Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Halwa Recipe – Easy Indian Dessert with Cinnamon & Cardamom

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – who doesn’t love a warm, comforting dessert? Especially one that’s surprisingly easy to make! This Apple Halwa is exactly that. It’s a classic Indian sweet, perfect for a cozy night in, a festive celebration, or just when you’re craving something a little special. I first made this when my niece visited, and she absolutely loved it – now it’s a family favorite! It’s fragrant, subtly spiced, and comes together in under 20 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Halwa is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick, requiring only about 13 minutes of cooking time. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, the warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom just make everything better, don’t they? It’s a delightful twist on traditional halwa, offering a lighter, fruitier flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Apple Halwa:

• 2 large apples
• 1.5 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• ?? cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (approximately 180g – 200g)
• ?? + ??> teaspoon cinnamon powder (about 1 – 1.5 tsp)
• ?? teaspoon cardamom powder (around 1/2 tsp)
• ??> teaspoon nutmeg powder (a pinch, about 1/4 tsp)
• Sliced almonds for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips to make sure your halwa turns out just right!

Apples: Choosing the Right Variety

You want apples that hold their shape well during cooking. I find that Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples work beautifully. Avoid anything too soft like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy.

Ghee: The Importance of Clarified Butter

Ghee is traditional in Indian cooking, and it really adds a lovely richness and flavor. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter, which is important when cooking halwa. But if you don’t have ghee, you can use unsalted butter, just watch the heat carefully.

Spices: Cinnamon, Cardamom & Nutmeg – Aromatic Blend

These spices are the heart and soul of this halwa! Don’t skimp on them. Freshly ground spices will give you the best flavor, but pre-ground is perfectly fine too. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking – I sometimes add a tiny pinch of cloves for extra warmth.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

The amount of sugar is always a personal thing. Start with the amount listed, then taste and add more if needed. Remember, apples vary in sweetness too!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, wash, peel, and grate the apples. A food processor makes this super easy, but a hand grater works just fine too.
2. Now, heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the grated apples and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the water evaporates. This is key – you want the apples to start to soften and slightly brown.
3. Next, stir in the sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes together. It should start to look glossy and pull away from the sides of the pan.
4. Finally, garnish with sliced almonds and serve warm. Seriously, that’s it!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the apples cook evenly.
• Stir, stir, stir! Constant stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust the consistency: If your halwa is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream. If it’s too wet, cook for a few more minutes.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Apple Halwa

Simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. It will have a slightly different flavor, but still be delicious! My friend, who’s vegan, loves this version with coconut oil.

Gluten-Free Apple Halwa

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your spices are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.

Spice Level Adjustment

If you like a little more kick, add a pinch of ginger powder or a tiny bit of cayenne pepper.

Festival Adaptations (e.g., Diwali, Holi)

During Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a festive touch. For Holi, a vibrant garnish of pistachios and rose petals looks beautiful.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Halwa is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair it with a cup of masala chai.
• Offer it as part of a larger Indian meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Apple Halwa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It might thicken up a bit when chilled, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What type of apples are best for Apple Halwa?

Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking.

Can I use oil instead of ghee in this recipe?

You can, but ghee adds a unique flavor and richness. If using oil, choose a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the halwa?

Start with the recommended amount of sugar and taste as you go. Add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.

Can I make this halwa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to prevent the halwa from sticking to the pan?

Use a heavy-bottomed pan and stir frequently. Adding a little extra ghee can also help.

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

Absolutely! Cashews, pistachios, raisins, or dates would all be delicious additions.