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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Easy Kulfi Recipe (easiest and creamiest)

    Published: Jul 20, 2017 · Modified: Feb 16, 2023 by Maria Doss · This post may contain affiliate links · 53 Comments

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    Easy kulfi recipe that is sure going impress your family and friends! A SUPER CREAMY  pistachio kulfi ice cream that is flavored with saffron and cardamom will soon become your go-to kulfi recipe every summer. 

    We love the magical combination of cardamom and saffron in Indian desserts! Few of our favorite recipes with this combo - Mango milk, Eggless Mango Mug Cake or this hugely popular Rasamalai Tres Leches Cake.

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases through our affiliate link. For more information read our Non-Disclosure Agreement.

    easy kulfi recipe

    Kulfi Recipe

    Bringing you possibly the best kulfi ice cream that you have ever tasted!!! Let me begin by saying that is not a traditional recipe of making homemade kulfi. But, it tastes super authentic and is so much more easier to make. This recipe has been one of our popular recipe every summer since it was published.

    Reader feedback

    Tasneem Ammar Nurbhai writes "I have tried a lot of kulfi recipes, but this is the best kulfi recipe I have made so far. The texture and flavor is just amazing and very appetizing. My husband and son totally love it! Thank you very much for sharing it with us!"

    Sonal writes "This is such a simple but awesome recipe. I have never made kulfi before and when I made this recipe for a family dinner my family absolutely loved it. This has become my go to dessert recipe"

    Raj writes "I made this and oh my god.. so so good! My husband loves kulfi and this came out awesome!!! Thank you 😊"

    Radhika writes "This is a great recipe. Dad loves kulfi and he has tried and tested so many but this was by far the best and he agreed. Great texture and flavour. Went down a treat when mum and dad were visiting from Spain. Thank you Maria. I can’t wait to try your recipes from the air fryer section"

    What is kulfi? 

    Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream, but more denser. It is usually made be boiling milk over low heat for a long period, until it has reduced considerably in volume and  then sweetened, flavored and frozen in small earthen pot molds known an "Matki".

    But, aluminum / stainless steel / plastic molds are widely used in modern times. It is almost uncommon to find kulfi served in scoops like ice cream. Some recipes include using thickening agents like cornstarch or bread crumbs to give a more creamier consistency.

    Kulfi ice cream comes in various flavors such as cardamon, saffron, mango, rose, pistachio, almond, orange and strawberry.

    This Method vs Traditional Method

    Traditional method

    • Time consuming
    • Laborious
    • Dense
    • More icy

    Our method

    • Almost no-cook
    • Super easy
    • Amazingly creamy
    • Light

    Yet, IT TASTES SUPER AUTHENTIC!!!

    PHOTO OF SAFFRON THREADS

    I love this pistachio kulfi recipe so much. It has been a family and friends favorite for decades and reader favorite since it has been posted.

    No ice cream maker required

    Making ice cream at home requires an ice cream maker to get a creamy texture without any ice crystals and can be temperamental at worst. This method avoids all of that and still get your licks in. It only takes a hand mixer, a couple of bowls and three main ingredients to make.

    Most homemade ice creams start with an egg custard base that is cooked with a watch full eye so you don't end up with scrambled eggs. This recipe uses no eggs, so there is NO ROOM FOR ERROR.

    Why are you going to love this?

    It is incredibly easy to make by using the no churn method of making ice cream, making it an ALMOST a no-cook recipe. This method also guarantees an ultra creamy texture without an ice cream maker. Most importantly, this is an eggless recipe, making it perfect for vegetarians.

    It is perfect for dinner parties, get togethers or just for your family, since this recipe requires to be made ahead and stored in the freezer. It is so much fun to eat as popsicles or in a mold.

    Kulfi moulds

    As we mentioned earlier, kulfi is traditionally frozen  in molds. You could use any popsicle molds that you have on hand. Don't have any moulds? Transfer kulfi mixture into any freezer safe container and freeze until firm. Scoop kulfi ice cream into serving cups.

    We used these Dixie paper cups and Popsicle sticks. You can use any popsicle mould that you have around.

    Flavorings

    Traditional recipes are usually flavored with either cardamom, saffron, rose, mango, or pistachios. We loved the magical combination of pistachio, saffron and cardamom for this recipe to make the most delicious kulfi you have ever tasted.

    How to make cardamom powder?

    Grind about ¼ cup green cardamoms to a fine powder in a dry grinder and measure as needed for the recipe. I usually grind much more than that and store cardamom powder in a sealed zip lock bag and place in the freezer. This stays fresh for months.  

    Can I make it without molds?

    Sure can! Make ice cream as instructed, transfer to a freezer safe container, seal tight and freeze overnight. To serve - scoop ice cream using an ice cream scoop, into serving bowls.

    Key ingredients

    This homemade kulfi recipe requires only 2 main ingredients like heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. The flavorings include saffron, cardamom powder and pistachios for some crunch.

    Pro Tips for Success

    Get the right ingredients. Because this recipe requires so few ingredients, it’s important that you buy exactly what’s listed in the recipe card below. Don’t try to substitute low fat or lower sugar alternatives otherwise your kulfi won’t turn out right.

    Use freshly ground cardamom for best flavor.

    Do not use low fat condensed milk or half & half instead. This is an indulgent dessert after all!

    RAW PISTACHIOS

    CREAM INFUSED WITH SAFFRON

    How to make kulfi?

    Steep saffron- Make saffron cream. Let half the cream come to a boil, stir in saffron and let hang out for a day in the refrigerator (refer picture above).

    Make ice cream - Beat saffron cream and remaining cream, until thick and soft peaks form (refer picture below). Add sweetened condensed milk, pistachios and cardamom powder, beat to combine well (refer pictures above).

    Freeze - Pour into your favorite molds, insert popsicle sticks or into a freezer safe container and freeze until solid.

    How long does this last?

    This recipe will last for one to two months in the freezer. Keep the container tightly sealed to ward off freezer burn.

    MAKING KULFI WITH CONDENSED MILK

    easy kulfi recipe
    easy kulfi recipe

    More cardamom flavored recipes: Cardamom Cookies, Zucchini Cardamom Cupcakes , Cashew Snowball Cookies, Mango Clafoutis or Chai Cake in a Mug.

    easy kulfi recipe
    easy kulfi recipe

    easy kulfi recipe

    Frequently asked questions:

    How many servings is this recipe?

    This recipe makes 12 servings. When using Dixie cups, I was able to make about 15-16 cups.

    Is it necessary to heat the cream or could it not be whipped right away?

    The reason for heating the cream is for saffron to infuse into the cream, which gives the main kulfi flavor. 

    How long can this be kept frozen?

    This homemade kulfi is good frozen for up to a month.

    BEST kulfi PHOTO

    More Kulfi recipes to try -

    • Almond Kulfi
    • Mango Kulfi Ice cream
    • Strawberry Kulfi
    • Chocolate Kulfi
    • Kulfi Ice Cream Cake
    • Black Sesame Ice Cream

    Follow me on INSTAGRAM, TIK TOK, FACEBOOK or PINTEREST for more delicious recipes.

    easy kulfi recipe

    Easy Kulfi Recipe (easiest and creamiest)

    Easy kulfi recipe that is sure going impress your family and friends! We are talking super creamy no-churn kulfi ice cream. 
    4.1 from 92 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Indian
    Prep Time: 6 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 11 minutes
    Servings: 14 servings
    Calories: 187kcal
    Author: Maria Doss

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups heavy cream, divided
    • ½ teaspoon saffron threads
    • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
    • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons raw pistachios, chopped, divided

    Additional ingredients

    • popsicle moulds or paper cups
    • popsicle sticks
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Day-1

    • Into a small saucepan, add 1 cup heavy cream and saffron. Heat over low-medium heat, until it comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer cream into a covered container and refrigerate until completely cold (at least 5 hours or up to a day).

    Day-2

    • Into a large bowl, combine saffron soaked heavy cream and remaining 1 cup heavy cream. Beat with hand held electric beater (on high speed) until thick and softly whipped (when soft peaks begin to form), about 1 ½ minutes. 
    • Into the whipped saffron cream, add sweetened condensed milk, cardamom powder and 3 tablespoons chopped pistachios. Whip again for about 30 seconds, until mixed completely.

    To make easy Kulfi moulds

    • Transfer mixture into popsicle molds or paper cups. Sprinkle remaining chopped pistachios on top, insert popsicle sticks and place in freezer overnight. ( If using paper cups – when ready to eat, snip off a bit of the cup and peel off pop)

    To make easy Kulfi ice cream

    • Transfer mixture into a freezer safe container, sprinkle remaining chopped pistachios on top. Cover and freeze overnight. To serve, scoop kulfi into serving bowls. 

    Notes

    I used  Dixie paper cups and Popsicle sticks. You can use any popsicle mould that you have around.
    Don't have any moulds? Transfer kulfi mixture into any freezer safe container and freeze until firm. Scoop ice cream into serving bowls. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third party calculations, should be considered estimates and not be construed as a guarantee. Varying factors such as product types, brands purchased, produce, the way ingredients are processed and more change the nutritional information in any recipe.

    Did you make this recipe?Mention @KitchenAtHoskins or tag #kitchenathoskins!

