Milk Barfi or Milk Powder Burfi is a super delicious, easy to make, melt in mouth Indian sweet or fudge recipe prepared using 5 ingredients in less than 30 minutes. One of the best gluten free, no bake dessert. A perfect sweet to make on Diwali, Holi, Navratri or any special occasion!
What is Barfi or Burfi?
Burfi is a popular Indian milk based sweet recipe that is prepared during festivals like Diwali or Deepavali, Holi, Rakhi and any special occasions like birthdays and weddings. There are many barfi varieties - but few of my favorites include Besan burfi (barfi), Kaju barfi (kaju katli), Chocolate burfi, Pista Burfi, Almond or Badam Barfi.
What is your favorite barfi flavor? Let me know in the comment below!
How to make Perfect Milk Barfi or Burfi sweet?
Traditionally this requires khoya or mawa - milk solids - and some does need sugar syrup. But I always like to take shortcuts and have prepared using milk powder and this does not require you to make any sugar syrup or check for consistency. This method using milk powder makes it quicker and easier with no compromise in taste if you follow the steps exactly as given below.
First important step is to do the entire process on low flame and keep stirring continuously throughout the process. Else the barfi starts changing its color from the bottom. Stop cooking once the mixture thickens or forms like mass and ghee starts leaving the sides of the pan. Cooking for a long time will make it chewy - which we ideally want to avoid.
I took exactly 10 minutes to cook on low flame once I added everything. The time may vary a little here and there depending on the type and size of pan you use and the intensity of the flame. To check if it is done, take a small piece of the mixture and in a minute or so try to roll it to form a ball. If you are able to do it, it means the barfi is done. It's time for setting it 🙂
You can always garnish barfis with nuts of your choice or edible silver (Vark).
Why is my Barfi not setting?
If your burfi doesn't set, it means you have under cooked the mixture. Put the mixture back on heat, cook for few more minutes till it leaves side of the pan and now set it again.
Why is my Barfi chewy?
Cooking for longer time or over cooked mixture makes your barfi chewy which you would want to avoid. Removing the mixture at right time is the key. Best way to master it is to try with small batch first like any other Indian mithai.
What can be made from milk powder?
Try out this Vienna bread - popular no fail bread recipe. Two of my favorite Indian desserts like gulab jamun and barfi with different flavors (badam pista Barfi) can also be prepared.
What can be used instead of milk powder?
I have not tried it yet but few of my friends and readers have. You can use full fat whole milk for milk powder in the recipe.
Some of my favorite and popular Indian sweets
- Urad dal Laddu (Laddoo)
- Rice kheer / Pudding / Payasam / Doodhpak
- Carrot halwa (Gajar ka halwa)
- Nankhatai
- Kalakand
- Basundi
- Ragi Nankhatai
- Rava coconut laddu
Don't miss to check out my collection of recipes for this festival season.
Step wise recipe for Milk Barfi | Milk Powder Burfi | Fudge | Doodh ki Mithai

Milk Barfi or Milk Burfi is a super delicious, easy to make, melt in mouth Indian sweet or fudge recipe prepared using 5 ingredients in less than 30 minutes. A perfect sweet to make on Diwali, Navratri, Holi, Christmas or any special occasion.
- ⅓ cup Ghee, or Brown Butter
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 3 cups Milk Powder
- ¾ cup Fine sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoon Almonds or Badam Chopped for garnish
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Heat ghee in a pan. If you are using butter, heat till it melts and becomes light golden in color.
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Add whole milk and bring it to boil on low flame. Keep stirring to prevent it from burning at the bottom.
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Once you see the milk start bubbling add the milk powder in increments of ¾ cup and keep whisking while adding so that there are no lumps.
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Continue stirring this on low flame for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add sugar and mix everything together. Continuously keep stirring on low flame for exactly 10 minutes till the mixture forms like a ball or dough and ghee starts separating from the pan. (Check tips)
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Add cardamom powder, mix and switch off the flame.
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Transfer this mixture to a greased plate or pan. Smooth with back of spoon or spatula.
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Garnish with nuts and press gently with spatula. Let this set for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Once it sets cut them into desired shape.
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Milk Burfis or Barfis are now ready. Store in air tight container for 5 days or in refrigerator upto 2 weeks.
- See that the entire process of making burfis is done only on LOW FLAME.
- I took exactly 10 minutes to cook on low flame once I added sugar. The time may vary a little here and there depending on the type and size of pan you use and the intensity of the flame.
- To check if it is done, take a small piece of the mixture and in a minute or so try to roll it to from a ball. If you are able to do it, it means the barfi is done. It's time for setting it 🙂
- You can use any nuts of your choice or edible silver (vark) if desired.
- If your burfi doesn’t set, it means you have under cooked the mixture. Put the mixture back on heat, cook for few more minutes till it leaves side of the pan and now set it again.
