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    Home » Dessert and Sweets recipes

    Carrot Halwa | Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe

    Published: Nov 28, 2019 · Modified: Nov 24, 2022 by Kushi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Carrot Halwa, popularly known as Gajar Ka Halwa or Gajar Halwa, is a classic and rich, decadent melt-in-mouth Indian pudding dessert packed with dry fruits and nuts. A sweet that will impress everyone.

    Best, easy carrot halwa or gajar ka halwa recipe garnished with dry fruits and nuts

    Jump to:
    • Carrot Sweets and Desserts
    • About the recipe
    • Different ways of making carrot halwa or gajar halwa
    • Ingredients for Carrot Halwa
    • How to make gajar ka halwa with condensed milk (milkmaid)?
    • Pro Tips
    • Instant pot carrot halwa
    • How to serve gajar halwa?
    • Popular Indian Sweets & Desserts
    • FAQ
    • Recipe card
    • User Reviews

    My story 

    How did you celebrate Janmashtami? We had a good time with our little one. We dressed him like Krishna, prepared gajbaje,  basundi, panchakajjaya offered to God, and then shared it with our friends as prasad. I will soon share the pictures of the same on my Instagram Stories.

    We are excited about the Ganesha-chaturthi festival that is coming up soon. You can check some popular recipes for Ganesha chaturthi. This year, we are still deciding on the menu. But I generally pick recipes from this list as this is what is traditionally prepared in my hometown. What do you guys prepare for this festival? Overall, I am always excited about the last 4 months of the year because they are full of life, beautiful colors, festivals, celebrations, and get-togethers everywhere:-)

    Top view of best carrot halwa, gajar halwa recipe on stovetop and instant pot

    Carrot Sweets and Desserts

    Carrot desserts and sweets are one of my favorites. You can check some of the best carrot recipes on my blog like

    • Carrot Cake or Gajar Halwa Cake using this carrot halwa
    • Carrot Barfi
    • Carrot Ice Cream using carrot burfi

    About the recipe

    Carrot halwa or Gajar ka halwa, also known as gajorer halua, gajrela, or gajar pak, is a carrot-based Indian sweet dessert pudding made by grated carrots, milk, butter or ghee, dry fruits and condensed milk (milkmaid), khoya, or sugar. 

    Carrot halwa is prepared during special occasions, including parties, festivals like Deepavali (Diwali), Christmas, Holi, Eid, Raksha Bandhan, and weddings.

     If you search the Internet, you will get different ways to prepare this delicious dessert.

    Holding spoon of rich carrot halwa or gajar halwa made with condensed milk

    Different ways of making carrot halwa or gajar halwa

    Traditionally whole milk is used, which is time-consuming, however for a richer & flavorful version, mawa or khoya is used, and if you are looking for a shortcut version without compromising the taste, then use condensed milk (milkmaid) which is my favorite method 🙂

    The traditional method requires patience, time, and elbow grease to grate the carrot and then frequently stir while cooking.

    So depending on the time and ingredients available in your kitchen, you can choose one way. 

    •  The traditional old-fashioned method with milk
    • My preferred way is carrot halwa with condensed milk (milkmaid) in less than 20 minutes. 
    • Healthy Carrot Halwa with jaggery
    • Gajar Halwa with Khoya - a rich version prepared specially during festivals and weddings. 
    • Gajar Ka Halwa with milk powder - If you have a lot of milk powder available in your pantry that you need to use up or when you are short of milk use this method
    close up view of traditional indian pudding dessert, carrot halwa recipe

    Ingredients for Carrot Halwa

    • 3 cups Carrots tightly packed (peeled & grated)
    • 2 tablespoon Butter or Ghee
    • 4 tablespoon Milk
    • 6 tablespoon Condensed milk
    • ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
    • 2 tablespoon Cashews roasted
    • 2 tablespoon Almonds roasted
    • 2 tablespoon Pistachios roasted
    • 2 tablespoon Raisins

    How to make gajar ka halwa with condensed milk (milkmaid)?

