How to Make the Perfect Kulfi
Indian · Easy · 15 min · 6 servings
Kulfi is a creamy dense frozen Indian ice cream treat that kids go absolutely crazy for especially on hot summer days. Made with just a few pantry staples this easy no-churn dessert is rich with cardamom and pistachio flavor kids love.
Why this recipe works
This Kulfi recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 3 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon rose water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
Combine sweetened condensed milk whole milk and heavy cream in a large bowl and whisk together until smooth and well blended. Add cardamom powder and rose water and mix again until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Add Pistachios
Stir in half of the chopped pistachios into the kulfi mixture reserving the rest for topping. Pour the mixture into kulfi molds popsicle molds or small cups filling each about three quarters full.
Step 3: Freeze
Sprinkle remaining pistachios on top of each filled mold then insert popsicle sticks if using cups. Cover each mold tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight until completely solid.
Step 4: Unmold and Serve
To unmold dip each mold briefly in warm water for 10 seconds and gently pull out the kulfi. Serve immediately on a plate or hold by the stick. Kids can garnish with extra nuts or a drizzle of rose syrup.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- rose water → vanilla extract for a simpler sweet flavor
- heavy cream → full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not freezing long enough causing the kulfi to be too soft and fall off the stick
- Using low-fat dairy which results in an icy texture instead of the classic dense creaminess
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 6g protein, 28g carbs, 10g fat, 1g fiber.
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