Name: Kheer Ladoo (Indian Rice Pudding Truffles) Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: ½ cup white basmati rice; 1 to 2 green cardamom pods; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 ½ cups water (or 1 ½ cups if using Instant Pot); Pinch of salt; 1 cup raw cashews (soaked at least 15 minutes in warm water); 1 ½ cups water; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste); ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon oil; 2 tablespoons chopped cashews; 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates; Shaved chocolate; Crushed pistachios; Toasted coconut flakes; Cocoa powder mixed with cinnamon; Almond slivers; Rose petals; Melted chocolate

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 184 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the warmth of traditional Indian desserts with a playful twist, you are going to fall in love with this Kheer Ladoo (Indian Rice Pudding Truffles) Recipe. These little gems are creamy, fragrant, and perfectly bite-sized, offering the rich flavors of kheer in a fun, hand-held form. They beautifully capture the essence of cardamom-spiced rice pudding mixed with luscious cashew cream and a hint of sweetness, rolled into elegant truffles that are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a cozy treat, these ladoos promise a burst of joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small clear and white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The center bowl holds white rice, and the top right clear bowl contains cashew nuts soaking in water. Next to it, another clear bowl is filled with white sugar. To the left, two white bowls hold cashew nuts and raisins, with a larger clear bowl of sugar beside them. Three small clear bowls at the front contain light brown powder, green cardamom pods, and a small amount of white flour. A white cream pitcher is placed in the top left corner. All bowls are neatly placed with textures ranging from smooth nuts to granular sugar and dry rice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Kheer Ladoo (Indian Rice Pudding Truffles) Recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of texture and taste. From fragrant cardamom pods to creamy cashews, each item adds its own unique charm.

White basmati rice (½ cup): The foundation of our kheer, chosen for its fragrant aroma and delicate grains.
Green cardamom pods (1 to 2): Adds that classic Indian spice note, essential for authentic flavor.
Sugar (3 tablespoons + ¼ cup): Sweetens the pudding gently; adjust according to your taste preferences.
Water (2 ½ cups or 1 ½ cups for Instant Pot): The cooking medium that softens the rice to perfection.
Raw cashews (1 cup, soaked): Soaked to blend into a smooth, creamy cashew base for richness.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Helps the kheer thicken to a luscious consistency.
Ground cardamom (¾ teaspoon): Further elevates the spice profile within the creamy mixture.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the sweet components.
Oil (½ teaspoon): For toasting nuts and raisins to add texture and flavor dimension.
Chopped cashews (2 tablespoons): Adds a delightful crunch inside the ladoos or as garnish.
Raisins or chopped dates (2 tablespoons): The natural sweetness and chewy texture complement the creamy base beautifully.
Toppings like shaved chocolate, crushed pistachios, toasted coconut flakes, cocoa powder mixed with cinnamon, almond slivers, rose petals, or melted chocolate: These finishing touches transform each ladoo into a mini work of art.

How to Make Kheer Ladoo (Indian Rice Pudding Truffles) Recipe

A woman’s hand holds a light green spatula stirring a creamy, white, thick rice porridge inside a light blue pan with a smooth texture. The rice grains are soft and swollen, evenly mixed with the creamy sauce, creating a lumpy and smooth appearance throughout. The pan sits on a stove with a close-up view that focuses on the textured surface of the creamy rice mixture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Base

Start by washing your white basmati rice thoroughly and soaking it for at least 10 minutes. This soaking process is key for soft, creamy grains that will melt beautifully into the pudding. Then drain the rice and add it to a saucepan along with sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Crack open the green cardamom pods, removing the black seeds inside and crushing them coarsely to release that fragrant, warm spice essence before adding them to the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Rice Slowly

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and partially cover the saucepan. Let the rice cook gently for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grains are very soft and starting to dissolve into the water. For those who prefer a quicker method, the Instant Pot option involves pressure cooking the rice ingredients with less water for 15 minutes, releasing pressure naturally afterwards.

