Milk Cake Recipe

Treat Yourself With Mouth-watering Indian Cake: Your Perfect Milk Cake Recipe

Have you ever wondered how a simple combination of milk and sugar can create one of the most scrumptious sweets of all time? Yes, it's true! Milk cake is a beloved Indian traditional sweet that delivers a perfect balance of creaminess and sweetness. Also known as Kalakand, this sweet features a soft and spongy texture infused with the essence of milk and sugar, earning its special place in festive celebrations and everyday desserts. 

From the caramelisation of sugar to the velvety texture of the milk, milk cake sweet has been delivering the pure joy of biting a delicious and enchanting dessert for generations. However, if you still haven’t had a chance to taste this heavenly treat, you can create it in the comfort of your own home with a few pantry staples. 

Whether you are hosting a festive get-together for your family and friends or simply looking for something sweet to relish after meals, our unique recipe will surely wow everyone’s taste buds and melt in the mouth within seconds. So, go to your kitchen, roll up your sleeves, take out milk and sugar, and prepare a confectionery delight to experience the magic of delicate flavours. 

How To Make Milk Cake at Home?

Purchasing milk cake from the sweet shop is an easy way to indulge in the flavours of this delectable treat, but there is something special about making this sweet at home from scratch. Though the dish takes 12 hours, it is absolutely worth it! 

Milk Cake Ingredients 

Below is the list of ingredients you will need to gather to create a milk cake with authentic Indian flavours. 

3 litres full cream milk 
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon cardamom (elaichi) powder
2 teaspoons chopped pistachios 

Recipe for Homemade Milk Cake 

To satisfy your sweet craving, follow the below-mentioned step-by-step recipe and treat yourself to a piece that oozes out creamy goodness in every bite. 

Step 1: Curdling the Milk 

Take a heavy-bottomed deep pan and boil the full-fat milk on medium heat. Next, continue to curdle the milk until it is reduced to one-third of the quantity. Ensure to stir the milk in between to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once it has curdled, reduce the heat and add lemon juice and water to the milk. 

Step 2: Draining the Whey

Once you notice the grainy texture of the milk and it has started to separate water, take a strainer and place a muslin cloth or cheesecloth on the surface of the strainer. Then, carefully pour the curdled milk onto the strainer, allowing the water to drain out completely. You can also rinse the milk solid under cold water to remove the pulp of the lemon. Next, gather the cloth and squeeze out all the excess liquid from the grains of the milk.

Step 3: Making the Mixture

Once you have drained out the excess liquid from the milk solids, transfer them to a non-stick kadhai. Add sugar to the milk grains and mix it well. Place the pan on the gas stove on medium heat to cook the mixture while stirring it continuously to prevent sticking to the bottom. As the mixture starts to cook, it will thicken in texture. You can add cardamom powder for enhanced flavours and mesmerising aroma. Continue to cook the mixture until it turns thick and starts to leave the sides of the kadhai. 

Step 4: Setting the Milk Cake 

Once the mixture is cooked, take a plate or tray and grease it with ghee to prevent the milk mixture from sticking to the surface. Transfer it to the greased plate or tray and spread it evenly using a spatula or a spoon. Flatten the mixture and ensure that all the lumps and air bubbles are removed. Garnish the sweet with chopped pistachios, gently pressing them into the mixture. 

Step 5: Cooling and Slicing 

After garnishing the mixture, allow it to cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours. Once it is cooled, place the tray or plate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to set it completely. Next, if the mixture has been set, remove it from the refrigerator and cut it into slices using a sharp knife. Serve the freshly made milk cake and enjoy the taste of this delicious sweet with your friends and family. 

A Few Expert Tips

To elevate your milk cake-making experience at home, here are a few tips:

Preparing milk cake requires patience, so avoid rushing the cooking process as it can impact the texture and taste. 

Maintain moderate heat during the cooking process and avoid high flames as they can burn the milk mixture. 

Experiment with flavours like saffron, rose water, or vanilla extract to add depth to your milk cake. 

Pay attention to the consistency of the milk mixture. The goal is to achieve a consistency that holds its shape. 

Final Thoughts

Making milk cake at home is a wonderful experience that allows you to enjoy the traditional flavours of Indian sweets without burning your pocket. So, if you are still wondering how to prepare milk cake at home effortlessly, follow the recipe mentioned above and delight your taste buds. What are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and start cooking! 

FAQs

How do you make milk cake without using lemon juice?

If you do not prefer to use lemon juice, you can consider other acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk or yoghurt. These alternatives offer a similar curdling effect and deliver desired results. 

Can I make a vegan milk cake?

Yes, you can make a vegan milk cake by replacing full-fat milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Further, you can replace sugar with maple syrup.

Can I make milk cake using condensed milk? 

Yes, you can make milk cake using condensed milk for a quicker and easier dessert. Combine condensed milk with cottage cheese and cook until the mixture thickens.