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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Pumpkin Halwa

Published: Oct 11, 2018 · Modified: Aug 1, 2023 by Geetha Priyanka · 30 Comments

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pin image of pumpkin halwa with red text overlay on the top.

Pumpkin Halwa (kaddu ka halwa) is an easy and exotic dessert made with the goodness of pumpkin, milk and flavoured with cardamom. The blend of cashews, melon seeds, and raisins really adds to the uniqueness of the recipe.

pumpkin-halwa
Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • How to prepare pumpkin halwa?
  • Variations and Substitutions
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage
  • How to make pumpkin halwa recipe in instant pot?
  • FAQ
  • What is halwa?
  • More Indian Dessert Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Related

It's finally time for that beloved fall classic pumpkin! and time to stock up on pumpkins because I think we can all agree that there is no better way to really dive into fall than with pumpkin-filled treats and desserts. So here is the perfect autumn recipe pumpkin halwa or pumpkin pudding - a sweet, full of fall flavours, the perfect dessert to enjoy as an after-meal dessert or as an evening snack.

Check out more pumpkin recipes on the blog: pumpkin spinach pasta, pumpkin banana smoothie and oatmeal pumpkin cookies.

Pumpkin Halwa is popularly known as kaddu ka halwa. There are more ways to make kaddu ka halwa/pumpkin halwa, with some people using cubes of pumpkin cooked in water and others adding condensed milk or milk to cook them. I choose to cook the grated pumpkin with milk to get a texture rather than a smooth paste-like dish.

Kaddu ka halwa is really an easy dish to make, but make sure to fry pumpkin until it begins to soften and the raw smell vanishes as pumpkin doesn't cook anymore after adding sugar. You will find pumpkin reduces in volume as it cooks.

Pumpkin cooks a little quicker as compared to carrot and beetroot which usually takes a long time to soften and requires constant stirring. So if you have a sweet tooth and want to try something different with this lovely vegetable this autumn season, give this a go, I am sure you and your family will enjoy it.

Ingredients

Pumpkin: 2 cups, peeled and grated

Ghee (Pure butter ghee): 2 tbsp

Sugar: ½ cup

Milk: 1 cup

Cardamom powder: 1 tsp

Cashews: 1 tbsp

Raisins: 1 tbsp

Melon Seeds: 2 tsp

Desiccated Coconut: 3 tbsp

Almonds, pistachios: 1 teaspoon sliced (optional) for garnish

How to prepare pumpkin halwa?

Trim, peel the skin, discard the seeds and grate the pumpkin.

Heat 1 tablespoon ghee on medium-high heat in a frying pan, fry raisins and cashews for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, take it off the pan.

fall-pumpkin-recipe

In the same pan heat remaining ghee on medium-high heat, fry grated pumpkin stirring regularly for 5-8 minutes or until raw aroma vanishes.

pumpkin-recipes

Now add milk, heat gently and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Cook for 20 minutes or until pumpkin is tender and almost all the liquid has evaporated, stirring frequently as the mixture thickens.

diwali-sweets-recipe

At this point, add sugar, stir well and cook for 10 more minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated and reaches the desired consistency.

indian-sweets-recipe

Finally, add fried cashews, raisins and melon seeds, mix well and turn off the heat.

navratri-sweets-recipe

Garnish kaddu ka halwa with chopped nuts and serve hot or at room temperature.

kaddu-ka-halwa

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan: Use any plant-based milk such as coconut or almond milk instead of dairy and replace ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Pumpkin: Indian yellow pumpkin could be used instead of orange. 

Nuts and dry fruits: You may add dry fruits like pistachios, walnuts as well along with cashews and raisins.

Tips and Tricks

Make sure the pumpkin is properly softened before you add the sugar. The pumpkin doesn't really cook anymore after adding sugar, so if it is a bit raw before it will taste a bit raw when done.

Adjust sugar as pumpkin has a natural sweetness that comes out as it is cooked.

Cooking time may vary depending on the type of burner you use and the settings.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin halwa with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream is the best combo.

Serve piping hot pumpkin halwa with generous nuts on top.

Storage

Fridge: Halwa stays good for up to 10 days in the fridge if stored properly in a clean airtight container. 

Reheat: Place halwa in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave until piping hot. Ensure to stop the microwave regularly, take the bowl out, and stir for uniform heating. 

Freezer: This is the best freezer-friendly Indian dessert. Divide the leftover halwa into the required portions into airtight freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags and store them in the freezer for up to two months. 

Defrost: Thaw it the night before you plan to consume it. Take a portion out of the freezer and pop it in the fridge. Once defrosted, reheat in the microwave until hot.

How to make pumpkin halwa recipe in instant pot?

Peel, cut and remove seeds and strings. Dice the pumpkin into big cubes and keep them aside.

