Caramel Apple Shrikhand is a creamy, fruity, and delicious take on classic Indian dessert ‘Shrikhand’. Made using hung curd, crisp apples, and caramel sauce, this Indian fusion dessert layered caramel apple Shrikhand served in cheesecake style.
Imagine, thick & strained Greek yogurt turned into a creamy, velvety dessert. It is a perfect fusion dessert for festivals like Diwali, Holi, or any other special occasions.
Cooking on a salt block infuses dishes with a subtle saltiness and imparts a stunning presentation.
Table of contents
This luscious Caramel Apple Shrikhand Recipe is made with sweet, caramelized apples, hung curd, fragrant cardamom, sweetener, crunchy pistachios, and served over a bed of buttery digestive cookie base.
Finished with a drizzle of golden caramel, this no-bake Diwali dessert is a perfect fusion of Indian and Western flavors.
If you are looking for an Indian fusion dessert that is festive yet effortless, this caramel apple dessert will become your next favorite.
About Caramel Apple Shrikhand
Apple Caramel Shrikhand is a Greek yogurt dessert that tastes rich and indulging but is incredibly easy to make.
This Layered Caramel Apple Shrikhand is a modern take on the classic homemade shrikhand. It brings together the cinnamon-y warmth of caramelized apples, the richness of cardamom pistachio shrikhand (kesar elaichi shrikhand), and the comfort of a no-bake dessert everyone loves.
This no-bake Diwali dessert is a true blend of Indian tradition and modern elegance.
It’s a healthy Indian dessert recipe that does not need an oven and comes together in a few minutes. It is a perfect treat for Diwali, festive dinners, or even as a cozy fall dessert recipe when crisp apples are in season.
Making this No-Bake Indian Fusion Dessert is very simple. All you need to do is make caramelized apples by cooking apples with butter, cinnamon, lemon, and caramel sauce. Then make hung curd by mixing
The Inspiration Behind This Recipe
When I first created this dessert, I wanted something that felt festive yet simple, something that looks beautiful enough for Diwali celebrations, but easy enough to make at home so anyone can have it.
I chose two serving styles for this recipe — one presented like a mini cheesecake in square dessert bowls to give it a box dessert feel, and another as a parfait-style dessert in champagne glasses. Both look stunning for festive occasions.
But honestly, this apple shrikhand recipe doesn’t need any special styling. You can enjoy it just as it is. It tastes creamy, fruity, and comforting, just like any other homemade shrikhand recipe.
The one thing I love most about this Indian fusion dessert is that it feels festive no matter how you serve it.
Whether you are planning a party or want a quick Diwali sweet that looks gourmet, elegant, and tastes delightful, this recipe checks every box!
Let’s learn to make it!
Why You will Love This Recipe
This Caramel Apple Shrikhand
✔️ is easy to make
✔️ tastes delightful
✔️ requires no oven
✔️ mixes Indian and Western desserts
✔️ perfect for Diwali parties or festive meals
✔️ is high protein
✔️ is loaded with fall flavours
✔️ uses Greek yogurt
✔️ is easily customizable
✔️ looks like a gourmet treat
Ingredients
-
Yogurt: To make the thick, creamy, and rich base for shrikhand I used Greek yogurt. But you can also use regular yogurt for making hung curd.
-
Green yogurt protein helps it set the perfectly and to give this no-bake dessert a cheesecake like texture.
-
Apples: I used fresh and juicy crisp apples to bring natural sweetness and festive flavor. You can also use green apples in this recipe
-
Butter: Salted butter is used to caramelize the apples and to give them that golden shine. Ghee can also be used here.
-
Caramel Sauce: It is used to give caramelized flavor and sweetness to the apples. It also adds that irresistible gooey richness. You can use both homemade and store-bought caramel sauce in this recipe.
-
Cinnamon Powder: It adds cozy warmth that enhances the taste of caramelized apples.
-
Cardamom Powder: It is a necessary sweet scenting spice for Indian dessert recipes, which brings out the signature Indian dessert aroma and flavor.
-
Powdered Sugar: A bit of powdered sugar is added to hung crud to sweeten the shrikhand without overpowering the caramel.
-
Chopped Pistachios: They are added crunch and color, and they add a balancing contrast to the creaminess of thick yogurt.
-
Digestive Cookies: It is an optional ingredient to make crushed biscuit base for a buttery cheesecake-style base.
-
Melted Butter: Used for binding the cookie crumbs together.
-
**Garnish:**For garnishing I used caramel sauce, thin apple slices, dried rose petals, sliced pistachios, and edible silver leaf to add that festive Diwali sparkle. Garnishing is entirely optional here.
How to Make Caramel Apple Shrikhand
_Making this layered caramel apple shrikhand is quite simple. _
-
All you need to do is strain the Yogurt, by lining a strainer with muslin cloth and add yogurt. Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight if using regular yogurt. This straining process makes thick hung curd, which is the base for creamy no-bake shrikhand.
-
Caramelize the Apples by heating butter in a pan, adding chopped apples, and sauteing with cinnamon powder, lemon juice, and caramel sauce until apples are soft. These sweet, buttery apples add the perfect caramel apple dessert flavor.
-
To make the Shrikhand Base, in a bowl, whisk hung curd with powdered sugar, cardamom, and pistachios until smooth and creamy. Then fold in 3/4 of the caramel apple mixture and save the rest for serving.
-
Then make the cookie base by crushing digestive cookies and mixing with melted butter.
-
To assemble, press the crushed cookies lightly into dessert bowls or glasses. Top caramelized apples, and shrikhand mixture and smoothen the top.
-
Drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with apples, rose petals, pistachios, and edible gold or silver leaf.
-
Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. The layers set perfectly and give it a creamy, fruity, and crunch to this Indian dessert.
Serving Styles
I served this dessert in two assorted styles; cheesecake-style shrikhand bowls and champagne glass parfaits. Both styles give a festive, gourmet touch that makes the dessert look extra delicious.
But this apple shrikhand can also be served without the biscuit crust just like traditional shrikhand, it would still taste delicious. Just enjoy this dessert chilled in a bowl, without the layers or garnishes.
It is delicious either way and brings that same comforting sweetness of homemade shrikhand, with a little festive sparkle added in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chilled in mini glasses or bowls for a gourmet Diwali dessert presentation, garnish and enjoy. Or serve it plain as homemade shrikhand for a simple, comforting treat.
You can also use it as a filling for puff pastry cups, phyllo cups, or tart shells for festive dessert ideas.
When serving at a Diwali party or any other parties, you can also pair it with other desserts like motichoor cheesecake, pineapple shrikhand, badam ladoo, malai ladoo, rasmalai ladoo, rose ladoo, and date stuffed coconut ladoo.
Storage Suggestions
This shrikhand stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days. It stays creamy, and the caramel apples stay perfectly soft. For best results, assemble 2-4 hours, or just before serving for best results.
Tips & tricks to make the best Appel shrikhand
-
Apples: I have used apples in this shrikhand recipe. But you can also replace apples with other fruits like pears, bananas, or pineapple for a fun fall dessert recipe twist.
-
Serving: For a healthier take, instead of crushed cookies, serve it over granola or crushed nuts for more texture, and healthier flavor.
-
Vegan: For a vegan version of this dessert, swap Greek yogurt with vegan or plant-based yogurt, and butter with vegan butter.
-
Sweetener: For a lighter and *healthier festive touch, reduce the amount of sugar or completely omit it. You can also use honey, agave, or maple syrup here.
-
Straining: To get the creamiest, thickest shrikhand, strain it overnight.
-
Whey: Do discard the nutritious way, you can use it for making dough, smoothies, soups, or gravy.
-
Flavours: I used cardamom and cinnamon in this recipe, you can also use other flavours like a pinch of nutmeg, a few drops of rose water, kewra water or saffron.
Caramel Apple Shrikhand (Step-by-step photo instructions)
Strain the Yogurt
- Place a fine mesh strainer or colander over a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to catch the whey without touching the bottom of the strainer. Line the strainer with a clean muslin cloth or cheesecloth, spreading it to cover the sides.Pour the yogurt onto the cloth and gather the edges, twisting gently to cover it. Refrigerate 1 hour for Greek yogurt 4 hours for Regular yogurt. For best results, strain overnight. Open the cloth and check the consistency. You should have thick, creamy hung curd ready for a cheesecake-style dessert.
Make the Caramel Apple
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. Set aside.
- Heat butter in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and sauté for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in cinnamon powder and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, stir well, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until apples soften slightly.
