Banana Kheer is a luscious, creamy dessert that captures the essence of comfort in every spoonful. This Indian delicacy combines thickened milk, ripe bananas, fragrant cardamom, and a touch of saffron to create a dessert that feels both festive and homely. With its naturally sweet undertones and a delightful texture from crunchy nuts, it’s the kind of treat that fits any occasion—from celebrations to quiet family dinners. Whether served warm for cozy indulgence or chilled for a refreshing finish, Banana Kheer is pure, simple pleasure in a bowl.

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Ingredient Breakdown

The foundation of this kheer begins with full-fat milk, which lends it a rich and velvety consistency. Slow simmering allows the milk to thicken naturally, creating a creamy base that carries the flavors of the other ingredients beautifully.

Ripe mashed bananas play the starring role here. They contribute a natural sweetness and silken texture that perfectly complements the warm spices. Their gentle aroma and mellow flavor add depth without overwhelming the dish.

Fragrance and flavor come alive through the addition of cardamom and saffron. Cardamom infuses a warm, floral note that’s instantly recognizable in Indian desserts, while saffron adds an elegant golden hue and a subtle hint of luxury.

Jaggery serves as the sweetener of choice, offering a rustic caramelized flavor that enhances the richness of the milk and bananas. The finishing touches—sliced bananas and a sprinkle of nuts—add texture, visual appeal, and a delightful contrast to the creamy base.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Begin by simmering the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. The slow, gentle heat helps it reduce and thicken, giving the dessert its trademark creaminess without scorching the base. Stir occasionally, allowing the milk to develop a slightly nutty aroma as it condenses.

Once the milk has thickened, saffron, cardamom, and chopped nuts are added. This is the stage where the kitchen fills with a comforting, sweet fragrance. The spices and nuts infuse their flavors into the milk, turning it into a golden-hued mixture with a delicate aroma.

The mashed bananas are then folded in. To achieve a smooth and cohesive blend, the warm milk is poured slowly over the banana mixture while stirring continuously. This ensures that the fruit integrates perfectly without curdling or separating.

Finally, sweetness is adjusted with jaggery, which melts into the warm mixture, giving it a mellow depth. The finished kheer can be enjoyed warm for its cozy creaminess or chilled for a more refreshing experience. Each serving can be garnished with sliced bananas and extra nuts for a touch of elegance.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Getting the perfect creamy consistency without overcooking:
Keep the flame low and stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Remove from heat once the milk reduces slightly—it will thicken further as it cools.

Choosing ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture:
Use soft, naturally sweet bananas with brown specks on the peel for optimal creaminess and sweetness.

Preventing curdling when adding bananas to warm milk:
Allow the milk to cool slightly before mixing in the mashed bananas, stirring constantly for a smooth texture.

Using alternative sweeteners or flavor boosters:
Swap jaggery with brown sugar or condensed milk for a different kind of sweetness, or add a dash of rose water for a floral note.

How to store and reheat leftover kheer:
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

Can I use plant-based milk for this recipe?
Yes, coconut or almond milk works well for a dairy-free version, though the flavor will vary slightly.

What can I substitute for jaggery?
Brown sugar or coconut sugar can replace jaggery, maintaining a similar caramel tone.

How can I make the kheer thicker or thinner?
For thicker kheer, simmer longer; for a thinner consistency, add a little more warm milk before serving.

Can I prepare Banana Kheer a day in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better after resting overnight as the flavors meld beautifully—just chill and serve.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Banana Kheer pairs perfectly with classic Indian flatbreads like puris or parathas during festive meals. For a light contrast, serve it alongside savory snacks such as samosas or pakoras. It also complements other desserts like gulab jamun or rasgulla for an extravagant dessert platter. When entertaining guests, present it in small glass bowls topped with chopped pistachios or saffron strands for an elegant touch.

Creative Variations

For a unique flavor twist, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a hint of vanilla essence to enhance the aroma. To give the kheer more body, fold in a spoonful of cooked semolina, rice, or vermicelli. For added flair, garnish with toasted coconut flakes, golden raisins, or even a few edible flower petals to elevate its visual appeal. These variations offer endless ways to adapt Banana Kheer to your personal taste or occasion.

Banana Kheer is more than just a dessert—it’s a bowl of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia. Each spoonful offers a comforting blend of creamy milk, fragrant spices, and the natural sweetness of bananas. Simple to prepare yet rich in flavor, it’s a dessert that brings joy to any table, whether served during celebrations or as a sweet ending to an everyday meal.

Ingredients

2 cups full-fat milk
1 cup mashed ripe banana
½ cup roughly chopped mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios)
½ teaspoon cardamom powder
2 strands saffron (optional)
Jaggery powder, to taste
Sliced banana, for garnish

Instructions

Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the base. Allow it to simmer until it slightly thickens and reduces in volume.

Add saffron strands, cardamom powder, and the chopped nuts to the milk. Continue to simmer for a few minutes until the saffron releases its color and aroma, infusing the milk with a delicate golden hue.

In a separate bowl, place the mashed banana. Gradually pour the warm, flavored milk over the banana while stirring continuously to blend everything into a smooth, creamy mixture. Adjust sweetness with jaggery powder according to your taste, mixing until it fully dissolves.

Pour the Banana Kheer into serving bowls and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of chopped nuts before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled for a refreshing twist.