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Discover the charm of our Easy Ashta Recipe, a wonderful blend of velvety cream that effortlessly elevates the charm of your Ramadan desserts. This versatile creation seamlessly complements a myriad of traditional sweet delights.

Crafted for both elegance and ease, this Middle Eastern delight is versatile, enhancing your desserts with its velvety texture and irresistible taste. Whether adorning pastries, topping puddings, or enriching your favorite treats, our Ashta recipe promises to make this Ramadan truly special!


A Visual Feast of Ashta Elegance

A bowl of delicious ashta with ground pistachio
How would you prefer to have your ashta served?

The Easy Ashta sweet cream recipe I shared with you today is very popular on my Instagram page, and I assure you that you will love it! This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it was passed down to me by my mom. Interestingly, she also shared it with my cousin, who owns a restaurant in Texas, where it’s incorporated into various desserts with great success.

Not only that, but it is one of the easiest ashta recipes you will ever make. Don’t forget that I have a low-sugar option for you in case you are diabetic or follow a low-carb dieter.

Making Middle Eastern Ashta is like taking a delicious journey into my roots and traditions. The whole process is a cozy experience—carefully blending simple ingredients to create a velvety masterpiece.

Sharing Ashta during Ramadan is like sharing a sweet hug with loved ones. It’s not just about the food; it’s a way to connect and enjoy special moments together. Ashta brings joy to the shared times of Ramadan, making them even more special.



Creamy Ashta Delights: Picture Perfect Pleasure!

A bowl of sweet ashta perfect to indulge yourself
Drizzle some honey on top of your ashta and indulge your tooth!

What Is Ashta Made Of?

Ashta, also known as Kashta or Qishta, is a luscious clotted cream cherished for its creamy texture and versatility in various Middle Eastern desserts. It holds a special place in festive gatherings, symbolizing joy and togetherness. It gets its unique aromatic flavors from rose water and orange blossom water.

Ashta is known for its velvety texture and rich taste, making it a versatile ingredient in the culinary traditions of the Middle East. It is commonly used to fill pastries, top desserts, and add a creamy richness to various sweet dishes.

Originally, Qishta was prepared by boiling fresh milk and meticulously skimming the thin layers that formed on the surface through multiple repetitions. However, the modern approach often involves a more convenient shortcut, as the traditional method is time-consuming.

Some desserts that have ashta as a main ingredient are Warbat Bil Ashta (Shaabiyat), Middle-Eastern Pancakes (Atayif), Osmaliyi Dessert With Ashta, Aish El Saraya- Rose Water Bread Pudding, and Halawat el Jibn (Sweet Cheese Rolls).


Perfect Ashta for Your Atayef!

Ashta is a luxuriously rich and creamy, thick-clotted cream. It is perfectly done in The Pan from Perco.
This is the best non-sticking pan! Perfect for Ashta!

Pro Tip

Make sure you whisk the ashta continuously. If you do not, Kashta will thicken unevenly. You will have lumps and chunks in your ashta.


How Can You Enjoy the Sweet Taste of Ashta?

You can say this is the Arabic Cream Cheese. It is sweet, creamy and so delicious on its own. But it is also versatile. It can be used in a wide array of Middle Eastern desserts. It perfectly pairs with fruits!

Here are some ways to enjoy ashta.

Now it is my favorite! I just love to sit on my porch with a bowl of delightful ashta. I top it with fruits, some crushed pistachios, and a drizzle of honey. What a perfection!

Interestingly, in the Middle East, it’s a popular choice to serve it with acocktail, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser!

To wow your guests, make some of this delicious sweet ashta. Then, bake in between a special semolina dough to make what is called Maamoul Mad Bi Ashta, a tasty, delectable Middle Eastern sweet.

For a kid-friendly version of ashta, try it in panna cotta form, or what I call Ashtello. Add your kid’s favorite fruit on top. He will ask for more and more!

Try this delectable ashta with filo/phyllo dough-based dessert. For example, Osmaliyi Dessert With Ashta calls for this special ashta and Kataifi fillo dough.

Why not pipe some rich and creamy ashta onto a pie crust? The combination is irresistible!

Let me suggest another delicious way to enjoy this rich and decadent Kashta. It is great to spread it over toast or pancake-type dough like the yummy Middle-Eastern Pancakes (Atayif).


Ashta Moments: Sweetness Captured!

A bowl filled with clotted cream and garnished with some ground pistachios. Some dried rose petals, a spoon filled with ground pistachios, and a ground pistachio jar, decorate the area around the ashta bowl.
Clotted cream is perfect for your Ramadan sweets!

Ashta’s Heartwarming Presence in Ramadan

During Ramadan, Ashta holds a special significance as it becomes a sweet companion to the cherished moments of iftar and suhoor.

This velvety clotted cream, with its rich and comforting taste, adds a touch of indulgence to traditional Middle Eastern desserts. As families gather to break their fast, Ashta becomes a symbol of togetherness and celebration, enhancing the sweetness of the month.

Its versatility allows it to complement various treats, making it a staple ingredient that adds warmth and flavor to the communal spirit of Ramadan nights. Whether enjoyed in pastries, puddings, or as a topping, Ashta becomes an essential part of creating memorable and joyous culinary experiences during this sacred month.


Sweet and Simple: Ashta in Focus

Creamy rich ashta cooked in The Pan from Perco is the best ashta for your sweets.
A savory, rich cream is yummy when topped with sweet, fresh fruit! Irresistible!

Are You on a Low Carb or Keto Diet?

If you choose to have a specific diet, you can still enjoy delicious sweet dishes. So, adjust this luscious ashta to fit your preference.

For a low-carb and keto-friendly ashta recipe, you can use heavy cream and sugar-free sugar like xylitol. Click here to purchase xylitol.

Attention! Be sure to also replace corn starch with arrowroot powder.


Cream Dreams

Rich and creamy ashta for middle eastern dessert
What a delicious bowl of ashta!

Here Are Some Ways to Thicken Ashta!

Some may thicken the ashta using bread. Many others use corn starch to thicken Ashta as I did here in this recipe.

If you prefer it to be even thicker, just use less milk. So, instead of adding 2 cups of milk, you can use 1 cup of milk.

Another option for thicker ashta is to add less milk or heavy cream in the first step of the process. You can also whisk on low heat for a little longer.


A Photo Journey of Sweet Moments

velvety smooth ashta in a bowl sprinkled with some pistachios
How beautiful!

Do Not Have Ricotta Cheese? I’ve Got You Covered!

This recipe calls for ricotta cheese. If you do not have it, you can add some vinegar to hot milk and leave it for a while.

The milk will curdle, so you separate the curds or lumps from the whey. Drain them before using them in ashta.


The Pan Is My Favorite Cookware!

A non-sticking pan you can purchase from the link in the blog is the perfect kitchen ware to cook your creamy ashta
What a great pan! It is perfect for any recipe with milk or cream! It will never stick!

Are You Frustrated with Your Sticky Pan? Try My Special Pan!

The Pan from Perco is my favorite cookware for many recipes that I make. It is an essential kitchen gadget that you must have. Here is why you will love this amazing pan.

First, it is large enough for all your dishes. It is 11-inch (27.94 cm) diameter and 4 quarts (3.78 L) capacity. Second, it has a special construction. It is made from strong cast aluminum. It also has an unbreakable cast aluminum lid.


Perfect Coating! Order NOW and Get 50% Off!

A grey cooking pan with a lid
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Another important feature is its stainless-steel handle and lid knob. On top of that, it is oven-safe to 500oF (260oC). Its coating is made from non-stick ceramic. It is also metal-free!

What would be better than this gorgeous pan? It is ideal for gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stoves.

What are you waiting for? Order it now and get a special discount. You will get 50$ off with the code TasteGreatFoofdie! Buy The Pan NOW and enjoy free shipping and an Acacia Wood spoon. This is an offer that is definitely worth taking!


What a Fancy Pan! You Should Have It in Your Kitchen!

This is the best non-sticking pan. It is coated with ceramic and has a stainless steel handle and lid knob. Perfect for gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stoves.
What beautiful kitchenware! I love it! Order it now for professional cooking!

Tips for the Best Clotted Cream Ashta

A Luxurious bowl of creamy ashta and grounded pistachio will wow your guests.
Five Star sweet for your family and friends!

If you choose to store this luscious Ashta, press a plastic wrap over the surface of the clotted cream. This way, you will not end up with a cream skin formation while Ashta chills. Upon serving stored Kashta, do not forget to mix it.

All ricotta is not the same. For rich ashta, make sure to use a high-quality brand.


Pro Tips

You can make this rich ashta unsweetened if you will use it with desserts that are served with simple syrup or ater.

For a special chocolate tweak, add some cocoa powder to your ashta. You add it with the corn starch. What a gorgeous variation!


Soft and Creamy! Don’t You Want to taste it?

A fresh Middle-Eastern Ashta in a cooking pan, with a wooden spoon filled with the creamy ashta.
This rich creamy kashta is perfect for sweets with puff pastry!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Ashta?

It is not recommended to freeze clotted cream or ashta. Once it defrosts, it will lose its creamy texture. It may become dry and crumbly. So, it is better to store it in a container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

What is the difference between whole milk and heavy cream?

Whipping cream is much fattier than whole milk. But, they work the same way in most recipes just like Ashta recipe. If you use whole milk, you can some butter to add the fats.

After it chilled down, my Ashta became too thick. What can I do to spread it easily?

A good idea is to get a hand blender. Whisk it few times. It will get back to its smooth creamy texture.

Can I fry ashta?

It is a great way to try other versions of ashta tastes. Of course, you can fry them after forming them into Middle-Eastern Pancakes (Atayif). You can also set them in the oven like Osmaliyi Dessert With Ashta.


Save, Share, and Pin!

Sprinkle some ground pistachio on top of a delicious sweet bowl of ashta and enjoy the taste.
Enjoy this tasty Ashta with your dear ones! They will be surprised!

Clotted Cream or Ashta

The sweet creamy Ashta is perfect on top of Strawberry Mango Banana Smoothie. It also adds a lot to the Satisfying Fruit Salad. Made with 5 ingredients only, let’s prepare it together!


Ingredients

  • Ricotta cheese
  • Whole milk or heavy cream
  • Sugar
  • Corn starch
  • Rosewater

How To Prep

First, in a medium pot (while the stove is OFF), add cold whipping cream, sugar, rose water, and cornstarch. Whisk until corn starch has fully dissolved.

Then, turn the heat on to high while whisking continuously.

Once the milk comes to a boil as you are whisking, you will notice it getting thicker. Once it has thickened, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the hot stove.

Finally, add in the full container of ricotta cheese, then whisk until whipped and fluffy.

Enjoy right away or allow to cool for 20 minutes. Then, refrigerate for 3–4 hours before using with recipes that call for ashta.


My Favorite Bowl for a Sweet Dessert!

Plain sweet ashta ready to be added to your osmaliyi or spread on your katayef
Sweet, Smooth, and Silky! Enjoy!

Try these Recipes with Sweet Creamy Ashta!


Add Creamy Ashta to these Recipes!


A Picture You Can Smell!

Delectable and sweet ashta for Ramadan sweets like Katayef, Mad Bil Ashta, Othmaliyii, and others
The aroma of rose water will fill your soul with happiness!

5 from 21 votes

Easy 5-Ingredient Ashta Recipe

By: Lama
Ashta is a luxuriously rich and creamy, thick clotted cream enjoyed alone and or included in many Middle Eastern recipes! Here is the easiest and most delicious recipe you will ever make!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Equipment

  • The Pan $50 discount with code TasteGreatFoodie

Ingredients 

  • 30 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
  • 5 heaping tablespoons corn starch
  • ¼ cup rose water
  • ¾ cup sugar

Instructions 

  • In a medium pot while the stove is OFF, add in the milk, sugar, rose water, and starch.
  • Whisk until corn starch has fully dissolved, about 5 minutes.
  • Turn the heat on high and continue whisking until it comes to a boil. You should see the milk thicken into a white pudding (see video below). Once it has thickened, remove pan off of the heat.
  • Add in the ricotta cheese then whisk well incorporated, fluffy and whipped! You can enjoy it right away or use it with many different middle eastern desserts (see the recommended desserts linked above this recipe card).
  • Allow the ashta to cool for 20 minutes them refrigerate for 2-4 hours or over night until firm.

Video

Notes

Purchase The Pan NOW and get a 50$ discount with the code TasteGreatFoodie. 
Note 1: When you store Ashta, press a plastic wrap over the surface of the clotted cream. This way, you will not end up with a cream skin formation while Ashta chills. Upon serving stored Kashta, do not forget to mix it.
Note 2: All ricotta is not the same. For rich ashta, make sure to use a high-quality brand.
Note 3: Make sure you whisk the ashta continuously. If you do not, Kashta will thicken unevenly. You will have lumps and chunks in your ashta.
Note 4: You can make this rich ashta unsweetened if you will use it with desserts that are served with sugar syrup or attar.
Note 5: For a special chocolate tweak, add some cocoa powder to your ashta. You add it with the corn starch. 

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 271mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 763IU | Calcium: 394mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Lama

I'm Lama, welcome to my blog where you will find simple and diverse recipes your entire family will enjoy. I am honored to connect with you through the recipes I prepare!

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Recipe Rating




30 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Incredible! This is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. It was the first time I try to make clotted cream and it was a success. Thank you

  2. 5 stars
    Best ashta recipe I have tried making. It works literally with any dessert that calls for recipe. I can make this in 5 minutes and it is ready to use. So satisfying.