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Barfi

Barfi is a classic Indian sweet made from milk solids, sugar, and ghee. This quick version with milk powder delivers the same rich flavor in a fraction of the time.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Barfi
Servings: 16
Calories: 137kcal

Ingredients

Base

  • 2 cups milk powder
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup ghee plus extra for greasing

Flavoring & garnish

  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 2 tablespoon chopped pistachios or almonds
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Grease an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) pan and line with parchment.
  • In a nonstick pan, warm ghee over low heat.
  • Add milk and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  • Mix in milk powder gradually to avoid lumps.
  • Cook on low, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the pan (about 10–12 minutes).
  • Stir in cardamom.
  • Spread mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  • Sprinkle with chopped nuts and press lightly.
  • Let cool completely, then cut into squares.

Notes

Ingredient swaps:
  • Use milk powder instead of khoya if you prefer a lighter texture.
  • Swap sugar with condensed milk for a richer and quicker version.
  • Replace ghee with unsalted butter if ghee isn’t available.
  • Add a few drops of rose water or saffron milk for extra fragrance.
Technique tips:
  • Cook the mixture on low heat and stir constantly to avoid burning.
  • Grease the tray before pouring the mixture to prevent sticking.
  • Allow the barfi to cool fully before cutting for clean, firm pieces.
  • Sprinkle crushed nuts while warm so they adhere nicely to the top.
Make-ahead and storage:
  • Barfi can be made a day in advance and kept covered at room temperature.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; refrigerate in hot weather.
  • For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 weeks and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving ideas:
  • Serve with masala chai or saffron milk for an elegant pairing.
  • Garnish with pistachios or edible silver leaf for festive occasions.
  • Include it in a mithai platter with ladoo and gulab jamun for celebrations.
Twist ideas:
  • Nutty: Mix in chopped almonds or pistachios for added crunch.
  • Chocolate: Add melted white chocolate to the mixture for a modern twist.
  • Coconut: Fold in desiccated coconut for extra texture and aroma.
  • Festive: Drizzle with saffron-infused milk before setting for a royal look.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 174IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 0.1mg