In this post, you will come across some popular and well known Indian desserts made with milk but also some unconventional milk based Indian sweet recipes that just might surprise you! Indian mithai is enjoyed throughout the year, although they are a must at festive occasions and religious festivals. Each region in India has their own style of preparing Indian desserts, adding their own unique flavour and texture. However, they will all have the classic Indian spices most associated with mithai. See my 29 Easy Indian Dessert Recipes for Dinner Parties for more inspiration. For recipes with a modern twist, check out Indian Fusion Desserts Recipes To curate your own bespoke Diwali Dinner Menu, with starters, mains, sides, breads, dips, drinks and more!
Indian Milk Desserts
Indian milk desserts are predominantly made in India but are enjoyed and loved worldwide. These Indian sweets are also known as Indian mithai and are made from a variety of different ingredients. This includes milk and milk based products, lentils, nuts, fruit and even vegetables! These recipes are great for leftover milk – I often end up making a quick batch with spare whole milk! Ready to get cooking? Here are 19 of the Top Indian Milk Desserts recipes to make at home! Recipes are made from milk and milk products.
Most popular Indian Milk Desserts / Indian Milk Sweets
Ras Malai
There is a reason Ras Malai is at the top of the list! This premium Indian dessert with milk can be found in Indian restaurant menus throughout the world though the recipe originates in Bengal. At its core, ras malai is a rich dessert made with soft round paneer (Indian cheese) dumplings that are soaked in a lightly flavoured sweetened milk cream. This luxurious dessert is served chilled in a bowl. Ras Malai is an Indian sweet that is reserved for special occasions as it takes some effort and care to make. The end results, however, are so satisfying and worth the effort. Variation: Eggless Ras Malai Cake
Milk Powder White Barfi
Barfi is another classic, it is a melt in the mouth sweet with similarities to fudge. This version is plain white barfi which is made with milk, milk powder, sugar and flavourings. The end result is similar to that found in indian sweet shops or halwai. Good barfi should be flaky and crumbly when eaten rather than smooth. Variation: Barfi can also be flavoured in a variety of different ways, this Barfi-Peda roundup delves deeper into these.
Kheer
Another classic Indian milk dessert is kheer or Indian Rice Pudding. In this recipe, rice is cooked and milk then sweetened and flavoured with nuts and Indian spices. Kheer is commonly served throughout the year but also during Navratri, Sheetla Satam or Eid. Optionally, extra cream or evaporated milk can be added for super creamy kheer. Variations: Mango Kheer – silky mango pulp is added to finished kheer for a light summery treat
Doodh Halwa/Milk Halwa
Milk is literally in the name for this exquisite Indian Milk Sweet. This loose halwa is prepared with milk, condensed milk and yogurt. It can be served loose in a bowl or squashed and shaped into a “cake”. It has a juicy yet grainy texture that melts in the mouth once eaten. This recipe gives you similar results to sweet shop milk halwa but is prepared in the microwave for quick yet satisfying results. Variation: Rose and Chocolate Indian Milk Cake
Creamy Shrikhand
Shrikhand is a creamy dessert hailing from the states Gujarat and Maharastra. It is prepared primarily with strained yogurt which is then flavoured with nuts and Indian spices. In my version, I like to add whipped cream to make it extra silky and creamy. You can find it served at Weddings and is common during the summer months. Variations: Mango Shrikhand – classic shrikhand but flavoured with aromatic mango pulp. This one is perfect for the spring/summer months when Indian mangoes are in season.
Seviyan/Sewai Kheer
Also known as Semiya Payasam, this vermicelli kheer is a quick alternative to rice kheer. Lightly roasted vermicelli is cooked in milk which is sweetened and nuts are added. Variation: Sheer Khurma – this vermicelli pudding also has similaralities to seviyan but the preparation and ingredients are a bit different as dates and whole spices are added. It is mainly served during Eid.
Lachha Rabdi
Lachha Rabdi is purely an indian milk dessert because the recipe is made entirely from milk and sugar! The term “Lachha” refers to the texture of the milk skin or malai that appears as milk is heated. The milk is heated until it reduces and comes thick. The milk is sweetened and flavoured giving it a condensed milk like quality. A special technique, which is explained in the recipe post, is required to get perfect lachha rabdi with no risk of burning. Lachha rabdi is enjoyed chilled as it is or is paired with malpua or jalebi. Variations: Lachha Rabdi with Kesar – saffron threads are added to make the dessert even more opulent.
Shahi Tukda
This is a royal dessert – it’s even in the name! Shahi means royal and Tukda means pieces and here it refers to the bread pieces which are fried in ghee. The bread is then topped with sweetened milk or rabri. Shahi Tukda is another Mughlai dessert and is often served during special occasions and festivities.
Gulab Jamun
If you’ve ever eaten at an Indian restrauant or Indian buffet, chances are you’ve eaten gulab jamun. Gulab Jamun waves the flag for Indian sweets all around the world. Primarily, it is a sweet soaked in sugar syrup however the balls are made from milk and mawa (milk solids) so therefore this qualifies as a milk based indian sweet. Gulab Jamun is enjoyed during celebrations and delicious hot or cold.
Dudhi Halwa
Dudhi Halwa or Lauki Halwa is an awesome Indian dessert made from vegetables and milk! It hails from North India though is thought to originate from Moghul times. Lauki or Dudhi is the Indian name for bottle gourd. Dudhi, milk, milk solids, sugar, ghee, nuts and spices are used in this recipe. It is often served in summer months as bottle gourd is a summer squash. Not to fret – you do not get a “vegetable” or “green” taste in this sweet, only creamy goodness! Variation: In similar fasion, you can make Carrot Halwa or Gajar ka Halwa. This is an Indian sweet made from carrots and eaten in the winter when Indian carrots are in season.
Semolina Pudding
White Semolina Pudding or Sooji no Siro (in Gujarati) is an everyday Indian milk dessert but is also prepared during Hindu religious observances. Semolina is cooked with milk, sugar and ghee to create a fluffy and spongy semolina pudding that is delicious hot or cold.
Kulfi (Cardamom Chai Kulfi)
Aka Indian Ice Cream! The authentic recipe of kulfi is to heat milk until it reduces down significantly. This is then sweetened and flavoured in a variety of ways and frozen. This treat is enjoyed at the end of an Indian meal and can be found in many Indian or South Asian restaurants. This particular version is a quick kulfi recipe – it is made with milk powder and condensed milk for a quick frozen dessert. It is also flavoured with cardamom chai.
Coconut Ladoo
These pristine looking Indian style coconut truffles are everything you want from an Indian mithai. They’re beautiful, have exotic flavours and are indulgent to eat. Coconut Ladoo are a festive season favourite and luckily, the recipe is fairly straightforward!
Basundi
Basundi has some similarities with rabdi but plenty of differences that they are their own dish! It is also made with milk which is reduced slightly. Sugar is added along with sweet and warm spices like cardamom or saffron and topped with rich nuts like pistachio, almonds, and cashews. Basundi remains smooth whereas in rabdi, particularly lachha rabri, we allow milk skin to form. Basundi is also runnier and eaten as it is at the end of a meal. It is popular in Gujarati and Maharashtra. My version is topped with double cream for double the creaminess! Variation: Dudhi Basundi is made with bottle gourd for a decadent milk dessert!
Bhapa Doi
This sweet baked yogurt is also known as Indian cheesecake. Bhapa Doi is a Bengali milk based dessert and is made with yogurt, reduced milk and sugar. My version eliminates the need to boil milk for a long time and is made with quicker alternatives. It is also flavoured with a spiced orange syrup. Bhapa Doi is served chilled and can be served throughout the year.
Phool Makhana Kheer
This recipe has some similariti to rice kheer or sviyan kheer but is made from fox-nuts and Barnyard millet. It is often made during Hindu fasts. It is creamy, sweet goodness in a bowl!
Caramel Phirni
Both rice kheer and phirni are made from similar ingredients but the latter is made from ground rice. This indian milk dessert is often served during Ramadan or Eid. My version is prepared a little differently – the sugar is caramelised making this a Caramel Phirni which is simply too good to miss!
Doodh Paak
This Gujarati recipe is also made from rice and milk. The difference with doodh paak and kheer is the ratio of rice to milk. In Doodh Paak, the dessert is mostly sweet milk with little rice. Doodh Paak is eaten chilled and is served during Navratri, a Hindu festival.
Gajar Halwa
This dessert has some similarity with dudhi halwa. Indian carrot pudding or gajar halwa is one of the most popular Indian desserts served during festivals, occasions and in Indian restaurants throughout the world. It is made with basic ingredients such as carrots, milk and sugar and is flavoured with cardamom and nuts. Traditional method involves lots of stirring, but in the Instant pot this pudding can be made in minutes. Although this Indian mithai is made during the winter season when red carrots available in the market, it equally tastes good with orange carrots too.
Dodha Barfi
This barfi is made from slow roasted mawa and a simple sugar syrup. It’s rich with an irresistable grainy texture.
Unique Milk Based Indian Sweets/Desserts
For something a little bit off the beaten-track, why not try these 9 Indian sweet recipes made from milk.
Rajwadi Peda
These peda are unique to Rajkot, Gujarat. They are made with only 2 ingredients – milk and sugar. These peda are definitely a labour of love as they take a few hours to make! The results though will make you feel like a King or Queen! These are truly rich peda that should be reserved for the most special of occasions!
Habshi Halwa
Habshi halwa is a dense Indian milk sweet made from sprouted wheat, milk, ghee, sugar, nuts and spices. It is rich, dark and extremely entrancing – making it one of my all-time personal favourites! It has a nutty and sticky texture making it quite unique compared to normal halwa and barfi. Make this Indian dessert for Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan or parties.
Shakkar Teti/Teti Panna
Cantaloupe melon balls are served in chilled sweet milk. My Mum grew up with this dessert but it isn’t one I’ve come across since! It is a light and refreshing summer dessert best enjoyed after a meal or as a snack or at breakfast.
This no-cook and easy dessert comes together under 10 minutes.
Ricotta Cheese Peda
Another peda recipe but with a twist! This easy Instant Peda recipe uses ricotta cheese. This is an easy recipe because it is prepared with only 3 main ingredients! This creamy and delicious dessert is perfect for any celebrations and is a make ahead sweet too.
Garvanu
Garvanu means sweet. This authentic recipe hails from South Gujarat, India. Essentially, it is a semolina kheer made with basic ingredients. It can be served warm or chilled. Prepare it for Sheetla Satam – a day dedicated to the goddess Shitala. Try this authentic Gujarati Semolina Kheer recipe that is quick, beginner-friendly and made with very basic pantry ingredients. It is truly delectable Indian dessert that is egg-free. Serve warm or cold, either way tastes so great!
Makhandi Halwa
Makhandi halwa is a simple and easy dessert recipe that has a unique caramel taste without using caramel! It is hugely popular in North West Punjab, now in Pakistan. This melt in your mouth dessert is prepared with semolina, milk, ghee and sugar. Make for your loved ones on a Sunday brunch with poori and chana masala or serve to a crowd!
Beetroot Kalakand
Kalakand is a set Indian milk sweet made from fresh milk and paneer. Enjoy this moist, juicy and absolutely delicious Indian kalakand sweet made using grated beetroots. The colour is an absolute showstopper and a unique way to enjoy kalakand. It is indulgent, moreish and has a wonderful taste of aromatic cardamom in every bite. So perfect for festivals and celebrations!
Doodh Poha
This unique Gujarati dessert is prepared by Gujarati people all over the world on the night of the festival called Sharad Poornima. It is simple and quick recipe made using milk, rice flakes (poha) sugar and flavoured with cardamom and nuts. Variation: This creamy pudding is also easily made in the Instant pot and flavoured with mango and coconut or paneer
Mango Paneer Kheer
More kheer! But this time with a double twist! Mango Paneer Kheer is a kheer made from paneer and flavoured with mango.
It is rich recipe with a delicious twist to traditional paneer kheer.
It is best enjoyed chilled during summer but can be made throughout the year by using canned or frozen mango pulp.
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