If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and indulgent, then this Caramel Rice Kheer is just the dessert for you. It’s a luxurious take on the traditional Indian kheer, made richer with a layer of golden caramel. This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of slow-cooked rice and milk with a rich caramel topping that takes it to the next level.
Whether you’re planning a festive feast, a dinner party, or simply looking to enjoy a bowl of comfort dessert at home, this Caramel Rice Kheer is the perfect pick. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a showstopper dessert ready in no time!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Caramel Rice Kheer
- Unique caramel twist to a traditional Indian rice pudding.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor!
- Perfect for festivals, celebrations, or everyday indulgence.
- Make-ahead friendly and easy to refrigerate.
- Creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
📜 Origin of Kheer and the Caramel Twist
Kheer, also known as Payasam in South India or Payesh in Bengal, is one of the oldest Indian desserts, dating back thousands of years. Traditionally, kheer is made by simmering rice with milk and sugar until creamy. It’s a must-have during festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Eid, and weddings.
The caramel twist is a creative take inspired by Western desserts like flan or crème caramel. It adds a deep, nutty sweetness and elegant golden hue that complements the creamy kheer perfectly. This fusion style has gained popularity across Indian households and is often served at festive dinner parties or special events.
🛒 Ingredients for Caramel Rice Kheer
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients used in this recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup | Use short-grain or basmati rice |
| Full-Fat Milk | 1 liter | Adds creaminess |
| Condensed Milk | 200 grams | Sweetens and thickens |
| Sugar | ¼ cup | For caramel |
| Water | 3 cups | To pressure cook rice |
| Almonds | 10 grams | Chopped, for crunch and garnish |
🔥 Caramel Rice Kheer – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Rice
Wash 1 cup of rice thoroughly 4-5 times to remove excess starch. Soak it in water for 10 minutes. This helps the rice cook faster and prevents clumping.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Rice
In a pressure cooker, add the soaked rice and 3 cups of water. Cook for 4 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and mash the rice slightly with the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Make the Kheer Base
Add 1 liter of full-fat milk to the mashed rice in the cooker. Pour in 200 grams of condensed milk and mix well. Let it simmer on medium flame, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly – this should take about 10-12 minutes.
Step 4: Add Almonds
Once the mixture is thick and creamy, add chopped almonds. Mix well. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly before refrigerating.
Step 5: Make the Caramel
In a clean pan, add ¼ cup sugar and heat it on low. Do not stir—just swirl the pan occasionally. After 5-6 minutes, the sugar will melt and turn golden. This is your caramel!
Step 6: Caramel Topping
Pour the hot caramel evenly over the chilled rice kheer. Swirl to spread the caramel layer. Refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 2-3 hours to let it set.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once set, serve chilled and garnish with extra almonds if desired. The caramel on top adds a stunning glassy texture and deep flavor contrast to the creamy base.
📊 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Component | Calories |
|---|---|
| Rice | 206 kcal |
| Milk | 610 kcal |
| Condensed Milk | 660 kcal |
| Sugar | 194 kcal |
| Almonds | 60 kcal |
| Total (for 4 servings) | ~1,730 kcal |
| Calories per bowl | ~380–430 kcal |
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Rice Kheer
- Use full-fat milk: This ensures your kheer is rich and creamy.
- Avoid stirring caramel: Stirring can crystallize sugar. Just swirl the pan gently.
- Cool before adding caramel: Always pour caramel over chilled kheer to prevent it from sinking or mixing.
- Mash rice slightly: Helps the kheer get its classic creamy texture.
- Flavor options: Add a pinch of cardamom or saffron for aroma.
🍴 Variations You Can Try
- Coconut Caramel Kheer – Replace half the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Vegan Version – Use almond milk or coconut milk and skip condensed milk. Add jaggery or brown sugar for sweetness.
- Dry Fruit Delight – Add cashews, pistachios, or raisins for more texture and flavor.
- Rose Kheer – Add a few drops of rose water to the milk while boiling.
- Caramel Date Kheer – Blend dates into the caramel for a rich and natural sweetness.
❄️ Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Always serve chilled.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing can split the milk and ruin the texture.
- Caramel Note: The caramel layer might soften after a day but will still taste delicious.
📌 When to Serve Caramel Rice Kheer
- Festivals: Diwali, Eid, Holi, Pongal
- Weddings and Parties: As a fancy dessert
- Family Gatherings: Impress your guests with this elevated kheer
- Dinner Dates at Home: Romantic and indulgent
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Caramel Rice Kheer Recipe without condensed milk?
Yes! You can skip the condensed milk and increase the quantity of regular milk and sugar. Simmer longer until thick and creamy.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too fast?
Pour the caramel over chilled kheer and tilt the dish quickly to spread it. Work fast because caramel sets rapidly.
Can I use leftover rice?
Absolutely! Just skip the pressure-cooking step. Mash the rice slightly and proceed with milk and condensed milk.
What type of rice works best?
Short-grain or broken basmati rice works best for a creamy consistency. Avoid long-grain rice as it stays separate.
Is this dessert kid-friendly?
Totally! Kids love the creamy sweetness and the caramel glaze on top. You can reduce the sugar a bit for toddlers.
🎥 Watch the Recipe Video
We’re working on an easy-to-follow video tutorial for this recipe. Subscribe to our YouTube channel [Bake With Neetu] for updates!
📌 Recipe Card – Quick Summary
Caramel Rice Kheer Recipe
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 200 grams condensed milk
- ¼ cup sugar (for caramel)
- 3 cups water
- 10g chopped almonds
Instructions:
- Wash and soak rice for 10 mins.
- Pressure cook rice with 3 cups water (4 whistles).
- Add milk + condensed milk to mashed rice and simmer until thick.
- Add chopped almonds. Chill the kheer.
- Caramelize sugar in a pan until golden.
- Pour over kheer and refrigerate to set.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
- Caramel Rice Kheer
- Indian kheer recipe
- Rice kheer with condensed milk
- How to make caramel kheer
- Indian rice pudding
- Festival dessert recipes
- Chilled Indian desserts
- Diwali kheer recipe
- Easy Indian sweet recipes
- Kheer with caramel topping
📢 Final Thoughts
This Caramel Rice Kheer is not just a dessert—it’s an experience. It’s got the creamy richness of traditional kheer and the stunning finish of golden caramel. Whether you’re a kheer lover or trying this fusion version for the first time, one thing’s for sure—you’ll be going back for seconds!
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