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    Home » Gluten Free Recipes

    KALAKAND | EASY KALAKAND SWEET RECIPE

    Published: Sep 22, 2018 · Modified: Jul 13, 2022 by Kushi with 44 Comments . Article has 1469 words. About 8 minutes to read this article.

    Kalakand is a creamy and delicious mouth-watering milk cake or Indian cheesecake with a soft and grainy texture that is a perfect treat for any special occasion. This is one of the easiest sweet recipes to prepare and requires only two main ingredients everything else is optional and can be varied as per your liking.

    kalakand sweet recipe, quick and easy kalakand recipe with paneer, ricotta cheese, condensed milk

    This sweet is very popular in India, and you can't get enough of it. It is mainly prepared during festivals like Navratri, Diwali, Holi, and other special occasions. With so many festivals around the corner, this dessert would be the best opportunity to show all your culinary skills.

    kalakand sweet recipe, quick and easy kalakand recipe with paneer, ricotta cheese, condensed milk

    Post-pregnancy, I have been addicted to sweets so much that dinner or lunch is incomplete without sweets or dessert for me. Is it the same with you guys? If yes, what are your favorite sweet recipes? I would love to know so that even I can try it 🙂

    With an addiction to sweets, I end up preparing it at home every other day because homemade ones are always fresh, and you can have control over all the ingredients you add.

    kalakand sweet for diwali, kalakand with milkmaid, microwave, instant pot #indiansweets #indiandesserts

    OK now back to KALAKAND...

    Kalakand / Quick Kalakand / Easy Kalakand / Milk cake / Cheesecake / Milkmaid recipe Indian dessert recipes

    The traditional method of making kalakand takes a very long time. The milk is simmered on low heat till it is reduced to semi-solids. With my love for condensed milk, I end up using it in most of my sweet recipes, and it works the best for most of my dessert recipes like carrot halwa, basundi and acts as a shortcut without any compromise in the taste 🙂

    kalakand sweet for diwali, kalakand with milkmaid, microwave, instant pot #indiansweets #indiandesserts

    The two main ingredients that are required are paneer or chenna (curdled milk) and sweetened condensed milk. I have made paneer from scratch as we love fresh paneer. If you are using a store-bought paneer, then this dessert can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. Make sure that the paneer you use is soft and fresh.  You have to wait a couple of hours for it to set. You can also try using ricotta cheese.

    indian no bake cheesecake, sweets with paneer, mawa mishri, ajmeri kalakand, north indian mithai

    The other ingredients that I have used cardamom powder and saffron threads are for additional flavorings and roasted dry fruits for crunchiness. Make sure the pan or plate you use is slightly deep because this dessert, like fudge, is served as thick slices and not like a burfi (thin slices).

    indian no bake cheesecake, sweets with paneer, mawa mishri, ajmeri kalakand, north indian mithai

    Ingredients for Kalakand Sweet Recipe

    To Make Paneer (If using store-bought paneer or ricotta cheese, then use 2 ¼ cups tightly packed and crumbled)

    1 gallon Whole milk
    ¼ cup Lemon juice
    Salt, a pinch

    Other Ingredients

    1 can Sweetened condensed milk
    ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
    5 to 6 strands Saffron
    2 tablespoon Pistachios, roasted and crushed
    2 tablespoon Cashews, roasted and crushed
    2 tablespoon Almond, roasted and crushed

    karwa chauth, navratri, diwali, holi indian sweets & desserts, quick Indian mithai, halwai style

    How to make Kalakand Sweet Recipe at home?

    Prepare Paneer (If you are using store-bought paneer or ricotta cheese, ignore this step)

    Keep milk on medium heat and bring it to slow boil. Once the milk boils, switch off the flame.

    Add lemon juice little by little and slowly stir till the milk curdles. Do not add everything at once because the amount you require may vary.

    If the milk does not curdle or separate, then add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoon lemon juice. Let this stand for about 2 to 4 minutes.

    Place cheesecloth in a colander and strain the paneer-whey mixture through the cheesecloth. You can now rinse with cold water to remove the lemon flavor.

    Tie the cheesecloth with a knot and then hang it to your kitchen faucet for about 15 minutes to let all the whey drain through it.

    Open the knot, and season the paneer with salt and knead it. Paneer is ready to be used for kalakand.

    karwa chauth, navratri, diwali, holi indian sweets & desserts, quick Indian mithai, halwai style

    To make Kalakand

    In a thick bottomed pan or kadai, add condensed milk and the crumbled paneer prepared above and mix well. Check the sweetness now. If you like it to be sweeter, add sugar at this point.

    Keep the flame on medium to medium-low and stir this mixture often so that it does not get stick to the bottom of the pan.

    The mixture thickens and starts leaving sides of the pan and forms like a mass. At this point add cardamom powder and saffron strands and mix well. Switch off the flame. See that the mixture is moist and not dry.

    Setting Kalakand

    Transfer the kalakand mixture to the greased pan or plate.

    Tap the pan so that the mixture spreads evenly. You can also use a spoon or spatula to make sure it spreads evenly.

    Sprinkle the crushed dry fruits and gently press with a spoon. Allow it to cool at room temperature and keep it in the fridge for a couple of hours as this sweet tastes the best when served chilled.

    Kalakand is ready. Slice and Serve as desired. Enjoy!

    Recipe Notes
    • If you are not able to slice kalakand, don't worry. You can eat this like halwa, with a spoon 🙂 It tastes great anyway.
    • The time it takes for the mixture to thicken may vary on the thickness of the pan and the flame at which you simmer.
    • Kalakand stays fresh for 5 to 7 days when refrigerated.

    Follow me on Instagram and tag me with #cookwithkushi so that I get a chance to see all the recipes you make and give it a  ♥.

    While you are here, also check out

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    Detailed Recipe to make quick & easy Kalakand with paneer & condensed milk or ricotta cheese & condensed milk
    5 from 39 votes
    kalakand sweet recipe, quick and easy kalakand recipe with paneer, ricotta cheese, condensed milk
    Print
    KALAKAND SWEET | MILK CAKE | INDIAN CHEESECAKE
    Prep Time
    1 hr
     

    Kalakand is creamy and delicious mouth watering milk cake or Indian cheesecake with a soft and grainy texture that is a perfect treat for any special occasion. This is one of the easiest Indian sweet recipes to prepare and requires only two main ingredients everything else is optional and can be varied as per your liking.

    Course: Desserts, sweets
    Cuisine: ajmeri, Indian, north indian
    Keyword: barfi sweet, brown kalakand, Burfi, Cheesecake, Condensed Milk, diwali 2022, diwali mithai, Diwali Recipes, Indian fudge, kalakand instant pot, kalakand microwave, Milk Cake, milk sweets, Milkmaid recipes, Paneer, rakhi, ricotta cheese kalakand
    Servings: 12
    Author: Kushi
    Ingredients
    To Make Paneer (If using store-bought paneer or ricotta cheese, then use 2 ¼ cups tightly packed and crumbled)
    • 1 gallon Whole milk
    • ¼ cup Lemon juice
    • Salt, a pinch
    Other Ingredients
    • 1 can Sweetened condensed milk
    • ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
    • 5 to 6 strands Saffron
    • 2 tablespoon Pistachios, roasted and crushed (optional)
    • 2 tablespoon Cashews, roasted and crushed (optional)
    • 2 tablespoon Almond, roasted and crushed (optional)
    Instructions
    Prepare Paneer
    1. Keep milk on medium heat and bring it to slow boil. Once the milk boils, switch off the flame.

    2. Add lemon juice little by little and slowly stir till the milk curdles. Do not add everything at once because the amount you require may vary.

    3. If the milk does not curdle or separate, then add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoon lemon juice. Let this stand for about 2 to 4 minutes.

    4. Place cheesecloth in a colander and strain the paneer-whey mixture through the cheesecloth. You can now rinse with cold water to remove the lemon flavor.

    5. Tie the cheesecloth with a knot and then hang it to your kitchen faucet for about 15 minutes to let all the whey drain through it.

    6. Open the knot, and season the paneer with salt and knead it.  Paneer is ready to be used for kalakand.

    To make Kalakand
    1. In a thick bottomed pan or kadai, add condensed milk and the crumbled paneer prepared above and mix well. Check the sweetness now. If you like it to be sweeter, add sugar at this point.

    2. Keep the flame on medium to medium-low and stir this mixture often so that it does not get stick to the bottom of the pan.

    3. The mixture thickens and starts leaving sides of the pan and forms like a mass.  At this point add cardamom powder and saffron strands and mix well. Switch off the flame. See that the mixture is moist and not dry. 

    Setting Kalakand
    1. Transfer the kalakand mixture to the greased pan or plate. 

    2. Tap the pan so that the mixture spreads evenly. You can also use a spoon or spatula to make sure it spreads evenly.

    3. Sprinkle the crushed dry fruits and gently press with a spoon. Allow it to cool at room temperature and keep it in the fridge for a couple of hours as this sweet tastes the best when served chilled. 

