Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (2024)

5 from 28 votes

by Sarah Mir · Updated January 22, 2023

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Creamy Sweet easy Homemade Kulfi with condensed milk meets Magic Crunch meets the elegance of a loaf cake - a winner all around!

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (1)

What is Kulfi?

Kulfi is a frozen South Asian treat traditionally made by a prolonged cooking of milk and often khoya and flavoured a range of different ways. From the now ubiquitious mango kulfi to kesar kulfi to malai kulfi, many variations abound. This one pays homage to the simple kulfi of my youth, to the clean flavours of my mamas kitchen and to the crunch bedecked kulfi of my favourite Karachi haunt.

Kinds of Kulfi Recipes

There are essentially two variations on Kulfi recipes

  • No cook Kulfi: The No Cook Kulfi recipes are usually quite tasty but a little icy unless they require being pulled out of the freezer when they're halfway frozen, mixed thoroughly and put back in to set again.
  • Cooked Kulfi: The traditional way, this requires (like kheer) for you to simmer the milky mix down to creamy deliciousness. I am partial towards this kind and that is the recipe I will share today.
Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (2)

Tips for the PERFECT Kulfi with Condensed Milk

I say tips but there is only one: a lackadaisical patience.

Bring your milky mix to a boil and simmer stirring occasionally until reduced by at least half. Half seems to be the magic amount. That reduction is what cooks out the iciness and gives the Kulfi it's positively luscious texture.

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (3)

DO NOT be tempted to bring your mix to a rolling boil because it will lead to two unpleasant outcomes for this homemade Kulfi recipe.

1.) burnt milk at the bottom, burnt milk flavoured kulfi. *womp womp*

2.) overflow! no one, I mean no one, likes to clean burnt sticky milk off their stovetop!

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (4)

Magic Crunch Explained

When I first made this Kulfi with condensed milk I was going to go simple. Then I was reminded of the sheer joy of the Karachi kulfis nestled in their paper covers, the irresistible allure of their sweet crunchy top. It was a pull I couldn't resist. It is Magic.

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (5)

3 Step Kulfi

Step One: Combine Kulfi ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (6)

Step Two: Reduce the kulfi base by half by simmering for about an hour, stirring occasionally

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (7)

Step Three: Let the base cool and pour into your mould of choice. Freeze till firm. Serve as is or scattered with Magic Crunch.

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (8)

3 Step Caramel Crunch

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (9)

Step One: Pour sugar and water in a pan and cook till a rich amber

Step Two: Pour over your nuts and let cool

Step Three: Chop or run through a mini food processor

Looking for other Pakistan treats?

  • Caramel Custard/Flan
  • Bread Kheer
  • Rice Kheer
  • Chanay ki Daal ka Halwa
  • Meethi Tikiyaan

I hope you try the Kulfi recipe with condensed milk and love it! Rate the recipe by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card and do share your recreations with me by tagging me on Instagram @flourandspiceblog

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (10)

Print Recipe

5 from 28 votes

Kulfi Recipe with Magic Crunch

The creamiest Kulfi with a little extra special touch!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani

Keyword: Kulfi

Author: Sarah Mir

Ingredients

  • 1 litre whole milk
  • 250 ml condensed milk
  • 1 ¼ cup whipping cream or heavy cream
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 6-8 pistachios
  • 6-8 skinned almonds
  • 6 cardamom pods ( or 1 tsp cardamom powder)

Magic Crunch (optional)

  • cup sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp chopped pistachios
  • 2-3 tbsp chopped almonds

Instructions

Magic Crunch

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside

  • Put the sugar in a heavy bottomed pan along with a splash of water

  • Put the pan on medium high heat and don't stir the sugar. It will take some time but once the sugar begins to caramelize it will change colour very quickly.

  • When the caramel reaches a deep amber quickly mix in the chopped nuts and spread on the baking sheet to harden.

  • Once hard you can shop it into small pieces or give it a quick whizz in a grinder

  • Top the kulfi with crunch and serve!

