Diwali Sweets

Custard Halwa Recipe

This unique and delectable dessert is a perfect combination of silky smooth custard powder, sugar, ghee, and a hint of cardamom. The result is a rich, glossy, and jelly-like halwa that will leave you wanting more.

Are you looking for a sweet and indulgent dessert to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than the Custard Halwa recipe! This unique and delectable dessert is a perfect combination of silky smooth custard powder, sugar, ghee, and a hint of cardamom. The result is a rich, glossy, and jelly-like halwa that will leave you wanting more. Follow the simple instructions below to create this delectable treat in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to indulge in the sweet flavors of custard halwa!

What Is Custard Halwa Recipe?

Custard halwa is a delectable Indian dessert made with a unique combination of succulent custard powder, sugar, and water, flavored with aromatic cardamom and garnished with finely chopped cashew nuts. This mouth-watering halwa is cooked to perfection, resulting in a glossy and jelly-like texture that is rich in flavor and irresistible to the taste buds.
The addition of ghee adds a rich and indulgent touch to this traditional Indian sweet treat, making it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth. The process of making custard halwa may take some time, but the end result is well worth the effort, creating a dessert that is sure to be enjoyed and savored by all who try it.

Why You'll Love Custard Halwa Recipe?

Delicious Texture: The custard halwa has a unique texture that is thick, glossy, and jelly-like, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
Healthy Twist: This recipe uses custard powder, which is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthier option compared to traditional desserts.
Ghee Benefits: The use of ghee in this recipe adds a rich and creamy texture to the halwa, while also providing essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins beneficial for overall health.
Cashew Nut Crunch: The addition of finely chopped cashew nuts not only adds a delicious crunch but also provides a dose of healthy fats and essential minerals.
Digestive Benefits: The cardamom powder used in this recipe is known for its digestive properties, making this dessert not just delicious, but also good for digestion.
Satisfying Sweetness: The natural sweetness of the halwa from the sugar and custard powder, without any artificial additives, makes it a satisfying dessert option for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients for Custard Halwa Recipe

Custard powder: This key ingredient adds a creamy texture and a unique flavor to the halwa, giving it a rich and smooth consistency.
Sugar: The sweetness of the sugar enhances the overall taste of the halwa, balancing out the flavors and giving it the perfect amount of sweetness.
Water: Water is essential for dissolving the sugar and custard powder, and it helps to create the desired consistency of the halwa.
Ghee: Ghee adds a rich and buttery flavor to the halwa, and it also helps to prevent the halwa from sticking to the pan while cooking.
Cashew nuts: The finely chopped cashew nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the halwa, adding a nice texture to each bite.
Cardamom powder: This aromatic spice adds a warm and slightly citrusy flavor to the halwa, enhancing its overall taste profile.

How To Make Custard Halwa?

Custard halwa is a delicious and flavorful dessert that is easy to make at home. Here are the steps to create this delectable sweet treat:

Start by taking the custard powder in a wide heavy bottomed non-stick pan. Add sugar and water, and whisk it well until the sugar completely dissolves, without any lumps.
Place the pan over high heat and keep whisking until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and jelly-like in form.
Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, turn the heat to medium and use a wooden spatula to mix.
Gradually add ghee while continuously mixing the halwa. The ghee helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the halwa.
Add finely chopped cashew nuts and cardamom powder to the halwa, and mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Once the halwa becomes thick, nonsticky, glossy, and leaves the sides of the pan, switch off the heat.
Grease a plate with ghee and transfer the halwa onto the plate. Allow it to set for 2 hours.
After the halwa has set, cut it into slices and serve to enjoy this delightful dessert.

Following these steps will ensure that you create a perfectly textured and flavorful custard halwa. The addition of ghee, cashew nuts, and cardamom powder are key ingredients that contribute to the delicious taste of this dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a hot beverage: Enjoy custard halwa with a hot cup of masala chai or a refreshing cup of cardamom-infused coffee for a delightful tea time treat.
Serve with ice cream: For a decadent dessert, serve the custard halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm and creamy halwa pairs perfectly with the cold and creamy ice cream.
Accompany with fruit: Add a refreshing touch to the dessert by serving it with some fresh fruit salad or a side of sliced mangoes. The sweetness of the halwa will be complemented by the natural sweetness of the fruits.
Garnish with nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds over the halwa before serving to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dessert.
Accompany with yogurt: For a light and refreshing option, serve the custard halwa with a side of plain or flavored yogurt. The tanginess of the yogurt will balance out the sweetness of the halwa.
Enjoy as a standalone dessert: Custard halwa is delicious on its own, so feel free to enjoy it as a standalone dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat on its own.

