Malai Kulfi

There’s something deeply nostalgic about Malai Kulfi for me—it instantly transports me to hot summer afternoons of my childhood, where a tiny kulfi cart would roll down the street, and the familiar bell would send us running with coins clutched in our fists. This classic Indian frozen dessert holds a special place in my heart, and today, I’m so excited to share my homemade version with you.

Malai Kulfi is a rich and creamy frozen treat, often described as traditional sub-continental ice cream—but it’s so much more than that. Unlike regular ice cream, kulfi is denser and silkier, made by slowly simmering full-fat milk until it reduces and thickens, concentrating all its creamy goodness. It’s then flavored with cardamom, sometimes saffron, and often finished with crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds for a bit of texture.

This recipe is my go-to when I’m craving something indulgent yet nostalgic, and the best part is—you don’t even need an ice cream maker to make it! Let’s dive in and bring a bit of that old-school charm to your freezer.