Rose Coconut Burfi Recipe – Vegan Indian Sweet with Pistachios

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Coconut Burfi Recipe – Vegan Indian Sweet With Pistachios

Hey everyone! If you’ve ever craved that melt-in-your-mouth Indian sweet, burfi, but follow a vegan lifestyle, you’re in for a treat. I remember the first time I tried to make a vegan version of this classic – it took a few tries to get the texture just right, but trust me, this Rose Coconut Burfi is worth every second. It’s fragrant, creamy, and utterly delicious. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rose Coconut Burfi is a delightful twist on a traditional Indian sweet. It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the rose syrup and cardamom. Plus, it’s completely vegan, making it accessible to everyone! It’s perfect for festivals, special occasions, or just when you need a little something sweet.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy burfi:

• 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup (240ml) vegan creamer (almond + coconut)
• ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) rose syrup
• 1 tsp (5ml) rose water
• ¼ tsp (1.25ml) cardamom powder
• ⅛ tsp (0.625ml) ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp (30ml) chopped pistachios, cashews, almonds
• 1 tsp (5ml) vegan ghee
• 1 tbsp (15ml) edible rose petals (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little things can make a big difference!

Coconut Milk: Full-Fat vs. Light
Full-fat coconut milk is key here. It provides the richness and creaminess that makes burfi so special. Light coconut milk just won’t give you the same texture.

Vegan Creamer Blend: Almond & Coconut – Why This Combination?
I love using a blend of almond and coconut creamer. The almond adds a subtle nutty flavor, while the coconut boosts the overall creaminess. You can experiment with other vegan creamers, but this combo is my go-to.

Rose Syrup: Authenticity and Flavor Profile
Good quality rose syrup is essential for that authentic rose flavor. Look for brands that use real rose petals. It really elevates the whole dessert!

Vegan Ghee: Choosing the Right Brand
Vegan ghee helps prevent sticking and adds a lovely richness. There are some great brands available now – I usually go for one made with coconut oil.

Spice Blend: Cardamom & Nutmeg – Regional Variations
Cardamom and nutmeg are classic Indian flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount of cardamom to your liking – some people prefer a stronger spice flavor. In some regions, a pinch of saffron is also added for color and aroma.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, chop your nuts (pistachios, cashews, and almonds) uniformly. Then, in a small pan, heat the vegan ghee and roast the nuts for about 30 seconds until lightly golden. Set them aside – we’ll use them for garnish later, but keeping some aside is important!
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan (this is important to prevent sticking!), combine the full-fat coconut milk and vegan creamer. Simmer over low-medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring regularly. Don’t rush this step – we want the mixture to thicken slightly.
3. Now, add the powdered sugar and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture has thickened further. Stir in the roasted nuts, reserving some for garnish.
4. Keep cooking for about 10 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the pan to incorporate any milk solids that form. This is where the magic happens – those milk solids add so much flavor and texture!
5. Remove the pan from the heat. Gently mix in the rose syrup, rose water, cardamom powder, and nutmeg. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
6. Once cooled, transfer the burfi mixture to a greased tray or container. Garnish with the reserved chopped nuts and edible rose petals. Let it set completely (you can chill it in the fridge to speed things up). Then, cut into squares and serve!

Expert Tips

• A heavy-bottomed pan is your best friend for this recipe. It prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Don’t stop stirring! Constant stirring is key to preventing the burfi from burning or sticking.
• Be patient. The simmering process takes time, but it’s essential for developing the right texture.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation (Already Vegan!)
Woohoo! This recipe is already 100% vegan.

Gluten-Free Adaptation (Naturally Gluten-Free)
Good news – this recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Spice Level: Adjusting Cardamom Intensity
My family loves a strong cardamom flavor, so I tend to add a little extra. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.

Festival Adaptations: Holi, Diwali, or Special Occasions
This burfi is perfect for any celebration! For Diwali, you could add a pinch of silver leaf (vark) for a festive touch. For Holi, you could use natural food coloring to create vibrant, colorful burfi squares.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Rose Coconut Burfi chilled or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, or you can pair it with a cup of chai. It’s also a lovely addition to an Indian sweets platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the burfi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs

What is Burfi and what makes this recipe unique?
Burfi is a traditional Indian milk-based sweet, known for its dense, fudge-like texture. This recipe is unique because it’s completely vegan, using coconut milk and creamer to achieve that same creamy texture without any dairy.

Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even sesame seeds.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of the burfi?
You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your liking. Start with ½ cup and add more gradually, tasting as you go.

What is the best way to ensure the burfi doesn’t stick to the pan?
Using a heavy-bottomed pan and stirring constantly are the best ways to prevent sticking. Also, the vegan ghee helps create a non-stick surface.

Can this burfi be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the burfi a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Where can I find good quality rose syrup?
You can find rose syrup at Indian grocery stores, online retailers, or even some specialty food stores.

What is the shelf life of this vegan burfi?
This vegan burfi will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator.