Dessert

Milk Barfi Recipe

Name: Milk Barfi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 70 grams ghee; 250 grams whole milk; 200 grams sugar; 310 grams whole milk powder; 1 tsp ground green cardamom; 1 tsp lemon juice; Pinch of salt; Pinch of saffron; 7 pistachios, chopped; Edible silver foil

Bymia larkspur February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

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Introduction

Milk Barfi is a classic Indian sweet that’s rich, creamy, and delicately flavored with cardamom and saffron. This melt-in-your-mouth treat is perfect for festive occasions or whenever you want a special homemade dessert.

The image shows nine square pieces of creamy, pale yellow fudge arranged in a grid on a white marbled surface. Each piece is smooth but slightly cracked on top, with scattered thin slivers of green pistachio nuts embedded within. Shiny silver leaf sheets are gently spread and pressed onto the fudge pieces, adding a glimmering texture and contrast. One piece in the center is pulled out slightly, showing its soft, dense interior with visible layers of smooth fudge. The overall look is rich and delicate, with a mix of matte and reflective surfaces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

70 grams ghee
250 grams whole milk
200 grams sugar
310 grams whole milk powder
1 tsp ground green cardamom
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Pinch of saffron
7 pistachios, chopped
Edible silver foil

Instructions

Step 1: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over two opposite sides for easy removal.
Step 2: In a nonstick pan over medium heat, pour in the milk and add the ghee. Stir with a rubber spatula as the ghee melts and combines with the milk. Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
Step 3: Lower the heat to the lowest setting and add the milk powder. Stir continuously until the milk powder is fully incorporated and rehydrated. Keep stirring without breaks for 4 to 5 minutes, scraping the pan’s bottom and sides to prevent burning.
Step 4: When the mixture has thickened and reduced by about half, add cardamom powder, lemon juice, and salt. Crush the saffron between your hands over the pan and stir everything evenly into the mixture.
Step 5: Continue folding and stirring the batter for another 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens further and starts pulling away cleanly from the pan’s sides.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat. Scoop the batter into the prepared square pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top and gently press them into the surface.
Step 7: Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the barfi is completely set.
Step 8: Once set, lift the barfi out using the parchment paper. Apply edible silver foil sporadically on top for an elegant finish.
Step 9: Cut the barfi into 16 even squares and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk and fresh ghee.
Experiment with other nuts such as almonds or cashews instead of pistachios.
If you can’t find edible silver foil, you can garnish with rose petals or dried fruit.
Ensure constant stirring on low heat to avoid the mixture burning or sticking.

Storage

Store Milk Barfi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving or enjoy it chilled. It doesn’t freeze well, as the texture may become grainy.

How to Serve

A close-up of a light cream-colored square sweet cut into nine smaller squares, topped with shiny silver edible foil scattered unevenly across its surface, and thin greenish pistachio pieces embedded throughout. The sweet rests on crumpled parchment paper with a white marbled texture in the background. A sharp knife cuts through the right side, held by a woman's hand with long, glittery silver nails that adds a touch of elegance to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Milk Barfi without lemon juice?

Lemon juice helps prevent the mixture from curdling and adds a subtle tang. If unavailable, you can omit it, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use edible silver foil?

Edible silver foil is a traditional garnish that adds visual appeal but is optional. The barfi tastes delicious without it and can be decorated with other toppings.