Rating: 3.63
(69)

Coconut Barfi

August 30, 2023

Coconut barfi is one of those classic treats that instantly brings comfort and nostalgia. Whether you grew up enjoying it during festive seasons or discovered it later in life, this simple yet indulgent sweet has a timeless charm. With its soft, chewy texture and rich coconut flavor, coconut barfi captures the essence of traditional Indian sweets while remaining wonderfully easy to enjoy year-round.

At its core, coconut barfi is a celebration of just a few ingredients – grated coconut, sugar, and milk – that come together to create something magical. It’s sweet but not overpowering, and the natural flavor of coconut takes center stage. Some versions are finished with a touch of cardamom, adding warmth and a fragrant twist that elevates each bite.

Visually, coconut barfi often looks like little squares of edible snow. It’s common to find it cut into neat diamonds or rectangles, sometimes topped with slivered almonds or silver leaf for a festive flair. But even without the extra garnish, the texture alone makes it feel special – slightly crumbly on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can make it with fresh, frozen, or desiccated coconut, depending on what you have on hand. Some versions use condensed milk for extra richness, while others stick to more traditional methods. Regardless of the variation, the essence remains the same: comforting, coconutty goodness.

Coconut barfi is especially popular during holidays like Diwali, Holi, or Raksha Bandhan, but there’s no need to wait for a celebration. It’s perfect for gifting, for afternoon tea, or just as a sweet little pick-me-up after a long day. For those who enjoy making treats at home, it’s also an approachable recipe that doesn’t require fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients.

In a world full of modern desserts, coconut barfi holds its own as a beloved traditional sweet that continues to win hearts with its simplicity, flavor, and cultural richness.

Coconut Barfi
Coconut Barfi
3.63 from 69 votes
Delicious and sweet coconut barfi recipe
Servings 9 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups grated coconut
  • 1 cup condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1 tbsp Nuts almonds, pistachios) for garnish, cashews, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a pan, heat ghee over medium heat.
  • Add the grated coconut and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it releases its aroma.
  • Add the condensed milk and milk to the pan and mix well.
  • Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
  • Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or tray and spread it evenly.
  • Garnish with chopped nuts and press them lightly into the mixture.
  • Allow the barfi to cool completely and then cut it into square or diamond shapes.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 15gFiber: 2g
Calories: 250kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: dessert, desserts
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: >45 Min
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar cleo.rippin95 says:

    4 stars
    I thought barfi was supposed to be more solid? Mine came out too soft, maybe I cooked it too long?

  2. 5 stars
    Loved this recipe! The barfi turned out just like my grandma used to make. Thanks!

    1. User avatar wellRespected says:

      5 stars
      So glad you loved it! This recipe really brings back memories. 😍

    2. 3 stars
      I tried it but my barfi turned out too sticky. What did I do wrong?

  3. User avatar arlen.kshlerin8 says:

    2 stars
    Wasn’t a fan. It turned out too sticky and didn’t taste like the ones I had in India. Maybe I did something wrong?

    1. 4 stars
      I think the secret is in cooking it just right. Did you let it cook long enough? That’s what helps it not be sticky.

    2. User avatar Zaphod Beeblebrox says:

      3 stars
      Maybe you should try using less milk? Mine came out great! But hey, everyone has their own taste.

  4. User avatar jacquiline.auer says:

    5 stars
    I made this for Diwali and everyone loved it. So easy!

    1. 5 stars
      That’s awesome to hear! Coconut barfi is such a crowd-pleaser. Happy Diwali!

  5. 4 stars
    Do you really need the ghee? Can it be made without that? I’m on a diet!

    1. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

      4 stars
      You can probably make it without ghee, but it won’t taste the same. Ghee adds richness! Maybe just use less? 🤷‍♀️

    2. User avatar Random Dent says:

      3 stars
      Why use ghee? Just skip it, it should be fine. Just more coconut and milk will make it nice. 😊

  6. 3 stars
    I like it! But not as sweet as I thought it’d be. Maybe add more condensed milk next time? 🤷‍♂️

  7. User avatar Lee Leannon III says:

    4 stars
    I just threw everything in a blender, didn’t even follow the steps. It was still good!

    1. User avatar linette.durgan says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! Sometimes cooking is all about being creative. Glad it turned out good for you! 😊

  8. User avatar grant.borer16 says:

    1 star
    How do u even make barfi? This seemed hard when I tried…

  9. User avatar giovanni.crona says:

    3 stars
    It was ok, but too sweet for my taste. Maybe less condensed milk next time?

  10. User avatar laurel.marvin says:

    4 stars
    This was easy and quick! I used shredded coconut instead of grated and it still turned out yummy. Will make again! 👍

  11. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    4 stars
    Easy recipe! However, I think it needs more sugar. Can I add some?

    1. User avatar Franklyn Ullrich says:

      4 stars
      You can definitely add more sugar if you like it sweeter! Just remember, too much sugar can change the texture a bit.

  12. User avatar emory.wiegand says:

    1 star
    Coconut barfi? More like coconut BLAHfi. 🙄

  13. User avatar Mr. Arnette Kessler says:

    3 stars
    Too sweet for my taste. I will reduce the condensed milk next time.

  14. User avatar Seymour Braun says:

    4 stars
    Barfi turned out great! I used coconut flakes instead, still awesome!

  15. User avatar randal.murazik41 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t have ghee. Can I just use butter instead? Asking for a friend.

  16. User avatar Corrupted Shade says:

    4 stars
    Coconut barfi is my favorites!! Yummy in my tummy!!

  17. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    4 stars
    Does anyone else see the typo? It says 1/4 cup milk but I think it should be 1/2. Just saying.

  18. User avatar kathryne.bogan says:

    3 stars
    I tried this but it turned out too soggy. Maybe I added too much milk. 🤔

    1. User avatar riley.prohaska1986 says:

      4 stars
      I’ve had a similar issue! Maybe try reducing the milk a bit next time? You’ll get a firmer texture. 😊

    2. User avatar joanna.lowe says:

      3 stars
      Soggy? That’s weird… I used the same ingredients and it was fine. Maybe it’s just luck? 🤷‍♂️

  19. User avatar calvin.parker15 says:

    2 stars
    Too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut down on the condensed milk next time.

  20. User avatar jed.treutel says:

    3 stars
    I tried this yesterday, but it wouldn’t set properly. What did I do wrong?

    1. User avatar davis.schimmel46 says:

      4 stars
      Sounds like you might not have cooked it long enough. It needs to thicken well before you set it. Better luck next time!

    2. 3 stars
      Maybe you added too much milk? It can be finicky. I usually just skip the milk and it works great!

  21. User avatar zona.franecki says:

    5 stars
    This is the recipe I needed! I subbed with dark chocolate and it was A-MA-ZING!

  22. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! Just made it and it turned out delicious. My family loved it! 😍

  23. User avatar jamar.gorczany59 says:

    5 stars
    This barfi is so delicious! I can’t believe how easy it was to make. My family loved it!

    1. 5 stars
      So glad you enjoyed it! This recipe is a winner for sure! 😊

  24. 3 stars
    Just ok. Not enough coconut flavor for me, and I used fresh coconut! 🤷‍♀️

  25. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    2 stars
    Not bad, but I’ve had better. The taste is okay but texture is off.

    1. 4 stars
      I totally agree! The texture can be a bit weird. Maybe try adding more ghee next time? Could help!

    2. 3 stars
      Honestly, I think it’s fine. You just gotta get used to the texture. Coconut barfi ain’t for everyone! 🤷‍♂️

  26. 3 stars
    I tried this but mine turned out too sticky. Did I cook it too long? 🙁

    1. User avatar Bilbo Baggins says:

      4 stars
      You might have overcooked it. It’s tough to get the timing right at first. Next time, try checking it a bit sooner! 😊

    2. User avatar rufina.stark says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, maybe the recipe’s off? Mine never turned sticky. I just follow the time exactly and it works fine.

  27. 3 stars
    Barfi? I thought it was a juice recipe! LOL. I still want to try it though.

  28. 2 stars
    I don’t know, mine didn’t set properly. It was super sticky and a mess. What did I do wrong? 🤔

    1. 4 stars
      I had the same issue! I think I didn’t cook it long enough. It needs to thicken more. Keep stirring until it pulls away from the pan! 😊

    2. 3 stars
      Maybe just let it sit out longer to cool, sometimes it sets better after more time. Or you might have too much milk? Just a thought.

  29. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    5 stars
    So good! I added some chocolate chips to mine. Can’t go wrong with chocolate, right? 🍫

    1. User avatar lyndsay.howe1989 says:

      3 stars
      Really? Chocolate with coconut? Sounds weird to me, but whatever floats your boat! 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar Homer Conn says:

      5 stars
      Chocolate chips sound like a delicious idea! I might try that next time. 🍫😋

  30. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    5 stars
    OMG! So good! I added some chocolate chips on top too. Life changing!!

  31. 5 stars
    I thought it was gonna be hard, but it was nice and chewy. Wow!

  32. User avatar Effrafax of Wug says:

    1 star
    Coconut barfi? More like coconut mess! I don’t get it.

  33. User avatar royce.rohan35 says:

    5 stars
    YUMMM!!! Just made this and I’m definitely making it again. Coconut barfi rocks!

    1. 5 stars
      So glad you loved it! Coconut barfi is such a treat. Did you try adding different nuts?

  34. User avatar francina.mayer says:

    5 stars
    Coconut is sooo yum! This is my new favorite dessert. 👍

  35. User avatar Gurney Halleck says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is AMAZING! Just like my grandma used to make. Thanks for sharing!

  36. 1 star
    how much condensed milk? I think you forgot to mention it!

  37. User avatar jesse.reinger says:

    1 star
    This ain’t barfi! It’s just a coconut mishmash, lol. Never gonna convince me this is real Indian sweet!

  38. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

    5 stars
    This is the best coconut barfi recipe EVER! So delicious and easy to make.

  39. User avatar carl.reynolds86 says:

    2 stars
    Cardamom? Never heard of it! What even is that?? Can I just skip it?

  40. User avatar jon.howell54 says:

    2 stars
    I tried making it, but it didn’t thicken up much. What did I do wrong?

  41. User avatar caroyln.walker67 says:

    3 stars
    Yum! But why do you have to add so much milk? Seems like too much dairy to me.

  42. User avatar Vladimir Harkonnen says:

    4 stars
    Not sure if this is authentic, but it tasted good. I used sweetened coconut.

  43. User avatar henry.hoppe says:

    4 stars
    Nice recipe! I used shredded coconut from a bag, still turned out yummy! 🙌

  44. User avatar valarie.koepp says:

    5 stars
    Simple and quick. Plus, it makes my house smell amazing!

  45. 5 stars
    Yum! My kids loved it. Perfect treat for Diwali!

  46. User avatar tracey.romaguera2018 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The coconut flavor is spot on. My family loved it!

3.63 from 69 votes
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