Simple Sahlab Recipe (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)

Get ready to warm your soul with this simple Sahlab recipe – a Middle Eastern milk pudding that’s the epitome of sweet, silky comfort on cold days. This incredibly simple recipe transforms the most simple ingredients into a bowl of cozy goodness you’ll be craving.

What is Sahlab?

Sahlab, sometimes known as Middle Eastern milk pudding, is a warm drink popular in the Middle East. Made with hot sweetened milk, it’s a silky beverage typically consumed on cold days.

For us, Sahlab has always been more than just a warm, comforting dessert. It’s a taste of our childhood and a cherished memory of our mom.

We grew up with this tasty drink! Our mom would always make it for us, especially on cold winter evenings, and every sip reminds us of our childhood.

With this Sahlab recipe, we can recreate the taste and texture of our mom’s recipe, and share the experience with our kids.

How to Make the Finest Sahlab Recipe

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions to make this recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information!

Ingredients

Cornstarch – This acts as a thickener in this recipe. Experiment with the thickness by adjusting the amount of cornstarch included until you achieve your desired consistency.
Milk – Whole milk will provide the finest taste and texture. However, any milk you like finest can be used.
Heavy Cream – Technically optional, this adds an extra element of richness and creates a silky consistency.
Sugar – Granulated sugar helps sweeten the drinking. Add as little or as much as you like.
Vanilla Extract – Use high-quality pure vanilla extract for extra depth and a subtle vanilla taste.
Ground Cinnamon – This is optional. However, it adds a note of warmth that balances out the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.
Toppings – Ground cinnamon, chopped nuts (almonds or pistachios), coconut flakes, rosewater or orange blossom water

Instructions

Combine the ingredients. Mix the milk, heavy cream, cornstarch, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan.
Boil. Whisk the ingredients over medium heat until the liquid reaches a boil. Boil until it thickens, stirring continuously. The mixture will become silky!
Serve. Pour the mixture into mugs. Then, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon, coconut, and your choice of nuts. Enjoy warm or cold!

A mug of Sahlab topped with crushed nuts.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this Sahlab all on its own as a tasty drinkable dessert. Or, really treat yourself by pairing it with a decadent dessert like baklava cheesecake, Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies, or baklava.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Once combined, Sahlab can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Serve it cold. Or, warm it in the microwave or a saucepan over medium heat.

Common Questions about Sahlab

What gives sahlab its unique texture?

Traditionally, it’s thickened with orchid root powder, but cornstarch is a super-simple substitute that gives it the same silky, custard-like vibe.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just use your go-to non-dairy milk—almond, oat, or coconut milk can all work beautifully.

How thick should it be?

It should coat the back of a spoon—think rich hot chocolate or drinkable pudding. If it gets too thick, just whisk in a splash more milk.

What toppings go finest with sahlab?

We love a sprinkle of cinnamon, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and even a little drizzle of honey. Customize it with whatever toppings you love!

More Middle Eastern Recipes to Try

A hand holding a mug of sahlab topped with crushed nuts.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 2 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 17 mins
Chill Time: 1 hr
Total: 1 hr 22 mins

Prepare this simple Sahlab recipe for a sweet, silky, Middle Eastern milk pudding drink reliable for cold, winter nights! Email

Ingredients

For the Sahlab Mix:

3 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups milk
1/4 cup heavy cream optional
4 Tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon

For Serving:

Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios
Coconut flakes
Rosewater or orange blossom water optional

Instructions

Mix together milk, and heavy cream (if using), along with cornstarch, cinnamon (if desired, see note), sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a boil, and then let it boil for 2 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens and becomes silky.3 Tablespoons cornstarch, 2 cups milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 4 Tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of ground cinnamon
Pour the hot mixture into mugs and garnish each serving with a dusting of cinnamon, desiccated coconut, and a choice of pistachios, walnuts, or almonds.Ground cinnamon, Chopped nuts, Coconut flakes, Rosewater or orange blossom water

Equipment

Thero Medium Black-and-White Mixing Bowl.

1 Mixing Bowl Dansk Saucepan.

1 Saucepan

Notes

Note: Cornstarch is used as a thickener in this version of Sahlab. You can experiment with the thickness by adjusting the amount of cornstarch to achieve your desired texture.