Name: Quick & Easy Almond Payasam Recipe (South Indian Dessert)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Almonds (blanched and soaked for at least 4 hours, or overnight); 1/4 cup Milk (for grinding the almonds); 1 ltr Milk (full-fat milk recommended); 1/2 cup Sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference); 4-5 strands Saffron Strands; 1 tsp Cardamom Powder (elaichi; freshly ground is best); 2 tbsp Water (for blooming saffron); 1 tbsp Nuts (almonds, cashews), chopped, for garnish (pistachios)

Quick & Easy Almond Payasam Recipe (South Indian Dessert)

Neeru Gupta

UpdatedJuly, 2025

25 minutes

1102 reads

4 from 3 votes

South Indian

About Quick & Easy Almond Payasam Recipe (South Indian Dessert)

Indulge in the creamy delight of Almond Payasam, a beloved South Indian dessert. This recipe features a harmonious blend of rich milk, nutty almonds, fragrant saffron, and warm cardamom, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience. It's surprisingly quick to make, perfect for both festive celebrations and weeknight treats.

The secret to this Almond Payasam's luxurious texture lies in the finely ground almonds, which create a velvety smooth consistency. The saffron adds a vibrant color and an exquisite floral aroma, while the cardamom provides a subtle, warming spice that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Whether served warm or chilled, this payasam is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garnish with chopped nuts for an extra touch of elegance and enjoy this simple yet sophisticated dessert!

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Recipe Time & More

Prep5

Cook20

Total25

Calories310 kcal

Serves

Served AsDesserts

Recipe TasteCrunchy Sweet

Ingredients

For the Almond Paste

▢ 1 cup Almonds blanched and soaked for at least 4 hours, or overnight
▢ 1/4 cup Milk for grinding the almonds

For the Payasam

▢ 1 ltr Milk full-fat milk recommended
▢ 1/2 cup Sugar adjust to your sweetness preference
▢ 4-5 strands Saffron Strands
▢ 1 tsp Cardamom Powder elaichi; freshly ground is best
▢ 2 tbsp Water for blooming saffron
▢ 1 tbsp Nuts almonds, cashews), chopped, for garnish (pistachios

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Instructions

Prepare the Almond Paste

Peel the soaked almonds and grind them into a smooth paste with 1/4 cup of milk using a blender or food processor.

Make the Payasam

Bring the 1 liter of milk to a gentle boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot.
Stir in the almond paste and cook, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning, for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture slightly thickens.
Add the sugar, and stir until dissolved.
In a small bowl, steep the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of hot water for 10 minutes to release their color and flavor.
Add the saffron water and cardamom powder to the payasam.
Stir well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the payasam reaches your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped nuts. Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Almond Payasam

For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk.
Soaking the almonds beforehand helps to soften them and makes them easier to grind into a smooth paste.
If the payasam becomes too thick, add a little more milk to adjust the consistency.
Feel free to experiment with other spices such as a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of rose water for added complexity.