If there’s one dessert that captures the sheer joy of celebration, it’s Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling. Imagine bite-sized orbs so soft they practically melt on your tongue, brimming with a creamy, nutty center and bathed in aromatic rose-kissed syrup. This is a truly decadent twist on the classic Indian sweet, perfect for sharing with guests or savoring at a slow, quiet family dinner. Every element—from the rich filling to the fragrant syrup—sings together in unforgettable harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling are surprisingly straightforward when you break down each component. Every ingredient here has a purpose, ensuring authenticity, lush flavor, and that famous soft texture, so don’t skip or swap unless you absolutely have to!
- Milk powder: Provides the signature softness and milky richness that makes every bite heavenly.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the dough structure and keeps those jamuns delightfully tender.
- Baking soda: Your secret weapon for ensuring the dough puffs beautifully as it fries.
- Ghee (clarified butter): Adds a rich, nutty flavor and essential moisture—plus, it’s traditional!
- Whole milk: Binds everything together, so the dough is smooth and easy to shape.
- Heavy cream: Forms the luxurious base for the creamy pistachio filling.
- Pistachios (finely chopped): Lend color, crunch, and a subtle earthy taste to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without making it gritty.
- Cardamom powder: Perfumes both the dough and cream with warm, aromatic magic.
- Sugar: Essential for the syrup, bringing sweetness and that glossy finish.
- Water: For dissolving sugar and infusing spices in the syrup.
- Cardamom pods: Deepens the syrup’s aroma and adds subtle spice.
- Rose water or rose essence: A traditional touch that gives the syrup floral sophistication.
- Ghee or oil (for frying): Required for achieving that golden exterior, use ghee for classic flavor.
How to Make Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Syrup
Start by making the soul of this dessert—the syrup. Combine sugar, water, cardamom pods, and rose water in a saucepan set over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. The syrup should be sticky, but not overly dense. Set aside and keep it warm so the little jamun stars can soak up every drop later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream and Pistachio Filling
The heart of Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling is, naturally, the luscious stuffing! Whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and finely chopped pistachios until thick and luscious. Pop this mix into the refrigerator to firm up, making it less likely to ooze out during assembly. Every bite should surprise with cool cream and toasty nut crunch.
Step 3: Make and Shape the Dough
In a large bowl, mix milk powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ghee using gentle fingers. Gradually pour in the whole milk and knead just until you form a soft, smooth, pliable dough—don’t overwork it! The dough should feel like a soft pillow, not sticky or dry.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Jamuns
Divide your dough into 12 even pieces. Gently flatten each one into a disc, then place a chilled dollop of pistachio cream filling in the center. Carefully pinch the edges together, sealing the cream inside, and roll gently between your palms to make a smooth, crack-free ball. Take your time—if the dough cracks, patch it with a touch of milk. Overstuffing is tempting, but a little filling goes a long way!
Step 5: Fry the Stuffed Gulab Jamuns
Warm ghee or oil in a deep pan over low to medium heat. Test it with a tiny bit of dough; if it bubbles and rises slowly, it’s perfect. Fry the stuffed balls in batches, turning gently so all sides turn a deep, glorious gold. Don’t rush—slow frying ensures even cooking and that heavenly texture. Drain on paper towels for a moment to keep them light.
Step 6: Soak in Syrup
While still warm, transfer the fried jamuns straight into the warm syrup. Let them soak for at least 1 hour. This essential step infuses every layer with cardamom and rose, and transforms crusty outsides into pillowy perfection. The result? The dreamiest Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling you’ll ever taste.
How to Serve Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle extra chopped pistachios or edible rose petals on top before serving. Not only does this highlight the gorgeous filling, but it adds color, freshness, and a little crunch. Gold or silver leaf makes these truly celebration-worthy if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This show-stopping dessert pairs beautifully with light accompaniments. Try serving with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream, or alongside sliced fresh fruit, like mango, for a balancing touch. If it’s a festival feast, these sit proudly beside other classics like rasmalai or kheer.
Creative Ways to Present
If you love a little drama, arrange your Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling in glass bowls so the syrup glistens invitingly. For parties, serve individual portions in small cups with a pipette of extra syrup, or skewer on mini sticks for a playful dessert platter. A dribble of saffron milk over each adds both elegance and an extra burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover jamuns stay delicious for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure they’re covered in syrup to keep them moist. Before serving again, let them sit at room temperature briefly, so the filling softens and the flavors bloom.
Freezing
You can freeze Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling, but skip the syrup. Lay the fried and cooled jamuns in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and soak in fresh warm syrup before serving for best results.
Reheating
Warm the jamuns gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, making sure not to overheat. If they’re in syrup, a brief thirty-second zap in the microwave does the trick. Alternatively, pour a little syrup in a saucepan and warm them slowly—low and gentle keeps the filling from melting out.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut for the filling?
Absolutely! While pistachios are classic, you can substitute with almonds or cashews. Just be sure to chop them finely for the smoothest filling experience.
Why did my gulab jamuns crack or burst during frying?
This usually happens if there are cracks in the dough or if you overfilled the jamuns. Be gentle while sealing, avoid over-stuffing, and always cover the filling completely to keep things intact during frying.
Is there a way to make these healthier?
For a lighter take, you can try baking the balls instead of deep frying, though the texture will differ. Using part-skim milk powder and reducing the sugar slightly can also help—but these are meant to be festive treat indulgences!
Can I make Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making them a day ahead allows the syrup to soak in more thoroughly, resulting in ultra-soft jamuns. Just store them chilled and garnish right before serving to keep things fresh.
What’s the best way to ensure the filling stays creamy?
Chilling the filling before assembly helps it keep its shape inside the jamun during frying. Also, don’t fry on high heat, as rapid cooking can cause the filling to bubble out or the dough to split.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes that every sweet lover should try at least once—Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling are the ultimate treat for festive tables or heartfelt celebrations. Whether you serve them warm, chilled, or somewhere in between, they promise memories as sweet as their flavor. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the most luxurious gulab jamuns you’ll ever create!
PrintStuffed Gulab Jamuns with Cream and Pistachio Filling Recipe
Indulge in the decadent flavors of these Stuffed Gulab Jamuns with a rich cream and pistachio filling. These traditional Indian sweets are a perfect treat for special occasions or festive celebrations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes soaking time)
- Yield: 12 stuffed gulab jamuns 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup milk powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1/4 cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
Filling:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4–5 cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon rose water or a few drops of rose essence
For Frying:
- Ghee or oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup: Combine sugar, water, cardamom pods, and rose water in a saucepan. Boil, then simmer until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Make the Filling: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and pistachios until thick. Chill.
- Prepare the Dough: Combine milk powder, flour, baking soda, and ghee. Add milk gradually to form a soft dough.
- Assemble the Jamuns: Flatten dough portions, add filling, seal into balls. Fry until golden.
- Soak in Syrup: Drain fried jamuns and soak in warm syrup for at least 1 hour.
Notes
- Avoid overfilling the dough to prevent bursting during frying.
- Serve warm or chilled, garnished with pistachios or rose petals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gulab jamun
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg