Cham cham, a popular Bengali dessert, has won hearts with its unique combination of milk, cream, and sugar. The classic recipe has been tweaked and innovated by chefs and home cooks alike, giving rise to an array of mouthwatering variations. From traditional rose syrup-infused cham cham to chocolate-filled delights, there’s something for every sweet tooth out there. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 delectable cham cham recipes that will satisfy your cravings and inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
Classic Bengali Cham Cham with Rose Syrup
A refreshing summer treat that’s perfect for hot days and warm gatherings, Cham Cham is a beloved Bengali dessert that combines the sweetness of milk and sugar with the fragrance of rose syrup. This simple recipe yields a delightful creamy pudding that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup full-fat milk
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons rose syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
– Chopped nuts or dried fruits for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Stir in the rose syrup and cardamom powder (if using).
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. Garnish with chopped nuts or dried fruits, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Enjoy your Classic Bengali Cham Cham with Rose Syrup!
Kesar Cham Cham with Saffron Infusion
Kesar Cham Cham is a popular Indian dessert that’s both soothing and flavorful, with the added luxury of saffron infusion. This recipe brings together creamy milk, sweetened condensed milk, and the subtle warmth of saffron to create a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup full-fat milk
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 tablespoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– A few strands of cardamom powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine the milk and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan.
2. Add the soaked saffron threads with their liquid to the mixture.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in sugar (if using) and cardamom powder (if using).
6. Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate-Filled Cham Cham Delight
A creamy and dreamy dessert that combines the best of Indian and Western flavors, this Chocolate-Filled Cham Cham Delight is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Add water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large baking dish.
6. Melt the chopped chocolate and pour it over the chilled cham cham base.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (chilling time not included)
Pista Cham Cham with Pistachio Garnish
A classic Indian dessert, Pista Cham Cham is a rich and creamy treat that combines sweetened condensed milk with chopped nuts and pistachios. This recipe adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor with a pistachio garnish.
Ingredients:
– 1 can sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup chopped pistachios
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and chopped nuts.
2. Mix well until the nuts are evenly coated with the milk.
3. If using rose water, add a few drops to the mixture and stir well.
4. Spoon the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Dust the top with powdered sugar.
6. Garnish with chopped pistachios, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Coconut Cham Cham with Fresh Coconut Shavings
Experience the creamy, sweet, and refreshing taste of India’s favorite drink – Coconut Cham Cham! This recipe is a perfect blend of coconut milk, condensed milk, and cardamom powder, topped with fresh coconut shavings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons condensed milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom powder
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Fresh coconut shavings for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine coconut milk and condensed milk. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add ground cardamom powder and whisk well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until cold.
4. Fill glasses with ice cubes (if desired).
5. Pour the Coconut Cham Cham mixture over the ice cubes.
6. Garnish with fresh coconut shavings.
Cooking Time: None! This is a chilled drink, so no cooking required.
Enjoy your refreshing glass of Coconut Cham Cham with Fresh Coconut Shavings!
Malai Cham Cham with Creamy Milk Frosting
Discover the rich flavor of India’s beloved dessert, Malai Cham Cham, topped with a velvety creamy milk frosting. This indulgent treat is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Malai Cham Cham:
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For the Creamy Milk Frosting:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered milk
Instructions:
1. Combine milk, sugar, salt, and cardamom powder in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens and forms a creamy consistency.
2. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pistachios (if using). Let it cool to room temperature.
3. For the frosting, whip heavy cream with softened butter until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered milk and whip until smooth.
4. Assemble by spooning the cooled Malai Cham Cham mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Top with the creamy milk frosting.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Strawberry Cham Cham with Fruit Compote
A refreshing drink perfect for warm weather, this Strawberry Cham Cham is infused with the sweetness of strawberries and the tartness of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 2 cups cham cham tea leaves (or substitute with green tea)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 1 lemon, peeled and segmented
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add cham cham tea leaves (or green tea) to the pot and steep for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture into a pitcher or individual glasses.
4. Add orange and lemon segments to the pitcher or glasses.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kaju Cham Cham with Cashew Nut Topping
This creamy cashew-based dessert is a popular Indian treat that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. With the added crunch of toasted cashews, this Kaju Cham Cham recipe is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cashews
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Toasted cashew nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Soak cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and grind into a smooth paste.
2. In a saucepan, combine ground cashews, milk, sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and heavy cream. Let cool slightly.
5. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Top with toasted cashew nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Orange Zest Cham Cham with Citrus Glaze
A vibrant and refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of oranges with the tanginess of citrus glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cham cham (Indian cottage cheese)
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup citrus glaze (see below)
Citrus Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine cham cham, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Add water and blend until desired consistency is achieved.
3. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, drizzle citrus glaze over the top of each serving.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Chill time: 30 minutes
– Total time: 40 minutes
Caramel Cham Cham with Sweet Caramel Drizzle
Experience the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and crunchy texture with this delightful dessert! This recipe is a twist on the classic Indian treat, cham cham, elevated by a rich caramel drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup cream
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the cham cham thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. If using nuts, sprinkle on top of the cham cham.
6. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rose Petal Cham Cham with Edible Rose Petals
This classic Indian dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, enhanced by the delicate taste and aroma of edible rose petals. This recipe is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 tablespoon rose water
– 1/2 cup edible rose petals, finely chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
1. Combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in pistachios, rose water, and chopped rose petals.
3. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Just before serving, sprinkle with cardamom powder.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cardamom Cham Cham with Aromatic Spice
Experience the warmth of Indian spices with this aromatic dessert, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/4 teaspoon rosewater (optional)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pistachios work well)
– 1 tablespoon ghee or unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and ground cardamom. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the saffron mixture and rosewater (if using). Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped nuts and melted ghee or butter.
5. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your Cardamom Cham Cham with Aromatic Spice!
Almond Cham Cham with Crushed Almonds
This traditional Indian dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors, featuring crushed almonds as the star of the show. The combination of creamy milk, sugar, and aromatic spices creates a rich and velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/2 cup crushed almonds
– 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
– Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine milk, sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron in a saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Stir in crushed almonds and ghee until well combined.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired, before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vanilla Cham Cham with Vanilla Bean Cream
Experience the creamy, dreamy fusion of Indian-inspired desserts with this simple and delightful recipe. Vanilla Cham Cham is a popular dessert in India, typically served at special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milkmaid (or evaporated milk)
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds or pistachios
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup cham cham mixture (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and salt until stiff peaks form.
2. Add vanilla extract and milkmaid; whisk until combined.
3. Fold in chopped nuts and softened butter.
4. Spoon the cham cham mixture into individual serving cups.
5. Top with the vanilla bean cream and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a chilled dessert.
Lychee Cham Cham with Lychee Syrup
A refreshing twist on the classic Indian drink, this lychee-infused cham cham is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a sweet and tangy pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup lychee syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 teaspoon rosewater
– Ice cubes
– Fresh lychees, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the milk and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the lychee syrup and rosewater to the mixture and stir well.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. To serve, pour the chilled mixture into glasses filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish each glass with a few fresh lychees and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (chill time: 30 minutes)
Blueberry Cham Cham with Fresh Blueberries
This refreshing dessert is a twist on the classic Indian drink, cham cham, featuring sweet and tangy fresh blueberries. Perfect for warm weather or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon rose water (optional)
– 1/2 cup milk
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine blueberries, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, rose water (if using), and milk until well combined.
3. Add the blueberry mixture to the cream mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
4. Pour the mixture into glasses or cups filled with ice cubes.
5. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a chilled dessert.
Honey Cham Cham with Natural Honey Glaze
Experience the perfect blend of Indian flavors and natural sweetness with this delightful recipe for Honey Cham Cham. These tender, flavorful dumplings are drizzled with a rich natural honey glaze, making them a sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup natural honey
– Chopped nuts or dried fruit for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, milk, salt, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
2. Add sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir well.
3. Shape into small dumplings.
4. Steam the cham chams for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a small saucepan, heat natural honey over low heat until warm and syrupy.
6. Drizzle the honey glaze over the steamed cham chams.
7. Garnish with chopped nuts or dried fruit, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mango Cham Cham with Mango Pulp Filling
This refreshing dessert is a twist on the classic Indian sweet treat, cham cham, filled with a burst of juicy mango pulp. Perfect for warm weather or as a unique party treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
– 1 cup water
– Mango pulp filling (recipe below)
Mango Pulp Filling:
– 2 ripe mangos, pureed
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Add ghee and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add water to form a smooth dough.
4. Divide the dough into small balls.
5. Flatten each ball slightly and fill with mango pulp filling.
6. Close the edges and shape into desired forms.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes or until the cham cham is lightly browned.
Tiramisu-Inspired Cham Cham with Coffee Dust
Elevate your dessert game with this unique twist on traditional cham cham, infused with the rich flavors of tiramisu and a hint of coffee.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup ladyfingers, crushed
– Coffee dust (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, mix sugar and salt. Add brewed coffee and whisk until dissolved.
3. Fold the coffee mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.
4. Melt butter and fold it into the cream mixture.
5. Stir in mascarpone cheese until smooth.
6. Fold in crushed ladyfingers.
7. Spoon the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
8. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. If desired, dust with coffee powder just before serving.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assembling and chilling only)
Pineapple Cham Cham with Pineapple Glaze
Pineapple Cham Cham with Pineapple Glaze: A sweet and tangy Indian dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 cup paneer (Indian cheese), crumbled
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup pineapple glaze (recipe below)
– Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish
Pineapple Cham Cham:
1. In a large bowl, mix together pineapple chunks, paneer, sugar, mint leaves, and cardamom powder.
2. Add lemon juice and mix well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Pineapple Glaze:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assembly:
1. Spoon the Pineapple Cham Cham mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
2. Drizzle the Pineapple Glaze over the top.
3. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Summary
Discover the sweetness of India’s beloved cham cham dessert with these 20 mouth-watering recipes! From classic Bengali cham cham infused with rose syrup to innovative creations like chocolate-filled and coconut-topped versions, there’s something for every dessert lover. Try unique flavor combinations like kesar (saffron) and cardamom, or go bold with caramel and vanilla bean cream. Whether you’re a fan of fruity flavors or nuts, this collection has it all. Get ready to indulge in the sweet delight of cham cham!
Leave a Reply