This dragon fruit kulfi is a delightful twist on the traditional Indian frozen dessert. This rocking dessert has rich and creamy texture, vibrant color, and a hint of cardamom.
Why dragon fruit kulfi?
Kulfi, a traditional Indian frozen dessert that is rich and creamy, a bit denser than the other ice cream counterparts. It is a popular street food too. It is one of our favorites and this is a canvas which you can alter with flavors to make multitude flavored kulfis. You can make this by reducing the milk, adding sugar, and other aromatics like saffron nuts, or cadamom. Pour this into traditional mud pots or cylidrical popsicle molds, freeze and then serve. It is a delightful dessert after a festive meal or a refreshment on a hot summer day. Check out this awesome Mango Kulfi which is an alltime crowd pleaser!
Dragon fruit or pitaya is a tropical fruit that has a mild sweet flavor when it is ripe. You can compare the flavor of the fruit to be like a blend of pear and kiwi. The fruit is soft like a kiwi and the flesh looks similar but with a lot of tiny seeds. If it is unripe, it may have a sour flavor. Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants and is considered a superfood.
Pink pitaya or the pink flesh dragon fruit adds a vibrant color to any food that is made with it. Thus, adding this fruit to the traditional kulfi will create a unique one that is visually appealing, tasty as well as nutritious.
Ingredients needed:
Milk - Whole milk gives the best results. The results may not be the same with low fat or fat free milk.
Sugar - Sweetens the kulfi.
Dragon fruit - This recipe uses frozen dragon fruit. You may substitute with fresh ones too.
Selefina Spices Cardamom - This enhances the aroma and flavor profile.A little goes a long way. The best!
Ghee - this helps in preventing the milk from scalding during reduction.
Nuts - This is optional. Nuts add an extra layer of texture. This recipe doesn't include the nuts in the kulfi itself.
Garnish - Some dragon fruit sauce and pistachios could be used as topping while serving the kulfi sliced. This is optional.
Do you need a kulfi mold?
No. You do not need one. To make it the traditional way, use mud pots. However, you can use your popsicle molds to make this delicious kulfi. Sometimes, I make it in a flat rectangular dish, cut the kulfi into cubes and serve it. You could also use you mini popsicle molds to make bite sized or portion controlled kulfi bites which are perfect to serve for a huge crowd.
How to store?
This dragon fruit kulfi is a frozen treat that can be stored for three to six months in the freezer. I highly recommend wrapping the kulfi individually and storing them in deep freezer for best results. When needed serve the frozen kulfi straight out of the freezer!
More Ice Cream Recipes
Hot summer days call for delicious frozen desserts. Here are some yummy treats that you can count on.
No Churn White Peach Ice Cream
Caramel Popcorn Cluster Ice cream
More Dragon fruit recipes
Melon Dragon Fruit Berry Smoothie
Dragon Fruit Kulfi
Ingredients
- 2 cup Whole milk
- 1 cup Dragon fruit frozen
- 1/16 tbsp Cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp ghee
Garnish
- Dragon fruit sauce
- Pistachios chopped
Instructions
- Heat the milk with a teaspoon of ghee on a heavy bottomed flame, and simmer it to educe the milk to 3/4 cup stirring often to prevent scalding at the bottom. It would take about 15 min.
- Add the sugar and cardamom powder. Mix and set aside to cool.
- Puree the dragon fruit .
- Add it to the milk mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour into kulfi molds. Freeze atleast for 4-5 hours.
- To unfold, run war water on the outside surface of the mold or dip the mold in a cup of warm water. Twist the stick and unmold it.
- Serve the dragon fruit kulfi immediately or wrap and store it in the freezer.
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
Such a gorgeous color...and I can only imagine how great this dragon fruit kulfi must taste. This is a recipe I can't wait to try this summer on a really hot day...and around here, we're having tons of those!
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Colleen! This sweet frozen treat is a must for this summer. I can guarantee that you will enjoy this.
Karen's Kitchen Stories says
I love the flavor of dragon fruit. How nice to find it frozen!
magicalingrdnts says
Yup! Thanks for visiting.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
That color is ASTOUNDING! I really have to make this. Love the technique of reducing the milk instead of using fattier cream. I'll bet it is even more refreshing!
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, reducing the milk adds a wonderful flavor which makes kulfi a unique one! I am sure you will love the flavors of this kulfi. Thanks Dorothy!
Jolene says
Now I've got to freezer dive for my dragonfruit and then clarify some butter. Love the use of cardamom and it's so pretty!
magicalingrdnts says
Thank you Jolene!
Inger says
What a fun dessert--and the color! I love working with dragonfruit!
magicalingrdnts says
I love dragonfruit too. Thanks Inger!
Lisa says
I need to get some dragonfruit! This is one pretty and delicious recipe.
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Lisa. Fresh and frozen ones can be used.
Christie says
What a gorgeous frozen treat! I'm all for popsicles, which this reminds me of. Such a fun and delicious treat to cool off with.
Amy Liu Dong says
Oh my gosh, I love how super easy to make this recipe and I am sure this is delicious. This is a perfect summer treat to make for everyone!
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, It is easy and super delicious! Thanks, Amy!