    • In a nonstick pan on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the grated carrots and saute on medium flame till the carrots are tender and cooked and any extra moisture has dried out. This step may take around 5 to 8 minutes.
    • Now add milk and stir till all the milk has dried out. This step may take about 2 minutes.
    • Next, add condensed milk and stir nicely. Add cardamom powder and dry fruits & nuts of your choice now.
    • Simmer on low flame and stir the halwa till the mixture dries up. Keep stirring to avoid burning from the bottom.
    • Carrot Halwa is ready. Serve warm or bring it to room temperature and keep in refrigerator and serve chill.
    How to make the best easy carrot halwa (gajar halwa) indian sweet recipe

    Pro Tips

    • Depending on the quantity you need, vary the ingredient amounts. The sweetness I used was perfect for my family. If you like it sweeter, then add additional sugar.
    • Continuously saute the carrots in ghee or butter and then add milk, followed by condensed milk. This will give you a much intense flavor.
    • Do not leave the carrot halwa on the gas or stove unattended. It can be burnt easily. Keep stirring it during the process.
    • When it comes to adding dry fruits and nuts, I always love to roast them as they give additional aroma and add a little extra crunch. Depending on your liking, vary the amount and type of nuts used in the recipe.
    • You can add ghee or butter up to 4 tbsp. I generally like to cut down on fat in my recipes.
    • Store carrot halwa in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
    • You can make this dessert richer by adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk powder.

    Instant pot carrot halwa

    Turn on the SAUTE mode of your IP. Add carrots and ghee and saute just for 1 minute. This gives good color and flavor. To this, add milk, condensed milk, and mix.

    Close the lid. Set the valve to the sealing position and pressure cook on HIGH for 2 minutes. Now do quick pressure release by positioning the valve to the venting position. Open the lid of your IP once the pin drops.

    Turn on the SAUTE mode again and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until all the liquid dries up, if any. Add dry fruits, nuts, and cardamom powder and cook for another 1 minute, stirring continuously. Instant pot carrot halwa or gajar halwa is ready.

    holding spoon of rich and classic Indian sweet carrot halwa

    How to serve gajar halwa?

    Carrot Halwa dessert can be served warm or chilled. I like to serve it as dessert after a meal with vanilla ice cream. My husband likes to have it any time of the day 🙂

    If you are serving it chill, ensure the halwa comes to room temperature and then place it in the refrigerator.

    In cold winters, carrot halwa is best when served hot.

    Popular Indian Sweets & Desserts

    • Milk Barfi or Milk Fudge - The number one recipe on blog
    • Nankhatai or Shortbread Biscuits
    • Rice Pudding or Kheer or Doodhpak
    • Bombay Halwa (halva)

    Follow me on Instagram and tag me with #cookwithkushi so that I get a chance to see all the recipes you make and give it a ♥.

    FAQ

    Which carrots are best for halwa?

    For good results, ensure the carrots you use are fresh, juicy, and tender. I grate them using a cheese grater. If you don't find time, you can even use food processor. I have used 3 cups of grated carrots, which yields 1 cup of carrot halwa.

    Why do Carrot Halwa or Gajar Ka Halwa turn black sometimes?

    It may depend on the way you saute them or the vessel you use to make halwa. I recommend using nonstick pan or steel over aluminum Kadai as it may cause discoloration when cooking for a longer time. Do not saute carrots for a longer time. Saute just till the moisture from the carrots have dried out.

    How many days can we store carrot halwa without a refrigerator?

    Store gajar halwa in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (14 to 15 days). Please do not keep it out at room temperature for more than two days. It won't remain fresh.

    To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or heat directly on the stovetop on low heat until warmed.

    I love to build on recipes so I can serve my family various desserts. I have prepared something special using carrot halwa - Carrot Halwa Cake - Don't forget to check this out. This a perfect baking recipe for this holiday or Christmas.

    How to make vegan carrot halwa?

    For condensed milk, use full-fat coconut cream; for milk, use dairy-free milk; for butter or ghee, use coconut oil to make it vegan. Follow the same steps given above. But the taste will vary accordingly.

    Is gajar halwa healthy?

    You can make this a healthy one by using low-fat milk for regular milk, and instead of condensed milk or refined sugar, you can finely grind the dates to coarse paste and add it to the recipe.

    Recipe card

    recipe for best and easy homemade carrot halwa or gajar ka halwa Indian sweet and dessert.

    Best Carrot Halwa Recipe | How to make Gajar Halwa

    Kushi
    Carrot Halwa, popularly known as Gajar Ka Halwa or Gajar Halwa, is a classic and rich, decadent melt-in-mouth Indian pudding dessert packed with dry fruits and nuts. A dessert that will impress everyone.
    4.98 from 75 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, sweets
    Cuisine Asian, Delhi, gujarati, Indian, north indian, Pakistani, punjabi, rajasthan, South Indian, uttar pradesh
    Servings 4
    Calories 293 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups Carrots tightly packed (peeled & grated)
    • 2 to 4 tablespoon Butter or Ghee
    • 4 tablespoon Milk
    • 6 tablespoon Condensed milk
    • ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
    • 2 tablespoon Cashews roasted
    • 2 tablespoon Almonds roasted
    • 2 tablespoon Pistachios roasted
    • 2 tablespoon Raisins

    Instructions
     

    How to make Carrot Halwa (Gajar ka Halwa) on Stovetop

    • In a non-stick pan on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the grated carrots and saute on medium flame till the carrots are tender and cooked, and any extra moisture has dried out. This may take around 5 to 8 minutes.
      3 cups Carrots tightly packed (peeled & grated), 2 to 4 tablespoon Butter or Ghee
    • Now add milk and stir till all the milk has dried out. This may take about 2 minutes.
      4 tablespoon Milk
    • Next add condensed milk and stir nicely. Add cardamom powder, and dry fruits & nuts of your choice now.
      6 tablespoon Condensed milk, ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder, 2 tablespoon Cashews roasted, 2 tablespoon Almonds roasted, 2 tablespoon Pistachios roasted, 2 tablespoon Raisins
    • Simmer on low flame and stir the halwa till the mixture dries up. Keep stirring them to avoid it burning from the bottom.
    • Carrot Halwa is ready. Serve warm or bring it to room temperature and keep in refrigerator and serve chill.

    How to make Instant pot Gajar Halwa (Carrot Halwa)

    • Turn on the SAUTE mode of your IP. Add carrots and ghee and saute just for 1 minute. This gives good color and flavor. To this, add milk, condensed milk, and mix.
    • Close the lid. Set the valve to sealing position and pressure cook on HIGH for 2 minutes. Now do quick pressure release by positioning valve to the venting position. Open the lid of your IP once the pin drops.
    • Turn on the SAUTE mode again and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes till all the liquid dries up, if any. Add dry fruits, nuts, cardamom powder and cook for another 1 minute, stirring continuously. Instant pot carrot halwa or gajar halwa is ready.

    Notes

    • Depending on the quantity you need, vary the ingredient amounts. The sweetness I used was perfect for my family. If you like it sweeter, then add additional sugar.
    • Continuously saute the carrots in ghee or butter and then add milk, followed by condensed milk. This will give you a much intense flavor.
    • Do not leave the carrot halwa on the gas or stove unattended. It can be burnt easily. Keep stirring it during the process.
    • When it comes to adding dry fruits and nuts, I always love to roast them as they give additional aroma and add a little extra crunch. Depending on your liking, vary the amount and type of nuts used in the recipe.
    • You can add ghee or butter up to 4 tbsp. I generally like to cut down on fat in my recipes.
    • Store carrot halwa in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
    • Adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk powder can make this dessert richer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 157mgPotassium: 599mgFiber: 4gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 16333IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 161mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    3 different images of carrot halwa , gajar ka halwa recipe in less than 20 minutes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vineeta

      July 06, 2022 at 12:46 pm

      I sautéed the carrots in ghee and the halwa has turned black. I have cooked in a stainless steel cookware. I have come across this post now. Thank you for the tip above. Now the halwa is cooked, wanted to know if I can the black halwa

      Reply
      • Kushi

        July 07, 2022 at 1:46 am

        Did you overheat the ghee before adding carrots or did you saute for a really long time?

        Reply
        • Vineeta

          July 07, 2022 at 5:53 am

          Hello Kushi,

          I think I sautéed the carrots for a long time.
          The whole dish looks chocolatey brown. Do I discard it?

          Reply
          • Kushi

            July 07, 2022 at 8:00 am

            I am sorry but If it is unpleasant to eat or even see please discard it. You will not enjoy it. Next time do give our recipe a try. Thanks.

            Reply
            • Vineeta

              July 09, 2022 at 5:35 pm

              Thank you, The look is so chocolatey 😉 but don't find it appealing.
              I have discarded and will make it again. I will surely try it your way this time 🙂

              Reply
    2. Jamie

      November 25, 2022 at 8:51 am

      5 stars
      The recipe looks so yummy! The presentation is so great, loved it! This dish is new to me but gives me an enticing and tempting to try this asap! Definitely love to know the taste personally!

      Reply
    3. Amy Liu Dong

      November 25, 2022 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      This is an interesting dish for me. I have never tried to make this, but it looks easy and delicious!

      Reply
    4. Maggie

      November 25, 2022 at 6:23 pm

      I had never tasted anything like this before. Very delicious. Sweet and yummy.

      Reply
    5. zhen

      November 26, 2022 at 5:21 am

      5 stars
      The nuts gave this recipe a delicious crunch! Everyone loved it, even those who don't like carrots!

      Reply
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    4.98 from 75 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Sridevi! I am a Software Engineer by qualification, a full-time Food Blogger by passion, a self-published Author, and a happy person two kids (monsters) ago.

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