Dive into the sweet, nutty world of halva with our roundup of 18 Delicious Halva Recipes that promise to amaze! Whether you’re a halva enthusiast or new to this versatile treat, our collection offers something for everyone—from classic sesame to inventive chocolate swirls. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests, these recipes are your ticket to exploring halva’s rich flavors. Ready to get started? Let’s bake, blend, and indulge!
Classic Semolina Halva
Every home cook needs a foolproof dessert, and Classic Semolina Halva fits the bill. Easy to make with pantry staples, it’s a comforting treat.
Ingredients
- Semolina – 1 cup
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Butter – ½ cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely.
- Add semolina to the pan. Stir continuously for 5 minutes until golden. Tip: Constant stirring prevents burning.
- In a separate pot, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Carefully pour the sugar syrup into the semolina. Stir quickly to combine. Tip: Stand back to avoid splatters.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: The halva is ready when it pulls away from the pan.
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
Halva should be moist yet crumbly, with a rich, buttery flavor. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture.
Tahini Halva with Pistachios
Absolutely simple to make, this Tahini Halva with Pistachios is a rich, nutty dessert that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
- Tahini – 1 cup
- Honey – ½ cup
- Pistachios – ¼ cup, chopped
Instructions
- Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix tahini and honey until fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in chopped pistachios, reserving a tablespoon for topping.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing down firmly to eliminate air pockets.
- Sprinkle the reserved pistachios on top, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Freeze for 2 hours until firm.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the halva out of the pan. Cut into squares with a sharp knife.
The halva is dense and crumbly with a deep sesame flavor, balanced by the sweetness of honey. Serve chilled with a drizzle of extra honey for added decadence.
Chocolate Swirl Halva
Unwrap the joy of blending rich chocolate with traditional halva for a decadent twist. This recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- Halva – 2 cups
- Dark chocolate – 1 cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Break halva into small pieces using your hands. Tip: Ensure pieces are uniform for even melting.
- Melt dark chocolate and butter in a double boiler over medium heat until smooth, about 5 minutes. Tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Combine halva pieces with melted chocolate mixture in a large bowl. Mix gently to maintain some texture.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan. Tip: Use a spatula for a smooth top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.
- Cut into squares or bars before serving.
Luscious layers of chocolate and halva create a chewy yet melt-in-your-mouth experience. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor contrast.
Carrot Halva (Gajar Ka Halwa)
Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, sweet dessert like Carrot Halva. This traditional Indian treat is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
- Carrots – 4 cups, grated
- Milk – 2 cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Ghee – 4 tbsp
- Cardamom – ½ tsp, powdered
- Cashews – ¼ cup, chopped
- Raisins – ¼ cup
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add grated carrots. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in milk. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until milk reduces.
- Add sugar. Stir well and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Mix in cardamom powder, cashews, and raisins. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining 2 tbsp ghee. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until halva leaves the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
You’ll love the creamy texture and rich flavor of this halva. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Flour Halva with Cinnamon
Zesty and comforting, this Flour Halva with Cinnamon is a simple yet rich dessert. Perfect for cozy evenings, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Flour – 1 cup
- Butter – ½ cup
- Sugar – ¾ cup
- Water – 1 cup
- Cinnamon – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F).
- Add flour to the pan. Stir continuously for 10 minutes until golden. Tip: Constant stirring prevents burning.
- In a separate pot, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Pour the sugar syrup into the flour mixture. Stir quickly to combine. Tip: The mixture will thicken immediately, so work fast.
- Add cinnamon. Mix well.
- Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat (250°F), stirring constantly. Tip: Lower heat ensures even cooking without scorching.
- Remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Earthy cinnamon enhances the halva’s nutty flavor. Serve warm for a soft texture or chilled for a firmer bite. Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
Sunflower Seed Halva
Zesty and nutty, this sunflower seed halva is a simple treat that packs a punch. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet gift, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
– Sunflower seeds – 2 cups
– Honey – ½ cup
– Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
– Salt – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread sunflower seeds on a baking sheet. Toast for 10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden. Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.
2. Let seeds cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor. Blend until a thick paste forms, about 5 minutes. Tip: Scrape down sides as needed for even blending.
3. Add honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the processor. Blend until fully combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
4. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer halva mixture to the pan. Press down firmly to compact.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until set. Tip: For easier slicing, chill overnight.
