Caramel Kheer is a luxurious, creamy rice pudding with a rich caramel flavor. It’s a perfect dessert for festivals, family gatherings, or special occasions. With the smooth sweetness of caramel combined with the comforting texture of kheer, it is instantly loved by kids and adults alike.
What Is Caramel Kheer?
Caramel Kheer is a fusion dessert where traditional rice kheer (rice pudding) is flavored with homemade caramel. Unlike regular kheer, the caramel adds a deep, rich sweetness and a gorgeous golden color, making it visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.
Creamy texture from milk
Soft rice grains
Sweet caramel flavor
Optional nuts and dry fruits for crunch
It’s perfect for special occasions and also a showstopper if you want to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this Caramel Kheer will become your favorite dessert:
First of all, it is creamy, sweet, and indulgent
Secondly, it is perfectly balanced — not too sweet
It uses simple ingredients available at home
You can make it in advance and refrigerate
It’s kid-friendly and ideal for festivals or celebrations
Ingredients for Caramel Kheer
Ingredients are divided into sections for clarity:
For Caramel
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons butter
For Kheer
1 liter full cream milk
½ cup basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons caramel (prepared above)
2 tablespoons chopped almonds and cashews
1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
2 tablespoon condensed milk
For Garnish
Extra caramel drizzle
Chopped nuts
Silver leaf (optional, for festive look)
Step-by-Step Method to Make Caramel Kheer
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
In a heavy-bottom pan, add sugar and water.
Heat on medium flame and let sugar melt without stirring. You can gently swirl the pan for even melting.
When sugar turns golden brown, add butter for richness and mix carefully.
Remove from heat and set aside. Be careful, caramel is extremely hot.
Tip: Caramel continues to darken even after removing from heat, so do not overcook.
Step 2: Boil the Milk
In a large pot, pour milk and bring it to gentle boil.
Stir occasionally to prevent milk from sticking to the bottom.
Reduce heat to low before adding rice.
Step 3: Cook the Rice in Milk
Drain soaked rice and add it to boiling milk.
Stir continuously to avoid lumps and sticking.
Cook on low flame for 25–30 minutes until rice is soft and milk thickens slightly.
Tip: Use basmati rice for soft, fragrant grains.
Step 4: Add Caramel and Sugar
Slowly pour prepared caramel into the milk and rice mixture.
Add remaining sugar and stir well.
Continue cooking on low flame for 5–10 minutes until kheer absorbs caramel flavor.
Step 5: Flavor with Cardamom and Nuts
Add cardamom powder for aroma.
Mix in chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins.
Let the kheer simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Tip: Keep some nuts aside for garnish.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Caramel Kheer can be served warm or chilled.
If serving chilled, refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
Drizzle extra caramel and sprinkle nuts on top before serving.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Kheer
Use full cream milk for creamy texture
Do not rush while cooking rice; cook on low flame
Stir constantly after adding caramel to avoid sticking
Adjust sugar according to sweetness preference
For richer flavor, add 2 tablespoon condensed milk
Variations You Can Try
Chocolate Caramel Kheer: Add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Saffron Caramel Kheer: Soak 4–5 saffron strands in milk and add during simmering
Vegan Version: Replace milk with almond or coconut milk
Instant Caramel Kheer: Use ready-made caramel sauce for convenience
Serving Suggestions
Caramel Kheer is perfect to serve:
In small bowls for dessert after meals
In fancy glasses for parties or festivals
With a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for fusion dessert
Alongside dry fruits and silver leaf for festive presentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Caramel Kheer in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better after a few hours as flavors develop.
Can I use condensed milk?
Yes, condensed milk can be added for extra richness but reduce sugar accordingly.
How to avoid caramel from burning?
Use medium flame and remove as soon as it turns golden brown.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, use a sugar substitute like stevia, but the taste will slightly differ.
Final Thoughts
Caramel Kheer is luxurious, comforting, and delicious. Its creamy texture, caramel richness, and nutty crunch make it a dessert everyone will love. With this step-by-step recipe, you can make perfect, Caramel Kheer at home, impress your guests, and enjoy a restaurant-style dessert without leaving your kitchen.