Apple Sabudana Kheer – it’s Navratri, so let’s give the classic sabudana kheer a new twist! 🍎 With the crunch of apples, the richness of caramel, and the soft texture of sabudana, in just 15 minutes, this fasting-friendly vrat favorite transforms into something fresh, festive, and perfect to share. 🌸✨
WATCH HOW TO MAKE APPLE SABUDANA KHEER:
Navratri fasting always brings with it so many nostalgic and comforting recipes, and sabudana kheer has always been one of those vrat staples that feels wholesome yet indulgent. This year, I wanted to give it a little festive twist — by adding apples that bring a beautiful crunch and caramel sweetness, making the kheer creamy yet refreshing. Perfect for fasting or any festive celebration!

Tips & Variations:
✨ Soaking Sabudana – Use very little water for soaking so the pearls don’t turn mushy.
🍯 Sweetener Options – You can use jaggery instead of sugar for a deeper flavor.
🍎 Texture Control – Keep apples slightly firm for bite — don’t overcook them.
🌱 Vegan Option – Replace ghee with coconut oil and milk with almond or coconut milk.
If you like this, please try my other recipes:
- Sweet Potato Paneer Skewers
- Instant Vrat Ka Dosa – Samak Rice Dosa
- Sabudana Millet Thalipeeth
- Makhana Fruit Shrikhand

Apple Sabudana Kheer - let’s give the classic sabudana kheer a new twist! 🍎 With the crunch of apples, the richness of caramel, and the soft texture of sabudana, in just 15 minutes, this fasting-friendly navratri vrat favorite transforms into something fresh, festive, and perfect to share. 🌸✨
- 1/2 cup sabudana (tapioca or sago pearls)
- 5 cups milk
- 3 tsp ghee , divided
- 2 medium apple , finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar , adjusted to taste
- 3 tbsp water , for apples
- 3 tbsp mixed nuts , I used cashew, almonds, pistachios
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 8-10 strands saffron , soaked in 2 tsp water
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Soak the Sabudana: Rinse sabudana pearls in cold water 3-4 times until the water is clear and all the starch is rinsed off. Soak them in a bowl for 3 to 4 hours with enough water to just cover them. They will absorb water and double in size. Once soaked, press them and check that they are not hard from inside. Now, drain them and if they are too wet, spread them on a kitchen towel until they are completely dry.
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Toast the Nuts: In a pan, heat 1 tsp ghee and roast the mixed nuts until golden. Remove and keep aside.
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Saute Sabudana: In the same pan, add 1 tsp ghee and sauté the soaked sabudana for 1–2 minutes. This step helps coat the sabudana so the kheer doesn’t curdle or stick.
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Add Milk: Add milk, stir continuously till it comes to a boil, then let it simmer on medium-low heat for 5 mins. Don't overcook otherwise the sabudana will become mushy.
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Prepare the Apples: Meanwhile, in another pan, sauté the chopped apples in 1 tsp ghee. Add a splash of water, cover, and cook till slightly soft (not mushy). Add sugar and cook for 3–4 minutes until the apples turn glossy and lightly caramelized.
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Combine & Finish: Add the apple mixture to the simmering sabudana. Stir in cardamom powder, saffron, and the toasted nuts. Simmer for a minute and the Apple Subudana Kheer is ready!
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Serve: Garnish with extra apples & nuts, and serve warm or chilled.
Recipe Video
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what can i use instead of sabudana
You can use rice instead