Kaju Katli Recipe (Cashew Fudge) 🌰

Short Description:
Kaju Katli, also known as Kaju Barfi, is a melt-in-the-mouth Indian sweet made from ground cashews, sugar syrup, and a hint of cardamom. This elegant diamond-shaped treat is a festive favorite, known for its silky texture and rich, nutty flavor.

📊 Recipe Details

• ⭐ Rating: 9.8/10

• 🧠 Difficulty Level: Medium

• 💰 Budget: $6 – $8 USD

• ⏱️ Cooking Time: ~25–30 minutes

• 🍽️ Category: Vegetarian

• 🔥 Meal Type: Dessert / Festive Sweet / Snack

• 👥 Serving Size: 6–8 persons (20–25 pieces)

🧪 Nutrition Facts (Per Piece)

• 🍛 Calories: ~85 kcal

• 💪 Protein: ~2g

• 🥓 Fats: ~4.5g

• 🍞 Carbohydrates: ~9g

🛒 Ingredients

✅ For the Katli:

• 1 cup cashew nuts (unsalted, whole or broken)

• ½ cup sugar

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tsp ghee (for greasing)

• ½ tsp cardamom powder (optional)

• Silver leaf (varak) – optional for garnish

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🌰 Step 1: Prepare Cashew Powder

1. Dry grind the cashews in a blender until fine — do not over-blend or it may turn oily.

2. Sieve the powder for uniform texture.

🍯 Step 2: Make Sugar Syrup

1. In a non-stick pan, combine sugar and water.

2. Heat on medium until sugar dissolves and forms a 1-string consistency syrup.

➕ Step 3: Add Cashew Powder

1. Lower the flame and add cashew powder slowly.

2. Stir continuously until it becomes a smooth, thick dough and leaves the sides (~7–10 mins).

🧈 Step 4: Shape & Roll

1. Let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes, then knead gently.

2. Roll the dough between two parchment sheets to desired thickness (~¼ inch).

3. Apply edible silver leaf if using.

🔷 Step 5: Cut & Serve

1. Cut into diamond or square shapes using a sharp knife.

2. Let cool completely before storing.

🍽️ Serving

• Serves: 6–8 people

• Best Served: At room temperature

• Storage: Airtight container – stays fresh for 7–10 days

• Perfect For: Festivals (Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Eid), gifting, or tea-time indulgence

💡 Tips

• Use fresh, dry cashews – avoid salted or roasted ones.

• Don’t overcook the mixture, or it’ll harden quickly.

• For extra richness, add a few tsp of milk powder (optional).

• Avoid moisture during preparation to increase shelf life.

🧾 About the Dish

🌍 Origin & History

Kaju Katli is a royal North Indian dessert, believed to have originated during the Mughal era. Its delicate texture and rich ingredients reflect influences of Persian sweets, and over centuries, it has become a staple during Indian festivals and celebrations.

🥄 Taste Profile

• Texture: Smooth, soft yet firm

• Flavor: Rich, nutty, mildly sweet

• Aroma: Subtle cardamom and roasted cashew

📍 Where Can You Use This Recipe?

• Festivals: Diwali, Holi, Eid, Raksha Bandhan

• Celebrations: Weddings, birthdays, housewarmings

• Gifting: Sweet boxes, luxury dessert hampers

• Fusion Desserts: Kaju Katli cake toppers, mousse layers

👤 Who Should Eat It?

• Nut lovers who enjoy refined, traditional sweets

• People seeking eggless & gluten-free desserts

• Ideal for celebrations or elegant sweet platters

🙅‍♂️ Who Should Avoid It?

• People with nut allergies

• Those on low-fat, low-sugar, or keto diets

• Diabetics, unless adapted with sugar substitutes

➕ Bonus Variations

• Kesar Kaju Katli: Add saffron strands while cooking for a golden hue.

• Rose Kaju Katli: Infuse rose water or add dried petals for a floral twist.

• Chocolate Kaju Katli: Blend in melted dark chocolate for a fusion dessert.

• Sugar-Free Version: Use erythritol or stevia syrup.