Express Rice Pudding: A Quick and Comforting Take on a Classic Mexican Dessert

Web Editor

May 30, 2025

a bowl of yogurt with cinnamon sticks on a cutting board next to a napkin and a napkin, Betty Merken

A Timeless Dessert with Modern Adaptation

Some desserts require no introduction, and rice pudding is one of them. Present on tables from childhood to adulthood, it graces snacks, patronal festivals, and family dessert courses. Its gentle sweetness, thick texture, and cinnamon aroma evoke home, care, and tradition.

Unlike the traditional recipe, which can take up to 45 minutes of slow cooking, this express version adapts to modern life without compromising flavor. In just three simple steps, using pre-cooked rice (even leftover from the previous day), you can prepare a comforting and nourishing dessert.

A Complete Dessert That Also Nourishes

Beyond a sweet craving, rice pudding offers functional components:

  • Rice provides quick energy and is easy to digest, making it ideal for children, the elderly, or anyone needing a gentle food.
  • Milk (cow or plant-based) adds calcium, protein, and creaminess.
  • Cinnamon has digestive properties and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Using piloncillo or honey instead of refined sugar elevates its nutritional value without sacrificing sweetness.
  • The recipe can be adapted for those with lactose intolerance, sugar control, or vegetarian diets.

Variations for Every Palate

Customize the dessert to suit various tastes:

  • Vegan version: Use coconut or almond milk and sweeten with agave syrup.
  • For diabetics: Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia.
  • “Ranch-style” version: Add a touch of orange peel and cloves during cooking for a more spiced flavor.