- Cooking for longer time or over cooked mixture makes your barfi chewy which you would want to avoid. Removing the mixture at right time is the key. Best way to master it is to try with small batch first like any other Indian mithai.
If you like this barfi or burfi recipe,
Don't miss to check out some of my delicious desserts and sweets to try this festival season.
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Ingredients for Milk Barfi or Milk Powder Burfi
- ⅓ cup Ghee, or Brown Butter
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 3 cups Milk Powder
- ¾ cup Fine sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoon Almonds or Badam Chopped for garnish
Instructions for Barfi or Burfi
Step I
- Heat ghee in a pan. If you are using butter, heat till it melts and become light golden in color.
- Add whole milk and bring it to boil on low flame. Keep stirring to prevent it from burning at the bottom.
- Once you see the milk start bubbling add the milk powder in increments of ¾ cup and keep whisking while adding so that there are no lumps.
- Continue stirring this on low flame for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step II
- Add sugar and mix everything together. Continuously keep stirring on low flame for exactly 10 minutes till the mixture forms like a ball or dough and ghee starts separating from the pan. (Check tips)
- Add cardamom powder,mix and switch off the flame.
Step III
- Transfer this mixture to a greased plate or pan. Smooth with back of spoon or spatula.
- Garnish with nuts and press gently with spatula. Let this set for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Once it sets cut them into desired shape.
- Milk Burfis or Barfis are now ready. Store in air tight container for 5 days or in refrigerator upto 2 weeks.
Recipe Notes
- See that the entire process of making burfis are done only on LOW FLAME.
- I took exactly 10 minutes to cook on low flame once I added sugar. The time may vary a little here and there depending on the type and size of pan you use and the intensity of the flame.
- To check if it is done, take a small piece of the mixture and in a minute or so try to roll it to from a ball. If you are able to do it, it means the barfi is done. It's time for setting it
- You can use any nuts of your choice or edible silver (vark) if desired.

Bernice M Hill
You have such beautiful, inviting photos Kushi! I've had burfi before but I have never tried making it...it's such a sweet treat for celebrating Diwali.
Afia
I made it just now , nice burfi💕
Many thanks for the recipe
Kushi
Thanks alot 🙂
Aleta
Yummm this looks like such a tasty dessert! I have never tried barfi before, but you make it look so easy and delicious that I will be making it for sure!
Stephanie
This looks super easy to make and so good. Can't wait to make this for the holidays!
Emmeline
This sounds super delicious!! I've never tried it but I can tell I would like it just from the pics. And the ingredeint list confirmed it 😉
Amanda
This barfi looks delicious! I love the tip about using powdered milk. I can't wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!
SHANIKA
I've never tried a Barfi, but these look like a great sweet treat option! They look so chewy!
Anita
This is perfect for Diwali. I love your almond and cardamom version, and I also love using pistachios with a bit of rose water. 🙂
Nicole
This looks super interesting! I'd love to try it out for Diwali!
Sylvie
I had never heard of this dessert before but it looks like a delicious sweet treat! Love the cardamon and almonds in there
Helen of Fuss Free Flavours
I love Barfi, it isn't overly sweet and has a delicious texture. Such a lovely treat to have for a celebration. I do think that making with milk powder is so much easier, and it doesn't change the flavour.
Ashley
I can't wait to try this recipe! I've only had Barfi from our dear Indian neighbors during Diwali - how fun for me to make some for them for a change!
Rebecca Blackwell
I had never heard of barfi before reading this post, but it looked so delicious, I had to try it. It's absolute delicious! Almost too delicious - I can't stop eating it! 🙂 I'm such a sucker for cardamom and almonds, and the texture of this dessert is creamy and delicious. Thanks so much for introducing me to such a yummy treat!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
Wow this looks soo good! I have to admit that I have never heard of barfi before but know that I would love it. Plus, I love that it is so thick and rich AND looks super easy to make!
Chichi
I love this recipe. Easy and delicious. The nuts and the powdered milk are my favorite parts of this Fudgy delight. Thanks
Aimee Mars
This looks amazing! I've never had milk barfi burfi before, but it looks really easy to make and turns out so nicely.
Veronika's Kitchen
Looks delicious! I never tried them before, though I definitely should! Saving the recipe!
Tammy
These sound fabulous! I've never tried anything like these before but I'm intrigued to make them! I have all the ingredients too and I just picked up ghee for the first time so now I'm excited 😀
Carrie
I've had barfi a couple of times it so delicious! I love how easy it is to make at home, will have to whip up a batch!
Tex
Hi there, when you say "fine sugar', do you mean icing sugar or caster sugar? I'm assuming icing sugar, but just want to double check before I whip up a batch - this recipe looks delish! 🙂
Kushi
Hello! Please use regular fine sugar or powdered sugar. Not icing sugar.
