Portuguese Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce)

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This Portuguese rice pudding is a simple and comforting dessert made with everyday ingredients like milk, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon — no eggs needed! It’s easy to prepare and delivers a rich, smooth texture with a deliciously aromatic flavor.

If you're looking for a comforting dessert, you've come to the right place. This easy rice pudding recipe it's pure comfort in a bowl: rich, creamy, and one of the most beloved desserts around here. It’s definitely worth every spoonful! You can also find this rice pudding recipe in this collection of 15 Portuguese Desserts.

It’s an old-fashioned dessert that’s easy to make and ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to holidays. If you enjoy simple and creamy desserts that don’t require baking, you’ll love these easy desserts: Crispy French toast made in the air fryer, a rich Chocolate Mousse with just 4 ingredients, quick Portuguese sawdust pudding (Serradura recipe) ready in 10 minutes, or a classic Tiramisu.

What Is Rice Pudding?

Rice pudding is a classic dessert made by slowly cooking rice with milk and sugar until it becomes soft, creamy, and comforting. It’s enjoyed all over the world, with many variations depending on the region.

This version is inspired by traditional Portuguese rice pudding (arroz doce), but made without eggs. Flavored with a hint of lemon and finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s a simple and delicious dessert that’s very easy to prepare.

Creamy rice pudding in a glass bowl

Ingredients For Portuguese Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce)

Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this easy recipe:

Rice - To make the perfect rice pudding we use medium-grain rice. Medium-grain rice makes the rice pudding creamier and absorbs the flavors much more.
Water - For cooking the rice.
Milk - Adds flavor and a creamy texture to the rice.
Granulated sugar - Sweetens it up.
Lemon peel - Adds a very nice fresh flavor.
Cinnamon powder and cinnamon stick - Ingredients that add flavor.
Salt - Highlights all the other flavors.

Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this old fashioned rice pudding recipe.

How to Make Portuguese Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce)

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, pour the water, lemon peel, one cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil on a high heat.

Step 2: When starts boiling, remove the cinnamon stick. Reduce to low heat and add the rice.
Stir and cook the rice for 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, pour the milk and the remaining cinnamon stick. Boil on a medium-high heat. When starts boiling, turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick.

Step 4: When the rice is cooked, pour the milk into the rice pan. Stir and boil on a medium-low heat until obtain a creamy mixture (about 20 to 25 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Remove the lemon peel and add the sugar. Stir and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Turn off the heat, pour the rice in a large bowl or in individual bowls and garnish with cinnamon powder.

Step 7: Allow to cool to room temperature and serve.

Tips for Making Perfect Rice Pudding

• Use medium-grain rice: Medium-grain rice works especially well because it releases enough starch to create a naturally creamy texture while absorbing the flavors of the milk, lemon, and cinnamon.

• Cook it slowly: Cook over low heat once the rice is added. Slow cooking allows the rice to become tender without scorching the bottom of the pan.

• Stir regularly: Rice pudding can easily stick to the bottom of the saucepan. Stir occasionally, especially toward the end of cooking, when the mixture becomes thicker.

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less-sweet rice pudding, slightly reduce the amount of sugar.

• Don't worry if it looks slightly loose: Rice pudding continues to thicken as it cools. Avoid cooking it until it becomes extremely thick in the saucepan.

• Serve with cinnamon: A generous sprinkle of cinnamon powder adds the classic flavor associated with Portuguese arroz doce.

• Cook covered over low heat: Keeping the pan covered while the rice cooks helps prevent excessive evaporation and reduces the risk of the rice sticking or burning.

Variations

• Rice Pudding with Condensed Milk: For a richer and sweeter version, replace the sugar with sweetened condensed milk.

• Creamy Rice Pudding with Eggs: For a more traditional custard-like texture, add egg yolks toward the end of cooking.

• Orange Rice Pudding: Replace the lemon peel with orange peel for a sweeter citrus flavor.

• Vanilla Rice Pudding: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract near the end of cooking for a classic vanilla flavor.

FAQs

Can I make rice pudding without eggs?

Yes! This recipe is naturally egg-free and still incredibly creamy and flavorful.

What is the best rice for rice pudding?

Medium-grain rice is an excellent choice because it releases enough starch to create a creamy texture while still holding its shape. Short-grain rice also works well.

Can I use long-grain rice for rice pudding?

Yes. Long-grain rice can be used, although the finished rice pudding may be slightly less creamy than one made with medium- or short-grain rice.

Should rice pudding be served warm or cold?

Rice pudding can be served either warm or at room temperature. The rice thickens as it cools, resulting in a firmer consistency.

Why is my rice pudding not creamy?

The most common reasons are using too little liquid, cooking the rice for too little time, or using a type of rice with less starch. Cooking the rice slowly and stirring occasionally helps create a creamy consistency.

Can I store rice pudding in the fridge?

Yes, you can store rice pudding in the fridge. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.