Rasmalai is a delightful Indian dessert made with soft, spongy paneer balls soaked in rich, flavored milk. It’s one of the most loved sweets, especially during festivals like Diwali. This Rasmalai Recipe is easy to follow and delivers mouth-melting sweetness that will impress your family and guests. Learn how to make this perfect dessert with step-by-step instructions and enjoy the authentic flavors at home.

Why is it called Rasmalai?
The word “Rasmalai” originates from two words: “Ras,” meaning juice or syrup, and “Malai,” meaning cream. This dessert lives up to its name, offering a creamy, juicy experience in every bite. Rasmalai is a Bengali delicacy that is now popular all over India and is a must-have sweet during festive occasions like Diwali.

How should Rasmalai taste?
The ideal Rasmalai should have a soft, spongy texture and melt in your mouth with a mild sweetness. The rich, creamy milk is infused with saffron and cardamom, adding aromatic flavors that make each bite heavenly. The paneer balls absorb the sweetness of the milk, making them juicy and flavorful.

About Rasmalai
Rasmalai is a beloved Indian dessert, especially popular during festivals like Diwali. Made from fresh paneer, it is cooked and soaked in flavored milk, which is sweetened and enriched with saffron and cardamom. Often served chilled, this dish is a favorite among people of all ages. Rasmalai is perfect for festive gatherings, family dinners, or simply when you want to indulge in something special.

Rasmalai Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan
- Wide, shallow bowl
- Strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Whisk
- Ladle
Ingredients
For Paneer Balls (Rasgullas):
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
For Flavored Milk (Ras):
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed
- A pinch of saffron
- 10-12 chopped pistachios and almonds
- 1 tsp rose water (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Paneer (Chenna)
- Boil 1 liter of milk in a heavy-bottomed pan.Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and add lemon juice or vinegar gradually, stirring continuously until the milk curdles and separates.Drain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth and rinse with cold water to remove any sourness.Squeeze out excess water and let the paneer (chenna) rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Rasgullas
- Knead the paneer into a smooth dough for about 5 minutes.Divide into small equal portions and roll them into smooth balls.In a wide pan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar to a boil.Add the paneer balls and cover the pan. Let them cook for 15-20 minutes until they puff up and become spongy.Once done, remove and let them cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Flavored Milk (Ras)
- In another pan, boil 1 liter of milk.Add sugar, cardamom, saffron, and chopped nuts. Simmer the milk until it reduces by one-third.Turn off the heat and let the milk cool slightly.Add rose water for extra flavor if desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Rasmalai
- Squeeze the water out of the cooked paneer balls gently.Add them to the flavored milk and let them soak for at least 2-3 hours.Garnish with chopped pistachios and saffron strands.
Step 5: Serve
- Chill the Rasmalai in the refrigerator and serve cold.
Notes
- Always use fresh, full-fat milk for the best results.
- Make sure the paneer is soft and smooth before rolling into balls.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the flavored milk according to your preference.
- The longer the paneer balls soak, the better they will absorb the flavors.
Read More :
Delicious Basundi Recipe: A Sweet Delight for Diwali
Balushahi Recipe: A Diwali Sweet Delight
Malpua Recipe for Diwali: A Delicious Indian Festive Dessert
Diwali Special: Delicious Mysore Pak Recipe
Conclusion
Making Rasmalai at home can seem complex, but with the right steps, you can achieve a perfectly sweet and creamy dessert that rivals the store-bought version. This Rasmalai Recipe is ideal for Diwali celebrations, where a delicious homemade dessert brings joy to every gathering. Follow this guide to create a dessert that will wow your guests and make the festival of lights even sweeter.