Plug in an instant pot pressure cooker and press SAUTE button to turn the saute mode ON.

Melt the ghee, add cashews and raisins. Fry for a minute or two until the raisins swell and the cashews start turning light brown. 

Remove the fried cashews and raisins from the pot and keep them on a plate to use later.

Add pumpkin cubes, milk and close the pot with a lid.

Press the pressure cook/manual button and move the pressure valve to the sealing position. Set the timer for 1 minute.

Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes.

Move the pressure valve to the vent position to release the remaining pressure.

Mash the pumpkin with the back of the ladle or potato masher.

Open the lid, stir in sugar and mix well.

Press saute button and cook until the halwa thickens. 

Mix in fried cashews, raisins, cardamom and press the cancel button.

Delicious kaddu halwa is ready to devour!

Hint: Pressure cook time depends on the size of the pumpkin chunks.

FAQ

What is halwa?

Classic Indian dessert made of semolina, flour, lentils such as moong dal or vegetables along with ghee, cardamom, raisins and nuts. Among various versions, carrot halwa, pumpkin halwa and lauki halwa are the most common varieties preferred on special occasions. 

There are hundreds of different types of desserts that are made from all kinds of fresh vegetables like carrots, squashes and beetroot. Halwa is one of the most preferred and deserved Indian desserts and occupies a special place in the food menu of Indian festivals and occasions.

More Indian Dessert Recipes

Wheat payasam: A delicious, healthy creamy dreamy dessert made with whole wheat berries, sweetened with jaggery and flavoured with cardamom.

Belgaum kunda: North Karnataka special sweet is made by reducing and curdling the milk and cooking with caramalised sugar.

Mango coconut burfi: Delicious tropical flavoured fudge made with mango pulp and desiccated coconut.

Carrot coconut kheer: Finely shredded carrot simmered in coconut milk along with palm jaggery and flavoured with green cardamom and cinnamon.

Badam Halwa: An almond-based classic Indian pudding flavoured with saffron and cardamom.

📖 Recipe Card

pumpkin halwa in a small pumpkins placed on a white table along with fall leaves.

Pumpkin Halwa | Kaddu ka Halwa

Pumpkin Halwa / Kaddu ka halwa is an easy and exotic dessert made with the goodness of pumpkin, milk and flavoured with cardamom. The blend of  cashews, melon seeds and raisins really adds to the uniqueness of the recipe.
5 from 12 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 3
Calories: 378kcal
Author: Geetha

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet/Frying Pan
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
  • 1 Grater

Ingredients

1 Cup = 250ml ; 1 Tablespoon = 15ml ; 1 Teaspoon = 5ml

  • 2 cups Pumpkin grated
  • 2 tablespoons Ghee
  • 1 cup Milk adjust to get right consistency
  • ½ cup Sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Cashews
  • 1 tablespoon Raisins
  • 2 teaspoon Melon Seeds
  • 3 tablespoon Dessicated Coconut
  • ½ teaspoon Almonds (optional) sliced
  • ½ teaspoon Pistachios (optional) sliced

Instructions

  • Trim, peel, discard seeds and grate the pumpkin.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon ghee on medium high heat in a frying pan, fry raisins and cashews for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, take it off the pan.
    2 tablespoons Ghee, 1 tablespoon Cashews, 1 tablespoon Raisins
  • In the same pan heat remaining ghee on medium high heat, fry grated pumpkin stirring regularly for 5-8 minutes or until raw aroma vanishes.
    2 tablespoons Ghee, 2 cups Pumpkin
  • Now add milk, heat gently and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
    1 cup Milk
  • Cook for 20 minutes or until pumpkin is tender and almost all the liquid has almost evaporated, stirring frequently as the mixture thickens.
  • At this point, add sugar, stir well and cook for another 10 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated and reaches the desired consistency.
    ½ cup Sugar
  • Finally add fried cashews, raisins, desiccated coconut, cardamom and melon seeds, mix well and turn off the heat.
    2 teaspoon Melon Seeds, 3 tablespoon Dessicated Coconut, 1 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
  • Garnish kaddu ka halwa with chopped nuts and serve hot or at room temperature.
    ½ teaspoon Almonds, ½ teaspoon Pistachios

Notes

Make sure the pumpkin is properly softened before you add the sugar. The pumpkin doesn't really cook anymore after adding sugar, so if it is a bit raw before it will taste a bit raw when done.
Adjust sugar as pumpkin has a natural sweetness that comes out as it is cooked.
Cooking time may vary depending on the type of burner you use and the settings.
 
** Nutritional information provided here is estimated and for guidance only. Please refer my Recipe Disclaimer for more details.

Nutrition

Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 674mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 474IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Leave your feedback and RATE THE RECIPE!
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KEEP IN TOUCH

Do let me know if you make this pumpkin halwa. If you like this recipe kindly consider rating it using stars in the comment section or on the recipe card to help more people find this recipe online. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribing to my Youtube channel. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get simple recipes straight to your inbox?