Step 3: Make the Cashew Cream

While the rice cooks, drain your soaked cashews and blend them with a portion of water, cornstarch, sugar, ground cardamom, and a touch of salt. This creamy mixture is the decadent heart of the recipe, giving these truffles their signature richness. Blend and rest the mixture multiple times until it’s silky smooth and perfectly creamy, like a dreamy dairy-free pudding base.

Step 4: Combine and Cook the Kheer

Once your rice is perfectly tender, combine it with the cashew cream in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir continuously as the mixture thickens over about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice it getting thicker at the edges and developing a luscious, uniform texture without lumps. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice, adding extra cardamom or a pinch of saffron for a beautiful layer of complexity if you like.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Turn off the heat and allow the kheer mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about an hour. This chilling step lets the flavors meld perfectly while firming up the mixture just right for shaping into truffles.

Step 6: Toast the Add-ins

In a small skillet, warm the oil over medium heat and toast chopped cashews until golden. Add raisins or chopped dates and toast until they puff up, enhancing their sweetness and texture. This step is optional but highly recommended for adding delightful little bursts of texture inside your ladoos.

Step 7: Shape the Ladoo Truffles

Grease your hands lightly and scoop the chilled rice pudding mixture into small portions using an ice cream scoop or spoon. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then roll in your chosen toppings — be it toasted coconut flakes, crushed pistachios, cocoa-cinnamon powder, or even rose petals for an elegant look. Place the finished ladoos on a plate or airtight container and refrigerate until serving.

How to Serve Kheer Ladoo (Indian Rice Pudding Truffles) Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches elevate these truffles from delightful to unforgettable. Shaved chocolate and crushed pistachios add great contrast in flavor and texture, while toasted coconut flakes or almond slivers lend a tropical crunch. Rose petals bring a delicate floral aroma that makes each bite feel special and festive.

Side Dishes

While these ladoos can be enjoyed as a standalone indulgence, they pair wonderfully with warm chai or a refreshing cardamom-spiced tea. If serving at a larger gathering, consider accompanying them with simple fruit chutneys or a light fruit salad to balance the richness with refreshing notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Kheer Ladoo (Indian Rice Pudding Truffles) Recipe on a decorative platter adorned with edible flower petals or a dusting of cocoa powder. You could also place each truffle in mini cupcake liners or on a wooden serving board for a rustic, inviting display. For parties, gifting them in small boxes tied with colorful ribbons turns these treats into charming edible presents.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover ladoos in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days. Their texture remains creamy and delightful without drying out, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze these rice pudding truffles, as the delicate texture of the rice and cream mixture changes when thawed. For the freshest taste and texture, refrigerate and enjoy within a few days.

Reheating

If you prefer your kheer warm, reheat it gently on the stove before shaping it into ladoos. Once the ladoos are formed, they are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated directly.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cashews for the cream?

While traditional kheer uses milk, this recipe focuses on cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free alternative that thickens beautifully. You could experiment with milk, but it will change the texture and may require additional thickening agents.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Soaking the rice briefly and cooking it slowly helps maintain some grain integrity while still achieving the soft pudding texture. Just watch the cooking times carefully and avoid overcooking.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! The ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so they are safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What are the best toppings for these truffles?

It depends on your preference! Toasted nuts like cashews and pistachios add crunch, while shredded coconut or rose petals provide unique flavor and visual appeal. Experiment and find your favorite combination!

How long do these ladoos last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, these truffles will retain their freshness and flavor for up to four days, making them a great option for pre-prepared celebrations or snacks.

Final Thoughts

The Kheer Ladoo (Indian Rice Pudding Truffles) Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of rich, comforting flavors wrapped in a charming bite-sized package. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring quietly with a cup of your favorite tea. I hope you give this recipe a try and find, like I did, that there’s something truly special in these sweet, creamy morsels that make every moment a little sweeter.