Strawberry Cashew Recipe – Rose & Pistachio Indian Sweet Treats

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Cashew Recipe – Rose & Pistachio Indian Sweet Treats

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place. I first stumbled upon this Strawberry Cashew recipe a few years ago, and it quickly became a family favorite – especially for festive occasions. It’s a little bit of work, but trust me, the “wow” factor is totally worth it! These little strawberry sweets are perfect for gifting, celebrating, or just enjoying with a cup of chai.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average Indian sweets! The delicate rose and pistachio flavors combined with the cashew base create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, they look incredible. Seriously, who wouldn’t be impressed by a plate of these adorable strawberry sweets? They’re a delightful change from traditional mithai and are sure to be a conversation starter.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these beauties:

• 1 cup Cashew nuts
• ?? + ??> cup Sugar
• ?? tsp Rose food colour
• ?? tsp Red food colour
• ?? tsp Green food colour
• Few drops Rose essence
• Few drops Vanilla essence
• As needed Water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips can make all the difference!

Cashew Nuts: Quality and Roasting
Using good quality cashew nuts is key. They should be plump and not stale. I prefer to lightly roast them before grinding for a richer flavor. About 5-7 minutes in a dry pan on medium heat works perfectly.

Sugar: Achieving the Perfect Syrup Consistency
We’re aiming for a one-string consistency with the sugar syrup – more on that later! Using regular granulated sugar is best. I usually use about 1.5 cups of sugar and 1/2 cup of water as a starting point, but it depends on your preference.

Rose Essence: Selecting Authentic Flavors
A good rose essence makes all the difference. Look for a pure rose essence, not just a rose flavoring. It should smell intensely floral and fragrant.

Food Colors: Natural vs. Synthetic Options
I often get asked about food coloring. You can use synthetic gel food colors for vibrant shades, but if you prefer natural options, beetroot powder (for red) and spinach powder (for green) can work, though the colors will be more subtle.

Water: Importance of Purity
Using filtered water for the sugar syrup is always a good idea. It ensures a cleaner flavor and prevents any unwanted impurities.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

First, grind those cashew nuts into a super fine powder. You want it to be almost flour-like. Set that aside.

Next, let’s make the sugar syrup. In a pan, combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil and let it bubble away until it reaches one-string consistency. This is where a little patience comes in! (We’ll talk about how to check for that in the FAQs). Once it’s ready, add the rose essence and red food color.

Now, the magic happens! Slowly pour the cashew powder into the hot sugar syrup, stirring constantly. This is important to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until it all comes together and forms a non-sticky dough. It will be warm, so be careful!

Knead the warm dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth and pliable. Divide it into 12 equal portions. Now, shape each portion into a strawberry! I like to use a fork to create those little strawberry ridges.

Repeat the process with the remaining dough, adding green food color and vanilla essence. Shape these into leaves. Once they’re ready, attach a leaf to the top of each strawberry.

Finally, add a clove to the top of each strawberry to resemble the stem. Place them in paper liners and let them set completely before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the sugar syrup! It will make the sweets hard.
• Stirring constantly while adding the cashew powder is crucial.
• Work quickly while the dough is warm, as it will become harder to shape as it cools.

Variations

My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of cardamom powder to the cashew dough for a warm, fragrant twist. My family prefers a slightly more intense rose flavor, so I sometimes add a tiny bit more rose essence. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! You could also try adding chopped pistachios to the cashew dough for extra texture and flavor.

Vegan Adaptation

To make this recipe vegan, simply ensure your food coloring is vegan-friendly (some contain beeswax). The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan!

Gluten-Free Suitability

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Spice Level (Mild – Naturally Sweet)

These sweets are all about the delicate sweetness and floral aromas. There’s no spice involved, making them perfect for everyone.

Festival Adaptations (Holi, Diwali gifting)

These strawberry cashews are perfect for gifting during festivals like Holi and Diwali. They look so festive and are a unique alternative to traditional sweets. I often package them in pretty little boxes with ribbons.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these strawberry cashews with a cup of hot chai or a glass of cold milk. They’re also lovely as part of a larger Indian sweet platter.

Storage Instructions

Store these sweets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but they might become slightly harder.

FAQs

What is the shelf life of these strawberry cashew sweets?
They’ll stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Can I use almond flour instead of cashew nuts?
You can, but the flavor and texture will be different. Cashew nuts provide a unique richness and smoothness.

How do I prevent the cashew dough from becoming too sticky?
Make sure your sugar syrup is at the correct consistency and don’t over-knead the dough.

What is ‘one-string consistency’ in sugar syrup, and how do I check for it?
Take a small drop of the syrup between your thumb and forefinger. If it forms a single, sticky string, it’s ready!

Can I make these sweets ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.