Dessert · Indian · Asian ·

Fragrant Indian Kesar Kulfi with Saffron Threads

Name: Fragrant Indian Kesar Kulfi with Saffron Threads
Prep time: 160 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 640 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: Whole milk, 1 liter; Heavy cream, 1 cup; Sugar, 1/2 cup; Saffron threads, 1/4 teaspoon, lightly crushed; Cardamom powder, 1 teaspoon; Pistachios, 1/4 cup, chopped; Rose water, 2 tablespoons; Saffron threads, 10–12 threads; Chopped pistachios, As needed

This creamy, rich Indian Kesar Kulfi is a saffron-infused dessert with a unique, exotic flavor, perfect for ending a meal on a sweet and aromatic note.

4.5(412 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 27, 2026

Fragrant Indian Kesar Kulfi with Saffron Threads — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

2 h 40 min

Cook

8 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Base

For the Flavoring

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 343 kcal
Protein: 7.6 g
Carbs: 28.3 g
Fat: 23.4 g
Fiber: 1 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2058 kcal
Protein: 45.6 g
Carbs: 169.7 g
Fat: 140.4 g
Fiber: 5.75 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Whole milk 1 liter	610	32	48	34	0
Heavy cream 1 cup	820	5	7	88	0
Sugar 1/2 cup	387	0	100	0	0
Saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon, lightly crushed	2	0	0.5	0	0.1
Cardamom powder 1 teaspoon	18	0.6	4	0.4	1.6
Pistachios 1/4 cup, chopped	170	6	8	14	3
Rose water 2 tablespoons	0	0	0	0	0
Saffron threads 10–12 threads	1	0	0.2	0	0.05
Chopped pistachios As needed	50	2	2	4	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Saffron

1
Soak Saffron
Soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm milk for 10 minutes.
2
Release Aroma
Stir to release the vibrant color and aroma of the saffron.

Preparing the Kulfi Base

1
Boil Milk
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the whole milk to a boil.
Tip: Use a non-stick pan for easier cooking and cleanup.
2
Reduce Milk
Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the milk is reduced to half its original volume.
Tip: Constantly stir the milk to prevent sticking or burning.
3
Add Sugar
Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved.

How to Make Fragrant Indian Kesar Kulfi with Saffron Threads

Total time: 10 h 40 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Infusing Flavor
Stir in the saffron milk and cardamom into the reduced milk mixture.
2
Cream Addition
Incorporate the heavy cream and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
3
Enriching Texture
Mix in the chopped pistachios and rose water, then let the mixture cool to room temperature.