    Did you make this recipe? I’d love your feedback! Please let me know by leaving a comment or review below or snap a photo and share on Instagram.

    All contents and images are my original work, unless and otherwise mentioned. Please do not use my recipes or images without linking back to www.kitchenathoskins.com. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite in your own words and don’t forget to include a link back to the original recipe.

    Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you for supporting kitchenathoskins.com.

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      July 20, 2017 at 5:03 pm

      These sound delicious! I love anything with cardamom :). I think I need at least three to get me through today--it's so humid here right now!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 21, 2017 at 9:57 pm

        Lol Kelsie, have a great weekend dear:)

        Reply
    2. Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats

      July 20, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      Wow Maria! The flavors in this sound amazing!! And creamy is always good 🙂 xoxo

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 21, 2017 at 9:58 pm

        Right? Creamy for the win!!!

        Reply
    3. Patrick@looneyforfood.com

      July 20, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      They sound indulgent for sure! Love new flavors!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 21, 2017 at 9:58 pm

        Thanks Patrick!

        Reply
    4. Sues

      July 20, 2017 at 10:56 pm

      These are so unique and gorgeous! The more cardamom, the better, in my eyes 🙂

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 21, 2017 at 9:59 pm

        Thank you dear:)

        Reply
    5. Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes

      July 21, 2017 at 4:27 pm

      My dad loves Kulfi!! He loves all traditional Indian sweets with the typical elaichi and kesar flavor! This is so perfect:)I am making this for him :D! Love this!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 21, 2017 at 10:00 pm

        The bells of kulfi walla in the night, was always a fond memory:) Hope your dad loves this, thanks Deepika:)

        Reply
    6. Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess

      July 21, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      I would love to try this, it looks amazing, colorful and delicious!! YUM!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 21, 2017 at 10:02 pm

        It's the popular no-churn ice cream but with Indian flavors!! Thanks to saffron for that stunning color!!! Hope you love this, Kim:)

        Reply
    7. Lani

      July 21, 2017 at 9:22 pm

      You're very creative, Maria. This KULFI is sooo inviting. I'll definitely try it, soon. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 21, 2017 at 10:04 pm

        Thank you so much for your support dear:) This will sure become a go-to summer recipe. XOXO

        Reply
    8. Kalyan Panja

      July 23, 2017 at 6:15 am

      The photos are inviting me to taste it right now.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 23, 2017 at 2:42 pm

        Thank you so much:)

        Reply
    9. Jenny | The Baking Skillet

      July 24, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      This is bringing on so much nostalgia. The basic, classic flavors, the colors and the pistachio crust! Such a delightful summer treat.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 25, 2017 at 8:03 pm

        Yep! The late night kulfi wala was such a treasured part of my childhood. Thanks Jenny:)

        Reply
    10. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      July 25, 2017 at 3:34 am

      This is so unique Maria. I love it!! My husband loves Indian flavours and would certainly enjoy these. We will have to try!!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 25, 2017 at 8:02 pm

        Sure Kathy. He'll totally love it:)

        Reply
    11. Jessica

      July 26, 2017 at 12:29 am

      Hi

      I need to know what is heavy cream. I,m in Canada u get whipping cream, half and half

      What should I use

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 26, 2017 at 1:03 am

        Heavy cream also known as " heavy whipping cream" in US. Whipping cream is the same, but not half & half. Hope it helps.

        Reply
    12. Kate

      July 26, 2017 at 1:27 am

      Looks gorgeous . We call heavy cream double cream in the UK.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 26, 2017 at 8:21 pm

        Thanks dear:)

        Reply
    13. Sany

      May 25, 2019 at 3:22 pm

      How many servings is this recipe?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        May 26, 2019 at 1:45 pm

        Hi Sany, It makes 12 servings. When using Dixie cups,I was able to make about 15-16 cups. Hope it helps:)

        Reply
        • Tasneem Ammar Nurbhai

          June 04, 2020 at 2:30 am

          5 stars
          I have tried a lot of kulfi recipes, but this is the best kulfi recipe I have made so far. The texture and flavor is just amazing and very appetizing. My husband and son totally love it! Thank you very much for sharing it with us!

          Reply
          • Maria Doss

            June 04, 2020 at 3:27 pm

            Yay! Glad you liked this kulfi recipe and thank you for sharing the feedback:)

            Reply
    14. Ina Shah

      April 07, 2020 at 4:07 am

      I made this today and simply loved the recipe, the taste and how easy it is. Thank you for sharing😋

      Reply
    15. Sonal

      June 27, 2020 at 10:17 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a simple but awesome recipe. I have never made kulfi before and when I made this recipe for a family dinner my family absolutely loved it. This has become my go to dessert recipe.

