If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the delicious world of traditional Indian sweets, look no further than this Easy Homemade Milk Pedas Recipe. This delightful treat combines the creamy richness of milk powder and sweetened condensed milk with the aromatic warmth of cardamom, creating bite-sized morsels of pure pleasure. Whether you’re new to Indian desserts or a seasoned enthusiast, making milk pedas at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. I can’t wait to share this little sweet secret that brings comfort and celebration straight to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how just a few simple ingredients come together to create this luscious sweet. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery richness to the fragrant cardamom that gives it that authentic touch.
- Butter or Ghee (2 Tablespoons): Adds a smooth, rich texture and enhances the traditional flavor profile.
- Dry Milk or Milk Powder (1 ¾ Cups, full fat unsweetened): The creamy base providing body and richness to the pedas.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 Can): Offers sweetness and helps bind the mixture perfectly.
- Cardamom Powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a fragrant, floral note signature to many Indian sweets.
How to Make Easy Homemade Milk Pedas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
Start by melting one tablespoon of butter or ghee in the microwave. Once melted, add the sweetened condensed milk and dry milk powder. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This base is what transforms simple ingredients into the beloved peda texture.
Step 2: Heat and Stir
Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds, then give it a quick stir. Repeat by heating for another 30 seconds and stirring again. This step gradually thickens the mixture, so patience and regular stirring are key to avoid burning.
Step 3: Continue Heating
Pop the bowl back in the microwave and cook for an additional minute. Be sure to handle the bowl carefully as it will be hot. The mixture should start to thicken noticeably by now, moving closer to the ideal consistency for shaping.
Step 4: Add Cardamom and Butter
Sprinkle in the cardamom powder and the remaining tablespoon of butter or ghee. Stir thoroughly to combine the flavors. Return the mixture to the microwave for about a minute, heating it in 30-second intervals and stirring between each to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Check Consistency and Cool
By this point, the mixture should be thick enough that you can form it into a ball without it sticking excessively. Let it cool slightly—it’s easier to handle when warm but not hot. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up just right.
Step 6: Adjust Thickness If Needed
If the mixture seems too sticky, continue cooking it in 15 to 30 second bursts in the microwave and stir in between. This incremental heating will remove excess moisture and ensure your pedas will hold their shape beautifully.
Step 7: Shape Your Pedas
Once the perfect consistency is achieved, shape the mixture into small, round balls using your hands or a peda press. Add a delightful finishing touch by topping each peda with a nut or saffron strand if you like. Now, your Easy Homemade Milk Pedas Recipe is ready to be enjoyed—simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Milk Pedas Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish can take your milk pedas from lovely to stunning. Consider a single pistachio or almond sliver on top. Some folks love sprinkling edible silver leaf for special occasions—it adds a touch of elegance and sparkle.
Side Dishes
Milk pedas shine on their own as a sweet treat, but they also pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai or a soothing glass of masala milk. If you’re setting up for a festive feast, they complement savory snacks like samosas or crispy pakoras, balancing spice with a sweet finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference. Arrange your pedas on a colorful plate lined with banana leaf or doilies for a traditional touch. For a modern flair, serve pedas in tiny cupcake liners. Gifting them in decorated boxes will surely impress loved ones and spread the joy of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover pedas (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is best; just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing pedas isn’t typically recommended since their creamy texture can change upon thawing. However, if you need to freeze them, wrap each peda individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw slowly in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
Reheat gently by placing the pedas in a microwave-safe dish and warming for 5 to 10 seconds. Avoid overheating as it can cause the texture to become grainy. A light warming softens them just enough to bring back that fresh homemade feel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh milk instead of milk powder?
Fresh milk doesn’t work well here because the recipe relies on milk powder’s dry consistency to achieve the right texture. Using fresh milk will make the mixture too liquidy and difficult to shape.
Is ghee necessary, or can I use butter instead?
Both butter and ghee work beautifully for this recipe. Ghee adds a more traditional, nutty aroma, but butter makes for a great substitute that’s easily accessible. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
How long do these milk pedas last?
Freshly made pedas generally stay good for 2-3 days at room temperature if stored properly. Refrigeration can extend their life up to a week, but always check for freshness before consuming.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits inside the pedas?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like cashews or almonds can be mixed into the batter before shaping to add crunch and texture. Dried fruits can also be stuffed inside for a sweet surprise in every bite.
What if my mixture isn’t thickening properly?
Just keep heating in short bursts and stirring well. The key is patience and consistent stirring to avoid burning. If it remains runny after several attempts, check the microwave power or ingredient ratios to ensure accuracy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own sweets, especially when the recipe is as straightforward and delicious as this Easy Homemade Milk Pedas Recipe. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a taste of tradition without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your sweet treat collection—ready for celebrations or everyday indulgences alike!
Print
Easy Homemade Milk Pedas Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional Indian Peda recipe offers a creamy, sweet delicacy made from full-fat milk powder, sweetened condensed milk, butter or ghee, and flavored with cardamom. Ready in just 15 minutes using a microwave, these soft, melt-in-your-mouth pedas are perfect for festivals, celebrations, or as a delightful homemade sweet treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Butter or Ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 ¾ Cups Dry Milk Powder (unsweetened, full fat)
- 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk (approximately 14 ounces)
- ½ teaspoon Cardamom Powder
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee in a microwave-safe bowl using the microwave. This will provide the fat base for the peda mixture.
- Combine Dairy Ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk and dry milk powder to the melted butter. Use a whisk or spatula to mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Initial Heating: Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Remove and stir quickly to prevent lumps and ensure even heating.
- Second Heating: Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for another 30 seconds. Stir again to check thickness and consistency.
- Extended Cooking: Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook for an additional 1 minute. Carefully remove the hot bowl using mittens or oven gloves to avoid burns.
- Add Flavor and Butter: Stir in the ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee. Mix well to evenly distribute flavors and fats.
- Further Cooking and Thickening: Cook the mixture in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval, for about 1 more minute total. The mixture should become thicker and shiny.
- Check Consistency: Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Try shaping it into a ball—if it holds its shape and isn’t sticky, it’s ready for shaping into pedas.
- Adjust Consistency if Needed: If the mixture is still sticky, microwave in short 15–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until it thickens properly.
- Shape Pedas: Once ready, shape the mixture by hand or with a peda press into small round pedas. Optionally, garnish with your choice of toppings such as nuts, saffron strands, or dried fruit.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade pedas fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and handle with care as the mixture gets very hot during cooking.
- Butter or ghee adds richness and smooth texture; do not skip or substitute with oil.
- Cardamom powder can be adjusted based on preference for flavor intensity.
- If you don’t have a peda press, shaping by hand works perfectly.
- Store pedas in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer shelf life up to one week.
- For a variation, decorate pedas with chopped pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Indian
