Barfi, also spelled Burfi, is a creamy Indian fudge-like sweet made with milk solids and flavored with cardamom. It comes in many variations like plain milk barfi, coconut barfi, chocolate barfi, and kaju barfi. This simple Milk Barfi recipe is perfect for festivals like Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, or as a quick dessert for special occasions.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups milk powder
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp chopped pistachios/almonds (for garnish)
- Few strands of saffron (optional)
- Silver leaf (varak) – optional, for decoration
👨🍳 Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
- In a non-stick pan, add ghee and let it melt.
- Add milk and stir in the milk powder. Mix well to form a smooth paste.
🔹 Step 2: Cook the Barfi Base
- Add sugar and stir continuously on low to medium heat.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to leave the sides of the pan (about 10–12 minutes).
- Add cardamom powder and saffron strands. Mix well.
🔹 Step 3: Set the Barfi
- Grease a tray or plate with ghee and pour the mixture into it.
- Flatten and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and varak if using.
🔹 Step 4: Cool & Cut
- Let it set for 1–2 hours at room temperature.
- Cut into squares, diamonds, or your desired shape.
🍽️ Serving & Storage
- Serve fresh or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Tastes even better the next day as flavors settle!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook, or the barfi will become chewy.
- Add a layer of melted chocolate on top for chocolate barfi.
- For coconut barfi, replace half the milk powder with desiccated coconut.
