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Cashew halwa in bowl with nuts and dry fruits
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5 from 3 votes

Vegan Cashew Halwa

This super easy vegan Cashew Halwa takes minutes to make and it's sweetened with dates so it's actually good for you. The base comes together in a blender, then give it a spin on the stove for a bit, et voila!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 141kcal
Author: Vaishali · Holy Cow Vegan

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Wok or kadhai or large skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 6-7 pitted Medjool dates (I find this is just enough but for a sweeter halwa, add eight dates)
  • 1½ cups oat milk (or any nondairy milk)
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ cup almond flour (or ground almonds, optional)
  • ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes (or use freshly grated coconut. Optional but nice)
  • A generous pinch saffron strands (optional)

For optional garnish

  • Nuts and dry fruits and/or more coconut flakes
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Blend the cashews, dates and nondairy milk until very smooth.
  • Heat the oil in a nonstick kadhai or wok or a large skillet. Add the date-cashew puree and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken.
  • When the mixture thickens, add to it the cardamom powder and almond flour or powdered almonds. Mix well and continue cooking until the mixture starts leaving the sides of the wok and gets darker.
  • Add shredded coconut, if using, and mix it in.
  • Continue to cook until the liquid has evaporated and the halwa becomes slick. You'll see oil coating the bottom of the kadhai.
  • At this point stir in the saffron, if using, and turn off the heat.
  • Garnish with nuts and dry fruits, if desired, and more sweetened coconut flakes. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

  • Cooking this halwa takes under 20 minutes and you do have to do some stirring. Don't leave the stove unattended at any time because nuts can burn. Keep the stove turned to medium low or low heat.
  • Use cashew pieces here instead of whole cashews, as they are more budget-friendly. But if you only have whole cashews that's fine too.
  • If your blender is not high powered, soak the cashews and dates with the nondairy milk for at least 30 minutes. Make sure you chop the dates first.
  • If using Deglet Noor dates, use a few more as they are not as sweet than Medjool dates.

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg