Tres Leches-Ish Rice Pudding Recipe

Gather the ingredients for tres leches-ish rice pudding

Rice pudding is a beloved dish in numerous cultures, and its core ingredients stay consistent. To prepare this treat, you'll require room-temperature water and long-grain white rice. For a tres leches-inspired twist, gather a cinnamon stick, a can of evaporated milk, a can of sweetened condensed milk, and a cup of whole milk. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon will finish off your rice pudding perfectly.

Step 1: Boil the water

Heat 2 cups of water in a pot on high until it reaches a boil.

Step 2: Add the rice

Incorporate the rice and cinnamon stick, then bring it back to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the rice

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Remove the cinnamon stick

Remove the cinnamon stick.

Step 5: Add the milks

Combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk.

Step 6: Cook for 20 minutes

Heat over medium-high until it reaches a boil. Then, lower the heat and stir continuously for 20 minutes until it thickens.

Step 7: Ladle into bowls

Spoon the pudding into serving bowls.

Step 8: Top with cinnamon

Dust the surface with ground cinnamon.

Step 9: Serve the rice pudding

Serve hot.

What makes tres leches pudding different from regular rice pudding?

Traditional rice puddings typically feature rice cooked in milk until it reaches a soft and tender consistency. What sets this rice pudding apart is the incorporation of three different types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. This unique blend is reflected in its name—tres leches, which translates to "three milks" in Spanish. The dish draws inspiration from the tres leches cake, a beloved dessert in South and Central America, where sponge cake is soaked in these three milks. This combination results in an exceptionally rich texture that defines tres leches rice pudding.

In contrast, standard rice pudding usually uses just one type of milk, leading to a thinner texture and a more subtle flavor. In this variation, evaporated milk contributes a creamy texture and deep flavor. The sweetened condensed milk enhances the sweetness, replacing traditional sugar, and provides a silky mouthfeel. Whole milk adds a fresh dairy taste that balances the overall sweetness. Together, these three milks blend seamlessly, transforming the rice into a decadent, spoonable pudding with intricate layers of flavor. The rice absorbs the tres leches mixture, becoming soft and almost soufflé-like. The end result is a rice pudding that is richer and more satisfying than the conventional version.

What are some serving suggestions for tres leches rice pudding?

While tres leches rice pudding is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways to enhance it before serving. The rich, creamy pudding offers a neutral, milky foundation that complements a wide range of flavors. A classic topping is a sprinkle of cinnamon, which accentuates the warm spices used in cooking the rice and adds a hint of warmth. For a more intricate spiced flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg. Another traditional option is to mix in some raisins.

For a more Latin-inspired twist, fresh tropical fruits make a popular topping, as their sweet and vibrant flavors balance the richness of the pudding. Diced mango, pineapple slices, or a spoonful of passion fruit are all excellent choices. Shredded coconut flakes can add a tropical touch and a delightful textural contrast.

For an extra special finish, crown the rice pudding with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. You might also draw inspiration from vanilla pudding and serve it alongside vanilla wafers, though crushed gingersnaps or graham crackers would pair wonderfully with the cinnamon notes in the pudding. Other crunchy toppings like granola or toasted nuts can provide a satisfying textural contrast. Feel free to get creative with various mix-ins to personalize your tres leches rice pudding, as nearly anything can beautifully elevate this simple yet comforting dessert.

Can I make this rice pudding vegan?

To create a vegan version of tres leches rice pudding, the essential step is to find plant-based alternatives for the three types of dairy milk. For evaporated milk, coconut milk is an excellent choice. Full-fat coconut milk mimics the thick, creamy texture of homemade evaporated milk perfectly. For sweetened condensed milk, you can prepare a homemade version by simmering coconut milk with sugar until it reaches a syrupy consistency. Adding vegan butter or coconut oil will enhance the richness even further.

For whole milk, options like soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk can provide a neutral, milky flavor. Opt for unsweetened varieties to prevent any clash with the sweetened condensed milk. Once you have your vegan substitutes for the three milks, the preparation remains the same—simply simmer the cooked rice with the plant-based milk mixture until it thickens and becomes creamy. The outcome will be a dairy-free, tres leches-inspired rice pudding that retains all the comforting qualities of the original. For added creaminess, consider blending in some silken tofu.

Should you rinse rice before making rice pudding?

Although many rice recipes recommend rinsing or soaking the grains before cooking, it's unnecessary for this rice pudding. In fact, doing so might negatively impact the desired outcome.

Rinsing rice removes excess starch, which prevents the grains from clumping together—ideal for dishes like pilaf or biryani that require fluffy rice. However, in a creamy rice pudding, the extra starch contributes to a richer, creamier texture. In this regard, it's similar to risotto: we want to embrace the starch rather than wash it away.