Craving something sweet, creamy, and refreshing without spending hours in the kitchen or using gelatin and an oven? This simple milk and fruit dessert is a game-changer! It’s healthy, naturally sweet, and comes together in just 5 minutes using everyday ingredients.
Perfect for kids and adults alike, this quick dessert is packed with the wholesome goodness of milk and fresh fruits, making it ideal for those looking for a light treat without compromising on taste or nutrition. With no need for baking or complicated steps, this is your go-to recipe for a guilt-free indulgence that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat milk (or plant-based milk if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste or use honey/maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 banana (sliced thinly)
- 1/2 apple (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup strawberries (chopped)
- 1/2 mango (diced, optional depending on season)
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, or cashews – optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, pour 1.5 cups of milk and bring it to medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 0.5 cup of milk with cornflour until completely smooth.
- Once the milk in the saucepan begins to warm, add sugar, salt, and vanilla essence, stirring well to dissolve.
- Slowly pour in the cornflour mixture while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Keep stirring on medium heat until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This takes about 2–3 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool for a minute.
- Prepare your serving cups or bowls by adding a layer of chopped fresh fruits at the bottom.
- Pour a layer of the warm milk mixture over the fruit.
- Add another layer of different fruits on top for color and texture.
- Continue layering until the cups are filled, ending with a few fruit pieces and chopped nuts if using.
- Allow the dessert to cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving for a chilled version.
- Garnish with a small mint leaf or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
This dessert is not only visually appealing with its vibrant fruit layers, but it’s also nutritious and naturally sweet. The milk provides protein and calcium, while the fruits offer fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars. It’s a great option for anyone avoiding gelatin or eggs and is a lifesaver for last-minute guests or late-night sweet cravings. You can switch up the fruits based on what you have on hand—grapes, kiwi, oranges, or blueberries work wonderfully too. Kids love it for the colorful layers, and parents love it because it’s a sneaky way to get more fruit into their diet.
For those looking for a vegan version, swap dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and replace sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar. The texture remains smooth and creamy, and the taste is just as delightful.