The Rose Milk Cake Recipe is an absolute delight for anyone who loves light, fragrant desserts that feel like a warm hug from a garden in full bloom. This cake marries the floral allure of rose milk with a soft, spongy texture that soaks up a delicate rose-flavored syrup, making every bite decadently moist and aromatic. It’s a perfect sweet treat for celebrations or any time you crave something special yet comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to creating magic with this recipe. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build the cake’s flavor, texture, and that signature rose-hinted creaminess you’ll love.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and become airy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds lightness alongside the baking powder for a tender crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Lends richness and moisture to the batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps lighten the texture when creamed with butter.
- 3 large eggs: Bind all ingredients and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
- ½ cup milk: Used in the batter to keep it moist and tender.
- ¼ cup rose water or rose syrup: Infuses the cake with that unmistakable floral romance.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the rose flavor beautifully.
- ½ cup yogurt or buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the crumb for softness.
- 1 cup milk (for syrup): The base for the soaking syrup that gives the cake its signature moistness.
- 2 tablespoons rose water or rose syrup (for syrup): Intensifies the floral aroma in the soak.
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste): Sweetens the rose milk syrup to perfect harmony.
- Chopped pistachios or almonds (optional): Adds an elegant crunch and color contrast.
- Dried rose petals (optional): For a breathtaking garnish that enhances the floral theme.
How to Make Rose Milk Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Getting your oven ready is crucial to the perfect bake. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out effortlessly smooth and intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside helps when you combine them later, ensuring even distribution for a flawless texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
This step is where magic happens. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this aeration is key to creating that tender crumb we all adore.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each is fully incorporated before the next. This maintains the batter’s smoothness. Then mix in the vanilla extract, rose water or rose syrup, and yogurt or buttermilk, which elevates flavor complexity and moisture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, and nobody wants that!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Rose Milk Syrup
While the cake cools, gently heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the rose water or syrup and sugar until dissolved, creating a fragrant soak that will make this cake unforgettable.
Step 8: Soak and Infuse
Poke small holes over the cooled cake with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the warm rose milk syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in deeply. Patience here pays off—the cake should soak for 10-15 minutes to reach the perfect moistness.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle over chopped pistachios or almonds and dried rose petals if you want a show-stopping presentation. Slice, serve, and prepare to be wowed by this enchanting Rose Milk Cake Recipe!
How to Serve Rose Milk Cake Recipe

Garnishes
Brighten your Rose Milk Cake Recipe with a scatter of chopped pistachios or almonds—they add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. A few delicate dried rose petals on top echo the cake’s floral notes and make it look utterly irresistible.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance its floral sweetness. For tea time, serve alongside a fragrant black tea or a refreshing rose-flavored iced tea to keep the theme consistent and charming.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving your Rose Milk Cake Recipe in individual glass jars or pretty dessert cups topped with edible rose petals for an elegant touch. You could also layer slices with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning trifle twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Rose Milk Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and moist for up to 3 days, perfect for savoring every last crumb without missing the floral goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake before soaking it in the syrup for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before adding the rose milk syrup to retain optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm slice, gently reheat leftovers in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the cake tender and not dry out. Once warmed, feel free to pour a little extra rose milk syrup or cream for extra indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rose petals instead of dried for garnish?
Absolutely! Fresh rose petals add a lovely freshness and aroma, but make sure they are edible and pesticide-free. They will give your cake a vibrant look and complement the rose flavor beautifully.
Is rose water and rose syrup interchangeable in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either rose water or rose syrup. Rose syrup is sweeter and will add extra sweetness to the cake and syrup, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
Can I substitute yogurt with buttermilk?
Definitely! Both yogurt and buttermilk provide acidity that tenderizes the cake, so they can be swapped without affecting the recipe’s success.
What is the best way to poke holes for soaking the cake?
Using a fork or a thin skewer works well. The goal is to create evenly spaced holes that allow the rose milk syrup to seep in deeply without tearing the cake apart.
Can I make Rose Milk Cake Recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax or chia eggs in place of regular eggs, and swap yogurt with a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
Making the Rose Milk Cake Recipe is like welcoming a floral celebration into your kitchen—each bite is a joyful burst of fragrant softness that can brighten any day. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or indulging solo, this cake promises smiles and warmth. So go ahead, give it a try, and fall in love with its magic yourself!
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Rose Milk Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Rose Milk Cake is a fragrant and moist dessert infused with floral rose water syrup. A soft buttery cake soaked in a rose-flavored milk syrup makes every bite delicate and flavorful. Garnished with chopped nuts and dried rose petals, it’s perfect for special occasions or a charming treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup rose water or rose syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup yogurt or buttermilk
Rose Milk Syrup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons rose water or rose syrup
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped pistachios or almonds
- Dried rose petals
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next to avoid curdling. Then add the vanilla extract, rose water (or rose syrup), and yogurt or buttermilk. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in portions, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb; overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Rose Milk Syrup: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Stir in the rose water or rose syrup and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from heat.
- Soak the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, poke small holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the warm rose milk syrup evenly over the cake so it can absorb the flavors. Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes to soak up the syrup fully.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally, garnish the soaked cake with chopped pistachios or almonds and dried rose petals to add texture and an elegant floral presentation. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute rose water with rose syrup if preferred, but reduce sugar in the syrup accordingly as rose syrup is usually sweetened.
- Using yogurt or buttermilk helps to tenderize the cake and enhance its moistness.
- Ensure the syrup is warm when pouring over the cake for better absorption.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flax eggs, and dairy milk with plant-based milk.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