Tara
Yum! I love how easily this milk barfi comes together. Looks wonderful with those almonds on top.
Traci
What a treat with only 5 ingredients! Didn't realize just how easy it could be! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
I once had these at a friend's home and loved them! Ca't wait to try them myself!
thisiswholesome
this looks like the perfect sweet snack on the go. It looks so yummy!
Jamie
I've tried this a few times and I love it. I've always wondered how to make this and what goes in it and now I know. Thanks for sharing!
Analida Braeger
These are so rich and delicious! My entire family loved them and I need to make them again!
Uma
These sweets are my childhood memories. Perfect treat for Diwali or any occasion. Loved pictures and recipe.
Tara
I hadn't had an Indian dessert until I made this! I can't believe what I have been missing out on. Now to try not to eat it all before I share with my mom!
Femi. O
Never heard of this dish but this reminds me somewhat of Ghanaian Nkatie cakes ( more peanut based though). These look really easy to make so I look forward to trying them!
Debbie
I had never heard of milk powder barfi before but after reading your post it sounds so easy and delicious. I have just about everything to make this, It is on my to do list this week.
Jenni LeBaron
These milk barfi look so delicious! I love the flavors in the brown butter and cardamon because they add such depth to the milk flavors!
Aline
That's so awesome!! I never heard of Indian fudge before and I love the combination of ingredients here and I can't wait to try it!! Pinning it for later!!
Chetan Rathod
Milk Burfis are extremely yummy. I await Diwali because this is the time when my mother prepares Milk Burfis at home. Thank you for sharing this post with all those delectable images of Milk Burfis. I like the way you have topped those Burfis with crushed nuts. A very nice post indeed!
ALICE FROM BEEFSTEAKVEG
wow! this looks like the perfect sweet snack on the go. It looks so yummy!
Roxie
This has been my go to Barfi recipe bringing my favourite treat home during quarantine. I have now tried almond, cashew & pistachio. So excited about my 3rd attempt which is for my mum on Mother’s Day.
Chrissy Taylor
i have tried to make this many times without success but im happy to say that this method works really well. thankyou for sharing this
Parul
What if my burfi becomes chewy?? Can I correct it. Pls tell
Kushi
Unfortunately, no. It can get chewy when overcooked.
Shahed Akhtar
Mmmmmm Deliciously creamy, craving satisfied :)... Thank you
Gloria
Hubby is a sweet tooth....and a fudge lover. I will have to surprise him with this. Sounds like a very tasty version...and one he has not tried before. I love all the nuts!!
HEATHER PERINE
This dessert is a new one to me, but something I need to try. Thanks for the tips and simplifying using milk powder 🙂
Tammy
OOh my I definitely want to make these! They sound like a lovely sweet treat and I love cardamom!
Elaine
I just never get tired of burfi. Fantastic dessert that is so easy to make. I can't wait to give your recipe a try now as the result is absolutely magnificent!
Lori | The
Oh wow what a delicious looking and sounding recipe! I've never heard of it and am seriously LOVING how this looks! I love the simplicity of it as well! Thank you so much for sharing
Veronika
Wow! I never had Barfi before but it looks absolutely delicious! Love that it's so easy to make and you need just a few ingredients!
Paula Montenegro
I had never heard about this recipe, but any fudge that is easy and looks this delicious is definitely worth making! Thanks for sharing.
Jenny
It I always exciting to find something new. Milk Barfi looks so exciting and inviting to me I am definitely going to try them. Thank you for the detailed recipe!
Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey
This sounds delicious - one of my favourite Indian sweets! Yours look sgreat
LotusFern
Looking forward to trying this recipe! For the milk powder, do you recommend nonfat, low-fat, or whole milk powder, or does it not matter?
Kushi
Thanks dear. I have used nonfat but I hope anything should work. Do let me know how these barfi turned out!
Jen
Love that it's so easy to make! We're always up for trying new things, especially something sweet.
Annie Ngai
I have never heard of Barfi before, but reading your post and looking at your photos, I want to make it!! I love homemade fudge, so I have a feeling I will love this sweet treat! I have some milk powder in the cupboard and think I have all the other ingredients too, so will definitely try it!
Krissy Allori
My mouth is watering. Looks like the perfect treat!
Amanda Marie Boyle
This looks really good, like a lighter treat.
Maria
I've never tried barfi before, but this one looks yummy! Will try this for the kids <3
Deesha
I made this today following the recipe to the T it turned out amazing
Jaya
Worked out perfect🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sharmila Ashok Agre
Yummmmm Burfilicious!! Just Superb!!
Manjit Kaur
I made this barfi for 2nd time I added red food coloring and strawberry flavour was delicious
Thank you khushi my family loved it ❤
Kushi
Thanks alot dear. That flavor sounds amazing too.
Cosette
The barfi sounds like a delicious Indian dessert. Will have to try it out!