Kaju katli recipe or kaju barfi with video & photos. Easy & quick recipe to make perfect kaju katli like the ones we get in sweet shops. These kaju katli have a smooth & melt-in-the mouth texture with mild flavors of cardamom powder or rose water. Kaju translates to cashews & katli refers to thin slices.
This classic sweet, kaju katli is one of the most bought sweets from the halwai & Indian sweet shops during festivals & occasions. Most Indians usually gift these to friends & relatives to spread the joy of festive or special occasions.
Often people are intimated to make kaju katli at home as most recipes require checking the string consistency. But this recipe is very simple, quick to make & does not involve checking string consistency.
Moreover kaju katli needs only a few ingredients that are always available in Indian kitchens.
This Kaju katli is
- gluten free
- can be made vegan by using coconut oil
- is low fat
- simple & quick to make
I always make sweets at home and avoid buying from shops or frozen sections as the store bought ones contain preservatives. We also do not know the quality of sugar and other ingredients used.
With homemade kaju katli, you know what goes into it. We always have the option to use organic sugar and avoid artificial flavors.
How is kaju katli made?
Traditionally kaju katli was made by boiling the sugar syrup to a 1 string consistency and then the powdered cashews are added to it. This method yields great results as the mixture doesn’t get overcooked and the burfi turns right.
The method I have shown in this post is without making a string consistency which I adapted from my Badam burfi recipe. I have just brought the sugar syrup to a rolling boil and then added the cashew powder. Cooked further until it reaches a thick consistency.
This method also gives very nice kaju katli just like the ones in the sweet shops. However if you are an experienced cook then you can also boil the syrup to a one string consistency and then add the cashew powder.
Step-by-step photos
Preparation
1. Add cashews to a blender jar. I had used cashews from fridge. I split open the cashews and then dry roasted on a low flame until crunchy. I used 1 & 1/2 cups split cashews which weighed 200 grams.
2. Pulse or blend to make a powder. Do not blend at a stretch for long time as they begin to release oil and turn lumpy. I usually blend the cashews in intervals. Also make sure the kaju powder doesn’t turn hot or even warmas it changes the flavor.
3. To make sure the cashew powder is not too coarse I sieved it. You will need to use a spoon to pass it through the sieve.
4. I added back the coarse grains and blended again.
5. The cashew powder will be slightly grainy but not fine like flour. You can also split this kaju katli recipe and make the powder one day ahead. Store it in a air tight jar and use within the next 2 days.
Making sugar syrup for kaju katli
6. Add sugar to a non stick pan. I used 3/4 cup + 2 tbsps. The sweetness was right for us. If you prefer less sweetness then you can reduce 2 tbsp.
7. I poured 6 tbsp water. Pouring too much water is not right for this method as the mixture will have to be cooked for longer. So measure the water correctly.
8. Stir gently and dissolve the sugar completely on a medium heat. Sugar can scratch up the nonstick pan so be gentle. Bring the sugar syrup to a rapid boil.
How to make kaju katli
9. Next lower the flame completely and add cashew powder. I added in 2 batches. You may end up with lumps if the entire powder is added at one time.
10. Next mix very well to ensure there are no lumps. Scrape the sides and the spoon if the powder is stuck.
11. Keep stirring the kaju katli mixture consistently and cook on a low to medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken.
12. Next add 2 tsps ghee and 1 tsp rose water or cardamom powder.
13. Next continue to cook stirring well. As the mixture thickens it will leave the sides if not then add a few drops of ghee again.
14. With in few mins the mixture will come together and leaves the pan.
Check if the mixture is done
When the kaju katli mixture is done, set the pan aside. Take 1/4 tsp of the mixture and cool down a bit. Grease your fingers and make a ball out of it. You must get a non sticky dry ball. This means the mixture is ready.
If you do not get a dry ball it means the kaju katli mixture is under done and needs cooking further.
15. Next quickly pour the prepared mixture to a greased plate or butter paper. If using unbleached parchment paper then grease it first and use.
