Vanilla Chocolate Barfi Recipe – Easy Indian Sweet Treat

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Vanilla Chocolate Barfi Recipe – Easy Indian Sweet Treat

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you have a serious sweet tooth, and you love a good Indian mithai. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s become a total favorite in my family – Vanilla Chocolate Barfi. It’s a delightful combination of classic vanilla barfi and rich chocolate, and honestly, it’s easier to make than you might think! I first made this for a Diwali get-together, and it disappeared within minutes. Seriously!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vanilla Chocolate Barfi is the perfect treat for so many reasons. It’s creamy, decadent, and has that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture that all good barfi should have. Plus, the combination of vanilla and chocolate is just chef’s kiss. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, even if you’re new to Indian sweets.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious barfi:

• ¾ cup milk powder (about 170g)
• ⅓ cup milk (about 80ml)
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (about 60g)
• 1.5 tablespoons melted ghee (about 22ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla essence (about 2.5ml)
• 1.5 teaspoons cocoa powder (about 6g)
• 1 tablespoon choco chips (about 7g)
• 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or cashews work great – about 7g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using good quality ingredients really makes a difference.

• Ghee: Ghee is essential for that authentic Indian flavor and rich texture. I prefer using homemade ghee, but a good quality store-bought ghee works perfectly too. You can find different types of ghee depending on your region – some are more fragrant than others.
• Milk Powder: Full-fat milk powder gives the best, creamiest results. It’s the key to getting that perfect barfi texture. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores, or even in the baking aisle of larger supermarkets.
• Cocoa Powder: I like to use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a smoother, less acidic taste, but natural cocoa powder works just fine too!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat the ghee in a non-stick pan over low heat. This is important – low and slow is the key to preventing sticking and burning.
2. Pour in the milk and vanilla essence. Give it a good stir.
3. Now, add the milk powder. Whisk continuously until everything is smooth and well combined. No lumps allowed!
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to whisk. Keep stirring!
5. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly. This is where your arm gets a workout! It will start to thicken and come together. Keep going until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan – that’s how you know it’s ready.
6. Transfer the vanilla mixture to a greased square or rectangular pan. Use a spatula to flatten it out evenly. Set this aside while we make the chocolate layer.
7. In the same pan (no need to wash it!), mix the cocoa powder with a little water to form a paste.
8. Repeat the cooking process from steps 3-5, but this time use the cocoa paste instead of vanilla essence. And don’t forget to add those choco chips!
9. Gently spread the chocolate layer over the vanilla layer.
10. Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the chocolate layer and press them in gently.
11. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to allow the barfi to set completely.
12. Once set, cut into squares or diamond shapes and serve!

Expert Tips

• Don’t rush the cooking process! Low and slow is the way to go. Patience is key to getting the perfect texture.
• Use a non-stick pan. Trust me, it will save you a lot of headache.
• Grease the pan well. This will prevent the barfi from sticking and make it easier to cut.
• Stir, stir, stir! Constant stirring is essential to prevent the mixture from burning and sticking.

Variations

• Cardamom Kiss: Add a pinch of cardamom powder to the vanilla layer for a fragrant twist. My grandmother always added cardamom to her barfi, and it’s divine.
• Pistachio Delight: Use only pistachios for the chopped nuts, or even add a little pistachio paste to the vanilla layer for extra flavor.
• Rose Romance: Add a few drops of rose water to the vanilla layer for a floral aroma.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this barfi vegan? No problem!

• Substitute the ghee with a vegan butter alternative.
• Ensure your choco chips are dairy-free.
• Use plant-based milk powder.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your choco chips are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.

Spice Level

This barfi is traditionally not spicy. However, a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a very small amount of ginger powder can add a subtle warmth.

Festival Adaptations

This barfi is perfect for any Indian festival! It’s especially popular during Diwali and Holi. You can even package it up beautifully as a gift for friends and family.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this barfi with a glass of warm milk or a cup of chai. It’s also delicious on its own as a sweet treat after a meal.

Storage Instructions

Store the barfi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

FAQs

What is Barfi and what makes this recipe special?

Barfi is a traditional Indian sweet made from milk solids, sugar, and often flavored with nuts, spices, or chocolate. This recipe is special because it combines the classic vanilla barfi with a rich chocolate layer for a delightful twist.

Can I use full-fat milk powder for a richer taste?

Absolutely! Full-fat milk powder will give you the creamiest, most decadent barfi. It’s highly recommended.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of the barfi?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar. Start with the amount listed in the recipe and taste as you go.

What is the best way to ensure the barfi sets properly?

Make sure to cook the mixture until it leaves the sides of the pan. Then, refrigerate it for at least 30-60 minutes to allow it to set completely.

Can I make this barfi ahead of time?

Yes, you can! It actually tastes even better after a day or two in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this Vanilla Chocolate Barfi. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!