How To Use Cream Cheese In Indian Desserts For A Unique Twist

When it comes to Indian sweets, all have one thing in common, that is the old friends khoya, jaggery and cardamom to create rich, flavorful desserts. But if you want to twist these classics, cream cheese can be the secret ingredient that takes your sweets to a whole new level. This versatile ingredient brings a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness in most Indian desserts.

Using cream cheese in Indian desserts opens up a lot of possibilities. Whether it is replacing khoya in a milk-based dessert or adding a rich layer to a fruit-filled pastry, cream cheese can blend in with the flavors you love. What makes cream cheese so exciting is that it complements and enhances the spices and aromas in Indian sweets without overpowering them.

Holiday season or otherwise, adding cream cheese to your desserts will make your sweets special. From cheesecakes to halwas, the possibilities are endless when you experiment with this decadent ingredient.

How To Make Fresh Cream Cheese For Dessert

Cream cheese has become popular in recent times not just in Western desserts but also in Indian kitchens. With its smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor cream cheese brings a fresh and rich element to Indian sweets. Whether you are replacing milk based ingredients like khoya or blending with fruits it brings a creamy finish to every bite that makes it feel luxurious.

Ingredients

• 200 grams cream cheese
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
• A pinch of cardamom powder (optional, for an Indian touch)

Method

1. Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften and make it easier to work with.
2. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add milk gradually to achieve the desired consistency. It should be thick but spreadable.
4. Add vanilla essence or cardamom powder and mix well to infuse the flavor. Cardamom adds an Indian touch to the cream cheese.
5. Depending on your recipe either chill the mixture for a firmer texture or use it immediately as a filling or frosting for cakes, tarts or even halwas.

7 Ways to Use Cream Cheese in Indian Desserts for a Twist

1. Cream Cheese In Gajar Halwa (Carrot Halwa)

Add cream cheese towards the end of cooking Gajar Halwa. Stir in a big spoonful of softened cream cheese and it will give the halwa a smooth, creamy texture. It will balance the sweetness of the grated carrots and add a creamy richness that just melts in your mouth.

2. Cream Cheese Stuffing In Gulab Jamun

Cream cheese in the traditional gulab jamun stuffing makes for a gooey, rich center. Make the gulab jamun dough and put a small ball of cream cheese in the middle and then fry. Once soaked in warm sugar syrup the contrast of the soft outer shell and creamy inner filling is a modern twist on a classic dessert.

3. Chilled Cream Cheese Lassi

Why not turn a cool, refreshing lassi into a dessert? Blend cream cheese with yogurt, sugar and a pinch of cardamom or saffron to make a thick, creamy lassi. Garnish with crushed pistachios and rose petals for a beautiful presentation. This indulgent treat combines the tanginess of yogurt with the smoothness of cream cheese for a luxurious twist on a classic drink.

4.Cream Cheese In Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Add cream cheese to your kheer recipe to make it extra creamy. Stir it in after the rice has cooked, let it melt into the pudding and thicken it to a rich, velvety consistency. The cream cheese softens the sweetness of the kheer and enhances the flavors of cardamom, saffron and almonds.

5. Cream Cheese Mango Mousse

Mangoes and cream cheese are a great combination. For a simple but impressive dessert whip cream cheese with fresh mango pulp and sugar, chill the mixture to set into a light and airy mousse. Serve in individual glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

6. Cream Cheese Peda

Traditional pedas are made from condensed milk and khoya, but adding cream cheese changes the texture and flavor. Mix cream cheese with the usual peda ingredients and cook them together till the mixture thickens. This addition makes the peda softer and creamier while keeping the cardamom and saffron flavors intact.

7. Cream Cheese in Ladoo (Besan or Coconut)

You can add cream cheese to ladoos made from besan (gram flour) or coconut. Blend softened cream cheese into the dough mixture while it is still warm. This adds a creamy softness to the ladoo which contrasts with the crunch of the besan or coconut.