Shrikhand is a smooth, creamy dessert made from sweetened yogurt and flavored with saffron and cardamom. This Shrikhand Recipe offers a delicious, refreshing treat for any occasion, served chilled and garnished with nuts. The rich aroma of saffron combined with the subtle fragrance of cardamom makes it an irresistible, flavorful, and traditional dessert. Whether enjoyed as a festive sweet or a light, cooling dessert after a meal, Shrikhand is a delightful dish that will leave your taste buds craving more.

A Delightful Indian Dessert with Saffron
Shrikhand is a classic Indian dessert made from thickened yogurt, sweetened with sugar, and flavored with saffron and cardamom. This Creamy Shrikhand Recipe creates a luscious, smooth dessert with a rich aroma of saffron and the crunch of garnished nuts. It’s light, the refreshing, and perfect for special occasions or the festive gatherings. Originating from the western regions of India, especially Maharashtra and Gujarat, Shrikhand is often enjoyed with puris or served as a standalone dessert. This chilled dessert is simple to prepare and delivers a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors.
Why is it Called “Shrikhand”?
The word Shrikhand comes from the Sanskrit word “Shrikharini,” meaning of a curd-based dish. Traditionally enjoyed in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Shrikhand has been a beloved part of Indian cuisine for centuries. Made by draining yogurt to create thick hung curd, and then adding sugar, saffron, and cardamom, Shrikhand has a rich history of being served during festivals and the special occasions. The saffron gives the dessert a luxurious color and the aroma, making it a favorite for celebrations.

How Should Shrikhand Taste?
A perfectly made Shrikhand should be smooth, creamy, and the refreshing, with a balanced sweetness and delicate flavors of saffron and cardamom. The yogurt should have a thick, rich consistency, with the saffron lending a warm golden hue and floral notes. Garnished with chopped nuts, the dessert should offer a slight crunch alongside its creamy texture. The combination of sweet, creamy, and the nutty elements makes Shrikhand of a refreshing and indulgent treat, ideal for serving chilled after a meal.
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It’s About How to Make It Super Yummy or Perfect
To make the Perfect Shrikhand Recipe, follow these tips:
- Use Full-Fat Yogurt: For the best creamy texture, always use full-fat yogurt. The richness of the yogurt will result in a smooth, thick Shrikhand.
- Drain the Yogurt Well: Ensure the yogurt is hung for at least 4 hours to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to get the perfect consistency.
- Saffron for Richness: Soaking the saffron in warm milk enhances the color and flavor of the Shrikhand. Be generous with the saffron for a deeper flavor.
- Sweeten to Taste: You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the amount of sugar. For a healthier alternative, honey or jaggery works well too.
- Serve Chilled: Shrikhand tastes best when served chilled. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving for the flavors to develop.

Shrikhand Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cheesecloth or muslin cloth
- Whisk or hand blender
- Strainer
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 4 cups full-fat yogurt (hung for 4-5 hours)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 8-10 saffron strands (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk)
- 1 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 1 tbsp chopped almonds
- 1 tbsp chopped cashews
- A few rose petals (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Hung CurdPlace the yogurt in a muslin or cheesecloth and tie it tightly. Hang the cloth over a bowl or the sink for 4-5 hours, allowing the excess whey to drain. You should be left with thick, creamy yogurt (hung curd).2. Sweeten the YogurtTransfer the thick yogurt to a mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and whisk well until the sugar dissolves completely, and the yogurt becomes smooth and creamy.3. Flavor the ShrikhandAdd the saffron milk and cardamom powder to the yogurt. Stir well to combine and give the mixture a rich yellow hue with the delicate fragrance of saffron and cardamom.4. Chill the ShrikhandCover the bowl and refrigerate the Shrikhand for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the dessert a refreshing, cool texture.5. Garnish and ServeBefore serving, garnish the Shrikhand with chopped pistachios, almonds, cashews, and optional rose petals. Serve chilled in small bowls for a refreshing, creamy treat.
Notes
- Hung Curd Tip: Make sure to use full-fat yogurt for the best creamy consistency. Hanging it for at least 4 hours ensures you have thick yogurt with minimal moisture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preference. You can also use honey or jaggery for a healthier version.
- Flavor Variations: You can add rose water, mango puree, or other fruit pulps to give the Shrikhand different flavors. Mango Shrikhand (Aamrakhand) is especially popular.
- Serving Suggestion: Shrikhand is best enjoyed chilled, often served with hot puris or as a standalone dessert.
- Saffron Soaking Tip: Soaking saffron in warm milk releases its color and flavor, adding richness to the dish.
Conclusion
This Creamy Shrikhand Recipe is a delightful, creamy, and refreshing Indian dessert perfect for any occasion. With the smooth texture of hung curd, the sweetness of sugar, and the rich flavors of saffron and cardamom, Shrikhand is a dessert that brings the essence of tradition and celebration to your table. Whether served with puris or enjoyed as a standalone treat, this simple-to-make dessert is guaranteed to please every palate with its balance of flavors and texture. A light and indulgent dessert, Shrikhand is the perfect way to finish any meal.