You must try this delicious and fast spin on a popular Indian dessert. Kalakand is an Indian milk cake made by reducing sweetened condensed milk, ricotta cheese and sugar. There are many variations and this one incorporates soft and enticing rose essence and cardamom. This creamy, granular, melt-in-your-mouth sweet is perfect for celebrations – and thanks to the microwave, it comes together in under 30 minutes! Kalakand is often made for Diwali – the 5-day festival of light held in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, around mid-October to mid-November. If the flavor of rose is not your thing, skip the rose essence and food coloring and follow the rest of the steps for an equally delectable milk cake.
Rose Kalakand: Indian Milk Cake
Ingredients
- 16 oz. ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dry milk powder
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. ghee
- 2 drops red food coloring
- ½ tsp. rose essence
- ½ tsp. cardamom powder
- ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios or almonds
Instructions
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In large microwave-safe dish, combine ricotta, sugar, milk powder and condensed milk. Whisk until no lumps remain.
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Microwave uncovered on high for 5 minutes, mix well and repeat.
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Cover, microwave for 3 minutes, mix well and repeat.
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Cover, microwave for 2 minutes, stir and repeat. (Note: At this point, the mixture should be reduced and separating from sides of dish.)
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To mixture, add 1-2 drops of food coloring and combine until completely pink.
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Add 1/4 tsp. rose essence and mix well. Taste and add another 1/4 teaspoon, if needed.
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Add in 1/8 cup chopped nuts, 1 Tbsp. ghee and cardamom powder; mix well.
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Grease 9X9 pan with ghee and add mixture. Gently level with back of spoon or spatula.
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Sprinkle on remaining chopped nuts and press in slightly to embed.
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Let cool one hour before cutting into desired sizes. Do not separate squares yet. Refrigerate for about 2 hours.
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When completely cold, separate squares, store refrigerated in air-tight container and consume within 3-4 days.
Recipe Notes
This recipe calls for a microwave, but can also be cooked on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously.
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