Sitaphal phirni recipe: How to make creamy custard apple dessert at home
Learn how to make Sitaphal phirni at home with this easy recipe. Creamy custard apple, saffron, and cardamom come together for a refreshing, seasonal Indian dessert. Read here.
New Delhi: It’s Sitaphal season, and the sweet, creamy custard apple is perfect for creating a traditional Indian dessert, phirni. Loved for its naturally rich flavour, Sitaphal transforms a simple rice pudding into a fragrant, indulgent treat. This dessert blends finely ground rice with custard apple pulp, milk, cardamom, and saffron, resulting in a smooth, aromatic pudding that is both refreshing and comforting.
Sitaphal phirni is great for festive meals, family gatherings, or even as a special everyday dessert, offering a seasonal twist that elevates your culinary repertoire. You may be an experienced home cook or trying Indian desserts for the first time, this recipe is simple to make yet impressive for family members and guests. Its natural sweetness, creamy texture, and delicate fragrance make it a standout dish, celebrating the fruit at its peak while remaining easy to prepare and serve. Scroll down for the ingredients and the recipe.
Sitaphal phirni ingredients
- 1 litre of full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup basmati rice, soaked
- 1 1/2 cups custard apple pulp, deseeded
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- A few strands of saffron soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk
- For garnish: chopped pistachios, almonds, rose petals.
Cooking method
1. Wash and soak rice for 1 hour. Grind into a coarse paste with a little milk or water.
2. Boil milk in a heavy-bottomed pan, stirring continuously.
3. Reduce the heat and add rice paste, stirring to avoid lumps.
4. Cook on low heat for 20–30 mins until thick and creamy.
5. Add sugar and saffron milk; cook 5 more minutes.
6. Allow the phirni base to cool, then fold in custard apple pulp and cardamom powder.
7. Pour into serving bowls or clay pots. Refrigerate 3–4 hours or overnight.
8. Garnish with nuts and rose petals before serving.
Sitaphal phirni is a delightful way to celebrate the season. Creamy, fragrant, and naturally sweet, it’s an effortless dessert that brings the tropical fruit to life in every bite.