16. When the temperature comes down to slightly hot or warm, then grease your hands and knead it well.
17. With in 2 to 3 mins the mixture will turn smooth.
18. Next cover the kaju barfi mixture.
19. Roll it to a oval shape of 1/4 inch thickness.
20. Lastly cool completely and cut to square or diamond shapes. I cut them to the size of Haldiram’s Kaju katli. You can cut them slightly bigger if you like.
Most often vark or edible silver foil is placed over the kaju katli. If you prefer you can do it after slicing it.
Store kaju katli in a air tight jar. They keep good at room temperature for 5 to 7 days.
Tips to make good kaju katli
- Make sure cashews are powdered as fine as possible without making the powder lumpy. Pulse the cashews in intervals and avoid running the blender for long time.
- Over blending the cashews or blending for too long will release oils from cashews. This will not give the right texture to the kaju katli. The mixture will begin to release oil if such powder is cooked.
- Do not over cook the mixture as it dries out the kaju katli.
- Kneading the mixture well is the key to get smooth and mouth melting kaju katli.
- Do not over blend the cashews to the extent they release oils. If the cashew powder turn oily, then it is not suitable to make kaju katli. Just use up the powder to make north Indian gravies and make a fresh batch of kaju powder.
If you love burfi recipes, then you may love these coconut burfi & 7 cups burfi & Badam burfi.
More Sweets Recipes
Diwali Sweets
Besan ladoo
Rasmalai
Gulab jamun
Recipe
Easy kaju katli or kaju barfi
Kaju katli recipe
For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card
Ingredients (1 cup = 240ml )
Instructions
Preparation
- Add 1½ cups cashews to a blender jar and pulse a few times until it turns to a powder.
- Do not run the blender for long time as the cashews begin to release oil and turn lumpy.
- To ensure the powder is not very grainy sieve it and blend the coarse particles again.
- The cashew powder will be slightly grainy.
How to make kaju katli
- Add ¾ cup sugar and 90 ml water to a non stick pan. Heat & dissolve it well.
- When the sugar melts off completely and begins to boil rapidly, add the cashew powder. Lower the heat.
- Mix well to blend the sugar syrup and cashew powder.
- The mixture must be smooth without any lumps.
- Keep stirring and cook on a medium heat until slightly thick.
- Then pour 1 teaspoon rosewater and one teaspoon ghee.
- You can also add 1/8 teaspoon cardamom powder.
- Cook till the kaju katli mixture turns thick and begins to leave the sides of the pan.
- If it doesn't then drizzle few drops of ghee again and mix.
- At this stage the mixture should not look dry but has to be moist and sticky.
Check if mixture is ready
- To check if the mixture is ready. Turn off the stove and set the pan aside.
- Take ¼ teaspoon of this kaju katli mixture and cool down a bit.
- Roll it to a ball with greased fingers. You must get a ball that isn't sticky.
- Upon cooling completely this has to get the texture of the katli or fudge.
- Next transfer the cooked kaju katli mixture immediately to a greased plate or parchment paper (butter paper).
- Let the temperature come down to warm or slightly hot.
- While the mixture is still slightly hot or warm, grease your palms and knead it for 2 to 3 minutes to a smooth crack free dough. (refer video or picture below)
- Another method is to place the mixture on parchment paper and cover it. Then knead it well with the paper over the mixture. Covering the mixture with parchment paper protects your palm from extreme heat.
- ( To fix ) If your kaju katli mixture tends to stick a lot, it means it is still underdone. So continue to cook the mixture for a little longer. If your mixture looks dry, sprinkle some boiled and cooled water and knead.
- Place the ball on a greased aluminum foil or a butter paper and cover it.
- With the help of a rolling pin, roll it evenly to ¼ inch thickness.
- Cool completely and cut to desired shapes. Store kaju katli in an airtight box.
