Middle Eastern Milk Pudding Recipe | Creamy, Sweet, and Traditional Dessert

Middle Eastern Milk Pudding is a classic dessert that’s both light and indulgent, often served chilled and enjoyed after a flavorful meal. This creamy treat is made from milk, sugar, and cornstarch, then flavored with a hint of rose water or orange blossom water, giving it a subtle floral aroma that’s characteristic of Middle Eastern sweets. It’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect for both casual occasions and special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Middle Eastern Milk Pudding

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dessert:

  • Simple ingredients: Made with a few pantry staples—milk, sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings—this dessert is super easy to prepare.
  • Smooth and creamy: The pudding’s consistency is velvety and satisfying, without being overly heavy.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and floral notes according to your preferences, or add toppings like pistachios, almonds, or cinnamon.
  • No baking required: This is a no-bake dessert, which makes it perfect for warm weather or when you want a fuss-free treat.
  • Versatile: It can be served as an after-dinner dessert or as a refreshing snack.

Middle Eastern Milk Pudding Recipe

This pudding is incredibly easy to prepare, and you can have it ready in under an hour, with most of that time spent letting it chill and set.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional, but recommended for an authentic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • Crushed pistachios or almonds for topping
  • Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients

  1. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold milk (from the 4 cups). Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and forms a smooth slurry. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the milk mixture

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the milk is hot (but not boiling).

Step 3: Thicken the pudding

  1. Once the milk is hot, slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Once the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat.

Step 4: Add flavorings

  1. Stir in the rose water (or orange blossom water) and vanilla extract. If you prefer a stronger floral flavor, you can add a little more rose water. Keep in mind that the scent of these ingredients is subtle, so a small amount is enough.

Step 5: Set the pudding

  1. Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Let it cool slightly at room temperature.
  2. Once it’s cool enough, cover the dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set. The pudding will thicken further as it cools.

Step 6: Serve and garnish

  1. Once the pudding is set, remove from the fridge and sprinkle with crushed pistachios or almonds for crunch.
  2. Optionally, dust with a pinch of ground cinnamon for added warmth and flavor.
  3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Middle Eastern Milk Pudding

  • Adjust the sweetness: Taste the pudding before refrigerating and adjust the sugar to your liking. The floral flavors from the rose or orange blossom water will complement the sweetness, so it doesn’t need to be overly sweet.
  • Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or even a little bit of saffron for a unique twist.
  • Make it creamier: If you prefer a richer pudding, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and heavy cream instead of just milk.
  • Toppings: Traditional toppings include crushed nuts (pistachios, almonds) or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also drizzle some honey on top for extra sweetness.
  • Setting time: Allow plenty of time for the pudding to chill and set in the fridge to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

Flavor Variations for Middle Eastern Milk Pudding

While the classic version is wonderful on its own, you can customize this pudding with different flavors or toppings. Here are some variations to try:

Pistachio Milk Pudding

  • Add a tablespoon of ground pistachios to the milk mixture before cooking, and top with crushed pistachios for extra flavor and texture.

Saffron Milk Pudding

  • For a more luxurious version, add a few threads of saffron to the milk mixture as it heats. The saffron will give the pudding a beautiful color and a delicate flavor.

Rose and Orange Blossom Milk Pudding

  • Use a combination of both rose water and orange blossom water for a deeper, more layered floral flavor.

Cardamom Milk Pudding

  • Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the milk mixture for a warm, spicy undertone that complements the floral notes.

Coconut Milk Pudding

  • For a tropical twist, substitute half of the whole milk with coconut milk for a rich, creamy flavor that pairs well with the rose and orange blossom water.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled: This pudding is best served cold, making it a perfect dessert for warmer months or after a rich meal.
  • Pair with fruit: Add fresh berries, sliced mango, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Serve with tea: Enjoy with a cup of Moroccan mint tea or Turkish coffee for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.

How to Store and Reheat Middle Eastern Milk Pudding

  • Storing: Keep the pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It may thicken further as it chills, so if you find it too thick, add a little milk to loosen it up.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the pudding for up to 1 month, but the texture may change slightly once thawed. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
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A bowl of creamy Middle Eastern milk pudding, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, showcasing a smooth texture and delicate appearance.

Middle Eastern Milk Pudding Recipe | Creamy, Sweet, and Traditional Dessert

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Middle Eastern milk pudding, also known as “Muhallabia,” is a smooth and creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch. This pudding is subtly flavored with rose or orange blossom water and is often topped with cinnamon or crushed nuts for added texture and aroma. It’s a beloved dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine, perfect for a light and indulgent treat that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale


  • 4 cups whole milk


  • ½ cup sugar


  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch


  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional, but recommended for an authentic flavor)


  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


  • A pinch of salt


  • Crushed pistachios or almonds for topping



  • Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)


Instructions

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients

  1. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold milk (from the 4 cups). Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and forms a smooth slurry. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the milk mixture

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the milk is hot (but not boiling).

Step 3: Thicken the pudding

  1. Once the milk is hot, slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

  2. Once the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat.

Step 4: Add flavorings

  1. Stir in the rose water (or orange blossom water) and vanilla extract. If you prefer a stronger floral flavor, you can add a little more rose water. Keep in mind that the scent of these ingredients is subtle, so a small amount is enough.

Step 5: Set the pudding

  1. Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Let it cool slightly at room temperature.

  2. Once it’s cool enough, cover the dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set. The pudding will thicken further as it cools.

Step 6: Serve and garnish

 

  1. Once the pudding is set, remove from the fridge and sprinkle with crushed pistachios or almonds for crunch.

  2. Optionally, dust with a pinch of ground cinnamon for added warmth and flavor.

  3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

  • Author: Joana

FAQs

1. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes! You can use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk as a substitute for regular milk. Just make sure to use a variety that has a creamy texture to mimic the richness of the pudding.

2. How do I make this pudding vegan?

To make it vegan, simply substitute the dairy milk with coconut milk (for a rich texture) or any plant-based milk of your choice. Use a vegan cream cheese or omit the cream cheese entirely.

3. Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes! This pudding is perfect for making ahead. Just allow it to set in the fridge for at least a couple of hours, and it will keep for up to 4 days.

4. Can I add other flavorings to the pudding?

Definitely! You can infuse the milk with spices like cinnamon or cardamom, or even add vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

5. Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the sweetener you use.

6. How do I get the perfect texture?

To achieve the perfect creamy texture, make sure to stir constantly while cooking the milk mixture to avoid lumps. Also, allow the pudding plenty of time to chill and set in the fridge.

7. Can I make this pudding without cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of rice flour, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch for similar results.

8. Can I top this with whipped cream?

Yes! A dollop of whipped cream adds richness and lightness to the pudding. It’s also a great contrast to the creamy base.

9. Can I make this without rose water?

Yes, you can omit the rose water if you don’t have it. A few drops of vanilla extract or orange blossom water will work just fine in its place.

10. Can I add fruit to this pudding?

Yes, fresh or dried fruit can be added as a topping. Try pomegranate seeds, berries, or even dried figs for a delightful contrast to the creamy texture.

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