This carrot halwa is a classic dessert from the Indian cuisine combining the fresh carrots, milk, sugar, nuts, and cardamom into an indulging dessert!
Why carrot halwa?
Carrot halwa is a very traditional Indian dessert and it is apt for any occasion. It is easy to make and it has good nutrition.
It is a perfect dessert for Spring, when the carrots have peak flavor. The natural sweetness of carrots shines through, while cardamom and nuts add warmth and crunch, making every bite feel festive and satisfying. I love carrots, walnuts, and raisins - it is THE ULTIMATE COMBINATION! Nothing can beat the flavor of this trio. So feel free to use chopped walnuts in the place of cashews or any other nuts of your choice.
Generally, it is made by cooking the carrots in milk, adding sugar till it is all cooked and then you add cashews and raisins fried in ghee or clarified butter. My mom makes with ghee instead of milk and that is extra delicious too. I prefer to add milk, just to lower the amount of ghee making the craveable dessert more guilt free. This dessert brings nostalgia to me.
You can serve this dessert warm or at room temperature. In addition, you could use this carrot halwa in multiple recipes like carrot poli, Oatmeal Carrot Halwa Icecream Sandwiches, Carrot Halwa Ice Cream.
Ingredients
To make this delicious carrot halwa, you will require the following ingredients:
Carrots - Adds color, nutrition, and the star ingredient of the halwa.
Milk - gives creaminess and flavor
Sugar - sweetens the halwa. The sweetness is optimal in the given recipe. You might want to adjust depending on your preference and also based on the sweetness of the carrots you have.
Ghee - Adds to the classic flavor and aroma of the halwa.
Nuts and raisins - This recipe uses walnuts and raisins this. Though cashwes are the choice in traditional recipe, you may use any kind of nuts that you prefer or have on hand.
Cardamom - adds to the classic halwa flavor and aroma.
Serving Suggestions
This carrot halwa is best when served warm and equally tasty at room temperature. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla icecream for an extra indulgent dessert. Simply heavenly!
You can make it for birthdays, festivals, and as a dessert for any entertaining. You can make this ahead and hence it is an ideal choice for any entertaining.
Storage
This carrot halwa has milk in it and I recommend storing it in the refrigerator if you are not serving or emptying it the same day. It stores well for 4-5 days, when needed just warm in microwave to desired tempoerature and serve. Thus, it is also an ideal option for entertaining huge crowd as you can make it ahead of time.
2026 #springsweetsweek Recipes
- Strawberry Swirl Banana Bread by Hezzi-D's Recipe Box
- Sushki by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Baked Carrot Cake Donuts by Jolene's Recipe Journal
- Sourdough Cardamom Buns by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Pistachio Lemon Ricotta Cookies by The Spiffy Cookie
- Lavender Creme Brulee by Art of Natural Living
- Chocolate Raspberry Marble Pound Cake by Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Easy Lemon Curd by Rave About Food
More Carrot Recipes
Oatmeal Carrot Halwa Icecream Sandwiches
Vegan Carrot Almond Rice Kheer
Vegan Whole Wheat Carrot Banana Bread
More Halwa Recipes
Halwas can be made with grains, fresh fruits and veggies. Here are delicious halwa recipes from the blog.
Wintermelon Halwa/Kasi Halwa/Dumroot
More Spring Recipes
Check these addictive recipes while planning for your Spring events.
Eggless Blood Orange Mini Bundts with Pink Glaze
Coconut Lime Ginger Banana Bread
Carrot Halwa
Ingredients
- 7 cups Carrots shredded (about 1 kg)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Milk
- ¼ cup Walnuts chopped
- ¼ cup Sultanas or raisins
- 1-2 tbsp Ghee
- 2-4 Cardamom crushed
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pan or nonstick pan add a tsp of ghee, carrots, and milk. Keep on a low flame and cook till the carrots and cooked and reduced to say about 1/3rd of the total quantity. It may roughly take 30 min.
- Add the sugar and cardamom. Continue cooking until the whole halwa comes without sticking.
- In another pan heat 2 tsp ghee. When it is hot add the chopped walnuts and sultanas fry for a couple of minutes and add it to the carrot halwa. Mix
- enjoy warm Carrot halwa in a bowl or straight from the pan with or without vanilla ice cream.
Karen's Kitchen Stories says
This sounds delicious and nutritious too! I'll have to try it!
magicalingrdnts says
You should! Thanks Karen!
Wendy M. Klik says
I love halwa. I have made it in my Instant Pot with great results. Yours sounds so warm and comforting.
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Wendy!
Inger says
I love a healthy dessert! Though I'd probably go with the ice cream topping 🙂
magicalingrdnts says
I too love that combo! Thanks Inger!
Jolene says
Carrots are one of the few veggies that my guys will eat so I'm always looking for new ways to make them, thank you!
magicalingrdnts says
You will add this to your menu frequently. Thanks Jolene.
Hezzi-D says
Yum! Sounds like a yummy sweet carrot dessert.
magicalingrdnts says
It is! Totally addictive. Thanks Heather!