pista kulfa

June 30, 2025

Pista Kulfi recipe

Pista Kulfi is a traditional Pakistani frozen dessert made with creamy milk, crushed pistachios, and cardamom, offering a rich and refreshing treat perfect for hot summer days.

Pista Kulfi—A Classic Pakistani Frozen Delight

Introduction

When the summer heat rises in Pakistan, few desserts offer the cooling comfort and traditional charm like Pista Kulfi. Known for its dense, creamy texture and aromatic flavors, Pista Kulfi is a beloved frozen dessert made with full-fat milk, crushed pistachios, cardamom, and a hint of saffron. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also brings nostalgic memories of enjoying kulfi from street vendors, weddings, and family gatherings.

In this blog, we will walk you through a step-by-step recipe to make authentic Pakistani Pista Kulfi at home with simple ingredients and loads of love.

⭐ Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make traditional Pista Kulfi:

For the kulfi base:

Full-fat milk—1liter (4 cups)

Sweetened condensed milk—½cup

Sugar—¼cup (adjust to taste)

Milk powder—¼cup (optional, for extra creaminess)

Cornstarch—1tbsp (mixed with 2 tbsp cold milk for thickening)

Flavoring ingredients:

Crushed pistachios—¼cup

Cardamom powder – ½ tsp

A few saffron strands (optional but recommended)

Rose water—½tsp (optional)

For garnish (optional):

Slivered pistachios

Silver leaf (warq)

Crushed cardamom seeds

🍶 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Milk

Pour 1 liter of full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed pan.

Turn the heat to medium and bring it to a boil.

Once it begins to boil, lower the heat and let the milk simmer.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and scrape the sides to mix the malai (cream) back into the milk.

> Tip:

Use a non-stick or heavy-base pan to avoid burning the milk.

Step 2: Add Condensed Milk and Sugar

When the milk reduces to about ¾ of its original volume, add ½ cup condensed milk

Stir well to mix it evenly into the milk.

Then, add ¼ cup sugar and adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes on low heat.

Step 3: Thicken the Mixture

Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold milk in a small bowl (this prevents lumps).

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering milk while stirring continuously.

This will help the kulfi thicken and become creamy.

Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is rich and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Flavors and Nuts

Add ¼ cup of crushed pistachios (pista).

Sprinkle ½ tsp cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using).

Stir everything gently.

Optional: Add ½ tsp rose water for a refreshing floral note.

The aroma of cardamom and pistachio together makes this kulfi irresistibly desi and delightful.

Step 5: Cool and Pour into Moulds

Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Pour the kulfi mixture into kulfi molds, popsicle molds, or even small steel/glass cups.

If using cups, cover them with foil and insert an ice cream stick in the center.

Freeze for 6 to 8 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 6: Serve Your Homemade Pista Kulfi

To demold, dip the mold in warm water for 10-15 seconds.

Gently pull the stick or turn the mold upside down to release the kulfi.

Garnish with slivered pistachios or a touch of edible silver leaf for an elegant look.

📝 Tips for Perfect Kulfi

Always use full-fat milk for that rich and creamy texture.

Constant stirring prevents the milk from burning or forming lumps.

If you like extra creaminess, add a few tablespoons of khoya (mawa) or cream.

Don’t skip the cardamom—it’s key to that authentic Pakistani flavor.

You can use a blender after cooling the mixture if you want a smoother consistency (before freezing).

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve pista kulfi on a hot afternoon as a refreshing dessert.

Pair it with falooda, jelly, or basil seeds (tukhmalanga) for a royal dessert bowl.

Great for Eid, weddings, iftar parties, or just a weekend treat for family.

❄ Storage

Kulfi can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to keep it tightly sealed or covered to avoid ice crystals and freezer burn.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

Authentic Flavor:

Traditional ingredients like cardamom and saffron give it that signature Pakistani flavor.

Easy to Follow:

No fancy equipment needed—just a pot, a spoon, and a freezer!

Customizable:

Add almonds, coconut, or even chocolate chips for your own twist.

Budget-Friendly:

Homemade kulfi costs much less than store-bought versions and tastes way better!

💬 Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about homemade kulfi—it’s more than just a dessert. It’s a taste of tradition, of childhood memories, and of Pakistani culture passed down through generations. With this simple and delicious Pista Kulfi recipe, you can now bring those memories to life in your own kitchen.

Whether it’s a festive gathering or just a quiet evening, this creamy, nutty, and aromatic kulfi will surely impress everyone at the table.

Have you tried this recipe?