Rabri Kheer Recipe

If you’re looking for a traditional Indian dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, Rabri Kheer is the perfect choice! This rich, creamy dessert combines the best of two iconic dishes—Rabri, a thickened milk cream, and Kheer, a fragrant rice pudding. Together, they create a smooth, velvety dessert that’s packed with flavors and textures that everyone in your family will adore.
My kids absolutely love this dessert! Every time I make it, they can’t wait to dig in. The combination of sweetened milk, rice, nuts, and the aromatic touch of cardamom makes this dish irresistible. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, Rabri Kheer is a treat that will definitely be the star of any meal.
Let me take you through the process of making this delicious dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What Makes Rabri Kheer Special?
Rabri Kheer stands out for its creamy texture, rich flavors, and the harmony of ingredients. The preparation involves two steps—first, making the Rabri (the creamy milk layer), and then cooking the Kheer (the rice pudding). The magic happens when these two elements come together, creating a thick, luscious dessert that melts in your mouth.
Unlike regular Kheer, where the milk is simmered and thickened with rice, Rabri adds an extra dimension of flavor and creaminess, making this dessert incredibly decadent. The balance of milk, sugar, cardamom, and nuts creates a perfect harmony that’s both fragrant and flavorful.
This dessert is not only delicious but also loaded with protein and nutrients from the milk and nuts, making it a comforting dish for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s perfect for special occasions, festivals, or as a sweet treat to end any meal.
Why My Kids Love Rabri Kheer
As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for dishes that my kids will enjoy. Rabri Kheer is one of those recipes that they eagerly look forward to. Here’s why they love it:
Creamy Texture: The velvety texture of the Rabri mixed with the soft rice in the Kheer makes it a perfect dish for my little ones. They love the smooth consistency and the way the dessert just melts in their mouths.
Sweetness and Aroma: The mild sweetness combined with the fragrance of cardamom, kewra water, and the roasted nuts is absolutely irresistible to them. It has just the right level of sweetness that satisfies their sweet tooth without being overly sugary.
Nuts and Crunch: My kids love the crunch from the pistachios, almonds, and cashews scattered throughout the Kheer. It adds an exciting texture to each bite, keeping them engaged and excited with every spoonful.
Fun to Make Together: The best part is that my kids love to help me make this dessert. They enjoy stirring the milk, watching the cream form, and helping to garnish the final dish. It’s a fun, hands-on recipe that brings the family together in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Rabri Kheer
- Patience is Key: To achieve the perfect Rabri, slow simmering is essential. Be patient as it reduces, and don’t rush the process to get that thick, creamy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar level based on your preference. Rabri Kheer is meant to be sweet, but you can always reduce the sugar for a more subtle sweetness.
- Texture Preferences: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the Kheer cook longer, mashing the rice more for a richer, denser texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Rabri Kheer can be served in individual bowls or a large serving dish, garnished with more nuts and a piece of edible silver leaf for a royal touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rabri Kheer is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The process of making it, from simmering the milk to layering the Rabri with Kheer, is both meditative and rewarding. The result is a dessert that is perfect for every occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a festive celebration, or just a special treat to enjoy on a weekend.
My kids can’t get enough of it, and I’m sure yours will love it too. The combination of sweet, creamy milk, aromatic cardamom, crunchy nuts, and the luxurious texture of Rabri makes this dish a true winner in every household. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and treat your family to this unforgettable dessert!
Happy cooking and enjoy the sweetness of Rabri Kheer with your loved ones!

Rabri Kheer
Ingredients
For the Rabri:
- 1 ltr Fresh Milk
- ¼ tsp Cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp Sugar to taste
For the Kheer:
- 1½ ltr Fresh Milk
- ½ cup Basmati Rice soaked for 2-3 hours
- ½ cup Sugar or to taste
- ½ tsp Cardamom powder
- 1-2 tbsp Desiccated Coconut
- 1 tbsp Pistachios sliced
- 1 tbsp Almonds
- 1 tbsp Cashews
- 1 tsp Kewra water
- Edible Silver Leaf (Chandi ka Warq) for Garnish
- Extra Pistachios and Almonds for Garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Rabri:
- Heat the Milk: In a wok, add 1 liter of fresh milk and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 ½ hours. As it cooks, the milk will begin to form cream (balai) on the sides of the pot.Scrape the Cream: Gently scrape the cream (balai) from the sides of the pot and stir it back into the milk. Continue doing this as the milk reduces, until you have a thick, creamy texture and the milk has reduced by about half.Flavor the Rabri: Once the milk has thickened, add 1/4 tsp cardamom powder and 2 tbsp sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Keep scraping the cream from the sides and stir until the mixture becomes rich and smooth.Set Aside: Once done, remove the rabri from the wok and set it aside in a bowl. This will be used later to mix into the Kheer.
Prepare the Kheer:
- Boil the Milk: In another wok, add 1 ½ liters of fresh milk and bring it to a boil. Keep stirring occasionally.Add the Rice: Once the milk begins to boil, add the soaked basmati rice (make sure to lightly crush the soaked rice with your hands before adding it). Stir well and cook on low flame for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. Use a potato masher to gently mash the rice and create a creamy texture.Sweeten the Kheer: Once the rice has softened and the milk has thickened, add ½ cup sugar. Mix well, and continue mashing until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.Add Spices and Nuts: Stir in ½ tsp cardamom powder and 1-2 tbsp desiccated coconut. Then, add the sliced pistachios, almonds, and cashews. Mix everything well.Flavor with Kewra Water: Add 1 tsp kewra water for a lovely floral fragrance and mix it in.Cool the Kheer: Let the Kheer cool down to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Combine the Rabri and Kheer:
- Add Rabri to Kheer: Once the Kheer has cooled slightly, add the prepared Rabri into the mixture. Stir well to combine the creamy Rabri with the Kheer for a rich, velvety texture.Garnish: Garnish with edible silver leaf (chandi ka warq), extra pistachios, and almonds for a festive touch.
Serve:
- Serve this luscious Rabri Kheer chilled or at room temperature, as per your preference. It’s the perfect dessert for special occasions, weddings, or any time you want to treat yourself to a creamy, aromatic indulgence.