When it comes to Indian sweets, there are few treats as beloved as cham cham. These soft, spongy, and sweet confections have been a staple of Bengali cuisine for generations. And yet, despite their familiarity, cham chams continue to inspire innovation and creativity in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 delicious cham cham recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth.
From classic flavor combinations like saffron and cardamom to more modern twists like chocolate and strawberry, these recipes showcase the incredible versatility of cham chams. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, we’ve got a recipe for you. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to indulge in some serious sweet treats!
Classic Bengali Cham Cham with Saffron
This traditional Bengali dessert is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of saffron gives it a unique and exotic flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/4 teaspoon rosewater (optional)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, saffron mixture, and cardamom powder. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and cornstarch. Let cool to room temperature.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Kesar Pista Cham Cham with Cardamom
This popular Indian dessert is a perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and aromatic flavors. Kesar Pista Cham Cham with Cardamom is a simple yet impressive recipe that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cream
– 1/2 cup milk powder
– 1/4 cup pistachio paste
– 1/4 cup saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– Chopped nuts and dried fruit for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream, milk powder, pistachio paste, saffron mixture, cardamom powder, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
3. Just before serving, garnish with chopped nuts and dried fruit if desired.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Rose-Flavored Cham Cham in Sugar Syrup
A classic Indian drink, Rose-Flavored Cham Cham is a refreshing and flavorful beverage perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cham cham (fermented yogurt drink)
– 1/2 cup sugar syrup
– 1 tablespoon rosewater
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the cham cham and sugar syrup until well combined.
2. Add the rosewater to the mixture and stir well.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Cham Cham chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves and ice cubes.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and chill)
Mango Cham Cham with Coconut Garnish
A refreshing Indian dessert that combines sweet mango puree with creamy yogurt and a hint of cardamom, topped with toasted coconut flakes. This recipe is perfect for warm weather or any occasion where you want to serve something light and delightful.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine mango, yogurt, sugar, and cardamom. Blend until smooth.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Spoon mango mixture into individual cups or glasses. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Chocolate-Stuffed Cham Cham Delight
Experience the perfect blend of Indian and Western flavors with this rich and decadent dessert. Moist cham cham cake is filled with a velvety chocolate center, making it a show-stopper at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely before slicing and filling with melted chocolate chips.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Malai Cham Cham with Pistachio Topping
This creamy and aromatic dessert is a popular Indian treat, made with yogurt, milk, sugar, and spices. The addition of crunchy pistachios adds a delightful texture to this rich and creamy delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp cardamom powder
– 1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp hot water
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, milk, and sugar until smooth.
2. Add cardamom powder and saffron mixture; mix well.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the Malai Cham Cham.
Cooking Time: None! This dessert is best served chilled.
Strawberry Cham Cham with Creamy Filling
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this delightful Indian dessert! This recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with a creamy filling, all wrapped up in a soft and fluffy cham cham package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/2 cup strawberry puree or jam
– 1/4 cup ghee or unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 12 cham cham molds (or small cups)
Instructions:
1. Soak the saffron threads in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix together milk, sugar, and soaked saffron threads.
3. Add strawberry puree or jam and melted ghee or butter to the mixture. Mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into cham cham molds, filling them about 3/4 of the way.
5. For the creamy filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Spoon the creamy filling over the strawberry mixture in each mold.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (including refrigeration time)
Kaju Cham Cham with Silver Leaf Garnish
A sweet and creamy Indian dessert made with cashews, this recipe adds a touch of elegance with a silver leaf garnish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cashews
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
– Pinch of cardamom powder
– Silver leaf for garnish
Instructions:
1. Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and blend the cashews with milk, sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder until smooth.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Spoon the Kaju Cham Cham into individual serving cups or ramekins.
6. Garnish with a silver leaf, allowing it to float on top of the dessert.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Badam Cham Cham with Honey Drizzle
A classic Indian dessert, Badam Cham Cham is a creamy pudding made with almonds, milk, and cardamom. This recipe adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor with a honey drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almonds
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Honey, for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Soak the almonds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and blend into a smooth paste.
2. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and cardamom. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the almond paste to the milk mixture and stir well.
4. Mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add it to the milk mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool. Stir in heavy cream.
6. Drizzle honey over the cooled pudding and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Instant Cham Cham with Condensed Milk
Enjoy a rich and creamy Indian dessert with this easy recipe that combines the convenience of instant cham cham mix with the sweetness of condensed milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup instant cham cham mix
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 2 cups water or milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Cardamom powder or nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant cham cham mix and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until well combined.
2. Gradually add in the water or milk, stirring until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Remove from heat and stir in salt. Let it cool slightly before serving.
5. Garnish with cardamom powder or nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Dry Fruit Cham Cham with Saffron Strands
A sweet and aromatic dessert, Dry Fruit Cham Cham is a traditional Indian delight that combines the natural sweetness of dried fruits with the subtle flavor of saffron.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1 cup dried prunes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
– Chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine dried apricots and prunes in a bowl.
