Tres Leches Rice Pudding is the coziest, dreamiest twist on a classic comfort dessert that I absolutely adore sharing with friends and family. This version takes everything you love about traditional rice pudding and infuses it with the luscious richness of three kinds of milk, making each bite velvety, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. The subtle warmth of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla bean paste, and a cloud of fresh whipped cream crown this luscious treat, turning an everyday rice pudding into a celebration-worthy finale.

Tres Leches Rice Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is truly the start of the magic! Each ingredient in this Tres Leches Rice Pudding plays a key role, building layers of flavor and achieving that trademark creamy, silky texture with just the right hint of warmth and sweetness.

Water: Acts as the liquid foundation for cooking the rice until perfectly tender without excess starchiness.
Medium-Grain Rice: Delivers just the right amount of creaminess and bite; avoid long-grain for this recipe for the best texture.
Salt: A pinch is all you need to brighten the flavors and keep the pudding from tasting flat.
Evaporated Milk: Adds a beautiful, deeply creamy texture without excess richness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The main source of sweetness, this makes the pudding luscious and indulgent.
Whole Milk: Brings balance and an additional layer of milky flavor for pure comfort.
Vanilla Bean Paste: Infuses the pudding with aromatic depth; extract works in a pinch, but the paste brings those flecks of vanilla.
Cinnamon: Offers gentle warmth and spice; use it in the pudding or as a dusting on top.
Heavy Cream: Essential for making homemade whipped cream that’s light-as-air and dreamy.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough so every topping dollop feels special.

How to Make Tres Leches Rice Pudding

Step 1: Rinse the Rice Thoroughly

This first step is non-negotiable. Rinse your rice 4-5 times, swirling it in the water each time until the runoff is nearly clear. This thorough rinse washes away surface starch, preventing your Tres Leches Rice Pudding from turning out sticky or clumpy. You’ll be grateful you took this extra minute when your pudding is perfectly silky.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In a large, deep saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer, covering the pot. Let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes, until it’s tender and the water is absorbed. If there’s still a bit of water left, simply drain it off—you want fluffy, not soggy, rice as your base.

Step 3: Add the Three Milks

Now comes the heart of Tres Leches Rice Pudding! Pour in the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Stir well and bring it all up to a gentle boil—keep a careful eye to avoid any milk splatters. Once bubbling, lower the heat and cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens beautifully, which takes about 18-20 minutes. Remember: it keeps thickening as it cools!

Step 4: Flavor It Up

Check the sweetness—if you want it a touch sweeter, add a bit more condensed milk or a sprinkle of sugar. Stir in the vanilla bean paste and cinnamon for that unmistakable, warming flavor that makes rice pudding absolutely unforgettable.

Step 5: Make Homemade Whipped Cream

For a touch of extra indulgence, whip together heavy cream and powdered sugar until you’ve got pillowy soft peaks. This fresh whipped cream elevates Tres Leches Rice Pudding from something everyday to something truly swoon-worthy. Of course, store-bought whipped cream works too in a pinch.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon the warm, creamy rice pudding into bowls for an ultra-comforting treat, or chill it in the fridge if you love that cool-and-silky contrast. Just before serving, crown each bowl with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a playful sprinkle of cinnamon. Moments like this are meant to be savored.

How to Serve Tres Leches Rice Pudding

Garnishes

Garnishing Tres Leches Rice Pudding is half the fun. A generous cloud of homemade whipped cream is classic, dusted with a shower of cinnamon for warmth. For extra flair, a few shavings of dark chocolate, a scattering of candied citrus peel, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add texture and bursts of flavor. Don’t forget a sprig of mint for a pop of fresh, green color!

Side Dishes

Because Tres Leches Rice Pudding is so lush and creamy, pair it with something light and bright. Slices of fresh mango or pineapple, a tart berry salad, or even a crisp almond biscotti all balance out the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling festive, a cinnamon-spiced espresso makes a delightful pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For your next dinner party, assemble Tres Leches Rice Pudding in elegant coupe glasses or mini mason jars for a charming, personal touch. Layer in thin slices of caramelized bananas or spoon over a swirl of dulce de leche for a playful spin. Bring it to your next potluck served family-style in a big, beautiful dish so everyone can scoop their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Tres Leches Rice Pudding cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen as it sits. When you’re ready for another bowl, just stir gently and it will be just as creamy as day one.

Freezing

Good news: Tres Leches Rice Pudding freezes surprisingly well! Store cooled pudding in a freezer-safe container, leaving a tiny bit of room for expansion. It’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge; the texture may be a bit thicker but a splash of milk will bring it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to keep things creamy. Add a touch of milk if it seems too thick from chilling. Always add your whipped cream garnish just before serving so it stays light and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for Tres Leches Rice Pudding?

Yes, you can swap in short-grain or even arborio rice, which will yield an extra creamy texture. Avoid using long-grain or instant rice, though, as they don’t deliver the same luxurious, pudding-like consistency this dessert is known for.

Is it better served warm or cold?

That’s entirely up to your mood! Tres Leches Rice Pudding is delicious served warm for comfort or chilled for a cool, custardy bite. Both ways are fabulous, so try both and discover your personal favorite.

What can I substitute for the three types of milk?

If you’re lactose-sensitive or missing an ingredient, you can swap in coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk for the whole milk, and use coconut cream for whipping. Just know the flavor will change, but it can be a fun twist all its own!

How do I prevent my rice pudding from turning gummy?

The secret is thoroughly rinsing the rice and stirring gently as it cooks. Avoid overcooking, and make sure there’s enough liquid as it thickens. The final texture should be silky and creamy, never gluey.

Is Tres Leches Rice Pudding gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check any garnishes or added toppings to ensure no hidden gluten sneaks in if you’re serving this to gluten-free guests.

Final Thoughts

If you adore a dessert that manages to feel both everyday and totally special, you owe it to yourself to try Tres Leches Rice Pudding. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, easy to make ahead, and always sure to impress. Whip it up soon—you might just create your new favorite sweet tradition!

Tres Leches Rice Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and decadent delight of Tres Leches Rice Pudding, a rich and comforting dessert that combines the classic flavors of traditional rice pudding with a luscious three-milk twist.

Instructions

Rinse the rice thoroughly: Rinse the rice 4-5 times until the water runs almost clear to remove excess surface starch.
Cook the rice: Boil water, rinsed rice, and salt. Simmer until tender, then drain any excess water.
Add the 3 milks to the rice: Stir in evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Cook until thick.
Taste and customize: Adjust sweetness and add cinnamon and vanilla bean paste if desired.
Make whipped cream: Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Serve: Spoon warm or chilled rice pudding into bowls, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Notes

This pudding can be served warm or chilled, according to preference.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy to the rice pudding mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Latin American