Introduction
Ice Cream Burfi is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the creamy richness of traditional Indian burfi with the cool, refreshing taste of ice cream. This no-cook sweet treat is perfect for summer gatherings and festive occasions, offering a unique twist on classic mithai. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this show-stopping dessert that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
This delightful Ice Cream Burfi combines the creamy richness of ice cream with the traditional fudge-like texture of Indian sweets, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.
- 2 cups full-fat milk powder
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream (or any flavor of your choice)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or ghee)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or cashews)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- Silver leaf for garnish (optional)
Timing
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Context: This Ice Cream Burfi Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a quick and convenient sweet treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Soften 2 cups of vanilla ice cream at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Use full-fat ice cream for a rich, creamy texture in your Ice Cream Burfi Recipe.
Stir the softened ice cream until smooth. Avoid melting it completely to maintain thickness.
Step 2 — Mix in Milk Powder and Sugar
Add 1 cup milk powder and ¼ cup powdered sugar to the ice cream. Mix gently until no dry patches remain.
For a less sweet version, reduce sugar slightly. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
Step 3 — Cook the Mixture
Transfer the mix to a non-stick pan. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking or burning.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. Do not overcook.
Step 4 — Add Flavorings and Nuts
Turn off the heat. Stir in ½ tsp cardamom powder and 2 tbsp chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds.
You can also add a pinch of saffron for color and aroma. Mix evenly for consistent flavor.
Step 5 — Set the Burfi in a Tray
Grease a small tray or plate with ghee. Pour the cooked Ice Cream Burfi mixture and spread evenly with a spatula.
Press down firmly to avoid cracks. Smooth the top for a neat finish.
Step 6 — Garnish and Chill
Sprinkle sliced nuts or edible silver foil on top. Let it cool for 10 minutes before refrigerating.
Chill for at least 3–4 hours, or until firm. This helps the Ice Cream Burfi set properly without melting.
Step 7 — Cut into Pieces
Remove the set burfi from the fridge. Use a sharp knife to cut squares or diamond shapes.
For clean cuts, dip the knife in warm water and wipe between slices.
Step 8 — Serve or Store
Serve chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture of your homemade Ice Cream Burfi.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Fat | 9 g |
Fiber | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 45 mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Greek yogurt for heavy cream — Boosts protein while maintaining creamy texture with a slight tang.
- Almond flour for regular flour — Naturally gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor, reducing carbs.
- Coconut milk for dairy milk — Creates a rich, dairy-free version with tropical undertones.
- Stevia or monk fruit for sugar — Cuts carbs significantly while keeping the sweetness.
- Vanilla protein powder in the mix — Increases protein content and enhances vanilla notes.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder in the base — Adds chocolate flavor without extra sugar or sodium.
- Chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios — Adds crunch, healthy fats, and reduces need for added sweeteners.
- Reduced-sodium cardamom or saffron — Lowers sodium while preserving the aromatic, traditional spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic kulfi-style dessert experience.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of masala chai or strong filter coffee to balance the sweetness.
- Offer as a festive treat during Diwali, Holi, or Eid celebrations.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios, edible silver leaf (vark), or rose petals for an elegant presentation.
- Create a dessert platter with other Indian sweets like gulab jamun or rasgulla.
- Pack in decorative boxes as a homemade gift for friends and family.
This Ice Cream Burfi Recipe shines when served chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using low-fat milk or cream. Fix: Always use full-fat dairy for a rich, creamy texture that sets properly.
- Mistake: Not cooking the milk mixture long enough. Fix: Cook until it thickens significantly and leaves the pan’s sides; this ensures the right consistency for slicing.
- Mistake: Adding flavorings or color too early. Fix: Mix in extracts and food coloring at the very end to preserve their potency and vibrant hue.
- Mistake: Skipping the constant stirring. Fix: Stir continuously on low-medium heat to prevent the milk solids from sticking and burning at the bottom.
- Mistake: Pouring the mixture into a warm or greased tray. Fix: Use a cool, ungreased tray so the Ice Cream Burfi sets firmly and doesn’t become oily.
- Mistake: Refrigerating before the mixture cools to room temperature. Fix: Let it cool completely on the counter first to avoid condensation making the burfi soggy.
- Mistake: Cutting the burfi while it’s still warm and soft. Fix: Chill it thoroughly for several hours until firm for clean, neat slices.
- Mistake: Overloading with sugar or sweeteners. Fix: Measure sugar precisely, as excess can make the dessert overly sweet and prevent it from setting correctly.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store your Ice Cream Burfi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it is kept at or below 40°F (4°C) for food safety.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the burfi tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To restore softness, let frozen Ice Cream Burfi thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Do not microwave, as this can melt the creamy texture.
Always use clean, dry utensils when handling your burfi to prevent contamination and preserve freshness.
Conclusion
This Ice Cream Burfi Recipe offers a delightful fusion of traditional Indian sweet and creamy ice cream texture. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare with minimal ingredients. Give this unique dessert a try and share your experience in the comments below!
PrintIce Cream Burfi
A soft and delicious Indian sweet made with milk powder, ghee, sugar syrup, and flavored with vanilla sugar, topped with nuts. This burfi has a silky smooth texture and a rich milky flavor.
- Author: Dorothy Miler
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk powder
- 1 cup ghee (increase to 1.5 cups for softer burfi)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cup sugar (for syrup)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup butter
- Pistachios and almonds for topping
Instructions
- In a mixer jar, combine 3 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract; grind to a fine powder to make vanilla sugar and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix 4 cups milk powder and 1 cup ghee until well combined; add the prepared vanilla sugar and mix well.
- In a large pan, combine 1¼ cup sugar and ½ cup water; stir and boil until sugar dissolves and reaches one-string consistency.
- On low flame, add the milk powder mixture to the sugar syrup; stir continuously until well combined.
- Add ¼ cup butter and mix well to enhance flavor and softness.
- Cook on low flame, stirring continuously, until the mixture turns silky smooth and releases ghee; test by making a small ball that is non-sticky and holds shape.
- Transfer the mixture to a tray lined with baking paper; top with pistachios and almonds and press to level.
- Let it rest for 2 hours or until completely cooled.
- Cut into pieces and serve.
Notes
Using melted ghee helps achieve a smooth texture. Adding butter enhances the milky flavor and softness. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
FAQs
Can I make this Ice Cream Burfi Recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can make this Ice Cream Burfi Recipe without an ice cream maker. Simply pour the mixture into a shallow pan and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals. This method helps achieve a creamy texture similar to the traditional process.
How long does Ice Cream Burfi last in the freezer?
Ice Cream Burfi stays fresh in the freezer for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This ensures the dessert is easy to slice and enjoy.
What are some popular flavor variations for Ice Cream Burfi?
Popular variations include adding cardamom, saffron, or rose water to the base Ice Cream Burfi Recipe. You can also mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit purees for different flavors. Experimenting with these additions allows you to customize the dessert to your taste.