Rich, delicious, and creamy mango kulfi is considered the Indian version of ice cream made using milk and mango puree. It has a texture that is denser when compared to light and airy ice cream and is a delicious summer treat to enjoy mango flavors.
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Why you will love this mango kulfi recipe?
🥭It is an easy no-cook recipe that comes together in no time.
🥭Gives you the same taste and texture as a traditional kulfi without spending hours to make it.
🥭A great dessert to enjoy during summer.
What is kulfi?
Kulfi is a traditional frozen Indian dessert that dates back to the 16th century. The main ingredient used to make it is whole milk. It is made without an ice cream maker and does not have eggs in it. The main difference between kulfi and ice cream is the texture. Kulfi has a dense texture as it is made by slow-cooking and reducing milk whereas ice cream is made by whipping heavy cream and incorporating air in it which gives it a creamy texture and makes it light.
It is made by reducing and thickening milk, adding various flavors, and then freezing it. This delectable dessert is made in different flavors with the most popular being kesar pista kulfi and mango kulfi. In kesar pista kulfi, the thickened milk is flavored using saffron and pistachios.
The most delicious homemade mango kulfi
This Indian frozen dessert is traditionally made by slow-cooking milk on low heat until it thickens, flavoring it, and freezing it in molds. While this traditional method is easy, it takes an immense amount of time and monitoring to slow-cook the milk without burning it. My easy no-cook mango kulfi recipe uses simple ingredients and replicates the taste and texture of traditional kulfi without the hard work.
I am using evaporated milk as a replacement for slow-cooked milk and flavoring it with mango pulp. The result is the most delectable mango kulfi made in 5 minutes and ready to be set in the freezer. I am sharing how to freeze kulfis in traditional kulfi mold as well as paper cups. It is important to use evaporated milk and not fresh cream to make kulfi. The texture of kulfi is slightly dense and using creamy will make it light like a regular mango ice cream recipe.
Ingredients
Mango puree: I have used mango puree made of Alphonso mangoes; however, use any good variety of ripe and juicy mangoes.
Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is fresh milk that has been heated to remove water content. Use this and not cream to make kulfi.
Condensed milk: Condensed milk adds richness to the kulfis.
Milk: Whole milk or full fat milk works best.
Other ingredients: Pistachio and cardamom powder.
Step-by-step instructions
In a large bowl, take mango puree, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, ground cardamom, and powdered pistachio. Blend for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is smooth.
Setting in kulfi mold
Pour the mango kulfi mixture into kulfi moulds or popsicle molds. Cover with the lids.
Place the kulfi molds in a freezer-safe container or box so that they can stand straight. Freeze for 6-8 hours (or overnight).
Once the kulfi is set, dip the mold in warm water. Take the kulfi out of the mold onto a serving place or a small bowl. Garnish with pistachio and dried rose petals.
Setting kulfi in paper cups
Pour the mango mixture into small paper cups. Wrap the cups with aluminum foil. Make a small cut on the top of the foil and insert an ice cream stick.
Freeze for 6-8 hours (or overnight). Once the kulfi sets, cut the paper cups and transfer the kulfi to a serving plate topped with ice crystals. Top this Indian ice cream with pistachio and dried rose petals.
Useful tips
It is really important to use evaporated milk and not heavy cream to make kulfi. Kulfi has a denser texture when compared to ice cream and using heavy or whipped cream will not give the texture of an authentic kulfi.
Mango pulp made using Alphonso mangoes is easily available in Indian grocery stores, which I have used in my easy mango kulfi recipe. However, other sweet varieties of mango puree can also be used. For example, honey/champagne mangoes will work well.
You can also use fresh mangoes and puree them at home during the mango season. Use juicy and ripe mangoes and puree the mango chunks in a blender.
More mango recipes
Click here for more delicious desserts.
FAQs
No. While both kulfi and ice cream are milk-based frozen desserts, their texture is totally different. Kulfi is not whipped so it has a denser texture whereas ice cream is made using whipping cream, making it light and airy.
No. Kulfi has a dense texture so we need to use evaporated milk to make it. Whipping heavy cream incorporates air into it, making it light and giving an ice-cream-like texture.
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Recipe card
Mango Kulfi
Ingredients
- 1 cup mango puree
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup condensed milk
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon pistachio powdered (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
Blend:
- In a large bowl, take mango puree, evaporated milk, condensed milk, whole milk, ground cardamom, and powdered pistachio.
- Blend for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is smooth.
Setting the Kulfi in molds:
- Pour the kulfi mixture into kulfi molds or popsicle molds. Cover with the lids.
- Freeze for 6-8 hours (or overnight).
- Once the kulfi is set, dip the mold in hot water. Take the kulfi out of the mold onto a serving place.
- Garnish with pistachio and serve.
Setting the kulfi in paper cups:
- Pour the kulfi mixture into paper cups.
- Wrap the cups with aluminum foil. Make a small cut on the top of the foil and insert an ice cream stick.
- Freeze for 6-8 hours (or overnight).
- Once the kulfi sets, cut the paper cups and transfer the kulfi to a serving plate.
- Top with pistachio and serve.
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