Strawberry Kulfi

// This super easy, No cook Instant Strawberry Kulfi is a delicious, rich, dense, and creamy frozen dessert. Perfect as an after-meal dessert.



This super easy, No-Cook Instant Strawberry Kulfi is a delicious, rich, dense, and creamy frozen dessert that is bursting with fresh strawberry flavors. It is perfect as an after-meal dessert or a sweet snack on a hot day.

This classic dessert is an Indian version of ice cream which is no-churn and is denser than the regular ice cream which melts slowly. Strawberry kulfi has amazing berry flavors and creamy textures.

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one strawberry kulfi in a small ceramic glass, with wo strawberry kulfis in the background

The pungent strawberry flavor of this kulfi comes from fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, and strawberry essence. And the cardamom flavor in this kulfi goes amazingly well with the refreshing strawberry flavors.

Strawberries and I have a love affair. Every season when strawberries are in abundance, I try to buy and pick many boxes to make the most use of the season. After eating lots from every batch, I either make strawberry lassi, strawberry pudding, strawberry milk, strawberry smoothie, strawberry jam, a strawberry dessert, or simply freeze them to use throughout the year. 

three strawberry kulfis served on a bed of ice cubes, and a hand holding one strawberry kulfi in the background

This year, I am starting with this delightful strawberry kulfi. If you love fruit desserts or fruit-flavored ice creams such as mango ice cream, strawberry ice cream, coconut blueberry ice cream, or peach blueberry ice cream, then you would definitely love this strawberry kulfi.

On this page, I have given you all the tips, tricks, and variations to make the best tasting kulfi at home each time.

About Strawberry Kulfi

This Indian-style ice cream can be eaten any time of the day. You can have them as an after-meal dessert, or as a sweet snack on a hot summer day. Also, this dessert is fancy enough to serve for get-togethers and dinner parties.

Another great thing I love about this homemade strawberry kulfi is that you can make the kulfi in advance just like any other frozen treat.

The traditional kulfi-making process is long and time taking. Because it requires some slow cooking and continuous stirring. You need to slow cook the milk until it reduces and thickens. On this page, I am giving you a quick and instant version, where no cooking is involved. 

This version of Indian Strawberry Kulfi needs only 5 minutes of your effective time, the rest of 8 hours is for setting the kulfi. To make this stunning-looking dessert, you will only need a bowl, a hand blender, and a bowl. Sounds super easy, isn’t it?

This Strawberry Kulfi

✔  is classic & no cook

✔  is easy and quick to make

✔  tastes super delicious

✔  is rich & creamy

✔  can be mold in any shape

✔  is perfect for parties

✔  is vegetarian, gluten-free, & nut free

three strawberry kulfis served on a bed of ice cubes, and a female holding one strawberry kulfi in the background

Strawberry Kulfi Ingredients

This easy Strawberry Kulfi Recipe is prepared with very simple and easily available ingredients. Below are the ingredients you will need:

Strawberry – For making this kulfi, you can use both fresh and frozen strawberries. I like to use fresh strawberries during the summer months, and frozen ones during winters.

Sweetened condensed milk – I added homemade sweetened condensed milk to this kulfi recipe. But you can also use store-bought sweetened condensed milk for making this kulfi.

Chilled milk – Any full-fat chilled milk can be used here. You can even use evaporated milk here. You can also use semi-skimmed milk, but I would not recommend using fat-free milk here as it would not give the creamy texture and rich flavors.

Strawberry Jam – Adding strawberry jam intensifies the strawberry flavor of this kulfi. However, using strawberry jam is entirely optional here. Kulfi would still taste good without it.

Strawberry essence – It is added to enhance and shine the strawberry aroma of this instant strawberry kulfi.

Cardamom – I added about half a teaspoon of freshly ground cardamom to the kulfi mix. Adding cardamom to any type of kulfi is a must. To me, kulfis don’t taste BEST without the hint of cardamom.

If you want to enjoy the kulfi flavor to its fullest, then I would highly suggest you don’t skip adding the cardamom.

Ground pistachios – It is only used for decoration and eye appeal. The green color of pistachios gives a gorgeous contrast to the pretty pink color and also adds a crunchy nutty taste to the creamy texture of kulfi.

Food color (optional) – I have added a few drops of pink food color in this kulfi recipe. But adding any color is completely optional here. Without food color, this kulfi would have a mild pale pinkish tint. 

Rose water – It tastes amazing with strawberry flavor in this kulfi recipe, but adding rose water is totally optional here. 

How to make Strawberry Kulfi at Home 

Making strawberry kulfi at home is fairly simple and easy. This is how it is done in 3 simple steps:

Step 1 – Add all the kulfi ingredients to a mixing bowl and blend until smooth.

Step 2 – Pour ice cream mixture into molds, cover, and freeze for 8 hours.

