How to make Trinidad Barfi

Calendar icon Published: Jan 7th 2021 by Narandradath Jaikaran
Clock icon Last updated: Dec 15th 2024
Read time: 5 mins
Cuisine:
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Multiple Trinidad Barfi on a plate

Trinidad Barfi is a beloved sweet treat often enjoyed during festive celebrations like Diwali, Eid, and traditional prayers. This rich, creamy dessert has its roots in Indian cuisine, but it’s become a local favorite in Trinidad with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, spiced flavor. 

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add a twist with pistachios, cashews, or even dried berries, this versatile Trini Barfi is sure to be a hit at any gathering. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and flavor, making it a must-have for celebrations.

This Trinidad Barfi recipe combines the rich flavors of milk powder, sugar, and spices to create a melt-in-your-mouth treat that's perfect for festive celebrations. Whether you're making it for Diwali, Eid, or a family gathering, this versatile recipe allows you to add your favorite flavors like pistachios or almonds. Plus, it's quick and easy to prepare, with minimal cooking time.

  • Make sure to boil the sugar syrup long enough to achieve the right consistency. This ensures the Barfi sets perfectly.
  • If the mixture doesn't set, place it in the fridge to firm up faster.
  • Use a silicone pastry brush to grease the pan evenly, preventing the Barfi from sticking.

Enjoy Trinidad Barfi as a sweet snack after a meal or during festive occasions like Diwali and Eid. Serve it with tea or coffee, or add it to a dessert platter with other traditional sweets like Gulab Jamun or Jalebi.

  • Sugar Alternative: Use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol for a healthier option.
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute the Nestle Cream with coconut cream for a vegan version.
  • Flavor Additions: Add chopped pistachios, almonds, or cashews for extra texture and flavor.

Store Trinidad Barfi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the Barfi for up to 7 days. Avoid leaving it out for too long, as it may get soggy due to the sugar syrup.

  • Full Cream Milk Powder: The base of this recipe, adding a creamy texture.
  • Nestle Cream: Provides moisture and richness.
  • Melted Butter: Adds a smooth, buttery flavor.
  • Water: Essential for creating the sugar syrup.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps bind the Barfi together.
  • Grated Ginger: Adds warmth and a slight spice.
  • Ground Cardamom: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic qualities.
  • Nutmeg Powder: Adds a hint of earthy spice.
  • Candy Sprinkles: For added texture and a fun look.

Why is my burfi not setting?

Chances are your Barfi may not set due to the fact that the water and sugar mixture did not reach the proper temperature or wasn't boiled long enough to make the syrup that sticks Barfi together.

Make sure to boil the sugar and water long enough so that it thickens. About 2-3 minutes on medium heat should do the trick.

Does barfi need to be refrigerated?

Barfi does not need to be refrigerated, although it may get soggy if left at room temperature for too long due to the sugar syrup that is added to it. If you want a firmer result that lasts longer, you can leave it in the fridge.

How long will barfi last?

Barfi will last covered in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Is Burfi good for health?

Barfi contains a rather high amount of granulated sugar, making this not the most healthy treat.

Substitute the granulated sugar by using a sugar alternative to lower the carbs and calories and not spike your blood sugar levels.

Can I make Trinidad Barfi dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the Nestle Cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. It will give the Barfi a slightly different flavor but still delicious.

How to Make Trinidad Barfi

To make Trinidad Barfi, start by mixing full cream milk powder with Nestle cream to form a crumbly texture. In a small pot, boil water with granulated sugar and grated ginger to create a syrup. Once the syrup has thickened, pour it into the milk powder mixture and stir thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into a greased dish, sprinkle candy sprinkles on top, and press the mixture gently. Let it cool and set, preferably overnight in the refrigerator. Once set, cut into small squares and enjoy!

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Time & Serves

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
13 mins
Serves
50 small squares

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Full Cream Milk Powder

  • 3/4 tin Nestle Cream

  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter

  • 1/2 cup Water

  • 2 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar

  • 2 tablespoons Grated Ginger

  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cardamom

  • 1 pinch of Nutmeg Powder

  • Candy Sprinkles

Instructions

Mix milk powder with Nestle cream until it reaches a crumbly texture. Then sift.

Sideview of ingredients being mixed in a bowl using a spatula

Using a silicone pastry brush, grease a baking dish with melted butter and dust with candy sprinkles.

Arial of a rectangular dish being brushed with a silicone brush

Using a small pot, boil water with sugar and ginger and add cardamom as well as nutmeg.

Overview of a pot of ginger and spices being boiled

Wait for the liquid to boil down to a reduced yet watery syrup, then quickly pour into the milk powder. Stir thoroughly using a whisk.

Liquid from a pot being mixed with ingredients in a bowl using a whisk

Pour the mixture into a greased dish. Add more sprinkles on top and press gently.

Barfi ingredients pressed into a pan being topped with sprinkles

Cut before fully set and let it cool overnight in the refrigerator.

Trinidad barfi being cut into squares using a chef's knife
Narandradath Jaikaran
Author:
Cake Engineer & Bakery Consultant

More posts by Narandradath Jaikaran

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