    4. Kalakand is ready. Slice and Serve as desired. Enjoy!

    Recipe Notes
    • If you are not able to slice kalakand, don't worry. You can eat this like halwa, with a spoon 🙂 It tastes great anyway.
    • The time it takes for the mixture to thicken may vary on the thickness of the pan and the flame at which you simmer. 
    • Kalakand stays fresh for 5 to 7 days when refrigerated. 

    For more recent updates, follow me on Pinterest,  Instagram, Twitter

    ***Click below to save it on Pinterest***

    How to make quick & easy instant Indian kalakand sweet recipe

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sheree

      September 24, 2018 at 7:30 pm

      This cake looks so delicious, my mouth is watering while reading this recipe, I will have to give it a try, thanks for sharing!

      ~xo Sheree
      poshclassymom.com

      Reply
    2. Eva

      September 27, 2018 at 4:13 am

      5 stars
      I love learning about new desserts! This recipe was totally new to me, actually I could not guess what sort of dish it was just from the name. I was positively surprised to see it was a dessert, as I love a good piece of cake!!

      Reply
    3. Dominique | Perchance to Cook

      September 27, 2018 at 12:44 pm

      Yummm this looks like such a unique and tasty cheesecake. I've never tried this before but I really want to. YUM.

      Reply
    4. Michelle

      September 28, 2018 at 8:06 am

      5 stars
      I've never tried this but it looks so good! I'm definitely going to try this soon x

      Reply
    5. Stine Mari

      September 28, 2018 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      That looks so tasty! And I love the flavors you chose, cardamom, saffron and pistachios is a magic combination!

      Reply
    6. Kiki Johnson

      September 28, 2018 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      A cheesecake made from paneer cheese! I LOVE the idea and I am sure it tastes superb as all Indian sweets tend to!I would top mine with lots of pistachios, just like you did!

      Reply
    7. Kiki Johnson

      September 28, 2018 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      A cheesecake made from paneer cheese! I LOVE the idea and I am sure it tastes superb as all Indian sweets tend to!I would top mine with lots of pistachios, just like you did!

      Reply
    8. georgie

      September 28, 2018 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      wow! I never came across this in my travels to India! this looks amazing and love that its made from panner!

      Reply
    9. Vanessa

      September 28, 2018 at 6:39 pm

      This is so interesting and delicious. I love no bake desserts and will make this soon. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    10. Jessica (Swanky Recipes)

      September 29, 2018 at 7:15 pm

      5 stars
      This looks incredibly soft and moist. I have a few cans of condensed milk that I need to use up this month before they expire and I bet the family will love trying this recipe!

      Reply
    11. Chef and Steward

      September 30, 2018 at 5:06 am

      5 stars
      I love anything with pistachios. I miss all my Indian treats after living in Dubai for several years. This looks like a great and simple recipe in my numerous moments of nostalgia and also to serve for tea time.

      Reply
    12. Tammy

      September 30, 2018 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      I adore cheesecake. It is easily one of my favorite desserts and I love the sound of this one. It's such a beautiful twist from the ones I'm used to. I cannot wait to make this. Pinning for the holidays 🙂

      Reply
    13. Karyl Henry

      September 30, 2018 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      I've never heard of Kalakand, but I love cheesecake. I absolutely love that you topped it with all those nuts...and condensed milk!! This looks really good

      Reply
    14. Emily Leary

      September 30, 2018 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      These look wonderful. I love the look of that nut topping and the texture inside looks really special.

      Reply
    15. Nicole

      September 30, 2018 at 10:49 pm

      All I had to see were pistachios and I was sold! I would love to try this!

      Reply
    16. Sam | Ahead of Thyme

      October 01, 2018 at 1:28 am

      I have never heard of this dessert but the flavour combos in here look amazing! Those nut toppings look so good!

      Reply
    17. Aditi Bahl

      October 01, 2018 at 6:25 am

      5 stars
      kalakand is my favourite dessert. i love the its soft milky texture. the original recipe takes time to prepare. this one looks quick n delicious. will try surely

      Reply
    18. Natalie

      October 01, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      You said cheesecake? Sign me in 🙂 It looks fantastic. I'm such a fan of cheesecakes and I love trying new exotic flavors and combos. I'll be making this very soon.

      Reply
    19. Cindy

      May 12, 2020 at 1:12 pm

      5 stars
      I've been including the kids more in the kitchen during quarantine. They are helping to decide what to make and helping to make it. I find they will try new things if they help make it. This was such a fun recipe project to make. The kids LOVED the cake! This is going into our rotation!

