Apple Almond Milk Recipe – Authentic Indian Dessert

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Almond Milk Recipe – Authentic Indian Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a comforting, subtly sweet Indian dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. This Apple Almond Milk (Shaheed ki Kheer, as my grandmother used to call it!) is a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s warm, fragrant, and perfect for a cozy evening. I first made this when I was craving something light yet satisfying after a big Diwali feast, and it’s been a go-to ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Almond Milk isn’t overly complicated, but it delivers big on flavor. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy milk, crunchy almonds, sweet apples, and aromatic spices. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes! It’s a fantastic introduction to Indian dessert-making if you’re new to it, and a lovely, comforting treat for those already familiar with our cuisine. It’s also a great way to use up any apples you have on hand.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 1.5 cup full fat milk (about 360ml)
• 0.5 cup grated apples (about 75g)
• 2-3 tsp sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• A few strands of saffron
• 8 almonds, chopped
• 1 tsp butter or ghee

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Full Fat Milk: Seriously, don’t skimp here! Full-fat milk (around 3-4% fat) gives this dessert its signature richness and creamy texture. You can use lower-fat milk, but it won’t be quite as decadent.
• Cardamom & Saffron: These two are the heart and soul of many Indian desserts. Cardamom adds a warm, floral note, while saffron lends a beautiful color and subtle, almost honey-like flavor. A little goes a long way!
• Butter vs. Ghee: Both work beautifully! Butter adds a lovely, delicate flavor, while ghee (clarified butter) offers a richer, nuttier taste and can withstand higher heat. I personally love using ghee for a more traditional flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, pour the milk into a pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently. This is important – we don’t want any milk sticking to the bottom! Keep stirring for about 10 minutes.
2. While the milk is simmering, heat the butter or ghee in a separate pan. Add the chopped almonds and roast them until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
3. Now, add the grated apples to the roasted almonds and sauté for about 3 minutes. You want them to soften slightly but still retain a little bit of crunch.
4. Once the milk has reduced to about half its original volume (it should thicken slightly), add the cardamom powder and saffron strands. Give it a good stir and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
5. Time for the sweet stuff! Stir in the condensed milk and the apple-almond mixture. Mix everything well and remove the pan from the heat.
6. And that’s it! Pour the Apple Almond Milk into serving glasses and let it cool completely. For a thicker consistency, pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Walk Away: Seriously, keep stirring the milk! Scorched milk is no fun.
• Grate, Don’t Chop: Grating the apples gives a better texture in the final dish.
• Saffron Power: To get the most flavor from your saffron, you can gently crush the strands before adding them to the milk.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the full-fat milk for your favorite plant-based milk (almond or cashew work well!) and use a vegan butter alternative.
• Sugar-Free Adaptation: Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, adjusting to your desired sweetness level.
• Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cardamom to your liking. My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg too!
• Festival Adaptation: This is a lovely dessert to serve during festivals like Diwali or Holi. You can garnish it with chopped pistachios for an extra festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Almond Milk is wonderful on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds
• A few strands of saffron for garnish
• A side of traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun or rasgulla (if you’re feeling extra indulgent!)

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Apple Almond Milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It might thicken slightly as it chills.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples all work well. Just choose an apple that you enjoy the taste of.

2. What is the best way to grind saffron for maximum flavor?

Gently crushing the saffron strands between your fingers or using a mortar and pestle helps release their flavor.

3. Can this recipe be made on the stovetop or only in a pan?

This recipe is designed to be made in a pan on the stovetop.

4. How can I adjust the sweetness level of the Apple Almond Milk?

Start with 2 teaspoons of condensed milk and add more, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.

5. What is the difference between using butter and ghee in this recipe?

Butter adds a delicate flavor, while ghee offers a richer, nuttier taste and can withstand higher heat. Both are delicious, so it really comes down to personal preference!