By Akshara
October 5, 2026
Bring a rich and fruity twist to your Navratri 2026 dessert spread with this luxurious apple kheer. Grated fresh apples are simmered slowly in reduced milk until tender, absorbing all the aromatic flavours of cardamom and saffron. Naturally sweet and comforting, this vrat-friendly pudding is garnished with chopped almonds and pistachios, making it a wonderful sweet offering for festive evenings.
3 medium tart apples, peeled and grated  4 cups full-fat milk  1/4 cup sugar or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)  1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder  A few strands of saffron dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm milk  2 tablespoons mixed chopped nuts (almonds and pistachios)
Boil the full-fat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reduces slightly and thickens.
Squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated apples to prevent the milk from curdling, then add them directly into the simmering milk.
Cook the mixture on low heat for ten to fifteen minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are completely tender and the kheer achieves a rich, creamy consistency.
Stir in the sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron milk, simmer for another three minutes, garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios, and serve warm or chilled.