Tips for Making Custard Halwa

Furthermore, I would like to share some of my suggestions for making the perfect custard halwa.

Firstly, don’t forget to grease a plate with ghee.
Dissolves the custard powder and sugar with water in a heavy bottomed pan before transferring to the heat. Otherwise, the mixture may form lumps while heating. Another important thing which you have to do is keep on mixing until it gets thick.
Finally, this halwa doesn’t need that much ghee as well. So it is quite a healthy recipe and your kids also like this chewy texture very much. But don’t give too much of custard halwa to them because the custard powder may cause digestion problem to them. So I would stop them having it after 1 or 2 pieces.
Cooking Techniques: When cooking the halwa, start with high heat to thicken the mixture and then reduce the heat to medium. Gradually adding ghee and continuously mixing is essential for the halwa to come together as a glossy, non-sticky mass.
Garnishing Importance: Garnishing with finely chopped cashew nuts and cardamom powder not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation to the custard halwa.
Setting Time and Slicing: After cooking, transfer the halwa to a ghee-greased plate and let it set for 2 hours. Once set, it can be easily sliced into serving portions.
Checking for Doneness: To ensure the halwa has reached the correct stage, take a small portion, place it on a plate, and roll it. If it forms a ball, then it is the correct consistency.

Variations for Custard Halwa Recipe

Fruit Variations: You can add chopped fruits such as bananas, mangoes, or pineapple to the halwa mixture for a fruity twist. This will add a burst of flavor and a refreshing taste to the traditional custard halwa.
Nut Variations: Experiment with different nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or walnuts instead of cashew nuts. The addition of different nuts will provide a unique texture and an interesting flavor profile to the halwa.
Flavor Variations: Try different flavorings such as rose water, saffron, or vanilla essence to add a floral or aromatic note to the custard halwa. These variations will enhance the overall taste and make the halwa more indulgent.
Color Variations: Add a few drops of food color to the halwa mixture for a vibrant and visually appealing dessert. You can experiment with different colors to create a festive or themed halwa, making it perfect for special occasions.
Coconut Variations: Incorporate desiccated coconut or coconut milk into the halwa to add a tropical and creamy texture. This variation will bring a hint of coconut flavor and a rich, decadent element to the traditional custard halwa.
Spice Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the halwa to infuse warm and aromatic spices. This variation will give the custard halwa a comforting and cozy flavor, perfect for the colder months.

Try out these variations to personalize your custard halwa and create a unique and delightful dessert that suits your taste preferences!

How to Store Custard Halwa

Proper Storage: After preparing the custard halwa, it's essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can cause it to spoil quickly.
Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, it's best to store the custard halwa in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve its texture and taste for a few days. Make sure to place it in a tightly sealed container before refrigerating.
Avoid Moisture: To prevent the custard halwa from becoming soggy, make sure to keep it away from moisture. Be cautious when opening and closing the container to avoid any condensation inside.
Separate Ingredients: If you have any leftover ingredients such as cashew nuts, it's best to store them separately from the custard halwa. This will prevent the nuts from becoming soft and losing their texture.
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the custard halwa within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature. Just ensure it's in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy the custard halwa again, you can reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your delicious custard halwa once it's reheated!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any flavor of custard powder for this halwa recipe?

Yes, you can use any flavor of custard powder for this halwa recipe. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the custard powder will be prominent in the final dish.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. You can start with a smaller amount and add more to taste as the halwa cooks.

How do I know when the halwa is ready?

The halwa is ready when it becomes thick, glossy, and starts to leave the sides of the pan. You can also perform a simple test by rolling a small portion of the halwa into a ball on a plate.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruits to the halwa?

Yes, you can customize the halwa by adding your choice of nuts and dried fruits. Just make sure to add them at the right stage of cooking.

How long does it take to make custard halwa?

The entire process of making custard halwa takes a minimum of 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the halwa as it cooks to ensure it reaches the right consistency.

Can the halwa be stored for later consumption?

Yes, once the halwa is set, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Just make sure it is completely cooled before storing.

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