  • Keeps well in an air tight container for a few weeks

Video

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (11)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (12)myninjanaan says

    You are so brave for making kulfi from scratch! I've been using a recipe that uses cool whip, because I haven't found a homemade recipe that results in silky smooth kulfi. Yours looks very promising!
    Your little one sounds like such a doll! 🙂

    Reply

  2. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (13)Habiba says

    I love the first pic of the star-shaped kulfi! I actually wanted to carry back some good-quality moulds from London to Islamabad, and your silicon ones look great for that, as I'm guessing they're very light? Must try and find some now 🙂

    Reply

  3. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (14)White Pearl says

    I am a big big fan of kulfi lol but I have always eaten it by buying from the market and in the stick form 😉 This star shaped kulfi looks so refreshing and good ! Love it !

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (15)sarahjmir says

      Thanks so much!!!

      Reply

  4. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (16)drivingmsdesi says

    so when i crave kulfi i come back here and stare. if i stare long enough i sometimes convince myself that i actually had it! 😀

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (17)sarahjmir says

      hahah thanks Sanober - I'll make some the next time you guys are over - the sad part is between Zara and I they went so fast (and I made such few) that no one else got to try any!

      Reply

  5. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (18)Writes2escape says

    I love Kulfi, and your recipe makes it sound so easy.
    Also, Hi, I love your blog!

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (19)sarahjmir says

      Thanks so much!!!

      Reply

  6. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (20)Rukmini Roy says

    So cool! In India, we absolutely dig Kulfi too. We have these late night "gaadis" that sell kulfi and i tell you its just way too good. I'll try this recipe out of yours.

    Sarah, I'd love to talk to you about an event. Could you please tell me where to write?

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (21)sarahjmir says

      The best email address is flourandspiceblog@gmail.com. Look forward to hearing more!

      Reply

  7. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (22)fallenforfood says

    This Kulfi sounds actually really interesting! 🙂
    Does it taste like really oriental kind-of? 🙂

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (23)sarahjmir says

      I certainly think so 🙂

      Reply

  8. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (24)Saima Kamal says

    Thank you for sharing this 5 star recipe. It was delicious. The can of sweetened condensed milk was 100ml more than the amount specified in the recipe, hence I used it all and adjusted milk, heavy cream, nuts and cardamom powder accordingly. The crunch was amazing with some chocolate syrup drizzled on top. It reminds of the crunch kulfi from this famous shop in Karachi. Shukriya!

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (25)sarahjmir@gmail.com says

      Yayyyyyy!!!!!! I am SO SO glad you tried and with the crunch and that chocolate drizzle sounds just heavenly and it's totally giving me Ch Farzand Ali vibes! Re: the can of condensed milk, so smart to make those adjustments!

      Reply

  9. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (26)Karak Chai says

    Sarah, have you tried using half and half instead of whole milk? Were the results any better? If we use half and half, should it also be a litre?

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (27)sarahjmir@gmail.com says

      Hi! I have not but I imagine it would change the cook time since half and half has a higher amount of fat in it and wouldnt
      need to cook for as long to get the perfect texture.

      Reply

  10. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (28)Shaheen says

    Wow Sarah - this is the most amazing recipe! It was the first time I have ever made kulfi, and it was just delightful! Thank you so much!!!

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (29)Sarah Mir says

      Thank you Shaheen! So so happy to hear that you liked it!!!!

      Reply

  11. Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (30)Veronica says

    Hi, I was thinking of making this and just want to make sure I don't do it the wrong way. Am I to use sweetened condensed milk or un-sweetened?
    It looks really delicious!

    Reply

    • Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (31)Sarah Mir says

      HI Veronica! Sweetened here! Do let me know what you think!

      Reply

Penny for your thoughts?

Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk and Magic Crunch! - Pakistani (2024)

FAQs

Is kulfi Pakistani or Indian? ›

Kulfi (/kʊlfiː/) is a frozen dairy dessert from the Indian subcontinent. It is often described as "traditional Indian ice cream". Kulfi originated in 16th-century Delhi during the Mughal era. It is part of the national cuisines of India and Pakistan.

Is kulfi healthier than ice cream? ›

And despite kulfi tasting more indulgent than other frozen desserts, you don't need to worry about your calorie intake. It has HALF the calories, fat, and sugar of traditional ice cream: For example, each 1.6 oz kulfi bar contains only 7g of sugar and 80 calories.

What is the difference between Persian ice cream and kulfi? ›

Ingredients. Kulfi can be distinguished from ice cream by the components used in its production. Kulfi is made from milk, sugar, and occasionally condensed milk. In contrast, ice cream is made from heavy cream, sugar, and flavorings.

Is kulfi junk food? ›

Ingredients: Malai kulfi is prepared using whole milk, sugar, condensed milk (optional), nuts (optional), and sugar. Milk is a good source of calcium and Vitamin A, but it's the added ingredients that make this an unhealthy dessert.

Can I eat kulfi every day? ›

Kulfi is beneficial for your health, but it does not mean you can eat it in the very great amount. You still have to control and be considerate of consuming kulfi. Remember, consuming something in exaggeration will lead to another problem.

Can I eat kulfi during weight loss? ›

No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss. Condensed Milk – itself is very high in energy (513 calories from ½ cup). That's a lot! This is of most concern especially when most of it is because of the added sugar, which does not offer any benefit in reality.

Why is my kulfi not freezing? ›

Sounds like you might not have reduced the milk quite enough. Also, be sure to use full fat milk (whole milk) and to stir the milk solids back into the mixture. Finally, be sure that you cover the kulfi while it freezes.

Which is the best Flavour of kulfi? ›

  • Saffron and Pistachio Kulfi. ...
  • Malai Kulfi. ...
  • Paan Kulfi. ...
  • Almond and Raisin Kulfi. ...
  • Chocolate Kulfi. ...
  • Coconut Kulfi. ...
  • Cardamom Kulfi. ...
  • Mixed Fruit Kulfi. Mixed fruit kulfi is a colourful and vibrant treat, packed with the flavours of various seasonal fruits like berries, apples, and grapes.
May 18, 2024

Why is salt added to kulfi? ›

The rationale behind this technique is that when containers filled with kulfi mixture are immersed in this ice-and-salt solution, they remain solid and do not melt. Moreover, the user clarified that the temperature of this solution, the result of the salt-ice blend, drops rapidly.

How do you prevent crystals in kulfi? ›

You can leave it to room temperature to allow the mixture to cool for 1-2 hours, this will prevent ice crystals forming in your kulfi, which can ruin the texture.

What milk is kulfi made from? ›

Kulfi is a frozen dessert made with pure full fat milk, sugar and a flavoring ingredient like cardamoms or saffron. Sometimes cream (malai), chopped nuts or fruit purees are also added to it for flavor and richness.

What is Shahi kulfi made of? ›

Water, Milk Solids, Sugar, Condensed Milk, Liquid Glucose, Maltodextrine, Emulsifier-E471, Stabilisers- E410, E412, E407.

Who originated kulfi? ›

Kulfi has been around long before the ice creams of today. The word 'kulfi' comes from the Persian qulfi meaning “covered cup”. It is believed to have originated in Delhi during the 16th century, making it nearly 500 years old.

Who started kulfi? ›

After spending years working in the beauty industry at brands like Estée Lauder and Ipsy, Priyanka Ganjoo decided to start one of her own. In 2021, she founded Kulfi, a cosmetics company inspired by her South Asian heritage—Kulfi is the name of a South Asian dessert that's similar to ice cream.

What is Punjabi kulfi? ›

A creamy ice cream with flavour of fresh elaichi!

About Verka Ice Cream: Verka Punjabi Kulfi is made from the finest dairy ingredients and is packed in advanced packaging facility. Made with utmost care and compliance, Verka Punjabi Kulfi is an ideal treat for happy occasions.

Is kulfi north or south indian? ›

While you can often find Kulfi served to you on a stick, you can freely eat it on a plate, out of a cup, or on top of a leaf. The South Asian dessert is known to have come from Northern India, which used to be recognised as part of the Mughal Empire, back in the sixteenth century.

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