Step 3 – Demould, garnish with pistachios and serve chilled.

You can get the detailed step-by-step photo instructions and a video recipe to make the best tasting Strawberry Kulfi in the recipe box on this page.

Check out other kulfi recipes: Kesar Pista kulfi, Mango Kulfi, Kesar Badam Kulfi, Gulkand Pista Kulfi, Matka Kulfi, or Thandai Kulfi

four roll cut strawberry kulfis on the wooden board, with 4 strawberry kulfis on the background

Storage suggestion

Kulfi is a frozen treat that stays fresh and intact when kept in the freezer. You can store frozen kulfis in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

Serving suggestion

You can serve this Indian-style dessert or street food as a dessert, sweet snack, or as an after-meal dessert. If you want to serve it with a meal, then you can absolutely do that. Here is a meal idea that combines well with this kulfi:

Prepare an Indian thali with garlic naan, paneer khurchan, dal makhani, boondi raita, salad, and papad, and round out your meal ending with strawberry kulfi.

overhead shot of four strawberry kulfis served on a bed of ice cubes, with four roll cut strawberry kulfis on the wooden board

Tips, Tricks & Variations to make the best Strawberry Kulfi

  1. Use Molds - Kulfi is generally prepared in a conical kulfi mold, but you can also use popsicle/lollipop molds. Or freeze it in any other mold of your choice. 

  2. Use Paper cups - You can also freeze them in paper cups. Just cover the cups with an aluminum foil, insert the stick, and freeze. After that, just peel away the paper cup and your kulfi is ready to devour. 

  3. Freeze in a loaf pan - If you don’t have molds, or paper cups, then you can still make this kulfi. Simply pour the kulfi mix into the loaf pan. Cover with aluminum foil and freeze. Once frozen, slice and serve.

  4. Strain the mixture - If you like the super smooth texture of this kulfi, then you can strain it before pouring it into molds. I like to use it without straining. 

  5. Strawberry chunks - To make this kulfi chunky, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped or crushed strawberry.

  6. If you don’t want to add the food color, then you can easily skip it. Color is just for the looks, it doesn’t have anything to do with the taste. For natural pink color, you can also add a few drops of raw/cooked beetroot juice here. Color, or without color, it would taste the same. 

  7. Flavors - I have added 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom and 1 teaspoon rose water to the kulfi mix. You may need to add more or less depending on the flavor you want. You can also add Kewra Water to it.

  8. The actual cooking time of this kulfi is just 5 minutes. Remaining 8 hours is the freezing time. 

  9. If you don’t have fresh or frozen strawberries, then you use strawberry puree. Strawberry syrup can also be used here. Just keep in mind that syrup is usually sweet, so you may need to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk.

  10. Chilled ingredients - Make sure to use the chilled milk, cream, and heavy cream for best results. 

  11. Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk according to the strawberry’s sourness.

  12. Serving – I have garnished the kulfis with powdered pistachios. You can also drizzle them with some strawberry sauce if you like.

a strawberry kulfi served in a ceramic glass, topped with powdered pistachio nuts

More delicious strawberries recipes:  Strawberry Cheesecake Dip, No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bites, Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe, strawberry jam, and Strawberry Salad, etc.

FAQ

What does this Strawberry kulfi taste like?

Kulfi tastes really rich, dense, and creamy. It has the perfect sweetness, and the refreshing strawberry flavors go well with a pistachio garnish. It also looks so pretty with pink and green shades. 

Can I make Strawberry kulfi dairy-free?

Yes, you can certainly do that. To make dairy-free strawberry kulfi, you need to swap dairy products with non-dairy substitutes.

Instead of regular condensed milk, use coconut condensed milk, swap dairy milk with coconut milk, and substitute heavy cream with dairy-free heavy cream in this recipe. 

What vegan milk is best for the strawberry kulfi recipe?

You can use any plant-based or vegan milk of your choice. My favorite milk for this recipe is cashew milk, almond milk, pat milk, and coconut milk.

Can I add rose flavor to strawberry kulfi?

Strawberry and rose pair so well. So yes, rose essence or rose water can be added to the kulfi base. 

What are other flavors of kulfi?

Kulfi comes in many flavors, some of the popular flavors of kulfi are mango, gulkand, malai, rose, saffron, cardamom, pistachio, melon, and thandai.


Strawberry Kulfi (Step-by-step photo instructions)

How to make No Cook Strawberry Kulfi Mix

  1. Place the strawberries on a chopping board and cut off the leafy top. Quarter or roughly chop them. You can also use 1 cup of strawberry puree.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-1 for Strawberry Kulfi
  3. Add the strawberries to a large mixing bowl. Also, add chilled milk, sweetened condensed milk, chilled whipping cream, cardamom powder, strawberry essence, strawberry jam, and a few drops of pink food color.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-2 for Strawberry Kulfi
  5. Use a hand blender on a medium speed for 2-3 until everything is smooth. Now, add rose water and blend again until well combined. You can also blend everything using a regular blender. No cook strawberry Kulfi Mix is ready. At this point, you can also strain the mixture. I generally don't strain it.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-3 for Strawberry Kulfi

Freezing In Molds:

  1. Pour the strawberry kulfi mix into kulfi molds, popsicle molds, or any mold of your choice. Close the lid, if you are using kulfi molds. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-1 for Strawberry Kulfi
  3. Once the kulfi is well set, dip the molds into hot water, or keep them under running water for a few seconds. (You can also rub the molds between palms for a minute.) After that, prise the kulfi out with the help of a knife, this way the kulfi comes out easily. Garnish with powdered pistachios. Cut them into slices or serve as it is.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-2 for Strawberry Kulfi

Freezing In Paper Cups:

  1. Transfer kulfi mix to paper cups. Cover the cups with aluminum foil. You can also freeze it like that, or poke the top with a knife and insert an ice cream/popsicle stick. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-1 for Strawberry Kulfi
  3. Slightly cut the edge of the paper cup, and remove it.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-2 for Strawberry Kulfi
  5. Cut the kulfi without a stick into 4-5 pieces to make roll-cut ice cream. Garnish them with powdered pistachios and serve them chilled.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-3 for Strawberry Kulfi

Recipe Card


Strawberry Kulfi [Recipe]

Recipe Image
This super easy, No cook Instant Strawberry Kulfi is a delicious, rich, dense, and creamy frozen dessert. Perfect as an after-meal dessert.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 3 reviews)

Prep time 🕐 Cook time 🕐 Total time 🕐
8 hours 5 mins
Category ☶ Cuisine ♨ Serves ☺
Desserts Indian 6
Nutrition Info ⊛ Serving size ⊚
290 calories 1 Kulfi

INGREDIENTS

For Strawberry Kulfi: (1 Cup = 250ml)
  • 200 ml chilled whipping cream or heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chilled milk
  • 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk, or milkmaid (you can add more if you like it sweeter)
  • 3/4 teaspoon cardamom (elaichi) powder
  • 250 grams of fresh or frozen strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (optional)
  • Few drops of red/pink food color (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon strawberry essence
For serving
  • 2 tablespoons pounded or coarsely powdered pistachio (you can also use almonds or cashews)

INSTRUCTIONS:

How to make No Cook Strawberry Kulfi Mix
  1. Place the strawberries on a chopping board and cut off the leafy top. Quarter or roughly chop them. You can also use 1 cup of strawberry puree.
  2. Add the strawberries to a large mixing bowl. Also, add chilled milk, sweetened condensed milk, chilled whipping cream, cardamom powder, strawberry essence, strawberry jam, and a few drops of pink food color.
  3. Use a hand blender on a medium speed for 2-3 until everything is smooth. Now, add rose water and blend again until well combined. You can also blend everything using a regular blender. No cook strawberry Kulfi Mix is ready. At this point, you can also strain the mixture. I generally don't strain it.
Freezing In Molds:
  1. Pour the strawberry kulfi mix into kulfi molds, popsicle molds, or any mold of your choice. Close the lid, if you are using kulfi molds. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Once the kulfi is well set, dip the molds into hot water, or keep them under running water for a few seconds. (You can also rub the molds between palms for a minute.) After that, prise the kulfi out with the help of a knife, this way the kulfi comes out easily. Garnish with powdered pistachios. Cut them into slices or serve as it is.
Freezing In Paper Cups:
  1. Transfer kulfi mix to paper cups. Cover the cups with aluminum foil. You can also freeze it like that, or poke the top with a knife and insert an ice cream/popsicle stick. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Slightly cut the edge of the paper cup, and remove it.
  3. Cut the kulfi without a stick into 4-5 pieces to make roll-cut ice cream. Garnish them with powdered pistachios and serve them chilled.

WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...


NOTES:

  1. Use Paper cups - You can also freeze them in paper cups. Just cover the cups with an aluminum foil, insert the stick, and freeze. After that, just peel away the paper cup and your kulfi is ready to devour.
  2. Freeze in a loaf pan - If you don't have molds, or paper cups, then you can still make this kulfi. Simply pour the kulfi mix into the loaf pan. Cover with aluminum foil and freeze. Once frozen, slice and serve.
  3. Strain the mixture - If you like the super smooth texture of this kulfi, then you can strain it before pouring it into molds. I like to use it without straining.
  4. Strawberry chunks - To make this kulfi chunky, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped or crushed strawberry.
  5. If you don't want to add the food color, then you can easily skip it. Color is just for the looks, it doesn't have anything to do with the taste. For natural pink color, you can also add a few drops of raw/cooked beetroot juice here. Color, or without color, it would taste the same.


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