• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Lime Thyme logo
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Mango kulfi

    Published: Jun 22, 2021 by Viola · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Pin Recipe

    My mango kulfi recipe is super creamy and refreshing, packed full of mango flavor and doesn't need any churning! Kulfi is the Indian version of ice cream, usually denser and creamier and requires cooking milk for a long time. My instant version tastes just as good (if not better) and comes together in 10 minutes! You will love this easy recipe.

    Mango kulfi

    Kulfi

    If you've never tried it before, kulfi is a frozen dairy dessert originating in the Indian subcontinent. It is often described as traditional Indian ice cream and is similar to ice cream in appearance and taste but denser and creamier. It is usually made in a variety of different flavors like cream (malai), rose, mango, cardamom (elaichi), saffron (kesar), almond (badam) and pistachio.. The main difference between kulfi and ice cream is that unlike traditional ice cream, kulfi is not whipped or churned. This results in a dense frozen dessert similar to traditional custard-based ice creams. It is truly so satisfying to bite into a delicious frozen kulfi on a hot summer day!

    Mango kulfi

    You guys already know that mangoes are my favorite fruit and isn't a surprise that mango kulfi is my absolute favorite flavor of kulfi. Combining the ripe freshness of mangoes with creamy and dense kulfi makes for a magical combination. The result is floral and sweet, dense yet so creamy and super satisfying. This will definitely become your new favorite! I made this recipe 4 times and every single time it was so good that I couldn't even manage to take a single picture 😅 I had to make a double batch just so we could enjoy one batch which I took pictures of the other.

    Mango kulfi 1

    The best mangoes to make mango kulfi

    There are so many varieties of mangoes available throughout the world. India itself grows more than a thousands of varieties of mangoes. My absolute favorite variety of mangoes is the Alphonso mango. When perfectly ripe it is saffron fleshed, sweet, juicy and non-fibrous. The flavor is so intense and the aroma is amazing.

    Alphonso mangoes are the variety I use the most in my mango based recipes and is what makes this mango kulfi so amazing. However, it is extremely difficult to source these mangoes in a lot of parts of the world. Thankfully, it is pretty easy to buy Alphonso mango pulp. I highly recommend going through the extra trouble if you have to, and looking for Alphonso mango pulp. It makes a huge difference! 

    If you can't find Alphonso mangoes/pulp, feel free to use any ripe and juicy, non fibrous mangoes in this recipe. Mexican grown champagne/Ataulfo mangoes work well, if you can find them.

    Mango kulfi

    Flavors in this mango kulfi

    Apart from ripe and juicy Alphonso mango, I like to flavor my kulfi with Kashmiri saffron and ground green cardamom. The saffron adds a beautiful earthy flavor while the cardamom adds a lovely floral aroma and pairs beautifully with the saffron and mango. The saffron and cardamom are optional so feel free to leave them out if you don't like them.

    Substitutions to make this mango kulfi

    For plant based kulfis, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk with coconut sweetened condensed milk and milk with any plant based milk. Coconut and mango are such a good combination and will make for a delicious and creamy vegan treat.

    Mango kulfi

    Some ways to customize this kulfi

    • Replace the chopped mangoes with complimentary flavored fruit, like pineapple, coconut chunks or even passion fruit
    • Replace the crushed pistachios with your favorite nuts or even leave it out
    • Replace ground cardamom with a pinch of ground nutmeg
    Mango kulfi

    Frequently asked questions

    What does kulfi taste like?

    Kulfi is the Indian version of ice cream, usually denser and creamier. It can be made in various flavors. The traditional flavors ones are cream (malai), rose, mango, cardamom (elaichi), saffron (kesar), almond (badam) and pistachio.

    What type of mango works well for mango kulfi?

    Any ripe, non-fibrous and flavorful mango will work well in this recipe. My favorite variety of mango to use in desserts is the Indian Alphonso mango, because of its bright orange non-fibrous flesh and amazing taste and aroma. Mexican grown champagne/Ataulfo mangoes work well too, if you can find them.

    Can I use jarred/canned mango pulp?

    Yes! I love using store bought mango pulp in desserts since I can't easily find my favorite Alphonso mangoes. My current favorite pulp to use is this organic Alphonso mango pulp with no added sugar. You could also use Kesar mango pulp if that's easier to find.

    How do I store kulfi?

    Store kulfi in the same molds/paper cups you froze them in. Take out as many as you need and store the remaining in the freezer.

    How long does kulfi last in the freezer?

    Kulfi can be frozen for up to 3 months, if you are able to resist it for that long!

    More mango desserts you will love!

