Muhallebi: A Middle Eastern Milk Pudding Made with Cornstarch
08 Nov 2026
Quick answer: Muhallebi is a creamy milk pudding popular across the Middle East. A basic version uses milk, sugar and cornstarch, flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. It sets as it chills.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup cornstarch, such as Mayfine Ideal Corn Starch
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons rose water or orange blossom water
- Optional toppings: chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey
Method
- Whisk the cornstarch into 1 cup of the cold milk until smooth.
- Heat the remaining 3 cups of milk with the sugar until steaming.
- Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the flower water, pour into cups and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Add toppings before serving.
Tips
- Always dissolve cornstarch in cold liquid first to avoid lumps.
- Keep stirring so the bottom does not scorch.
In a hurry? Try our flan and raib dessert mixes. Cornstarch also thickens sauces and soups.
Why it fits the trend
Supermarket Perimeter's December 2025 issue names pistachio, rose and other Middle Eastern flavors as rising. Muhallebi with pistachio and rose water matches that flavor family.
Sources
Updated November 2026.