6. Remove from pan. Cut into squares or bars. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Rich and crumbly, this halva melts in your mouth with a buttery texture. Try drizzling with dark chocolate or sprinkling with sea salt for an extra flavor boost.
Pumpkin Halva with Walnuts
Bold flavors and simple steps make this Pumpkin Halva with Walnuts a must-try. Perfect for fall, it’s a sweet, nutty treat that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree – 1 cup
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Walnuts – ½ cup, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and sugar. Mix well to combine. Tip: Constant stirring prevents burning.
- Cook the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Tip: The halva is ready when it leaves the sides of the pan.
- Add chopped walnuts. Stir to distribute evenly throughout the halva.
- Remove from heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: Cooling slightly helps the halva set for perfect slices.
Creamy and rich, this halva pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve it warm for a comforting dessert or chilled for a firmer texture.
Banana Halva with Cardamom
Banana halva with cardamom is a simple, fragrant dessert that combines ripe bananas with warm spices. Bypass the usual banana bread for this quick, gluten-free treat.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas – 2 cups, mashed
- Ghee – ¼ cup
- Cardamom powder – 1 tsp
- Sugar – ½ cup
Instructions
- Heat ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat (350°F).
- Add mashed bananas to the pan. Stir continuously for 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Mix in sugar and cardamom powder. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat to low (250°F). Continue cooking for 5 minutes until the halva pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Transfer the halva to a greased plate. Flatten with a spatula to even out the surface.
- Let it cool for 30 minutes at room temperature before cutting into squares.
One bite reveals a soft, slightly chewy texture with the unmistakable aroma of cardamom. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast in temperatures.
Coconut Halva with Almonds
Halva lovers, rejoice! This Coconut Halva with Almonds is a simple, no-fuss dessert that packs a punch of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Coconut flakes – 2 cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Water – ½ cup
- Almonds – ½ cup, chopped
Instructions
- Toast coconut flakes in a dry pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until golden. Tip: Keep the heat medium to avoid burning.
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium. Cook until syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer. Tip: Use a thermometer for precise syrup consistency.
- Mix toasted coconut flakes and chopped almonds into the syrup. Stir quickly to combine evenly. Tip: Work fast before the syrup hardens.
- Press the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch pan. Use a spatula to flatten the top.
- Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then cut into squares.
Light and crumbly, this halva melts in your mouth with a sweet coconut flavor and crunchy almond bits. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or alongside coffee for an extra treat.
Rose Water Halva
Craving something sweet with a floral twist? Rose water halva is your answer. This Middle Eastern-inspired dessert is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
- Semolina – 1 cup
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Butter – ½ cup
- Rose water – 2 tbsp
- Water – 1 cup
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add semolina to the pan. Stir constantly for 5 minutes until golden.
- In a separate pot, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add rose water to the sugar syrup. Stir well.
- Pour the syrup into the semolina mixture. Stir quickly to combine.
- Cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
You’ll love the crumbly yet moist texture of this halva. The rose water adds a delicate aroma that’s not overpowering. Try serving it with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for extra crunch.
Date Halva with Sesame Seeds
Perfect for a quick sweet fix, this Date Halva with Sesame Seeds combines natural sweetness with a nutty crunch.
Ingredients
- Dates – 1 cup, pitted
- Sesame seeds – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 3 minutes, until golden. Tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Blend dates in a food processor until a paste forms. Tip: If too dry, add 1 tbsp water.
- Melt butter in a pan over low heat, add date paste, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring. Tip: Keep heat low to avoid sticking.
- Mix in toasted sesame seeds, stir well to combine.
- Press mixture into a lined loaf pan, smooth top with a spatula.
- Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Enjoy the chewy texture and rich flavor of this halva. Try it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra depth.
Peanut Butter Halva
Very few desserts blend simplicity with indulgence like Peanut Butter Halva. This no-bake treat is a twist on the classic, ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter – 1 cup
- Honey – ½ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Salt – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Line a 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Tip: If the mixture is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds to ease mixing.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared dish, using the back of a spoon to smooth the top. Tip: Wet the spoon lightly to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for 1 hour, or until firm enough to cut. Tip: For cleaner cuts, dip your knife in hot water before slicing.
- Remove from the freezer, lift out using the parchment overhang, and cut into squares.
