Instant Malai Barfi Recipe That Tastes Just Like Halwai Style

By Aditi

February 2, 2026

Malai barfi is soft, has a melt-in-the-mouth texture, and tastes festive in every bite. Prepared with everyday milk solids, this recipe gives creamy sweetness with minimum effort.

Ingredients

2 cups full-fat milk ½ cup fresh malai (cream) ¾ cup milk powder ½ cup sugar 2 tbsp ghee ¼ tsp cardamom powder 2 tbsp chopped pistachios or almonds

Step 1

In a heavy pan, heat ghee and add fresh malai and milk to it. Cook on a low flame and stir until the mixture reaches a thick, glossy consistency.

Step 2

Add milk powder to this while mixing continuously to avoid any lumps. The mixture will begin to come together and give a rich, milky fragrance.

Step 3

Mix sugar with this and cook on low heat. The barfi mixture will be loosened, then it will thicken again as the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 4

Continue cooking until the mixture begins to leave the sides of the pan and creates a soft, smooth texture.

Step 5

Switch off the flame, add cardamom powder and half the chopped nuts to it. Mix it well to distribute the flavour evenly through the base.

Step 6

Transfer this mixture to a greased tray, flatten evenly, and garnish it with the remaining nuts. Let it cool completely, then cut into squares and serve.