      Reply
    20. Gail Montero

      May 12, 2020 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      I'd probably be so addicted with these as well because of all the nuts and cardamom spice!

      Reply
    21. Sara Welch

      May 12, 2020 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      Such a perfectly sweet and light dessert! Served this for dessert last night and it was a hit all around the table!

      Reply
    22. Kathryn

      May 12, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! I've never heard of this but I'm all about creamy cheeseckaes so that sounds right up my alley!

      Reply
    23. Andrea Metlika

      May 12, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      A creamy texture with all the nuts on top. looks absolutely delicious.

      Reply
    24. Pam Greer

      May 12, 2020 at 2:33 pm

      5 stars
      We have made this several times and fall in love with it more each time! So cheesy and so good!! The perfect dessert!

      Reply
    25. Catherine

      May 12, 2020 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      I've never heard of this before but it looks and sounds like a wonderful cake! I would love to try it!

      Reply
    26. Anita

      May 12, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      This treat looks so pretty and taste equally amazing. I love the pistachios and the cardamom. This is an instant favorite for our family.

      Reply
    27. Jessica Formicola

      May 12, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      We made this over the weekend and it turned out perfectly! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    28. cookilicious

      May 12, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      This bought back so many childhood memories! Love this Indian dessert

      Reply
    29. Maria

      August 26, 2020 at 7:42 am

      5 stars
      I've never had or heard of Kalakand before. I'm excited to try this recipe which looks delicious. I especially love that you have used sweetened condensed milk as a shortcut! Same delicious flavor in a shorter amount of time is always a win!

      Reply
    30. Chef Dennis

      August 26, 2020 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      I love discovering new recipes and your kalakand is a dessert I'v e never heard of. I can't wait to try out your recipe in my kitchen and amaze my family with this deliciousness!

      Reply
    31. Taleen | Just As Tasty

      August 26, 2020 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      I love discovering delicious new treats! I have never tried this cake but it looks so tasty. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    32. Lesli Schwartz

      August 26, 2020 at 6:21 pm

      5 stars
      Look at those yummy crunchy toppings! This cake looks so silky. I going to have to try this recipe!

      Reply
    33. Meesha

      August 27, 2020 at 12:12 am

      5 stars
      Never heard of this before, but it looks really delicious! I am really excited to try it out this weekend.

      Reply
    34. Leslie

      August 27, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      5 stars
      I'm so intrigued by this dessert! I just love to try popular desserts from other parts of the world. This looks wonderful!

      Reply
    35. Stine Mari

      August 28, 2020 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      I love me some cheese cake, but I've never seen this version! Very intriguing! Will definitely give this a try! It looks awesome!

      Reply
    36. Sophia

      August 28, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a simple dessert but has such wonderful flavors, I love the cardamon and different types of nuts, so delicious!

      Reply
    37. Marta

      August 28, 2020 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      As a New Yorker, I'm a huge fan of cheesecake. I can't wait to make this kalakand for my family this weekend.

      Reply
    38. Amy Liu Dong

      August 29, 2020 at 5:15 am

      5 stars
      Definitely giving this recipe a 5 stars ratings. It's delicious and a really makes mouthwatering recipe. Love it!

      Reply
    39. Diana

      August 29, 2020 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      This dessert looks fantastic! I have never tried it before but I really want to after reading your recipe.

      Reply
    40. Jacqueline Debono

      August 30, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      Homemade paneer sounds very similar to how we make ricotta here in Italy! I'd love to try making some so that I can try this kalakand. It looks really good!

      Reply
    41. Beth

      August 31, 2020 at 1:56 am

      5 stars
      I love the creamy inside with the crunchy outside of this sweet. And those green pops of color from the pistachios look so good.

      Reply
    42. Gail Montero

      August 31, 2020 at 8:31 am

      5 stars
      Love all the pistachios on top! Looks deliciously good and a must try for sure!

      Reply
    43. sapana

      August 31, 2020 at 11:08 am

      5 stars
      I love kalakand to the cores and always make it for any festival as it is one of the easiest to make. You have made it so beautiful, love the wonderful texture.

      Reply
    44. Scarlet

      November 05, 2020 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      I have never tried kalakand but it looks so good! I can't wait to make this recipe. The nuts on the top make it look so pretty too!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Sridevi! I am a Software Engineer by qualification, a full-time Food Blogger by passion, a self-published Author, and a happy person two kids (monsters) ago.

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