- Mash lightly with a spoon or spatula. Stir in caramel sauce and sauté 2–3 minutes until apples are slightly soft but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Make the Caramel Apple Shrikhand Base
- In a large bowl, combine hung curd, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped pistachios. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Fold in **3/4 of the caramel apple mixture**, reserving the rest for topping. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Cookie Base
- Crush 7–8 digestive cookies into fine crumbs using a mortar and pestle or a ziplock bag. Add 2 tablespoons melted butter and mix until combined. Set aside.
Cheesecake Box-Style Serving
- In a square bowl, add 2–3 tablespoons of the crumbled cookie base and press down gently with a spoon. Top with 2 tablespoons of caramelized apple cubes with caramel sauce, spreading evenly. Pipe or spoon the caramel apple shrikhand over the top and smooth with a knife.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce in a zig-zag or spiral pattern for a patisserie finish. Garnish with sliced apples, dried rose petals, pistachios, and edible silver or gold leaves (optional). Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Champagne Glass Parfait-Style Serving
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of crumbled cookie base into the glass. Top with 1 tablespoon of caramelized apple cubes with caramel sauce. Pipe or spoon shrikhand over the top and smooth it out.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Garnish with apple slices, dried rose petals, pistachios, and edible silver or gold leaves (optional). Chill for 1 hour before serving. Perfect for festive parties or get-togethers!
Recipe Card
Caramel Apple Shrikhand [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 6 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | Indian | 6 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 369 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For the Caramel Apple Shrikhand
- 5 cups Greek yogurt (or 6 cups regular yogurt)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 medium-sized apples
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
For The Base Layer
- 7–8 digestive cookies
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Serving & Garnishing
- Sliced apples
- Caramel sauce
- Dried rose petals
- Sliced pistachios
- Edible silver or gold leaves (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Strain the Yogurt
- Place a fine mesh strainer or colander over a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to catch the whey without touching the bottom of the strainer. Line the strainer with a clean muslin cloth or cheesecloth, spreading it to cover the sides.Pour the yogurt onto the cloth and gather the edges, twisting gently to cover it. Refrigerate 1 hour for Greek yogurt 4 hours for Regular yogurt. For best results, strain overnight. Open the cloth and check the consistency. You should have thick, creamy hung curd ready for a cheesecake-style dessert.
Make the Caramel Apple
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. Set aside.
- Heat butter in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and sauté for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in cinnamon powder and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, stir well, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until apples soften slightly.
- Mash lightly with a spoon or spatula. Stir in caramel sauce and sauté 2–3 minutes until apples are slightly soft but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Make the Caramel Apple Shrikhand Base
- In a large bowl, combine hung curd, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped pistachios. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Fold in **3/4 of the caramel apple mixture**, reserving the rest for topping. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Cookie Base
- Crush 7–8 digestive cookies into fine crumbs using a mortar and pestle or a ziplock bag. Add 2 tablespoons melted butter and mix until combined. Set aside.
Cheesecake Box-Style Serving
- In a square bowl, add 2–3 tablespoons of the crumbled cookie base and press down gently with a spoon. Top with 2 tablespoons of caramelized apple cubes with caramel sauce, spreading evenly. Pipe or spoon the caramel apple shrikhand over the top and smooth with a knife.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce in a zig-zag or spiral pattern for a patisserie finish. Garnish with sliced apples, dried rose petals, pistachios, and edible silver or gold leaves (optional). Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Champagne Glass Parfait-Style Serving
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of crumbled cookie base into the glass. Top with 1 tablespoon of caramelized apple cubes with caramel sauce. Pipe or spoon shrikhand over the top and smooth it out.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Garnish with apple slices, dried rose petals, pistachios, and edible silver or gold leaves (optional). Chill for 1 hour before serving. Perfect for festive parties or get-togethers!
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- Serve chilled as a Diwali dessert shot in mini glasses.
- Use as a filling for phyllo cups or tart shells for a modern presentation.
- Garnish with edible gold leaf for an elegant festive touch.
If this recipe helped you, then please spread the word by sharing and subscribing to us on YouTube to get more such Recipe Videos.
Your feedback is so helpful for me and other My Ginger Garlic Kitchen readers. So, for Facebook and Instagram, please mention @MyGingerGarlicKitchen or #mygingergarlickitchen. I would love to see your photos. :)
Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/caramel-apple-shrikhand/
Questions or comments about this recipe: