• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

My Cooking Journey logo

  • Home
  • Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
×

Home » Desserts » Ice Cream

Published: Jun 25, 2018 · Modified: Oct 5, 2020 by Sandhya Ramakrishnan · This post may contain affiliate links

Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert made with Pistachios and saffron

Jump to Recipe

Summer or any season of the year needs a good homemade frozen dessert to enjoy. This Kesar Pista kulfi is the perfect recipe to make at home. A very simple frozen treat that requires no fancy equipment. This dairy dessert is flavored with saffrons and pistachios.

Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert made with Pistachios and saffron

Kulfi is a very popular dairy desert from India. It is similar to ice cream except it is much denser and creamier than ice cream. This famous Kesar Pista Kulfi dessert is often flavored with cardamom, saffron and pistachios.

I remember my childhood days when we buy this desert from the Kulfi wala (kulfi vendor) who sells it in his tricycle. When I go to my grandparents place for summer vacations, this is often our after dinner dessert. We patiently wait outside for the kulfi wala to make his daily rounds.

What a lovely time it was chatting with cousins and snuggling with grandmother. The kulfi wala keeps the kufi’s frozen inside a huge matka (clay pot) filled with ice and salt. My mom likes the kufi that has the falooda (vermicelli) in it. I prefer the creamy plain kulfis.

Sign up to my newsletter

I am updating this post with new pictures. This time I have made the kulfis in the mould and I am excited to share the pictures. I have left the old pictures for the step by step as it will be helpful for those who are making it without the mould. I am also excited that my father will be bringing the traditional aluminum kulfi moulds next month when he comes to visit us.

holding a kesar malai kulfi in hand with one more resting in ice cubes

Preparation time – 10 mins plus 6 hrs to overnight for freezing
Cooking time – 30 mins
Difficulty level – easy

Ingredients to make Kesar Pista Kulfi – (makes 10 large kulfis – 6 oz cup size)

  • Milk – 5 cups (I used 2 % milk)
  • Sweetened condensed milk – 1 – 14 oz can
  • Sugar – ½ cup
  • Corn flour – 1 ½ tbsp
  • Chopped pistachios – ⅓ cup
  • Saffron strands – ½ tsp
  • Cardamom powder – 1 tsp
  • Rose water – ½ teaspoon (optional)
Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert made with Pistachios and saffron

Procedure to make Kesar Pista Kulfi –

  • In about ½ a cup of milk, dissolve the corn flour and keep it aside. Make sure to whisk well to dissolve completely.
Corn flour dissolved in milk
  • In a heavy bottom sauce pan, combine the remaining milk and the condensed milk. Using a whisk, mix them well. Also add the sugar and then bring it to a gentle boil.
Boiling milk for kulfi
  • Simmer it for about 30 mins, stirring frequently. Make sure to mix the cream formed on top into the milk to make it nice and creamy. Simmer until the milk reduces to ¾th of the original quantity.
Milk simmering for icecream
  • Now add the corn flour dissolved in milk and whisk well, so that no lumps form. Stir it well until the mixture thickens.
Adding corn flour mixture to boiling milk
  • Add the cardamom powder, saffron strands and the chopped pistachios.
Adding saffron, cardamom powder to ice cream mixture

Adding pista to ice cream mix
  • Mix it well and leave it aside to cool down. Make sure to cover the sauce pan when cooling, to avoid the cream layer from forming on top. Once cooled down a bit, add the rose water and stir well.
  • Pour the mixture to individual plastic or foam cups and cover them tightly with aluminum foil.
Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert made with Pistachios and saffron
  • Make a tiny slit on the foil and insert the Popsicle stick through it.
Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert made with Pistachios and saffron
  • Freeze for at least 6 hrs or overnight (preferably).
Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert made with Pistachios and saffron
  • To serve, carefully remove from the mold or cup and then serve immediately topped with more nuts (optional). To help remove from the mold or cup easily, slightly immerse them in warm water for about 5 – 10 seconds and then slowly ease it out.
Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert made with Pistachios and saffron

 If you made this recipe and liked it, give a star rating on the recipe card or let me know in the comments below. You could also share it with me on Instagram using #MyCookingJourney and tagging me @sandhya.ramakrishnan. You could follow me and my recipes on Facebook |Instagram | Pinterest | twitter

Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert made with Pistachios and saffron

Kesar Pista Kulfi | Frozen dairy dessert with Pistachios and saffron

Summer or any season of the year needs a good homemade frozen dessert to enjoy. This Kesar Pista kulfi is the perfect recipe to make at home. A very simple frozen treat that requires no fancy equipment. This dairy dessert is flavored with saffrons and pistachios.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert, Street Food
Cuisine: Indian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 6 hours
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 Kulfis
Calories: 224kcal
Author: Sandhya Ramakrishnan

Ingredients

  • 5 cups Milk I used 2 % milk
  • 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk 1 can
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoon Corn starch
  • ⅓ cup Chopped pistachios
  • ½ teaspoon Saffron strands
  • 1 teaspoon Cardamom powder
  • ½ teaspoon Rose water optional

Instructions

  • In about ½ a cup of milk, dissolve the corn flour and keep it aside. Make sure to whisk well to dissolve completely.
  • In a heavy bottom sauce pan, combine the remaining milk and the condensed milk. Using a whisk, mix them well. Also add the sugar and then bring it to a gentle boil.
  • Simmer it for about 30 mins, stirring frequently. Make sure to mix the cream formed on top into the milk to make it nice and creamy. Simmer until the milk reduces to ¾th of the original quantity.
  • Now add the corn flour dissolved in milk and whisk well, so that no lumps form. Stir it well until the mixture thickens.
  • Add the cardamom powder, saffron strands and the chopped pistachios.
  • Mix it well and leave it aside to cool down. Make sure to cover the sauce pan when cooling, to avoid the cream layer from forming on top.  Once cooled down a bit, add the rose water and stir well.
  • Pour the mixture to individual plastic or foam cups and cover them tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Make a tiny slit on the foil and insert the Popsicle stick through it.
  • Freeze for at least 6 hrs or overnight (preferably).
  • To serve, carefully remove from the mold or cup and then serve immediately topped with more nuts (optional). To help remove from the mold or cup easily, slightly immerse them in warm water for about 5 – 10 seconds and then slowly ease it out.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Sandhya.Ramakrishnan or tag #MyCookingJourney!
« Beans Curry | Beans Poriyal with Coconut
Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. anusha says

    September 23, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    Love love love this recipe!! Tried it yesterday and it turned out simply yum!!

    Reply
  2. preeti garg says

    August 07, 2018 at 5:14 am

    Wow.. love this rich and creamy consistency kulfi.

    Reply
  3. chef Mireille says

    July 09, 2018 at 9:24 pm

    5 stars
    it's definitely the season for kulfi - I have some in the freezer but store bought - I am yet to make kulfi myself - you are inspiring me to give it a whirl

    Reply
  4. sapana says

    July 08, 2018 at 9:49 am

    5 stars
    Kesar pista is my favorite flavor in kulfi and your kulfi looks just so delicious.

    Reply
  5. Ritu Tangri says

    July 04, 2018 at 6:58 am

    5 stars
    My family is so fond of these kulfis especially my father in law that my fridge is always stocked with kulfis. I do not add condensed milk to the kulfi. I'm sure with condensed milk taste must be better

    Reply
  6. Priya Suresh says

    June 30, 2018 at 1:59 am

    Its getting hot today here and am feeling like having some kulfi. Yours tempts me a lot Sandhya, this kesar pista kulfi will definitely please my tastebuds.

    Reply
  7. Gayathri Kumar says

    June 29, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    Beautifully presented Sandhya. I used to enjoy those kulfi wala ones but now I find the home made ones better. Reading your post makes it nostalgic..

    Reply
  8. Renu says

    June 28, 2018 at 6:10 am

    5 stars
    Delicious kulfi, one of my favourite. Beautiful clicks

    Reply
  9. harini says

    June 27, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    5 stars
    Anything and everything in a popsicle mould will be welcome at my place 🙂 Addition of corn flour is new to me.

    Reply
  10. Mayuri Patel says

    June 27, 2018 at 8:31 am

    5 stars
    Lovely clicks Sandhya and love the idea of making delicious creamy kulfi in ice cream molds.

    Reply
  11. Srivalli says

    June 27, 2018 at 12:10 am

    I love Kulfi and the pictures are surely tempting me now...that's a great method to make these without moulds as well...

    Reply
  12. Varada says

    June 26, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    The updated pictures look awesome! I love your enthusiasm, making kulfi in plastic cups. You need one more update with the aluminium mold.

    Reply
  13. Priya Suresh says

    September 02, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    Seriously am craving for some kulfi now, very tempting Sandhya.

    Reply
  14. linsy patel says

    September 01, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    nicely done kulfi.

    Reply
  15. Preetha Soumyan says

    September 01, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Very perfectly done..i loved it
    https://abowlofcurry.blogspot.com

    Reply
  16. Rafeeda AR says

    September 01, 2013 at 9:03 am

    Looks really yum...

    Reply
  17. sangeetha pn says

    September 01, 2013 at 8:45 am

    They look yumm.. So many!.. wish could have one right away..

    Reply
  18. Priya Anandakumar says

    September 01, 2013 at 8:27 am

    Kulfi looks awesome and delicious...
    Ongoing event: WTML event sep 2013 @Priyas Virundhu

    Reply
  19. Sona S says

    September 01, 2013 at 7:43 am

    Kulfi looks delicious and yummy.

    Reply
  20. Veena Theagarajan says

    September 01, 2013 at 12:51 am

    kulfi is my fav.. yet to try at home

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Sandhya

I am Sandhya Ramakrishnan, author, recipe developer and photographer in this journey! 'My Cooking Journey' is all about family friendly Vegetarian and Vegan recipes from around the World with focus on Indian cuisine.

Learn More about me →

Popular Posts

  • Boulanee Katchalu | Afghani Bolani | Stuffed Flatbread
  • Xian Bing | Chinese Stuffed Pancake - Vegetarian
  • Spicy Roasted Makhana | Roasted Foxnut
  • Gur Papdi | Gol Papdi | Sukhdi
  • Saag Aloo | Vegan Spinach And Potato Curry
  • 4 Ingredients Fruit Salad With Mango Pulp
  • Ginger Chutney | Andhra Allam Pachadi
  • Kerala Style Peas Masala Curry

Street Foods

  • Spicy Schezwan Fried Rice
  • Bhutte Ka Kees | Indore Style Grated Corn Snack
  • Churumuri | Beach Style Masala Pori
  • Green Peas Kachori | Bengali Matar Kachori
  • Air Fryer Arancini | Italian Rice Balls
  • Gobi Manchurian | Cauliflower Manchurian
  • Masala Chaas | Spiced Buttermilk
  • Dry Garlic Chutney Powder Recipe

Sign Up to Newsletter

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2022 · MyCookingJourney LLC

Sign Up to Newsletter

We'll keep you in the loop with our latest news and new content that we add at MyCookingJourney.com.

Enjoy the journey with us and share it with your family and friends!