This kulfi recipe is incredibly creamy without any ice crystals. Made using only 5 ingredients, it is super easy to make without no ice cream maker. This mega popular recipe will knock your sock off!
Looking for more kulfi recipes? Try my almond kulfi, strawberry kulfi or chocolate kulfi recipe.
Don’t let the simplicity of this kulfi recipe fool you. It is possibly the best homemade kulfi recipe ever, just like this mango kulfi.
Hot Indian summers are never complete without mangoes and kulfi! It evokes memories of my childhood, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the kulfiwhala, in the late evenings.
What is kulfi? It is a frozen dessert, that originated in India during the mughal era, with Delhi believed to be the birthplace of kulfi. The word kulfi comes from the Persian quilfi, which means covered cup. It is the traditional form of Indian ice cream, that is served usually as popsicles by street vendors.
It is made traditionally made by slow cooking full fat milk, along with sugar, for several hours, until it reduces and thickens, with the top layer of malai or cream constantly mixed into the milk, resulting in a caramelized flavor that's unlike any other.
The mixture is then frozen in aluminium molds or small earthen pot molds known an matki. Kulfi ice cream comes in various flavors such as cardamon, saffron, mango, rose, pistachio, almond, orange and strawberry.
We went the traditional route and flavored this kulfi recipe with saffron and cardamom, which is purely magical when combined together. You might love this creative almond kulfi or chocolate kulfi.
How is kulfi different from ice cream? Unlike ice cream, kulfi is not whipped, resulting in a more solid and dense frozen treat. The density of kulfi causes it to melt more slowly than ice cream.
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Reasons to love it
A traditional ice cream begins with a sweetened egg custard mixture, which is then poured into an ice cream machine, that churns, as the ice cream gradually freezes. The churning not only aerates the mixture, making it light and fluffy, but also stops ice crystals from forming, so the ice cream results very creamy.
However, this no churn kulfi recipe adopts a very easy method of whipped cream and condensed milk, which is different from neither the traditional ice cream nor the kulfi methods. The whipped cream aerates the mixture, which replicates the effect of incorporating air of an ice cream maker. The condensed milk keeps the mixture creamy without any ice crystals and adds the sweetness.
Featured comments
From Tasneem Ammar Nurbhai: "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! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From Raj: "I made this and oh my god.. so so good! My husband loves kulfi and this came out awesome!!! Thank you 😊" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Heavy cream - Use heavy whipping cream for an ultra thick and luxurious kulfi recipe. If using low fat cream or just ordinary whipping cream, then we recommend not using in molds. Freeze in an container as shown, scoop and serve.
- Condensed milk - Also known as Milkmaid in India, it is sold in cans in the baking isle. It adds sweetness and thickness to the kulfi recipe, and prevents the mixture from forming any ice crystals.
- Cardamom - A must for traditional kulfi recipe. Grind cardamom pods into a fine cardamom powder at home.
- Pistachios. Roughly chopped for some added texture. You can skip it to keep it nut-free.
- Saffron - The queen of spices! It gives an incredible golden color and flavor and is a must for any kulfi recipe. Saffron can be easily found in all Indian, Pakistani or Middle Eastern grocer stores, or simply on Amazon.
How to make kulfi ice cream?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
- Measure one cup of heavy cream and stir in 2 to 3 pinches of saffron. Cook in microwave or stove top, over gentle heat, until it comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat, let cool completely at room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator for several hours or up to a day.
Tip: Don't walk away! When heating cream, there might be just a few bubbles around the edge but the next thing you know, there’s steamy cream cascading over your stove top or microwave.
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2. Pour chilled saffron infused cream and one cup of plain heavy cream into a large bowl.
3. Add one can of sweetened condensed milk or Milkmaid into the bowl.
Tip: Make sure to scrape every last bit from the can. You don't want to waste the good stuff!
4 & 5. Using a hand held electric beater, beat on high speed until it gets very thick and creamy.
Tip: Whip cream until it is well whipped. It will take about 2 to 3 minutes with a handheld beater. We need good aeration for an unparalleled creaminess!
6 & 7. Chop pistachios. Place raw pistachios on a cutting board and run a large knife over it in a rocking motion, until it is very finely chopped.
Tip: Alternatively, add your raw pista into the dry blender, grinder, Nutri bullet or a mixie and give a pulse, stopping every few seconds, until chopped fine. Don't let it grind into a fine powder!
8 & 9. Add about 3 tablespoons of the chopped pista or pistachios into the whipped mixture along with cardamom powder and continue beating for about a minute, until evenly combined.
How to freeze?
Although tradionally kulfi is served in popsicle molds or small earthern pots called matki, you can freeze in any freezer safe container, scoop and serve in bowls or freeze in popsicle molds. This kulfi recipe makes an excellent base for kulfi ice cream cake.
To freeze, transfer you kulfi recipe into a freezer safe container or popsicle molds, top with more chopped pistachios and freeze overnight.
How long will this last?
The easy homemade kulfi recipe will keep in the freezer for months, just like real ice cream. I like to leave it on the kitchen counter for 5 to 10 minutes for easy scooping.
Helpful tips
- Allow at least 6 hours for the kulfi to freeze properly.
- Get the right ingredients - This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and it’s important that you buy exactly what’s listed in the recipe card below. Low fat or lower sugar alternatives might not work here.
