Kesar peda, an instant peda recipe, made with milk powder and condensed milk. A quick and easy dessert, made often during Indian festivities.

What is Peda | Petha | Pedha ?

Peda is a sweet from the Indian subcontinent. It is also known by other spellings like pedha, petha, and pera. The word peda generically means a sphere of any doughy substance such as flour or khoa.

Petha is a popular Indian sweet that is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the aromatic flavors of cardamom, pistachio, and saffron, make it a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Typically made in thick, semi-soft rounds, Petha consists of khoa, sugar, and traditional flavorings such as cardamom seeds, pistachio nuts, and saffron. The color of a peda can range from creamy white to caramel, depending on the ingredients used.

Few Popular Pedhas

Pedha originated from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. The famous Mathura peda, a delish offering to Krishna in Mathura (birthplace of Lord Krishna).

From Uttar Pradesh, the peda spread to many parts of the Indian subcontinent. Thakur Ram Ratan Singh of Lucknow who migrated to Dharwad in 1850, the present-day Karnataka, introduced pedas there. This distinct variety is now famous as the Dharwad pedha. Read this article about the famous Dharwad peda, a dessert with a GI tag from Government of India.

Another famous peda from Kunthalgiri, in Dharashiv district of Maharashtra, recently got a GI tag for its Khoya. The pedha made from this delish khoya is sold at pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra and outside the state. Read here how this small industry is now a flourishing economy in that region.

Another interesting article about Pakistan's Badauni Petha, a sweet delicacy that crossed borders during partition and is now a famous dessert.

Quick & Easy Milk Powder Desserts

Milk powder is an excellent ingredient to enhance the taste of baked good and desserts. It is essentially milk that has been transformed into powder form, retaining all the essential nutrients for culinary purposes while eliminating the excess moisture.

I always keep a pack of milk powder in my freezer for quick desserts. Check this colorful carrot peda made in microwave. These mawa gulab ladoos are my personal favorite. Kids love this delish almond fudge made with milk powder and almonds.

If you love baking with milk powder check this Gai mei bao or chinese cocktail buns, soft and fluffy buns stuffed with sweet filling. Another delish coconut filled buns from Mauritius Macatia coco is also a must try. If you love chocolatey bread, then check this challah made with mini chocolate chips.

Ingredients to make Instant Milk Peda

Main Ingredients : I have used full fat milk powder to make this perfect milk fudge.
Sweetener : I have used condensed milk to make this melt in mouth fudge.
Liquid : I have used full fat milk to make this instant doodh peda.
Flavors : Generous pinch of saffron is used to make this quick milk sweet. You can also use a combination of cardamom, dry ginger and nutmeg.
Fat : Few drops ghee to bring it together in the end and also to grease the plate.

How to make this Easy Kesar Doodh Peda

Please check recipe card below for exact measurements of each ingredient used and also for the detailed instructions

In a non-stick pan add milk powder, condensed milk, milk and saffron. This should resemble a gooey dough.
Cook this in a slow flame, stirring constantly. After few minutes, it will start coming together.

Add ghee to this, mix it well. Take it off stove. Let it cool.
Grease your hands, pinch small portions, flatten and make peda. Garnish with pistachios.
Refrigerate in an air-tight container. Enjoy.