gathered around with mugs of this pudding and stories flowing freely an absolute memory maker.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat gently on the stove or microwave adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen texture For longer storage freeze in a freezersafe container up to three months and thaw in fridge overnight

Ingredient substitutions

Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor although cooking time will increase Swap regular milk for almond or coconut milk for a dairyfree version keeping the creaminess intact Honey or agave syrup can replace sugar for natural sweetness adjustments Ground versions of cloves and allspice work fine if fresh spices are not on hand

Serving suggestions

Pair your Pumpkin Arroz con Leche with crispy cinnamon sugar tortillas to dip or alongside caramelized apples for complementary flavors A dollop of whipped cream or toasted nuts adds texture and rounds out the dish perfectly Serve with a warm chai or cinnamon tea for a full comforting experience

This recipe has become a seasonal staple in my kitchen and I love how the aromas fill the house and invite everyone to slow down and enjoy a sweet moment together. Whether you serve it as a dessert or a cozy morning treat Pumpkin Arroz con Leche will always bring that special warmth and comfort we all crave.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How do I select the perfect pumpkin for this dish?

Choose a firm pumpkin with a deep orange color for the freshest flavor. Canned pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices works excellently for consistent taste.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and stir before serving to restore creaminess.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding milk if needed for texture.

→ What if the consistency becomes too thick?

Simply stir in a small amount of milk while gently reheating to loosen the texture without compromising flavor.

→ Can I customize the sweetness level?

Absolutely. Adjust sugar and condensed milk amounts to suit your taste or based on the sweetness of your pumpkin.

→ Are there dairy-free options?

You can substitute regular milk with almond, coconut, or other plant-based milks for a creamy, vegan-friendly outcome.