How to Make Gujiya Popsicles: A Fun Take on the Classic Holi Sweet

Does the term Holi bring you instantly to bright colors and tasty treats? Gujiya, with its crispy crust and velvety fillings, is an old-world Holi tradition. It's a sweet where the nuttiness of the khoya meets the dry fruit goodness, wrapped up in an emollient golden puff pastry. How about reinventing this classic and making it intersting and contemporary for Holi celebrations this year?

Gujiya Popsicles turn all that you cherish about the conventional sweet into a delightful dessert. Picture taking a bite of a treat with the same warmth of gujiya taste, ideal for a hot Holi afternoon. It's an innovative way to enjoy the festival, blending nostalgia with the thrill of experimenting with something new. Besides, these popsicles are a universal hit among all ages, and a new version of a sweet classic. From a Holi party to a family activity for kids, Gujiya Popsicles are guaranteed to delight your celebrations.

Recipe: Gujiya Popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup khoya (mawa)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup dry mixed fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins)
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup fresh cream
• 2 tbsp condensed milk
• ¼ cup desiccated coconut
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp rose water
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Popsicle molds and sticks

Method:

• Heat ghee in a pan, add khoya, and sauté until golden. Mix in powdered sugar, dry fruits, desiccated coconut, and cardamom powder. Let it cool.
• In a saucepan, heat milk, fresh cream, and condensed milk. Stir until smooth. Add rose water and saffron if using.
• Combine the cooled khoya filling with the milk base. Blend until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the popsicle molds, add sticks, and freeze for a minimum of 6-8 hours or until hard.
• Dip the molds in warm water for a few seconds to release the popsicles. Garnish with crushed nuts or drizzle with chocolate, if desired.

7 Tips to Make Flawless Gujiya Popsicles

Select the Best Khoya

The quality of khoya is what will either make or break your popsicles. Use fresh, unsweetened khoya and roast it lightly to bring out its nuttiness. Don't overcook it, as this can cause it to become grainy. The roasted khoya mixes well with the milk mixture, providing your popsicles with a rich and decadent foundation.

Don't Overload with Dry Fruits

While dry fruits provide a pleasant crunch, too many will impact the consistency of the popsicle. Use a balanced combination of finely chopped almonds, cashews, and a few raisins. You can also lightly roast them in ghee for extra depth. This way, each bite gets a touch of crunch without overpowering the creamy popsicle.

Blend the Milk Base Smoothly

While mixing the milk, fresh cream, and condensed milk, ensure the mixture is absolutely smooth before adding the khoya filling. This helps the popsicles set evenly and are released from the molds without icy pieces. Condensed milk also gives a mild caramel undertone that pairs well with the traditional gujiya flavor.

Avoid making Icy Popsicles

For nice and creamy popsicles, get the liquid and solid component ratio just right. The popsicles will freeze with ice crystals if the mixture is too watery. To stay away from this, add a small amount more of fresh cream or a tablespoon of corn syrup, which will get a smooth, almost velvety finish.

Add Rose Water and Saffron

A drop or two of rose water and a pinch of saffron will help unveil the traditional flavor of gujiya. A hint of flower note is given by rose water, and the golden color adds saffron. To achieve the best flavor of saffron, marinate the threads in a little warm milk first and then include in the preparation.

Fill Popsicle Molds Properly

When filling the mixture into molds, leave a small gap at the top to allow expansion. Tap gently on the counter to get rid of any air bubbles in the molds. Place sticks when the mixture is half-set to keep them aligned. This simple trick helps your popsicles have a professional, sleek appearance when demolding.

Garnish with Creative Toppings

After the popsicles are prepared, a few garnishes can give them an extra touch. Melt white chocolate and dip the ends in it or drizzle for a holiday effect. Roll the ends in chopped pistachios or sprinkle dried rose petals. These toppings not only make for a lovely look but also introduce a contrasting crunch to the smooth popsicles.