Kesar Mango & Cardamom Rusk Recipe – Easy Indian Dessert

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Kesar Mango & Cardamom Rusk Recipe – Easy Indian Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to whip up. This Kesar Mango & Cardamom Rusk recipe is exactly that! It’s a delightful fusion of Indian flavors with a touch of Italian creaminess, and honestly, it’s become a bit of a crowd-pleaser at my family gatherings. I first made this for a summer birthday, and it disappeared within minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is a dream for so many reasons. It’s no-bake, which is a huge win on hot days. The combination of sweet mango, fragrant cardamom, and creamy mascarpone is just heavenly. Plus, the slightly crunchy rusks add a wonderful textural contrast. It’s a beautiful dessert that feels special, but it’s surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

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

• 3 large mangoes
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese (about 225g)
• 5-6 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 1 cup water (240ml)
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 16 rusks
• Mint leaves, for garnish
• Fresh mango cubes, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips can make all the difference!

Kesar Mangoes: Selecting the Best Variety

Kesar mangoes are the star here, and for good reason! Their rich, sweet flavor and beautiful color are perfect. If you can’t find Kesar, Alphonso mangoes are a fantastic substitute. You’ll need about 3 large mangoes to get 1.5 cups of puree.

Mascarpone Cheese: A Creamy Italian Delight in Indian Dessert

Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese, super smooth and rich. It’s what gives this dessert its luxurious texture. Don’t worry, it pairs beautifully with the Indian flavors!

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices & Its Flavor Profile

Cardamom is a must-have in Indian desserts. It adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the mango perfectly. I prefer using green cardamom powder for this recipe.

Rusks: Choosing the Right Texture

You want rusks that are slightly firm but not too hard. They need to soak up the mango-cardamom liquid without completely falling apart. I usually go for the plain, slightly sweet variety.

Heavy Cream: Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Make sure your heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping. This will help it hold its shape and create those beautiful stiff peaks we’re looking for.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (well, assembling!).

1. First, blend the pulp from your 3 Kesar mangoes into 1.5 cups of smooth puree. Set aside.
2. In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer!), beat the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar together for about 2 minutes, until it’s beautifully smooth.
3. Gently mix in 1 cup of the mango puree into the mascarpone mixture until everything is fully combined.
4. Now, pour in the heavy cream and beat until you get stiff peaks – this should take around 2 minutes. Don’t overwhip!
5. In a separate bowl, combine the water, ¼ cup of mango puree, and cardamom powder. This is our soaking liquid.
6. Quickly dip each rusk into the mango-cardamom liquid, just enough to moisten them. Don’t let them get soggy!
7. Layer the soaked rusks in an 8-inch square pan.
8. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the rusks, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of mango puree on top and gently swirl it in.
9. Add another layer of soaked rusks, and spread the remaining mascarpone mixture evenly over the top.
10. If you’re feeling fancy, pipe some of the reserved mascarpone cream on top.
11. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This is important for the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
12. Before serving, garnish with fresh mango cubes and a few mint leaves.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

• Achieving the Right Mango Puree Consistency: If your mango puree is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
• Preventing a Soggy Rusk Layer: Don’t soak the rusks for too long! A quick dip is all they need.
• Whipping the Mascarpone Cream to Perfection: Cold cream and a chilled bowl are your best friends here.
• Flavor Enhancement with Cardamom: A little cardamom goes a long way. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
• Chilling Time for Optimal Set: Don’t rush the chilling process! It’s crucial for the dessert to set properly.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Use a vegan mascarpone alternative and plant-based heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use gluten-free rusks!
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a tiny pinch of saffron to the mango-cardamom soaking liquid for a more luxurious flavor. My grandmother always did this!
• Festival Adaptation: For Janmashtami, layer this in a trifle dish for a Mango Shrikhand Trifle – it’s a beautiful and festive presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is perfect on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios would be lovely too. It’s great with a cup of chai!

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The rusks might soften slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the best type of mango to use for this recipe?

Kesar or Alphonso mangoes are ideal, but any sweet, fragrant mango will work.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance. The flavors actually develop even more overnight.

Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with another cheese?

Cream cheese can be used in a pinch, but it won’t be quite as creamy.

What if I don’t have rusks, is there a substitute?

Ladyfingers or sponge cake pieces can work, but they’ll absorb the liquid more quickly.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of this dessert?

Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preference. You can also use a less sweet variety of mango.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this Kesar Mango & Cardamom Rusk recipe. I hope it brings a little bit of sunshine to your day! Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out.