2. Add sugar, ground cardamom, and soaked saffron threads to the bowl. Mix well.
3. Pour in heavy cream or milk and mix until the fruit is evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (includes refrigeration time)
Paan-Flavored Cham Cham for Festive Occasions
Cham cham, a popular Bengali sweet dish, gets a unique twist with the addition of paan flavor. This festive treat is perfect for special occasions and is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup cream
– 1/4 teaspoon paan essence (available at most Indian grocery stores)
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Chopped nuts and dried fruits for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine milk, sugar, and cream in a saucepan and heat over medium flame until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in paan essence and cardamom powder.
4. Allow the cham cham to cool slightly before refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts and dried fruits before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including chilling time)
Microwave Cham Cham for Quick Dessert
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rapid recipe for Microwave Cham Cham, a popular Indian dessert that’s ready in just minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk powder
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
– Chopped nuts or dried fruit for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Add lukewarm water and mix until a smooth paste forms.
3. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir in lemon juice and cardamom powder (if using).
4. Return to the microwave and cook on high for an additional 20-25 seconds, or until the mixture is thickened to your liking.
5. Remove from the microwave and let cool slightly.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts or dried fruit, if desired.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 50-55 seconds
Eggless Cham Cham with Vanilla Essence
Beat the heat with this eggless Cham Cham recipe infused with the sweetness of vanilla essence! This creamy and smooth dessert is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup cream
– 1/4 cup condensed milk
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Chopped nuts or dried fruits (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, and condensed milk.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cornstarch mixture (cornstarch dissolved in a little water).
5. Stir in vanilla essence and salt.
6. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
8. Garnish with chopped nuts or dried fruits, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Gulab Cham Cham in Rose Water Syrup
This classic Indian dessert is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with tender cham cham (curds) soaked in a fragrant rose water syrup. The result is a sweet, creamy, and aromatic treat that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup curds (cham cham)
– 1/2 cup rose water syrup (see note)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the curds and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
3. Pour in the rose water syrup and gently fold until the curds are fully coated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Cham Cham Sandesh Fusion Dessert
Experience the sweet blend of traditional Indian sandesh with a modern twist by combining it with the creamy texture and flavor of cham cham, a popular Bengali dessert. This unique fusion creates a delightful treat that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sandesh paste (made from cottage cheese and sugar)
– 1/2 cup cham cham syrup
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of cardamom powder
– Chopped nuts or dried fruit for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the sandesh paste and cham cham syrup until well combined.
2. Add the heavy cream and honey to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder on top.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with chopped nuts or dried fruit if desired.
Cooking Time: None (as it’s a no-bake dessert)
Orange Cham Cham with Citrus Zest
This refreshing Indian dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, topped with a burst of citrus zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup rose syrup (or to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– Fresh orange slices and citrus zest for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine milk, sugar, rose syrup, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add orange juice and heavy cream. Stir well.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Stir in orange zest.
7. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
8. Refrigerate until chilled.
9. Garnish with fresh orange slices and additional citrus zest, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 15-17 minutes (including cooling time)
Cham Cham Rasgulla Hybrid Sweet
This sweet treat combines the softness and chewiness of rasgullas with the creamy texture and flavor of cham cham. This recipe is perfect for those who love trying new flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk powder
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup sugar syrup (see note)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk powder, flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add sugar syrup to the dry mixture and mix until smooth.
3. Add heavy cream and mix until the dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
5. Shape into small balls and flatten slightly.
6. Cook in boiling water for 15-20 minutes or until they float to the surface.
7. Remove from water, let cool, and serve with rose water and cardamom powder if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Low-Sugar Cham Cham for Health-Conscious
This recipe offers a sweet treat that’s perfect for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. By using natural sweeteners and limiting the amount of added sugar, you can enjoy this classic Indian dessert without compromising on taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup low-fat milk
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Pinch of salt
– Chopped pistachios and dried fruits for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, milk, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, cardamom powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to chill and thicken.
3. Just before serving, garnish with chopped pistachios and dried fruits if desired.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is a no-cook dessert.
Cham Cham Ice Cream with Nuts
Experience the rich flavors of Indian sweets in a creamy ice cream form! This unique Cham Cham Ice Cream with Nuts recipe combines sweetened condensed milk, nuts, and cardamom to create a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Add chopped pistachios and ground cardamom to the mixture. Blend until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once frozen, scoop and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (churning time)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat! This article presents 20 mouth-watering cham cham recipes that will satisfy your cravings. From classic Bengali cham cham with saffron to innovative fusion desserts, each recipe offers a unique twist on this popular Indian sweet treat. Discover how to make chocolate-stuffed cham cham delights, rose-flavored cham cham in sugar syrup, and many more! Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors or modern twists, these recipes will guide you in creating delicious cham chams that are sure to impress your family and friends.