    The ULTIMATE no bake mango cheesecake
    No bake mango cheesecake
    Alphonso mango cheesecake ice cream
    Mango cheesecake ice cream
    Almond mango peda (Indian mango fudge)
    Indian mango fudge (peda)
    Mango Lassi
    Mango lassi

    Recipe

    Love this recipe?Rate the recipe by clicking on the stars in the recipe card below
    Mango kulfi

    Mango kulfi

    Mango kulfi 2Viola
    This mango kulfi recipe is super creamy and refreshing, packed full of mango, doesn't need any churning and comes together in 10 minutes!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Freezing time 6 hours hrs
    Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Desserts
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 8
    Calories 146 kcal

    Equipment

    Mango kulfi 3
    Blender
    Popsicle molds
    Popsicle molds

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ¾ cup alphonso mango pulp (see notes if your mango pulp is already sweetened or if using fresh mango)
    • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
    • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
    • 10 strands saffron
    • 3 tablespoons whole milk
    • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
    • 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
    • ¼ cup finely chopped mango

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the milk until it is lukewarm and sprinkle the saffron strands on top. Let the milk rest for 5 minutes and then transfer it to a blender.
      Soaking saffron in milk
    • Now add all the ingredients (except the pistachios and chopped mango) into the blender and blend on high for 15-20 seconds only. Be careful not to over blend as it can cause the cream to separate into butter.
      blend everything together
    • Into the blended kulfi mix, add in the optional chopped mango and crushed pistachios and mix it well to combine.
      Mix in fresh mango and pistachios
    • Pour this kulfi mix into popsicle/kulfi molds or even small paper cups and cover it with a sheet of alumimium foil. Insert popsicle sticks into each cavity.
      Freeze in kulfi molds
    • Freeze the kulfi for 6 hours or overnight.
    • Dip the molds in warm water for few seconds and then pull gently to unmold. Serve the kulfis garnished with more crushed pistachios and saffron.
      Mango kulfi

    Video

    Notes

    • If your mango pulp/puree is already sweetened,  reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk to ⅓ cup.
    • To use fresh mangoes, start with ripe, pulpy and non-fibrous variety of mangoes. Scoop out the flesh and discard the seed and skin. Measure 1.5 cups of mango flesh and puree it in a blender. Finally, pass it through a sieve and then measure ¾ cup for this recipe.
    • Use small paper cups to freeze your kulfi in if you don't have popsicle molds.

    Estimated Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Mango kulfi
    Calories
    146
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    8
    g
    12
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    5
    g
    31
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    28
    mg
    9
    %
    Sodium
     
    33
    mg
    1
    %
    Potassium
     
    159
    mg
    5
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    16
    g
    5
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    15
    g
    17
    %
    Protein
     
    3
    g
    6
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    607
    IU
    12
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    11
    mg
    13
    %
    Calcium
     
    77
    mg
    8
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    *Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @LimeThymeRecipes and tag #limethymerecipes
    Subscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to get notified about my latest recipe videos!    

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Dink/gond/gum arabic ladoos
      Dink ladoos
    • Rasmalai tiramisu
      Rasmalai tiramisu
    • carrot halwa
      Carrot halwa (using condensed milk)
    • Mango sticky rice
      Instant pot mango sticky rice

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sowmya says

      June 22, 2021 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      This looks very easy to make. Gonna try this for sure.

      Reply
      • Viola says

        June 24, 2021 at 9:16 am

        Thank you, let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    2. Cyrus says

      September 16, 2021 at 6:41 am

      5 stars
      Wow !!!!! Last time I tried your ice cream and it was an instant hit! Will beat the October heat with this one!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Me Lime Thyme

    HEY, I'M VIOLA!

    I'm a self taught recipe developer, food photographer and videographer living in Seattle.

    Welcome to Lime Thyme, where you'll find  find easy, flavorful and innovative Indian inspired recipes using seasonal and fresh ingredients!

    Learn more about me here.

      Popular

      • The ULTIMATE no bake mango cheesecake
        The ULTIMATE no bake mango cheesecake
      • Korean gochujang chicken wings
        Korean gochujang chicken wings (baked/air fried)
      • boozy coffee and chocolate pudding
        Boozy coffee & chocolate pudding
      • Basundi gulab jamun panna cotta
        Basundi/Rabri gulab jamun panna cotta

      Subscribe

      Sign up to the weekly newsletter for Viola's latest recipes!

      Privacy Policy

      Let's connect!

      • Email
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • YouTube
      About Me Lime Thyme

      HEY, I'M VIOLA!

      I'm a self taught recipe developer, food photographer and videographer living in Seattle.

      Welcome to Lime Thyme, where you'll find  find easy, flavorful and innovative Indian inspired recipes using seasonal and fresh ingredients!

      Learn more about me here.

        Popular

        • The ULTIMATE no bake mango cheesecake
          The ULTIMATE no bake mango cheesecake
        • Korean gochujang chicken wings
          Korean gochujang chicken wings (baked/air fried)
        • boozy coffee and chocolate pudding
          Boozy coffee & chocolate pudding
        • Basundi gulab jamun panna cotta
          Basundi/Rabri gulab jamun panna cotta

        Footer

        ↑ back to top

        About

        • About me
        • Shop

        Disclaimers

        • Privacy Policy
        • Accessibility Statement
        • Nutrition Disclaimer

        Contact

        • Contact
        • Client inquiry form
        • Subscribe

        Copyright © 2024 Lime Thyme | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED