Description
Saffron & Cardamom Kulfi Pops is a frozen Indian dessert made by infusing full-fat milk with the aromatic flavors of saffron and cardamom. The rich milk is simmered down into a thick, creamy consistency and sweetened with condensed milk and sugar. The combination of these ingredients results in a decadent kulfi that is both rich and refreshing at the same time. The popsicle-like presentation makes it a fun and creative way to serve this traditional treat.
Ingredients
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 200 ml heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 10–12 saffron strands
- 2 tbsp warm milk (for soaking saffron)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios (optional)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Soak saffron: In a small bowl, soak saffron strands in 2 tbsp warm milk. Set aside to infuse.
- Reduce milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring full-fat milk to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until it reduces to about half (approx. 30–40 minutes). Scrape the sides to reincorporate the malai.
- Add cream & condensed milk: Stir in heavy cream and condensed milk. Mix well and continue simmering for 5–7 minutes.
- Flavor it: Add sugar, cardamom powder, and the soaked saffron milk. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant and slightly thickened.
- Optional nuts: Fold in chopped pistachios and almonds for texture and visual appeal.
- Cool & pour: Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Pour into kulfi molds or popsicle molds.
- Freeze: Cover and freeze for at least 6–8 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Unmold & serve: Dip molds briefly in warm water to release. Garnish with extra nuts or edible rose petals if desired.
Notes
For an extra indulgence, garnish the kulfi pops with crushed pistachios or rose petals before serving. You can also drizzle with saffron syrup for added flavor. These pops keep well in the freezer for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop (approx. 100g)
- Calories: ~220
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~55mg
- Fat: ~11g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~24g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~6g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Saffron Kulfi Pops, Cardamom Kulfi, Indian Kulfi Pops