      Reply
    16. Raj

      June 28, 2020 at 11:24 pm

      5 stars
      I made this and oh my god.. so so good! My husband loves kulfi and this came out awesome!!! Thank you 😊

      Reply
    17. yasmin Udawala

      August 26, 2020 at 6:00 pm

      is it necessary to heat the cream? could i not whip it right away instead?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        August 26, 2020 at 11:27 pm

        The reason for heating the cream is for saffron to infuse into the cream, which gives the main kulfi flavor. Hope it helps:)

        Reply
    18. Ekta Doctor

      September 16, 2020 at 1:50 am

      Hi Maria. This looks great. How long can this be kept frozen?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        September 16, 2020 at 2:20 pm

        Hi Ekta, It is good for a month, Maria

        Reply
    19. Avinash

      December 21, 2020 at 12:46 am

      This is not kulfi AT ALL! This is ice cream. Kulfi flavours come from the caramelised flavours of reducing milk in the pan. What you made is ice cream.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        December 22, 2020 at 5:38 am

        Hi Avinash, We appreciate your feedback. Sometimes, it helps to have quick and easy recipes. Wishing you wonderful holidays:)

        Reply
    20. Karen Czarnowski

      January 08, 2021 at 11:10 pm

      Can you please recommend a good source for saffron threads?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        January 09, 2021 at 12:35 am

        Hi Karen, I usually buy them at Ethnic grocery stores (like Indian / Pakistani / Iranian/ ....). They are much cheaper and good quality as well. I also like this brand from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Zaran-Saffron-Superior-Threads-Premium/dp/B079BQQVY7/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=saffron&qid=1610151950&sr=8-5 . Hope it helps:)

        Reply
    21. Karen

      January 09, 2021 at 5:14 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
    22. Radhika

      June 06, 2021 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      This is a great recipe. Dad loves kulfi and he has tried and tested so many but this was by far the best and he agreed. Great texture and flavour. Went down a treat when mum and dad were visiting from Spain. Thank you Maria. I can't wait to try your recipes from the air fryer section.
      Thank you x

      Reply
    23. Huma

      August 13, 2021 at 6:41 pm

      Can I use 18% table cream and get the same result?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        August 15, 2021 at 1:21 am

        Hi Huma, Using 18% cream, might not give the same creaminess as the usual heavy cream (which is 36%), but it will still be delicious, Maria

        Reply
    24. Ritu

      October 13, 2021 at 6:41 am

      Can I make this kulfi in paan flavor with paan leaves and gulkand?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        October 13, 2021 at 11:50 pm

        Hi Ritu, Why not? I haven't had any readers try a paan version, but I don't see a reason for it not working, Maria

        Reply
    25. Anne Daulby

      December 10, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      Easy to do and the flavour is fantastic. My new go dessert.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        December 13, 2021 at 1:50 am

        Sounds great hun, Maria

        Reply
    26. Maria Gassner

      July 18, 2022 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      This was delicious!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 18, 2022 at 4:57 pm

        Glad you liked it hun, Maria

        Reply
    27. Simon

      August 17, 2022 at 3:26 am

      Is your 14 ounce can of Condensed milk Weight or Volume and what would the weight of .3 teaspoon of Saffron be?
      Thank You
      Simon Paul

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        August 17, 2022 at 6:10 pm

        Hi Simon,
        Here is the type I used (any similar cans will work just as well) - https://amzn.to/3JZn1Pf

        Regarding the saffron used, it is just 1/2 teaspoon or use 3 to 4 pinches, depending on your preference. I'm sorry that it is not practically possible to weigh that small amount in home scales. Hope it helps - Maria

        Reply
    28. Sam

      August 21, 2022 at 4:24 pm

      Never heard of Kulfi untill I bought aTom Ford fragrance called Noir Extreme, which referenses kulfi as a source of inspiration for the scent. So...
      Made this for a dinner party last night. Super impressed. Extremely easy to make. (Albeit; grinding cardemom without a descent pestle is a bitch.) Came out looking exactly like the picture above, tasting like a scoop of heaven. I recon you could make a descent vanilla/chocolate/... icecream this way to.
      Greetings from Belgium. Thanks for the inspiration and for broadening my horizons!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        August 22, 2022 at 2:07 am

        Hi Sam, Glad to hear that you loved this kulfi recipe. Have a fabulous day- Maria

        Reply

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    Maria Doss
    Maria Doss

    I am Maria Doss, the recipe creator, photographer and writer behind Kitchen at Hoskins. Here you'll find lots of creative recipes that use clever techniques or flavor profiles. It might intertwine two cuisines together to create a perfect blend or use an innovative technique.
    About Maria ->

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