This delicious eggnog arroz con leche and cranberry parfait is the perfect holiday dessert. It the  combines the creamy richness of eggnog, the comforting goodness of arroz con leche and the tangy flavor of cranberries for a dessert that feels like comfort food.  Topped with a homemade cranberry sauce and garnished with whipped cream, mint leaves, and fresh cranberries, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. This rice pudding dessert is a perfect treat to enjoy during festive gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Embracing Tradition with a Holiday Twist

The holidays are almost here and with them all the delicious holiday foods and flavors.  This is my favorite time of the year because it’s a time to share with family.  Growing up one of my favorite holiday traditions was cooking Christmas cookies and holiday treats with my nana.  My nana is long gone but every year when the holiday season arrives I get so excited to create special recipes with my kids keeping this tradition alive. 

Growing up in Guatemala City, I have cherished memories of enjoying traditional arroz con leche made by my grandmother. The sweet and comforting flavors of this classic dessert hold a special place in my heart. As the holiday season approaches, I always find myself excited to get creative in the kitchen. A couple of years ago I decided to give this beloved childhood memory a new twist. Combining eggnog with the creamy goodness of arroz con leche, I created a recipe that brings together two beloved flavors in a delightful holiday dessert. The result was so good that we served it for Christmas and now I make it a few times every holiday season. The best part is that although this holiday dessert tastes and looks devine, it is so easy to make!

The Perfect Holiday Parfait

This holiday parfait brings together all my favorite holiday flavors. The combination of eggnog and arroz con leche, is such a great pairing! It tastes amazing and I feel like this recipe honors those memories with my nana while adding a festive twist. The creamy eggnog, aromatic spices, and the familiarity of arroz con leche bring joy and nostalgic memories with every spoonful. And the slightly tangy cranberry sauce really balances off the sweetness of the eggnog rice pudding. 

After I made this eggnog dessert I got a bit obsessed with eggnog recipes. I wanted to keep experimenting with traditional Guatemalan desserts from my childhood combined with eggnog, with seemed like the perfect blend of Guatemalan and American, just like me! Next I made a recipe for eeggnog flan, and let me tell you this recipe is amazing!  This is a flan like you’ve never had before, in my opinion even better than chocolate flan. I also created a recipe for eggnog tres leches cupcakes, perfect for a holiday party! If you want to start your day with some holiday cheer make sure to try these eggnog pancakes. And if you are looking for a super quick, no-bake holiday dessert check out the recipe for my amazing eggnog cheesecake and cranberry parfaits. 

I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as I did and that it becomes a holiday favorite. Join me in embracing tradition with a holiday twist by savoring the delightful flavors of Eggnog Arroz Con Leche. May it become a treasured part of your holiday celebrations, creating new memories with your loved ones.

Storing Recommendations

 These holidays parfaits should be assembled just before serving. Leftover arroz con leche and cranberry sauce these should be stored separately.

Keeping Arroz con Leche Fresh

Once you’ve made your Eggnog Arroz Con Leche, you may have leftovers or want to prepare it in advance for festive gatherings. To store this dessert, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. When ready to serve, enjoy it chilled or bring it back to room temperature, depending on your preference.

How to Store Cranberry Sauce

Once the cranberry sauce has cooled completely, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cranberry sauce should be consumed within 7 to 10 days for optimal freshness and flavor. If you made a double or triple batch like I always do you can freeze the rest of the cranberry sauce. Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Removing any excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.

Easy Recipe for Eggnog Arroz Con Leche and Cranberry Parfaits

Ingredients

For the Eggnog Arroz Con Leche

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 whole cloves
• 3 cups water
• 1 egg
• 3 cups eggnog
• 1 12-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract nutmeg

For the Cranberry Sauce

• 3/4 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of Grand Marnier Liquor  
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 12 onz bag of fresh cranberries
• 1/2 a teaspoon of fresh orange rind

For Garnish

• whipped cream
• mint leaves and fresh cranberries

Instructions

• Soak the rice, cinnamon sticks, lemon zest and whole cloves in the water in a heavy saucepan for 1 hour.
• After soaking, bring the rice mixture to a boil on high heat, uncovered. When it starts to boil (about 5 minutes), lower the heat to medium and cook for 10 to 12 more minutes or until water is almost evaporated.
• While rice is cooking, beat the egg in a bowl. Add the eggnog and stir beating until frothy. Add the egg mixture, vanilla extract and condensed milk to the rice and cook over medium-low heat, stirring carefully, until it thickens slightly or until desired consistency, about 25 to 35 minutes.
• Sprinkle with nutmeg. Give it a good stir and let cool uncovered. 
• While the eggnog arroz con leche is cooling pour water, grand marnier and sugar in a medium sauce pan.
• Bring to a boil and stirring until sugar dissolves.
• Add cranberries and lower heat. Let them simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries have popped.
• Remove from heat, add orange rind and stir. Let cool.
• Once both the Eggnog Arroz con Leche and the cranberry sauce have cooled completely layer the ingredients in desired serving dishes or cups as follows: cranberry sauce, eggnog arroz con leche, whipped cream.
• Garnish with mint leaves and fresh cranberries.

Notes and Tips for Perfect Eggnog Arroz Con Leche

• Soaking the rice, cinnamon sticks, lemon zest, and whole cloves before cooking helps infuse the flavors into the dessert for a more aromatic result.
• Ensure the egg is well beaten before adding the eggnog, creating a frothy mixture that will incorporate smoothly into the rice.
• Stir the rice mixture carefully and consistently while cooking to prevent sticking and achieve a creamy and thick texture.
• Adjust the cooking time to your desired consistency, with a shorter time yielding creamier rice and a longer time resulting in a thicker texture.
• The homemade cranberry sauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy eggnog arroz con leche. Prepare the sauce in advance, allowing it to cool completely before layering it with the rice pudding.

Continue to Content

Eggnog Arroz Con Leche and Cranberry Parfaits

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

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Ingredients

• FOR THE EGGNOG ARROZ CON LECHE
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 whole cloves
• 3 cups water
• 1 egg
• 3 cups eggnog
• 1 12-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract nutmeg
• FOR THE CRANBERRY SAUCE
• 3/4 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of Grand Marnier Liquor  
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 12 onz bag of fresh cranberries
• 1/2 a teaspoon of fresh orange rind
• FOR GARNISH
• whipped cream
• mint leaves and fresh cranberries

Instructions

1. Soak the rice, cinnamon sticks, lemon zest and whole cloves in the water in a heavy saucepan for 1 hour.
2. After soaking, bring the rice mixture to a boil on high heat, uncovered. When it starts to boil (about 5 minutes), lower the heat to medium and cook for 10 to 12 more minutes or until water is almost evaporated.
3. While rice is cooking, beat the egg in a bowl. Add the eggnog and stir beating until frothy. Add the egg mixture, vanilla extract and condensed milk to the rice and cook over medium-low heat, stirring carefully, until it thickens slightly or until desired consistency, about 25 to 35 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Give it a good stir and let cool uncovered.
5. While the eggnog arroz con leche is cooling pour water, grand marnier and sugar in a medium sauce pan.
6. Bring to a boil and stirring until sugar dissolves.
7. Add cranberries and lower heat. Let them simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries have popped.
8. Remove from heat, add orange rind and stir. Let cool.
9. Once both the Eggnog Arroz con Leche and the cranberry sauce have cooled completely layer the ingredients in desired serving dishes or cups as follows: cranberry sauce, eggnog arroz con leche, whipped cream.
10. Garnish with mint leaves and fresh cranberries.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 481Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 154mgCarbohydrates: 79gFiber: 2gSugar: 67gProtein: 11g

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Delicious Arroz Con Leche Recipes: Amazing Rice Pudding Recipe Variations

This basic rice pudding recipe is also a great starting point for creating fun variations of arroz con leche. You and add all sorts of flavors and ingredients to this easy dessert. Let’s check out some fun twists on the classic arroz con leche:

• Spiced cherry arroz con leche: This spiced cherry arroz con leche is a festive twist on the classic arroz con leche making it a perfect dessert for Christmas or Three Kings Day. This delicious rice pudding incorporates home made spiced cherries giving it a delicious taste as well as a beautiful presentation perfect for the holiday season.
• Caramel apple arroz con leche: This caramel apple arroz con leche recipe is so easy to make that even your kids will be able to prepare it. It makes for a delicious and easy fall dessert that everyone will love. This variation from the classic arroz con leche recipe incorporates baked apples, whipped cream and delicious dulce de leche.  is now one of my favorite desserts.
  
• Healthy arroz con leche: This healthy arroz con leche is a delicious and easy recipe, that is better for you without sacrificing flavor!  Made in minutes and with simple ingredients, this no-fuss healthy dessert is an easy-to-make recipe, the perfect blend of creamy and sweet. This healthy rice pudding guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth! The best part is that this recipe is healthier than the traditional arroz con leche so you can enjoy it this holiday season, or anytime, without feeling guilty.   
• Sweet potato arroz con leche: This sweet potato and orange rice pudding is a comforting fall dessert. It’s filled with autumn flavors and is so comforting it’s perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee in front of the fire.
• Mango and coconut arroz con leche (vegan): If you like arroz con leche you’re sure to love this vegan mango and coconut arroz con leche! This tropical version of arroz con leche made with coconut milk combined with sweet and fresh mango and topped with fresh raspberries is the perfect summer dessert. This could even work as a delicious breakfast.
  
• Pumpkin arroz con leche: Pumpkin Arroz con Leche is a delightful and easy dessert that adds a seasonal twist to the classic arroz con leche. Made with long grain rice, cinnamon stick, water, egg, milk, condensed milk, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice, this dessert is a comforting pumpkin dessert perfect for fall. 
• Hazelnut coffee arroz con leche: This delicious recipe for hazelnut coffee rice pudding combines the creaminess of the arroz con leche with the aromatic flavor of the hazelnut coffee for a dessert that tastes like a decadent hazelnut latte. 
• Arroz emperatriz with cranberries: Arroz Emperatriz With Cranberry Sauce is a festive dessert that puts a twist on the classic arroz con leche. This creamy and comforting dessert features cooked rice, cinnamon sticks, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. The addition of lime zest, orange zest, and cranberry sauce adds a refreshing and fruity element. With its beautiful presentation, this dessert is an excellent choice for holiday celebrations. Follow the simple instructions to create this delightful Guatemalan delicacy and enjoy a special treat during the festive season.

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Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Paula moved from her native Guatemala to SW Florida with her husband and two children and together they are discovering what it means to live life between two languages.

Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .

When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.

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