This Mango Kulfi recipe brings together the creamy richness of traditional Indian dessert with the sweet, tropical essence of ripe mangoes. In just *15 minutes of prep time*, you’ll create a treat that’s velvety smooth and perfectly balanced in flavor. The natural sweetness of mangoes pairs beautifully with the subtle richness of condensed milk, making every bite pure bliss.
After a *6-hour freeze*, this kulfi transforms into a luscious, creamy delight with a texture that’s both cooling and indulgent. The aroma of fresh mangoes will fill your kitchen, hinting at the refreshing, fruity experience to come. Whether served on a warm day or as a special dessert, this kulfi is a simple yet elegant way to end any meal.
Ingredients for Mango Kulfi

- 3 large ripe mangoes (36oz/1020g, peeled and chopped)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (16oz/480ml)
- 1 can condensed milk (14oz/415ml)
- Juice of 1 lime
- A pinch of crushed saffron threads
- A pinch of ground cardamom (optional, for added flavor)
- ¼ cup pistachios (1¼oz/35g, toasted and crushed, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place eighteen 3oz (71ml) capacity paper cups on a small baking sheet. Set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the mangoes, heavy cream, condensed milk, lime juice, saffron threads, and cardamom (if using). Blend until smooth and fully combined.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve into a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. Discard any solids.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the paper cups. Cover the cups with a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Press your hand over the foil to reveal the circles where the tops of the cups are. Use a sharp knife to poke a small slit in the center of each circle.
- Insert a popsicle stick into each slit, pushing it all the way into the kulfi. The foil helps keep the sticks in place while freezing.
- Carefully transfer the kulfi tray to the freezer. Freeze for a minimum of 6 hours or up to 4 weeks.
- When ready to serve, peel the paper off the kulfi, arrange them on a plate, and garnish with crushed pistachios.
Creative Toppings and Garnishes
While crushed pistachios are a classic garnish for mango kulfi, feel free to get creative! Try sprinkling shredded coconut, chopped almonds, or even a drizzle of honey for extra flavor. For a festive touch, add a few edible rose petals or a sprinkle of gold leaf.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
Mango kulfi is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or kiwi. For a decadent dessert, serve it with a warm chocolate sauce or alongside a slice of sponge cake. It’s also a refreshing treat after a spicy meal!
Storage Tips for Long-Lasting Kulfi
Once frozen, mango kulfi can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 weeks. If you’re using paper cups, transfer the kulfi to a freezer-safe bag after it’s fully frozen to prevent freezer burn. Let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before serving for easier peeling.
Quick Tips for Smooth Kulfi
To ensure a creamy texture, make sure your mangoes are fully ripe and blend the mixture until completely smooth. Straining the mixture removes any fibrous bits, giving your kulfi a silky finish. If you’re short on time, skip the paper cups and pour the mixture into a loaf pan for easy slicing later.
Fun Variations to Try
Experiment with different flavors by swapping mangoes for other fruits like strawberries, bananas, or even passionfruit. For a nutty twist, blend in a handful of cashews or almonds. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of rose water or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

How To Make Mango Kulfi
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped 36oz/1020g
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream 16oz/480ml
- 1 can condensed milk 14oz/415ml
- Juice of 1 lime
- A pinch crushed saffron threads
- A pinch ground cardamom optional
- ¼ cup pistachios (toasted and crushed, for garnish) 1¼oz/35g
Instructions
- Place eighteen 3oz (71ml) capacity paper cups on a small baking sheet. Set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, add the mangoes, heavy cream, condensed milk, lime juice, saffron threads, and cardamom (if using) and blend until pureed and combined.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve into a glass measuring cup with a pour spout and discard any solids.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the paper cups, then cover the cups with a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Press your hand over the surface of the foil to reveal the circles where the tops of the cups are.
- With a sharp knife, poke a small slit in the center of each circle and insert a popsicle stick all the way into the kulfi (the foil helps keep the sticks in place while freezing).
- Carefully transfer the kulfi tray to the freezer and freeze for a minimum of 6 hours or up to 4 weeks.
- When ready to serve, peel the paper off the kulfi, arrange them on a plate and garnish with crushed pistachios.