If you’re craving a rich and festive Indian dessert, nothing beats the timeless charm of Khoya Halwa. Made with reduced milk solids, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits, this sweet delicacy is a must-have at weddings, Diwali, and Eid celebrations. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in Indian cooking, this Khoya Halwa recipe is easy, quick, and full of traditional flavor.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup khoya (mawa), crumbled
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (elaichi)
- 10-12 chopped almonds and cashews
- 6-7 raisins (optional)
- Few strands of saffron (optional for aroma and color)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Khoya Halwa Recipe

✅ Step 1: Prepare Khoya (If Homemade)
If you’re using homemade khoya, grate or crumble it finely. You can also use store-bought unsweetened khoya from Indian grocery stores.
✅ Step 2: Heat Ghee
In a non-stick pan or heavy-bottomed kadhai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee on low-medium flame. Add the chopped dry fruits and sauté until golden. Remove and keep aside.
✅ Step 3: Cook the Khoya
In the same pan, add crumbled khoya and stir continuously on low flame for 4–5 minutes until it starts to melt and releases aroma. Avoid burning by keeping the heat low.
✅ Step 4: Add Milk and Sugar
Pour in ¼ cup milk and mix well. Then add ½ cup sugar and continue stirring. The mixture will start to loosen and bubble. Cook until it thickens again (5–7 minutes).
✅ Step 5: Flavor and Garnish
Add cardamom powder, saffron (if using), and roasted dry fruits. Stir for another 2 minutes. Once the halwa starts leaving the sides of the pan, it’s ready.
✅ Step 6: Serve Hot or Cold
Serve your Khoya Halwa warm for a soft, melt-in-the-mouth experience or refrigerate for a firmer bite. It keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge.
Read also:How to Make Onigiri – Japan’s Beloved Rice Ball Made Simple
🤔 Why You’ll Love This Khoya Halwa Recipe
- Quick and easy with just a few ingredients
- Traditional Indian dessert loved across generations
- Perfect for festivals and special occasions
- Rich, creamy texture with deep flavor
- Customizable with nuts, saffron, or rose water
🧠 LSI Keywords Used Naturally
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make khoya at home?
Yes! Boil full-fat milk and reduce it on low flame until thick. Cool and use as khoya.
Q2: What’s the difference between khoya halwa and suji halwa?
Khoya halwa is creamier and richer, made from milk solids. Suji halwa is grainier and made from semolina.
Q3: Can I skip ghee?
Ghee adds flavor and richness, but you can reduce it slightly if needed. Do not skip it entirely.
Q4: Is khoya halwa healthy?
It’s high in calories and fat, but fine in moderation—especially during festive times.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients like coconut or saffron?
Yes! Saffron, rose water, or even grated coconut can elevate the flavor beautifully.
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🎯 Final Thoughts
This Khoya Halwa recipe is your ticket to reliving the warmth of Indian festivals in every bite. Rich, sweet, and soul-satisfying, it’s the kind of dessert that makes memories around the dinner table. Whether it’s a family get-together, a festival celebration, or just a weekend craving, one spoon of this halwa will take you straight to nostalgia.