- Grind your cardamom fresh for the best flavor.
Variations
My love for kulfi ice cream runs deep, bringing back nostalgic memories of waiting for the kulfiwala on the streets back home. Here are a few variations of this recipe you can try, and be sure to check out the other kulfi recipes I've shared on the blog:
Almond kulfi: Also known as badam kulfi, it is flavored with ground almonds.
Malai kulfi: Authentic Indian kulfi recipes are traditionally made by reducing milk for an extended period to achieve a thick consistency, without using cream. Malai kulfi, a popular variation, incorporates fresh malai (the thick cream that forms on top of boiled milk) to add extra richness and texture. This kulfi recipe uses heavy cream, making it a version of malai kulfi with an even creamier finish
Mango kulfi: Ripe mangoes are pureed and added to the creamy base.
Strawberry kulfi: This is a creative variation made in western countries, featuring strawberry puree instead of mango.
Chocolate kulfi: Again, not an authentic version. More popular with children!
Kulfi ice cream cake : This is one of my creative ice cream cakes, featuring a pistachio sponge cake base, homemade kulfi ice cream, and cardamom whipped cream. A must-try recipe!
Recipe FAQs
The word kulfi originates from the Persian word qulfi, meaning covered cup, because traditionally kulfi is frozen in small terracotta earthen cups called matki. Kulfi is an Indian dessert made by freezing concentrated, sweetened milk. It is usually flavored with cardamom, saffron or rose water.
Although kulfi is an Indian ice cream, it is a little different than your standard creamy ice cream. There are no eggs in a kulfi recipe and it is made by concentrating milk hence results in a more denser treat.
More Indian dessert recipes to try:
Kulfi Recipe
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
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.Tip: This method of beating the heavy cream into soft peaks and then beating in the condensed milk will give a firmer textured kulfi that is perfect for popsicles or kulfi molds. If you are freezing in a container (to scoop and serve in bowls), then you can beat both heavy cream and condensed milk together until thick and fluffy (like the step-by-step photos and video).
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
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love your feedback! Please let me know by leaving a comment, a star rating or review below.
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Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
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!
Maria Doss
Lol Kelsie, have a great weekend dear:)
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
Wow Maria! The flavors in this sound amazing!! And creamy is always good 🙂 xoxo
Maria Doss
Right? Creamy for the win!!!
Patrick@looneyforfood.com
They sound indulgent for sure! Love new flavors!
Maria Doss
Thanks Patrick!
Indu
Hi...would you recommend 35% old fashion cream or whipping cream?
Maria Doss
Hi Indhu, Whipping cream or heavy whipping cream is best suited for this recipe - Maria
Sues
These are so unique and gorgeous! The more cardamom, the better, in my eyes 🙂
Maria Doss
Thank you dear:)
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes
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!
Maria Doss
The bells of kulfi walla in the night, was always a fond memory:) Hope your dad loves this, thanks Deepika:)
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess
I would love to try this, it looks amazing, colorful and delicious!! YUM!
Maria Doss
It's the popular no-churn ice cream but with Indian flavors!! Thanks to saffron for that stunning color!!! Hope you love this, Kim:)
Lani
You're very creative, Maria. This KULFI is sooo inviting. I'll definitely try it, soon. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Maria Doss
Thank you so much for your support dear:) This will sure become a go-to summer recipe. XOXO
Kalyan Panja
The photos are inviting me to taste it right now.
Maria Doss
Thank you so much:)
Jenny | The Baking Skillet
This is bringing on so much nostalgia. The basic, classic flavors, the colors and the pistachio crust! Such a delightful summer treat.
Maria Doss
Yep! The late night kulfi wala was such a treasured part of my childhood. Thanks Jenny:)
Katherine | Love In My Oven
This is so unique Maria. I love it!! My husband loves Indian flavours and would certainly enjoy these. We will have to try!!
Maria Doss
Sure Kathy. He'll totally love it:)
Jessica
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
Maria Doss
Heavy cream also known as " heavy whipping cream" in US. Whipping cream is the same, but not half & half. Hope it helps.
Kate
Looks gorgeous . We call heavy cream double cream in the UK.
Maria Doss
Thanks dear:)
Sany
How many servings is this recipe?
Maria Doss
Hi Sany, It makes 12 servings. When using Dixie cups,I was able to make about 15-16 cups. Hope it helps:)
Tasneem Ammar Nurbhai
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!
Maria Doss
Yay! Glad you liked this kulfi recipe and thank you for sharing the feedback:)
Ina Shah
I made this today and simply loved the recipe, the taste and how easy it is. Thank you for sharing😋
Sonal
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
I made this and oh my god.. so so good! My husband loves kulfi and this came out awesome!!! Thank you 😊
yasmin Udawala
is it necessary to heat the cream? could i not whip it right away instead?
Maria Doss
The reason for heating the cream is for saffron to infuse into the cream, which gives the main kulfi flavor. Hope it helps:)
Ekta Doctor
Hi Maria. This looks great. How long can this be kept frozen?
Maria Doss
Hi Ekta, It is good for a month, Maria
Avinash
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.
Maria Doss
Hi Avinash, We appreciate your feedback. Sometimes, it helps to have quick and easy recipes. Wishing you wonderful holidays:)
Karen Czarnowski
Can you please recommend a good source for saffron threads?
Maria Doss
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:)