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Image of Geetha with text below "Meet Geetha"

Welcome to Flavours Treat. I share vegetarian recipes made with wholesome, mostly healthy and fresh ingredients. Every recipe has easy-to-follow instructions with process shots (detailed step-wise pictures), a short video and lots of tips to help your cooking journey. Read more

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  1. Jolly

    October 15, 2018 at 2:01 am

    This sounds delicious! I have never actually tried pumpkin halwa, but love all the fruits and nuts in there, sounds like my kind of sweet 🙂

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 25, 2018 at 11:11 am

      I bet you will not regret for trying this recipe Jolly. I hope you do try and let me know how it turned out.

      Reply
  2. Pavani

    October 14, 2018 at 3:11 pm

    5 stars
    Pumpkin Halwa is so delicious and irresistible..Beautiful clicks.bookmarked it.

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 25, 2018 at 11:09 am

      Thanks Pavani 🙂

      Reply
  3. themadscientistskitchen

    October 14, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    Kaddu is halwa is on my to do list for ages. Looks yummy.

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 25, 2018 at 11:09 am

      I hope you get to try sometime soon. I would love to know how it turned out.

      Reply
  4. Praneetha

    October 14, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    5 stars
    Okay, I'm right away going to the kitchen to grate pumpkin. 😉 Seriously, the halwa looks super duper tempting and a must try during pumpkin season. I'm definitely not missing the chance to give this a try. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 25, 2018 at 11:08 am

      Wow you are super fast Praneetha. Can't wait to know how it turned out....

      Reply
  5. Sasmita Sahoo Samanta

    October 14, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    5 stars
    The pumpkin halwa looks so rich and delicious..... Love the healthy choice for indulging into a sweet dish !!! Awesome share 🙂

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:38 pm

      Thanks Sasmita.

      Reply
  6. Jayashree

    October 14, 2018 at 11:30 am

    I have never tried pumpkin halwa but now I am tempted to try this. It looks so good.

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:38 pm

      Do try Jayashree, I am sure you will enjoy.

      Reply
  7. Freda @ Aromatic essence

    October 13, 2018 at 11:18 pm

    5 stars
    Pumpkin halwa looks absolutely delicious and perfect to be made many times during this season 🙂

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:37 pm

      I hope you try this recipe this season, I am sure you will enjoy Freda. Do let me know how it turned out.

      Reply
  8. Vanitha Bhat

    October 13, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    5 stars
    Looks absolutely yummy and colorful! Fall season and you can never have enough of pumpkins or apples! Nice share dear! Love the halwa; I have to try this soon!

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:36 pm

      Thanks a lot dear. I hope you do try this fall season, I would love to know how it turned out.

      Reply
  9. Poonam Bachhav

    October 13, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    The halwa looks delectable and your presentation makes it all the more desirable !

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:34 pm

      Thanks Poonam.

      Reply
  10. Soma Mukherjee

    October 13, 2018 at 10:45 am

    5 stars
    The pumpkin halwa looks so rich and festive, this is such a healthy choice for indulging into a sweet dish, loved the recipe.

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      Thank you Soma.

      Reply
  11. Mildly Indian

    October 13, 2018 at 8:04 am

    Wow, with the approaching pumpkin season, this is so amazing. I am waiting for the sweet pumpkins to come up so I can try this

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      I would love to know how enjoy it.

      Reply
  12. Lata Lala

    October 13, 2018 at 5:19 am

    The pumpkin halwa looks so lip smacking. Wanna grab it from screen right away. I so love yellow pumpkin and always find a reason to make something out of it.
    Lovely share.

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:32 pm

      I hope you do try and let me know your feedback lataji.

      Reply
  13. Shobha Keshwani

    October 13, 2018 at 2:23 am

    The pumpkin halwa looks delicious. I must try it too. Yesterday I made papaya halwa. came out good too.

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:31 pm

      Please do try Shobhaji. I am sure you like it too. Papaya halwa sounds interesting, i will try it sometime.

      Reply
  14. Monika Dabrowski

    October 12, 2018 at 8:33 pm

    What an interesting way of serving pumpkin! Looks delicious! Thank you for bringing your recipe to #CookBlogShare!

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      I am glad to be a part of CookBlogShare Monika.

      Reply
  15. Piyali Mutha

    October 12, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    5 stars
    Ah you have enclosed the flavours of the fall into that bowl of delumptious halwa. Just by looking at that yumminess I am teleported to a land of trees covered with crimson tangerine leaves. I am so drooling now. A bowl is all I need to enjoy the nip in the autum air.

    Reply
    • Geetha Priyanka

      October 14, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      Thank you Piyali.

      Reply

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