Saffron Cardamom Baked Yogurt with Mango Saffron Compote Recipe
Introduction
This Saffron Cardamom Baked Yogurt is a luscious and aromatic dessert that combines creamy yogurt with the warm flavors of saffron and cardamom. Topped with a sweet mango saffron compote, it offers a delightful balance of richness and fruitiness perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 400 ml Yogurt
- 150 ml Condensed milk
- 1–2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Saffron strands
- 1 tsp Cardamom powder
- ½ Mango, diced
- ¼ tsp Saffron strands (for compote)
- ½ cup Water (for compote)
- Honey to taste (for compote)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 160°C. Prepare a deep baking tray and have four ramekins ready.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, condensed milk, and honey. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Step 3: Whisk in the saffron strands and cardamom powder until evenly incorporated.
- Step 4: Divide the yogurt mixture equally among the ramekins. Place the ramekins in the baking tray and carefully pour hot water into the tray until it reaches about one-quarter the height of the ramekins. Loosely cover the tray with aluminum foil.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the tops of the yogurt appear slightly set. Turn off the oven and leave the ramekins inside with the oven door ajar for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the baked yogurt until completely chilled.
- Step 7: To make the mango saffron compote, combine the diced mango, saffron strands, and water in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until the mango is very soft and cooked through.
- Step 8: Allow the compote to cool, then puree it until smooth. Stir in honey to taste.
- Step 9: Serve the chilled baked yogurt topped with the mango saffron compote, along with pistachio slivers and rose petals if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier texture, use Greek yogurt with higher fat content.
- You can substitute mango with peach or apricot for a different fruit compote.
- If saffron is unavailable, a pinch of turmeric can add color but will alter the flavor.
- To intensify the cardamom flavor, lightly toast the cardamom pods and grind fresh.
Storage
Store the baked yogurt covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the mango compote in a separate airtight container and add just before serving. The dessert is best enjoyed chilled and should be refrigerated until ready to eat. Reheat is not recommended as it can affect the texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, regular yogurt works fine, but the dessert might be less creamy and a bit more watery. Straining regular yogurt to remove excess whey can improve texture.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely. The baked yogurt and mango compote can be made a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving for the best taste and texture.
PrintSaffron Cardamom Baked Yogurt with Mango Saffron Compote Recipe
A delicate and fragrant dessert featuring creamy baked yogurt infused with aromatic saffron and cardamom, topped with a sweet mango saffron compote. This elegant dish combines smooth yogurt with the natural sweetness of condensed milk and honey, complemented by a luscious fruit topping and garnished with pistachio slivers and rose petals for a visually stunning and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Baked Yogurt
- 400 ml Yogurt
- 150 ml Condensed milk
- 1–2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Saffron strands
- 1 tsp Cardamom powder
For the Mango Saffron Compote
- 1/2 Mango, diced
- 1/4 tsp Saffron strands
- 1/2 cup Water
- Honey to taste
For Garnishing
- Pistachio slivers
- Rose petals
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking setup: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F). Arrange a deep baking tray and have 4 ramekins ready to use.
- Mix yogurt base: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, condensed milk, and honey. Whisk well until smooth and creamy. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- Add spices: Whisk in the saffron strands and cardamom powder into the yogurt mixture to infuse the flavors evenly.
- Set up water bath: Pour the yogurt mixture evenly into the 4 ramekins and place them inside the deep baking tray. Carefully pour hot water into the tray so it reaches about a quarter of the way up the sides of the ramekins. Loosely cover the tray with aluminum foil.
- Bake the yogurt: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the tops of the yogurt are slightly set but still a bit wobbly. Turn off the oven and leave the ramekins inside with the door open for another 10 minutes to gently finish cooking.
- Chill the baked yogurt: Remove the ramekins from the oven and refrigerate until completely chilled and set, typically at least a few hours or overnight.
- Prepare mango saffron compote: In a small saucepan, combine the diced mango, saffron strands, and water. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mango is very soft and fully cooked through.
- Blend the compote: Cool the mango mixture, then puree it until smooth. Stir in honey to taste to balance the sweetness.
- Serve: Spoon the mango saffron compote over the chilled baked yogurt. Garnish with pistachio slivers and rose petals for an elegant presentation. Enjoy this fragrant and creamy dessert.
Notes
- The water bath (bain-marie) helps to bake the yogurt gently and prevents curdling.
- Adjust honey quantity according to your sweetness preference.
- Saffron can be soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk before adding for more vibrant color and flavor.
- Refrigeration time is key to a perfect set and texture.
- Rose petals used for garnishing should be edible and pesticide-free.
Keywords: Baked yogurt recipe, saffron dessert, cardamom yogurt, mango compote dessert, Indian-inspired baked yogurt, creamy baked yogurt, fragrant yogurt dessert

