Recipe

Kesar Peda Recipe - Easy Homemade Indian Sweet with Saffron & Pistachios - Traditional Diwali Mithai

Prep: 
15 mins
Cook: 
20 mins

Ingredients

  • Milk Powder - 2 cups
  • Ghee - 2-3 Tbsp
  • Milk - 1/2 cup (warmed)
  • Saffron (Kesar) - 12-15 strands
  • Cardamom Powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Powdered Sugar - 1/2 cup
  • Yellow Food Color - 1-2 pinch (optional)
  • Pistachios - sliced, for garnish

Kesar Peda is a traditional Indian mithai made with milk powder, ghee, saffron, and cardamom, creating a soft and fragrant sweet that melts in your mouth. Popular during Diwali and other festivals, this golden peda is shaped into small discs and garnished with pistachios for a festive touch. Its delicate flavor of saffron and cardamom makes it one of the most loved sweets on any celebration platter.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Kesar Peda. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Kesar Peda recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Instructions

How to Make Kesar Peda:

1) To begin, warm 1 Tbsp milk slightly and add saffron strands to it.

2) Let it soak for 10–15 minutes to release the color and flavor.

3) In a non-stick pan with the flame off, add 2 Tbsp ghee, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar and mix well until the sugar dissolves.

4) Add 2 cups milk powder gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

5) Mix in 1–2 pinches of yellow food color, if using (optional but gives a bright festive look) soaked saffron, and 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

6) Now, turn the heat on med/low.

7) Cook until it forms a soft dough-like mass and starts leaving the sides of the pan (takes about 8–10 minutes).

PRO TIP: Do not overcook the mixture or it will turn hard.

8) Turn off the heat and remove the mixture onto a greased plate and spread a little ghee on top as well.

9) While the mixture is still warm but not hot, take 1 tbsp of the mixture and roll into smooth balls.

10) Gently flatten each ball to shape it into a classic peda disc.

11) Garnish each peda with a sliver of pistachio on top.

12) Let the pedas cool completely at room temperature. They will firm up as they cool.

13) Store in an airtight container. They stay good for up to a week at room temperature or longer when refrigerated.

Kesar Peda is a traditional Indian mithai made with milk powder, ghee, saffron, and cardamom, creating a soft and fragrant sweet that melts in your mouth. Popular during Diwali and other festivals, this golden peda is shaped into small discs and garnished with pistachios for a festive touch. Its delicate flavor of saffron and cardamom makes it one of the most loved sweets on any celebration platter.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Kesar Peda. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Kesar Peda recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Leave a review

We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.

Your Recipe rating*

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Recent Recipes

Bhindi Masala Recipe - Easy Indian Okra Sabzi with Onion & Tomato - Home-Style Vegetarian Dish

This easy Bhindi Masala recipe is made with sautéed okra, onions, tomatoes, and everyday Indian spices. A comforting home-style sabzi that’s simple to prepare and pairs perfectly with roti or plain rice for a wholesome vegetarian meal.

Prep: 
15 mins
35 mins

Bhindi Masala is a comforting Indian vegetable dish made with tender okra cooked in a flavorful onion and tomato masala. This everyday sabzi is a staple in many Indian homes, loved for its simple ingredients and balanced spices. When cooked correctly, bhindi turns soft and flavorful without becoming sticky, making this dish both satisfying and easy to enjoy.

Watch our recipe video for step-by-step instructions on how to make Bhindi Masala at home. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our bhindi masala recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Traditional Sarson Ka Saag - Lohri Special Punjabi Winter Dish - Easy Instant Pot Voiceover Recipe

Celebrate Lohri with a classic Sarson Ka Saag recipe made in the Instant Pot using mustard greens, mixed winter greens, garlic, ginger, and makki ka atta. This Punjabi winter saag develops deep flavor and is finished with ghee tempering. Best enjoyed with hot makki ki roti, this hearty North Indian dish is a seasonal favorite.

Prep: 
30 mins
50 mins

Sarson Ka Saag is a beloved Punjabi winter recipe traditionally enjoyed during Lohri, made with fresh mustard greens, mixed leafy greens, aromatics, and a touch of makki ka atta for body. Prepared easily in the Instant Pot or slow-cooked, this mustard greens saag develops deep, earthy flavors and is perfectly suited for colder months. Garlic, ginger, green chilies, and tomatoes balance the bitterness of sarson, creating a rich and comforting North Indian saag.

Watch our recipe video for step-by-step instructions on how to make Sarson Ka Saag at home. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our sarson ka saag recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Indian Style Paneer Bruschetta Recipe - Easy Paneer Appetizer with Tomato Mint Chutney

Try this easy Paneer Bruschetta recipe made with a creamy paneer cheese spread and a fresh tomato, mint, and cilantro topping. Served on toasted baguette slices, this indian fusion appetizer is flavorful, simple to prepare, and perfect for parties, gatherings, or evening snacks.

Prep: 
30 mins
15 mins

This Indian Style Bruschetta is a vibrant fusion appetizer that brings together familiar desi flavors with a classic European favorite. Crispy toasted baguette slices are topped with a creamy paneer cheese spread and finished with a fresh, zesty mix of cherry tomatoes, onion, mint, and cilantro. Every bite is layered with texture and bold flavor, making it an ideal starter for parties, family gatherings, or an elevated evening snack.

Watch our recipe video for step-by-step instructions on how to make Indian Style Bruschetta at home. We’ve included helpful demonstrations and simple tips to get perfectly toasted bread and a smooth paneer spread every time. For ingredient measurements and preparation details, refer to the recipe card below.