Badam Halwa Recipe (Popular North India Dessert)

Badam Halwa Recipe: There’s something magical about a warm, fragrant bowl of Badam Halwa. It’s the perfect dessert: it feels fancy and indulgent, but it’s actually very simple to whip up in your own kitchen. This rich, creamy halwa made from almonds is perfect for a festive occasion or when you just want to pamper yourself and your family. Let’s create some sweetness together!

Required Ingredients

  • Raw Almonds
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Ghee
  • Saffron
  • Milk
  • Cardamom Powder
  • Slivered Almonds and Pistachios for garnish
  • Milk Powder (Optional)

Step By Step Direction

Step 1: Soak and Peel

Place the almonds in a heatproof bowl. Pour enough boiling hot water over them to cover completely. Let them sit for 30 minutes. This is the secret to slipping the skins off easily! Once soaked, drain the water and peel each almond. The skins should pop right off.

Step 2: Create the Almond Paste

Add the peeled almonds to a blender with about ¼ cup of fresh water. Keep blending until it turns into a thick, slightly gritty paste. Don’t add too much water; we want a thick paste, not a runny milk.

Create the Almond Paste Step
Step 2: Create the Almond Paste

Step 3: Bloom the Saffron

While you’re blending, take the warm milk and add the saffron strands to it. Let it sit. This will fill your kitchen with a beautiful aroma and give the halwa a gorgeous golden color.

Step 4: The Main Event – Cooking the Halwa

Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on medium heat. Add the almond paste and start cooking. Stir continuously for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll see the paste thicken, become fragrant, and the ghee will start to separate from the sides. This is a good sign!

Step 5: Sweeten and Finish

Now, add the sugar. The mixture will become loose again—that’s okay! Keep stirring. Now, add the milk you steeped with saffron, the cardamom powder, and the milk powder. The milk powder is optional.. Cook for another 8-10 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly, until the halwa comes together as a thick, glossy mass and leaves the sides of the pan. Garnish with nuts and serve warm!

Finish & Serve Badam Halwa Step
Step 5: Finish & Serve Badam Halwa

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

NutrientAmount% Daily Value *
Calories520
Total Fat38g49%
Saturated Fat15g75%
Cholesterol55mg18%
Sodium15mg1%
Total Carbohydrate45g16%
Dietary Fiber4g14%
Total Sugars38g
Protein9g
Vitamin C1mg1%
Calcium120mg9%
Iron1.5mg8%
Potassium280mg6%

“Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information given above is an estimate and may different based on specific ingredients used.“

Final Thought

Making Badam Halwa (Almond Halwa) is a labor of love, but every minute is worth it. The process of peeling the almonds, watching the halwa come together in the pan, and that first spoonful of warm, nutty goodness is an experience in itself. It’s a dessert made with simple ingredients that creates unforgettable memories.

Also Read: Guava Sponge Cake Recipe (Yummy Indian Dessert)

FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Question)

Can I use store-bought almond flour?

Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut. Use 1 cup of fine almond flour. Skip the soaking and blending steps. Just start by roasting the almond flour in ghee and proceed from there.

My halwa turned out too oily. What happened?

Don’t worry! This just means the ghee has separated. Simply cook it for a few more minutes on low heat, stirring continuously, and it will reabsorb.

How long can I store it?

You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Gently reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.

Badam Halwa Recipe, Almond Halwa Recipe
Ravi Sharma

Badam Halwa (Almond Halwa)

Warm, creamy almond dessert. A hug in a bowl, made from slow-cooked almond paste, ghee, and sugar. Pure, cozy indulgence.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cool Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar adjust to your taste
  • ½ cup ghee clarified butter
  • A generous pinch of saffron strands
  • ¼ cup warm milk for soaking saffron
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
  • A few slivered almonds and pistachios for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons milk powder for extra creaminess Optional

Method
 

Step 1: Soak & Peel
  1. Cover almonds in hot water for 30 minutes. This makes the skins slide right off!
    Soak and Peel Almond Step
Step 2: Make Paste
  1. Blend your peeled almonds with just a little water into a thick, gritty paste.
    Create the Almond Paste Step
Step 3: Saffron Magic
  1. Soak saffron in warm milk. Watch it turn golden and smell amazing.
    Bloom the Saffron Step
Step 4: Cook It Down
  1. Fry the almond paste in ghee, stirring until it’s thick and fragrant.
    Cooking the Halwa Step
Step 5: Finish & Serve
  1. Add sugar and your saffron milk. Cook until it’s a glossy, thick delight. Garnish and enjoy warm
    Finish & Serve Badam Halwa Step

Notes

  • The quality of ghee is the soul of this halwa. Using a good, aromatic homemade or trusted brand of ghee makes all the difference.
  • Stirring constantly is the key to getting the perfect smooth and lump-free texture. 

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