Malai Barfi Recipe – Soft & Creamy Indian Sweet
Indian sweets are deeply connected to our traditions, festivals, and celebrations. Among the wide variety of mithai, Malai Barfi stands out for its rich taste, soft texture, and creamy flavor. Made using full-cream milk and fresh malai, this dessert is known for its melt-in-the-mouth consistency and delicate sweetness.
Malai Barfi is especially popular during festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, and family functions. Unlike store-bought sweets that often contain preservatives, homemade malai barfi is pure, fresh, and much healthier. Though it looks rich and royal, it can be prepared easily at home with a few basic ingredients and some patience.
In this post, you will learn a step-by-step traditional Malai Barfi recipe that gives perfect results every time. Even beginners can follow this method and prepare halwai-style malai barfi at home.
What is Malai Barfi?
Malai Barfi is a traditional Indian milk-based sweet prepared by slowly reducing milk and combining it with fresh cream, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom. The slow cooking process gives it a rich texture and creamy taste. Garnished with dry fruits, this barfi is soft, smooth, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- Full cream milk – 1 liter
- Fresh malai (milk cream) – ½ cup
- Sugar – ¾ cup (adjust to taste)
- Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
- Ghee – 1 teaspoon (for greasing)
- Chopped almonds and pistachios – 2 tablespoons
- Saffron strands – 8–10 (optional)
How to Make Malai Barfi (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Boil the Milk
Take a heavy-bottom pan or kadai and pour in the full cream milk. Bring it to a boil on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.
Step 2: Reduce the Milk
Lower the flame and let the milk simmer. Cook it slowly until the quantity reduces to almost half. This step is very important as it gives the barfi its creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Fresh Malai
Once the milk becomes thick, add the fresh malai to it. Mix well and continue cooking on low heat. The mixture will become richer and thicker.
Step 4: Add Sugar
Now add sugar to the milk mixture. After adding sugar, the mixture will loosen slightly. Keep stirring continuously to avoid burning.
Step 5: Cook Until Thick
Continue cooking the mixture on low flame until it thickens again and starts leaving the sides of the pan. At this stage, the mixture should come together like soft dough.
Step 6: Flavoring
Add cardamom powder and saffron strands. Mix well. These ingredients enhance the aroma and give the barfi a traditional flavor.
Step 7: Set the Barfi
Grease a tray or plate lightly with ghee. Transfer the prepared mixture into the tray and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Step 8: Garnish
Sprinkle chopped almonds and pistachios on top and gently press them so they stick to the surface.
Step 9: Let it Cool
Allow the barfi to cool at room temperature for 2–3 hours or keep it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until it sets completely.
Step 10: Cut and Serve
Once set, cut the malai barfi into square or diamond shapes. Your homemade soft and creamy malai barfi is ready to serve.
Tips for Perfect Malai Barfi
- Always use full-cream milk for best results
- Cook on low flame to avoid burning
- Stir continuously for smooth texture
- Do not overcook, or the barfi may turn hard
When to Serve Malai Barfi?
- During festivals and celebrations
- As a sweet dish for guests
- For puja or religious offerings
- As a special homemade dessert
Benefits of Homemade Malai Barfi
- Made with pure and fresh ingredients
- No preservatives or artificial colors
- Rich in taste and texture
- Healthier than store-bought sweets
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