Video
NUTRITION (estimation only)
Notes
- Water: Please stick on to the quantity of water mentioned in the recipe. If you add even little more water than mentioned in the recipe, you will have to cook the mixture for longer. This may alter the taste of kaju katli making it chewy.
- You can also boil the sugar syrup until it reaches 1 string consistency. Then add the cashew powder. Mix well and add ghee. Cook until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan. When it cools down a bit. Knead it well and follow as mentioned above.
- Before adding the cashew powder, make sure sugar has dissolved completely and has begun to boil well.
Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.
For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.
© Swasthi’s Recipes
Suneha says
Thank you for the recipe my 4 year old kid don’t like sweets except this one first time ever she asked me to do sweet that too kaju Katli so I search in google first one I got yours I read whole post and read few more but yours is very clear and easy to follow tried it came out just perfect am very happy with the result once again thank you so much and you are in our happiness and memory god bless you.
swasthi says
Welcome Suneha
So happy to know! Thank you so much for trying and leaving a comment.
🙂
Sushila says
Thanks for the excellent recipe. Katli turned out perfect.
Brinda says
Nice reciepe loved the taste but it became dry after it cooled down
swasthi says
Hi Brinda
I think you overcooked the mixture. Watch the video before you make it next time. Hope this helps
Deepshikha Bera says
Can I use fried cashew for kaju katli
swasthi says
Hi Deepshikha
What is fried cashew? deep fried?
Manisha Singh says
Hi
I put Coconut sugar but its not coming in rolling consistency.. like its loose i heat it also again .
What i can do? Plz suggest .. as i am making it for a diabetic friend
swasthi says
Hi Manisha
I am sorry I don’t think this recipe works with coconut sugar. I have another recipe made with coocnut jaggery if you want you can take a look. almond jaggery burfi
Manisha Singh says
Hi.. i loved your recipe but one question as my friend is allergic to milk product so can’t use ghee , can i use Almond oil instead of ghee.
Please suggest.
swasthi says
Hi Manisha
Thank you! Yes you can use
Manisha Singh says
Thank you so much🙏🏻😊
Ishwarya says
I did this and the taste was amazing..but it was a little thin and not as tht much thick and hard as the shop gives..wat must be done
swasthi says
Hi Ishwarya
Thin or thick depends on your rolling. Roll it thicker, if you want it thick. If it is not dry on top then it means the mixture had to cook a bit more. Try it a few more times you will get it perfectly.
Vaishali says
I tried for the first time and it turned out perfect! Thanks 😊
swasthi says
Glad to know Vaishali
🙂
Sowmya kumar says
Mam, tried kaju katli..turned out very tasty and perfect…thank you so much. I always refer your site.
swasthi says
Welcome Soumya
Glad to know!
Soonali says
Hi mam, I had tried This Recipe. Bt my mixer was Going to hard.. So plz tell me what can i do now to get Kaju katli recipe in A right ways???
swasthi says
Hi Soonali
I didn’t understand the problem. But yes it needs a good blender/mixer grinder and do not blend continuously otherwise it will release oils.
Maryanne says
Thank u for the yummy recipe. The kids enjoyed the kaju Katli.
swasthi says
Glad to know!
Vijayalakshmi V says
I made Kaju Katli by following your recipe. It came out very well. Thank you very much.
swasthi says
You are welcome! Glad to know!
Thank you
Darshana Sheth says
Yum yum.. I am going to try this today. But is it ok if i skip rosewater step because i dont have it. Damn lockdown!!
If rose water is optional then i m going to make it now nd comment again.
swasthi says
Thank you Darshana
Yes skip the rose water. You can use cardamom powder.
Monika Raj says
I think your site is the best I have found on Indian cooking so far. Amazed by your recipes, approach and explanation on why things work and don’t sometimes!
I live in US and always use your site when I need to learn a brand new thing like Kaju Katli or Kalakand.
Publish a book, Swathi. These are too amazing to not be in a ready to reference format!
Good luck and thanks!
swasthi says
Hi Monika,
Glad to know you! Thank you so much! So happy reading your comment.
Yes may be in future.
Thanks again
François says
Hi Swasthi, thank you so much for the recipe! I have tried a couple of times but must be missing something, in the last step when I grease my hands to knead the paste it sorts of turns into sand (it is very grainy and falls apart). I wonder if it might be because the cajun powder is not thin enough? Or that I may not have added enough butter?
Thanks for your excellent site!
swasthi says
Hi Francois,
You are welcome. If the mixture is overcooked it can fall apart. But if you knead it well it will come together again. But if the kaju powder is coarse then it will not. This recipe does not require more fats like butter. Whatever we have used is enough for the mixture to leave the pan. I suggest you try to make the powder finer. Hope this helps.
François says
Thank you very much!
Christine says
This looks delicious – can’t wait to try! Are there any close substitutes for ghee you would recommend in making this, or would it impact the flavor / consistency too much? I was thinking maybe coconut oil, walnut oil, or canola oil but wasn’t sure…. Thank you!
swasthi says
Hi Christine,
You are welcome. I have made it a few times with refined coconut oil and it turned out just good as it has no flavor. Not sure about walnut oil. I wouldn’t suggest canola. You can cut down the recipe to half and try with coconut oil. Hope this helps
Prasanna says
Hi swasthi,
Can I please know if it is possible to replace sugar with dates in this recipe, if yes can you please let me know the quantity of dates and how to go forward with it. Thanks for your healthy recipes, loved them.
swasthi says
Hi Prasanna,
You are welcome. I haven’t tried this one with dates. You can check this recipe for dates burfi. During Diwali I made it with 150 grams of almond flour/ meal. So it will work with kaju as well. Cook it on a very low flame. Hope this helps.
Vinu Vivek says
This turned out amazingly well 🙂 Thank you very much for an easy to follow, step by step doable recipe. My very picky husband loved it and didn’t want to share lol. You made our Deepavali very special.
swasthi says
Hi Vinu,
You are welcome. Glad to know! Thank you so much for the comment.
🙂
Pranita says
The Kaju katli came out amazing! I even put edible gold on it!
swasthi says
Thanks for trying Pranita
Subbu Ganapathy says
I tried your recipe and it came out perfect….thank you soooo much.
swasthi says
Welcome Subbu
P shri says
Hi Swasthi,
Wonderful receipe!! I had tried earlier and it came out perfectly.. but this time its all sticky like sugar mixture and is having a lot of oil.. may be I added ghee more than it was required.. I tried putting the dough in fridge for sometime and then made small balls.. its still very oily ,sticky and chewy. Can anything be done so it doesn’t gets wasted?
Its disheartening to see after putting so much of effort and time that too during diwali.
swasthi says
Hi Shri,
I guess the problem is due to over blending the cashews. A bit more of ghee shouldn’t matter much. But If the cashews are over blended they will release oil after adding to the pan. It turned chewy as you over cooked it. You should never put any burfi mixture in fridge to fix it. There are lot many easier ways. You can try adding some roasted gram flour(chutney dal) or desiccated coconut. I would suggest adding chutney dal to a processor/mixer and make a fine powder then mix with this. It should work well. Hope this works. Please let me know if you could do it.
P shri says
Thanks for your reply Swasthi!! A little doubt.. gram flour means besan right.. wouldn’t it change the taste from what kaju katli actually tastes?
swasthi says
No I mean chutney dal or roasted gram flour or fried gram dal flour. But you can also use besan but will have to dry roast for long time until it turns golden and roasted. The raw smell should go away. Yes any addition will alter the taste completely. But you can save it and it will taste good for sure. Chutney dal has the ability to absorb the excess grease and stickyness so it will work.Do not add a lot, just add 1 tbsp each time until you are able to fix it. Also the katli will taste less sweeter. Instead You can also add only some cocoa powder. This I have made it several times.
P Shri says
Thanks much Swasthi! I will try this out.