Besan Burfi with Milk Powder (No Khoya, No Condensed Milk)

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

Besan Burfi with Milk Powder

I’ve never been a fan of store-bought mithai. There’s something about those overly sweet, overly glossy pieces that just don’t hit the spot. That’s why, over the years, I’ve come to treasure my mom’s homemade sweets — and this Besan Burfi with Milk Powder is...

Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min
Besan Burfi with Milk Powder       (No Khoya, No Condensed Milk) recipe

Ingredients

16 Servings
(1 serving = 1 piece)

For the Sugar Syrup

  • 1/3cup
    sugar
  • 1 1/4cup
    water
  • 1/4tsp
    green cardamom powder
  • 1tsp
    kewra water

For the Burfi

  • 1cup
    melted ghee
  • 2cups
    besan (gram flour)
  • 1cup
    milk powder
  • 1
    handful chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)

How to make Besan Burfi with Milk Powder (No Khoya, No Condensed Milk)

Prep the Tray

  1. Grease a tray or steel plate and line it with parchment paper. Set aside. Chop the nuts and keep them ready for garnishing.

Make the Sugar Syrup

  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

  2. Add cardamom powder and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.

  3. Continue cooking until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency, about 8–10 minutes. To check, place a drop between your fingers: when gently pulled apart, it should form a single thread. Turn off the heat and set aside.

    Step 2.1: Continue cooking until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency, about 8–10 minutes

Cook the Besan Mixture

  1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee on medium heat.

  2. Add the besan and roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns golden, aromatic, and the ghee begins to separate.

    Step 3.1: Add the besan and roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns golden, aromatic, and the ghee begins to separate
    Step 3.2: Add the besan and roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns golden, aromatic, and the ghee begins to separate
  3. Add the milk powder and mix well until combined.

    Step 3.1: Add the milk powder and mix well until combined
    Step 3.2: Add the milk powder and mix well until combined
  4. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the prepared sugar syrup. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.

    Step 3.1: Lower the heat and slowly pour in the prepared sugar syrup
    Step 3.2: Lower the heat and slowly pour in the prepared sugar syrup
  5. Cook the mixture until it thickens and comes together like a soft dough. This usually takes a few minutes. Turn off the heat.

    Step 3.1: Cook the mixture until it thickens and comes together like a soft dough

Set the Burfi

  1. Immediately transfer the mixture into the prepared tray. Use a spatula to spread and flatten it evenly.

    Step 4.1: Immediately transfer the mixture into the prepared tray
  2. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top and gently press them in.

    Step 4.1: Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top and gently press them in
  3. Let the burfi sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm.

    Step 4.1: Let the burfi sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm
  4. Once set, cut into squares or diamonds. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

    Step 4.1: Once set, cut into squares or diamonds
    Step 4.2: Once set, cut into squares or diamonds

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

170.4kcal (8.52%)

Protein

3.3g (6.64%)

Carbs

12.7g (4.63%)

Sugars

5.2g (10.4%)

Healthy Fat

5.5g

Unhealthy Fat

9.6g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Stir continuously on low-medium heat until besan turns golden and aromatic. Rushing this step can give a raw taste.

  2. Don't overcook the sugar syrup — aim for a single-thread consistency for the perfect set.

  3. If it’s too warm or humid, refrigerate the burfi after 30 minutes of resting at room temperature for a clean cut and firm set.

FAQS

  1. What is the purpose of kewra water in the recipe?

    Kewra water is used for its aromatic properties, adding a fragrant touch to the burfi.

  2. Can I use other types of nuts for garnishing?

    Yes, you can use any nuts of your choice, such as walnuts or pecans, for garnishing.

  3. How do I know when the sugar syrup is ready?

    The sugar syrup is ready when it reaches a one-string consistency, which can be tested by placing a drop between your fingers and gently pulling apart to form a single thread.

  4. How should I store the burfi?

    Store the burfi in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

  5. What should I do if the burfi doesn't set properly?

    If the burfi doesn't set properly, refrigerate it for a longer period to help it firm up.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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