Dreamy Homemade Kulfi Ice Cream Recipe: Silky & Sweet Bliss

Creamy kulfi ice cream brings pure joy to summer afternoons with its rich, velvety texture.

Dessert lovers adore this traditional Indian frozen treat that requires minimal ingredients.

Condensed milk and heavy cream form the perfect base for this delightful sweet.

Cardamom and nuts add unexpected depth to the classic recipe.

No churning or complicated equipment is needed for making this smooth, luxurious dessert.

Simple techniques and patience help you craft an authentic kulfi that rivals any professional kitchen creation.

One bite transports you straight to the bustling streets of delhi, where this beloved treat has delighted generations.

Flavorful Twists on Traditional Kulfi

• Saffron Elegance: Intensify saffron flavor by steeping threads in warm milk before adding to the base, creating a rich golden-hued kulfi with deeper aromatic notes.
• Mango Madness: Blend ripe mango pulp into the milk mixture for a tropical fruit-infused version, perfect for summer refreshment and adding natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Fusion: Incorporate dark chocolate powder and ground hazelnuts into the mixture, transforming the traditional recipe into a decadent nutty dessert with rich undertones.
• Rose Pistachio Charm: Add rose water and increase pistachio content, creating a fragrant Middle Eastern-inspired kulfi with delicate floral essence and nutty crunch.

Pairings That Go Well with Kulfi Ice Cream

• Pair Spiced Cardamom Chai: A warm, fragrant tea perfectly complements the rich, creamy kulfi, balancing its sweetness with subtle spices.
• Drizzle Rose Syrup: Add a delicate touch of floral sweetness by garnishing the kulfi with light rose syrup, enhancing its traditional Indian flavor profile.
• Sprinkle Crushed Nuts: Top the kulfi with extra chopped pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch that contrasts the smooth ice cream texture.
• Create Fruit Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light, fresh fruit salad with mango or pomegranate to cut through the kulfi's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Proper Storage for Homemade Kulfi Ice Cream

Transfer leftover kulfi to an airtight container, cover tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Wrap each kulfi individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container to prevent freezer burn.

Kulfi is best enjoyed frozen, so avoid microwaving. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

Remove kulfi from the freezer 5 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Gently run the mold under warm water to help release the frozen dessert easily.

Keep kulfi away from strong-smelling foods in the freezer to maintain its delicate cardamom and nut flavors.

FAQs

• What is kulfi made from?

Kulfi is made from whole milk that’s slowly reduced and mixed with sweetened condensed milk, sugar, cardamom, and nuts, creating a rich, dense frozen dessert traditional to India.

• Is kulfi different from regular ice cream?

Yes, kulfi is denser and creamier than regular ice cream because it’s not churned but slowly reduced, giving it a more concentrated, caramelized milk flavor and a solid, compact texture.

• Can I make kulfi without molds?

Absolutely! You can use small disposable cups, paper cups, or even small glasses as alternatives to traditional kulfi molds. Just insert popsicle sticks before freezing.

Creamy Kulfi Ice Cream to Savor Every Spoonful

• Savor Traditional Flavor: Dive into an authentic Indian dessert that captures the rich, creamy essence of classic kulfi with a perfect blend of cardamom and nuts.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize this dessert by swapping nuts or adding your favorite flavors like rose, mango, or saffron to create a unique frozen treat.
• Master Homemade Delight: Create a restaurant-quality dessert in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, impressing family and friends with your culinary prowess.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for summer gatherings, festive celebrations, or as a special after-dinner sweet that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, indulgent taste.

Ingredients for Authentic Kulfi Ice Cream

• Whole Milk: A rich and creamy foundation that provides the classic kulfi texture and deep dairy flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, dense consistency typical of traditional kulfi.

• Powdered Sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness and contributes to the smooth texture of the dessert.

• Cardamom: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that is characteristic of Indian desserts.
• Chopped Nuts, Pistachios: Add delightful crunch and nutty richness to the kulfi.
• Saffron Strands: Offers a luxurious golden color and subtle exotic flavor to the final presentation.

• Popsicle Molds or Small Cups: Essential for shaping and freezing the kulfi.
• Popsicle Sticks: Necessary for creating the traditional kulfi serving style.

How to Make Classic Kulfi Ice Cream at Home

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Grab a heavy-bottomed saucepan and pour in whole milk. Heat it over medium flame until you see gentle bubbles forming around the edges.

Stir occasionally to prevent bottom scorching.

Step 2: Reduce and Concentrate

Lower the heat to a soft simmer.

Keep stirring the milk frequently as it slowly condenses. Watch closely as the milk reduces by half, which typically takes 30-40 minutes.

The milk will become thicker and creamier.

Step 3: Enhance the Flavor

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Powdered sugar
• Ground cardamom
• Chopped nuts

Stir everything thoroughly to create a smooth, rich mixture.

Step 4: Thicken the Base

Continue simmering the mixture on low heat. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it reaches a slightly thicker consistency.

Step 5: Cool Down

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool completely to room temperature. This helps develop deeper flavors.

Step 6: Prepare for Freezing

• Popsicle molds
• Small serving cups

Insert popsicle sticks if using molds. Place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove kulfi from freezer. Gently unmold or scoop out.

• Saffron strands
• Chopped pistachios

Enjoy your homemade creamy kulfi immediately!

Tips for Silky Smooth Kulfi Ice Cream

• Take your time reducing the milk to concentrate flavors and create a thick, creamy base that defines authentic kulfi texture.
• Prevent milk from burning or sticking to the pan bottom by stirring frequently during the reduction process to ensure smooth consistency.
• Choose fresh, high-quality pistachios or almonds for maximum flavor and crunch – toasting them lightly beforehand can enhance their nutty profile.
• Allow kulfi to set for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture, ensuring a solid yet creamy frozen dessert that holds its shape when served.
• Try adding rose water, saffron, or different nuts like cashews to create unique variations of this traditional Indian frozen treat.

Kulfi Ice Cream Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy kulfi ice cream brings Indian dessert magic straight to your kitchen, blending aromatic cardamom and pistachios into a luxurious frozen treat. Dessert enthusiasts will savor this traditional delicacy that promises cool, indulgent comfort with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk

Sweeteners:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar

Spices and Nuts:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, cashews)

Garnish (Optional):

• Saffron strands
• Chopped pistachios

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Instructions

1. Warm whole milk in a sturdy saucepan over medium heat until gentle bubbles form around the edges.
2. Lower temperature and continuously stir the milk, allowing it to reduce by half, approximately 30-40 minutes, ensuring no scorching occurs.
3. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, ground cardamom, and finely chopped nuts into the reduced milk, mixing thoroughly.
4. Continue simmering the mixture for 10-15 minutes, periodically stirring until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
5. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent skin formation.
6. Transfer the cooled mixture into traditional kulfi molds or small serving cups, carefully inserting wooden sticks or kulfi sticks.
7. Place molds in the freezer and allow them to solidify for a minimum of 6-8 hours or preferably overnight for optimal texture.
8. When ready to serve, gently remove kulfi from molds by running briefly under warm water or sliding a knife along the edges.
9. Optionally garnish with delicate saffron threads and additional crushed pistachios for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Milk reduction is crucial for achieving the authentic, rich kulfi texture, so be patient and stir frequently to prevent burning.
• Swap whole milk with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different nut combinations like almonds and cashews to create unique flavor profiles and added crunch.
• For a lighter dessert, use low-fat milk and reduce sugar quantities, keeping the traditional cardamom essence intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg