Print

Creamy Easy Indian Kulfi Mango Cardamom Pops

Indian Kulfi Mango Cardamom Pops - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for creamy Indian kulfi-inspired mango cardamom popsicles that are refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for summer treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large ripe mangoes or 1 ½ cups (360 ml) mango pulp
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 68 cardamom pods, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • 23 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pour the whole milk into a saucepan and add the crushed cardamom pods. Heat over medium-low heat just until it begins to simmer (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat, cover, and let it steep for 15 minutes to absorb the aroma. Strain out the pods before using.
  2. Peel and chop the ripe mangoes, then puree them in a blender until smooth (about 1 cup / 240 ml pulp). If using frozen pulp, thaw beforehand.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cardamom-infused milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar (if using). Whisk well until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom for extra warmth.
  4. Stir the mango puree and lemon juice into the creamy mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Fold in half of the chopped pistachios for texture and appearance (optional).
  6. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Insert the sticks and tap molds gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  7. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set. Freeze uncovered for the first 2-3 hours, then cover to prevent freezer burn.
  8. To unmold, dip molds in warm water for a few seconds and gently pull the sticks. Garnish with remaining chopped pistachios if desired.

Notes

Use ripe mangoes for best flavor. Infuse cardamom gently to avoid bitterness. Freeze uncovered initially to prevent ice crystals. For vegan version, substitute dairy milk and cream with coconut milk and cream. Adjust sugar based on mango sweetness. Use Amul sweetened condensed milk if available for authentic creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: kulfi, mango popsicles, cardamom, Indian dessert, summer treat, creamy popsicles, easy recipe