Mishti Doi (Bengali Caramelized Sweet Yogurt)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Custards puddings creams Medium

Mishti Doi (Bengali Caramelized Sweet Yogurt)

Mishti doi is milk reduced to about two-thirds, sweetened with caramelized sugar and set with a spoonful of yogurt into a thick, creamy, tan-colored dessert. A clay cup is traditional and helps the set, but glass or ceramic also works. Makes 4 cups in about 24 hr 15 min.

Prep 15 min

Cook 600 min

Cooling 14 hr

Total 24 hr 15 min

Servings 4

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

4 ¼ cups (1000 ml)whole milk
3 tbsp (40 g)granulated sugar
3 tbsp (40 g)dark brown sugar or jaggery
1 tbsp (15 ml)water
1 ½ tbsp (20 g)plain yogurt with live cultures, room temperature, as starter
1 ½ tbsp (10 g)chopped pistachios

Fresh ingredient guides

PistachiosHow to pick, season & nutrition · 179 kcal per 30 g

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Instructions

Bring the milk to a boil in a heavy pan, then add the white sugar and simmer over medium heat, stirring and scraping down the sides, for 30 to 35 minutes until reduced to about 650 ml.
While it reduces, melt the brown sugar with the water in a small pan until it bubbles and darkens to a deep amber, about 3 to 4 minutes. Do not let it burn.
Carefully pour the caramel into the hot milk and stir until dissolved. Boil 1 minute.
Cool the milk to 110 F (43 C), warm to the touch, not hot.
Whisk the starter yogurt with a few spoons of the milk, then stir into the milk.
Pour into 4 clay or ceramic cups, cover and keep in a warm spot for 8 to 10 hours (an oven with the light on works) until set like soft custard.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving, topped with pistachios.

Tips

If the milk is too hot it kills the culture; if too cool it won't set.
Do not jiggle the cups while setting.
Fresh, live-culture yogurt matters for the set.
Use milk boiled first, hold the culturing warm 8 to 10 hours only, then refrigerate promptly.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make mishti doi (bengali caramelized sweet yogurt)?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 10 hours of cooking, plus 14 hours to chill. The recipe makes 4 cups (4 servings).

How should I store mishti doi (bengali caramelized sweet yogurt)?

Refrigerate up to 4 days.

Can I make mishti doi (bengali caramelized sweet yogurt) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

A sweetened, caramelized yogurt from Bengal, set in clay pots.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 4 servings this recipe makes.

257 Calories / serving

9.6g Fat

34.8g Carbs

9.0g Protein

31.8g Sugar

Whole recipe (4 servings): ~1028 cal · 38g fat · 139g carbs · 36g protein · 127g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.