Mahalabia ( Milk Pudding)

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Silky milk pudding, Mahalabia, sometimes called Muhallebi, is a rich creamy dessert that is very popular throughout the Arab nation. With only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes cooking time, this is the easiest dessert you can put quickly on the table.

Next time, try this easy creme brulee recipe.

A dessert bowl of mahalabia garnished with pistachios and edible roses placed on a white towel. — This milk pudding is creamy and so rich, traditionally flavored with vanilla, orange blossom or rose syrup.

Mahalabia is bound to please the most demanding tastebuds as it's creamy and luxurious. Top with your favorite chopped nuts, edible flowers, rose or orange blossom water and you can take this simple milk pudding from good to an insanely delicious and decadent dessert.

I love making Mahalabia when we are craving something sweet and creamy but don't have much on hand. With only 4 easy ingredients, this Mahalabia recipe can easily be made stove top before cooking dinner. Let it chill while having dinner and an amazing milk pudding ready to eat at the end of the meal.

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❓Why This Recipe Works
📝 Ingredients
🥄 Instructions
💡 Tips
👩‍🍳 Variations
🧺 Storage
💬 FAQs
📣 More Recipes From the Blog
More Creamy Desserts
Mahalabia ( Milk Pudding)

❓Why This Recipe Works

Only takes 10 minutes to cook stove top and an hour in the refrigerator.
Easy pantry ingredients you probably have on hand now.
Great for trying different variations. Kid's love adding their own toppings.
Looks fancy and luxurious when garnished with chopped edible rose petals and pistachios. Guests will think you've been cooking all day!

The perfect dessert to make when you are pressed in time or right before dinner. This Middle Eastern milk pudding is creamy and delicious!

📝 Ingredients

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of 3 images showing how to make mahalabia.

In a medium saucepan add milk, sugar and corn starch.
Whisk everything together on cold, until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve. Heat the milk mixture on medium low heat, keep on stirring while it heats up until it bubbles and thickens.
Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract or your flavoring extract.

Pouring hot Middle Eastern milk pudding into serving cups.

Pour into individual small bowls, dessert glasses or into a big serving bowl. Cool down to room temperature for about 30 minutes on your countertop.
Refrigerate for an hour to set. Garnish with nuts or dried fruits before serving.

💡 Tips

Mix cornstarch with the milk while it is cold, do not heat up the milk.
Keep stirring while the mixture is heating up so it will be smooth and silky.
I like eating Mahalabia warm and sometimes hot, but this is just me. The traditional way to serve it is chilled.

👩‍🍳 Variations

Garnish Mahalabia with cinnamon, nuts, raisins, fresh fruits or serve plain.
You can substitute heavy whipping cream for part of milk with a 1:1 ration for extra richness.
Some people use to add 3-4 tablespoons of table cream, others use butter to add richness to the Mahalabia.
I've also tried making Mahalabia with a mixture of flour and cornstarch, but really I like this simple one better and this is what I was brought up with. So you may experiment with that as well.

🧺 Storage

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It might form a thin layer on the top but this is totally normal.
Please note, if you refrigerate nut garnished milk pudding the nuts will get softer as they stay in the fridge.

💬 FAQs

Can Mahalabia be made dairy free?

Yes, although I have never tried it, you can use almond milk, soy milk and even coconut milk. Different milks will give you different flavor and textures. Traditionally and authentic Mahalabia is made with whole milk and that is what I prefer to use. As it is easy to make, you can try each to see which you like best.

What should I serve Mahalabia in?

Anything! I love to serve in little glass cups, but you can also use glass bowls, cocktail glasses, little coffee cups, ramekins, whatever you have on hand. I find glass containers make it look prettier, especially if you're having guests.

What should I garnish Mahalabia with?

Traditionally it's garnished with rose petals and chopped pistachios. Chopped almonds are pleasant as well. Cardamom seeds grounded up and cinnamon are a good combo. You can also garnish Mahalabia with chopped fresh or dry fruit and even a drizzle of chocolate!

4 glass cups of milk pudding placed on a dark brown wooden tray.

📣 More Recipes From the Blog

Say you made a lot and you have leftover that you do not want to eat as is, give them a new life and use it to make Kunafa, Qatayef or these super easy Lebanese dessert.
Om Ali is a traditional Egyptian bread pudding made with layers of puff pastry mixed with nuts, and raisins and shredded coconut then soaked in sweetened milk. It is typically served as a winter dessert and is a popular sweet treat during Ramadan.
Basbousa is a traditional Egyptian dessert made from semolina flour, coconut, yogurt and soaked in simple syrup. It’s delicious and easy to make!

More Creamy Desserts

This is an easy creme brulee recipe that will make you wonder why you haven't tried this classy dessert before!
If you are into creamy no bake desserts, try this Strawberry Jello Mold . It is a fun way and easy way to serve layered strawberry jello in a bundt.

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