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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Mahalabia (Milk Pudding)

    Published: Dec 21, 2021 · by Radwa.

    Jump to Recipe

    Incredibly easy Middle Eastern dessert, Mahalabia is my go-to quick dessert. It has a rich, milky taste and a floral aroma of rose water, a light and creamy texture with a smoothness that could surely win anyone's heart.

    Mahalabia (Milk Pudding)

    Mahalabia

    I was visiting Egypt last month, and my mother made me Mahalabia. She knows it is my favourite dessert ever. My mother used to make me this dessert in the month of Ramada. However, I make it all year round 😊.

    My recipe is super creamy, delicious and mouthwatering. Even toddlers can enjoy this food without a problem. The dish is soft and easy to swallow; hence young ones can enjoy it just the same as the oldies.

    I love to serve this dish for dessert after a well-prepared meal. My kids go crazy for it. If you try this dessert; I am sure you and your family will love it.

    In this recipe, I like to add 1 cup of heavy cream for each 1L of milk; it is optional to add the heavy cream, but believe me, it really adds richness to this dessert.

    I also flavor it with both vanilla extract and a few drops of rose water, which is also optional; you can just go with vanilla. I know some people don't like the taste of rose water in their desserts.

    The topping is totally customizable; I actually add what I have on hand. Sometimes nuts, dried fruits, or just sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top.

    Mahalabia (Milk Pudding)

    Ingredients

    Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Whole Milk. For a rich taste and texture I use whole milk. However, To make this recipe vegan, use non-dairy milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream.

    Whipping Cream. It gives the dish richness.

    Cornstarch (Cornflour). For a creamy and thick texture for my milk pudding. I highly recommend measuring the cornstarch correctly because exceeding the required amount will harden the Mahalabia.

    Note: You may use rice flour instead of cornstarch; however, the texture will not be as smooth as when using cornstarch.

    Granulated Sugar. To sweeten my dessert.

    Vanilla Extract. Vanilla extract is the added flavor to my milk pudding.

    Rose Water (optional). You can optionally add rose water to give your dish a floral aroma.

    Toppings: I used pistachio, dried rose petals, shredded coconut, and raisins as toppings. I chose pistachio for a rich flavor, dried rose petals for a lovely hue, shredded coconut for added texture, and raisins for more sweetness.

    Tip: To spice up your dessert, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to your milk mixture.

    How To Make Mahalabia?

    steps of making the recipe

    One: In a small pot, mix milk, cream, sugar, and corn starch/cornflour over medium heat, whisk well until combined.

    Two: Bring to a boil, whisk continuously until it starts to thicken ( about 8-10 minutes). (make sure to continue whisking, or the milk may burn)

    Three: Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and rose water (if used).

    Four: Pour in small dessert glasses or bowls and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

    Five: Garnish with nuts, rose petals and coconut, then serve.

    Tip: This dish is best consumed when chilled. Let it cool down at room temperature before refrigerating it for a few hours.

    5 cups full of the Milk Pudding dessert

    Storage Tips

    I Keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish has milk in it, so I don't recommend to keep it longer than three days. Also, I don't recommend freezing this dish at all; freezing this dessert ruins its texture completely.

    More Middle Eastern Dessert Recipes

    • Sahlab (Mediterranean Milk Pudding)
    • Om Ali – Egyptian Bread Pudding Recipe
    • Rice Pudding Recipe
    • Kunafa
    • Kahk El Eid
    • Baba Ganoush.
      Baba Ganoush Recipe (Lebanese)
    • Grilled Chicken Kofta
      Chicken Kofta Recipe
    • Lemon chicken orzo soup.
      Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
    • A plate full of Qatayef topped with crushed pistachio.
      Qatayef (Atayef)

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    Recipe Card

    Mahalabia topped with pistachio, dried rose petals, shredded coconut, and raisins.
    Print Pin
    5 from 4 votes

    Mahalabia (Milk Pudding)

    Incredibly easy Middle Eastern dessert, Mahalabia has a rich, milky taste and a floral aroma of rose water, a light and creamy texture with a smoothness that could surely win anyone's heart.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Middle Eastern
    Diet Vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    chill 2 hours hours
    Total Time 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    Servings 9 servings
    Calories 276kcal
    Author Radwa

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • Measuring spoons
    • Measuring cups

    Ingredients

    • 1 L whole milk
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 7 tablespoon cornstarch (cornflour)
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon Pistachio
    • 1 teaspoon dried rose petals
    • 1 teaspoon shredded coconut

    Instructions

    • In a small pot, mix milk, cream, sugar, and corn starch/cornflour over medium heat, whisk well until combined.
    • Bring to a boil, whisk continuously until it starts to thicken ( about 8-10 minutes). (make sure to continue whisking, or the milk may burn)
    • Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and rose water (if used).
    • Pour in small dessert glasses or bowls and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
    • Garnish with nuts, rose petals and coconut, then serve.

    Notes

    I highly recommend measuring the cornstarch correctly because exceeding the required amount will harden the Mahalabia.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @HealthyLifeTrainer or tag #healthylifetrainer!

    About Radwa

    Hi, I am Radwa! I've always been fond of food—seriously, it's my love language. I share my tried-and-true recipes and provide easy, step-by-step recipes that anyone can follow.

    Comments

    1. Heba Mahmoud says

      January 03, 2022 at 3:05 am

      5 stars
      Perfect food for children and toddlers.

      Reply
    2. Mirinda says

      December 21, 2021 at 6:20 pm

      5 stars
      This is a keeper. Thanks! It was easy and delicious.

      Reply
    3. Cath says

      December 21, 2021 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      Creamy and delicious, Thanks!

      Reply
    5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Healthy Life Trainer

    Hello! I’m Radwa, A wife and mother. Also, I am the recipe maker and food photographer behind Healthy Life Trainer. I love making new, simple and quick recipes every day.

    More about me→

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