Perfectly creamy with a hint of saltiness, this halva melts in your mouth. Serve chilled with a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra decadence.
Beetroot Halva with Cashews
Great for a sweet yet healthy dessert, this Beetroot Halva with Cashews is simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Beetroot – 2 cups, grated
- Milk – 1 cup
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Ghee – 2 tbsp
- Cashews – ¼ cup
Instructions
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat (350°F).
- Add grated beetroot. Sauté for 10 minutes until soft.
- Pour in milk. Stir well. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat.
- Add sugar. Mix until dissolved. Cook for another 10 minutes.
- Add cashews. Stir continuously for 5 minutes until halva thickens.
- Remove from heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Zesty and slightly earthy, this halva has a creamy texture. Serve warm with a sprinkle of crushed cashews on top for extra crunch.
Orange Blossom Halva
Vividly fragrant and subtly sweet, Orange Blossom Halva is a dessert that delights with its unique flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- Semolina – 1 cup
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Butter – ½ cup
- Orange blossom water – 2 tbsp
- Water – 1 cup
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add semolina to the pan. Stir continuously for 5 minutes until golden.
- In a separate pot, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Remove sugar syrup from heat. Stir in orange blossom water.
- Slowly pour the syrup into the semolina mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook the mixture on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Transfer the halva to a greased dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Let it cool for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Perfectly crumbly yet moist, this halva carries the delicate aroma of orange blossoms. Serve it with a drizzle of honey or alongside a cup of strong coffee for a delightful contrast.
Quinoa Halva with Honey
Whip up a quick, nutritious dessert with quinoa halva drizzled in honey. Perfect for a healthy treat any time of day.
Ingredients
- Quinoa – 1 cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Honey – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water until water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Tip: Let it sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat to fluff up.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add cooked quinoa to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir in honey and vanilla extract. Cook for another 2 minutes. Tip: Adjust honey for desired sweetness.
- Remove from heat. Press mixture firmly into a lined loaf pan. Tip: Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour before slicing.
Not too sweet, this quinoa halva has a chewy texture with a hint of vanilla. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
Sweet Potato Halva
Now, let’s dive into making Sweet Potato Halva, a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes – 2 cups, mashed
- Ghee – ¼ cup
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
- Almonds – 2 tbsp, sliced
Instructions
- Peel and cube 2 large sweet potatoes. Boil until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Tip: Ensure no lumps for a creamy texture.
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Tip: Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well.
- Continue cooking on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: The halva is ready when it leaves the sides of the pan.
- Garnish with sliced almonds before serving.
Enjoy the halva warm for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Its rich, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of chai. For a twist, serve it chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Lemon Zest Halva
You’ve likely tasted halva before, but lemon zest adds a refreshing twist to this classic treat. Here’s how to make it at home.
Ingredients
– Semolina – 1 cup
– Sugar – 1 cup
– Butter – ½ cup
– Water – 1 cup
– Lemon zest – 2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add semolina to the pan. Toast for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until golden.
3. In a separate pot, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce heat to low. Simmer the syrup for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Slowly pour the syrup into the semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Add lemon zest. Mix well.
7. Cook the mixture on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
9. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Tip: Toast semolina until fragrant for deeper flavor.
Tip: Stir syrup constantly to prevent crystallization.
Tip: Let halva rest for optimal texture.
This halva is fluffy with a bright lemon aroma. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Spiced Halva with Cloves and Nutmeg
Kickstart your day with this aromatic Spiced Halva, blending the warmth of cloves and nutmeg into a comforting treat.
Ingredients
- Semolina – 1 cup
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Butter – ½ cup
- Cloves – ½ tsp
- Nutmeg – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add butter, let it melt completely.
- Stir in semolina. Toast for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden.
- Add sugar, cloves, and nutmeg to the pan. Mix well.
- Pour in water gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook on low heat for 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the pan.
- Remove from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes to steam.
- Fluff with a fork before serving. Tip: For extra richness, drizzle with honey.
Enjoy the halva warm for a soft, pudding-like texture or chilled for a firmer bite. Its spiced aroma pairs perfectly with a cup of strong coffee.
Conclusion
We hope this roundup of 18 delicious halva recipes has inspired you to explore the sweet, versatile world of halva. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this delightful treat, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Don’t forget to try your favorites, share your thoughts in the comments, and pin this article on Pinterest to spread the halva love. Happy cooking!