How to make Kaju Katli At home step-by-step full Recipe

Kaju Katli being one of the most loved Indian sweets is made especially during festivals like Diwali, weddings, and family celebrations. This sweet is mainly made from cashew nuts, sugar and has a very rich nutty and smooth flavour. These thin diamond shaped pieces are then decorated with edible silver leaf which makes it look beautiful and tastes even better. 

When I talk about kaju katli, it brings back many sweet memories of festive days at home. The sweet aroma of the freshly prepared sweets in the kitchen, the excitement of opening sweet boxes as kids, and sharing them with friends and family which makes every celebration feel special. This sweet is the perfect combination of simple and luxurious.  

About Kaju Katli

Kaju katli is believed to have its roots in the Indian royal kitchens, in which rich ingredients like nuts and dry fruits are often used to prepare such special sweets. And as the time passed by, this sweet gained its popularity and became famous across the country. It is now one of the most loved mithai in India. Many families in India also buy or make kaju katli to celebrate special occasions or to offer guests as a sign of warmth and hospitality. Since it has a very smooth texture and delicate sweetness, it is favourite among all the age groups. This sweet is usually cut into thin diamond shaped pieces.  

Quick recipe overview 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 12 pieces

Ingredients Required 

You can adjust the ingredients quantities according to the servings and number of pieces to be made. 

• 1 cup cashews (kaju) : Always use fresh and good quality unsalted cashews for the best flavour 
• ½ cup sugar
• Water
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional): using cardamom powder adds a light aromatic flavour. 

Recipe instructions 

1. For the first step, we start by preparing the cashew powder. Take the required amount of cashew nuts and place them in a mixer grinder. Grind them into a fine powder. 
2. One important thing to remember is to grind the cashews in short intervals instead of grinding them continuously. This helps prevent cashews from releasing oil. 

3. Once the grinding of the cashews are done, sieve the powder to remove any large pieces of the cashew and keep them aside. 
4. Now we prepare the sugar syrup. Take a non-stick pan and add sugar and water in required amounts. Heat this mixture gently and keep stirring gently.
5. You must continue to cook until all the sugar is dissolved into the water and it starts forming thick syrup. 
6. We actually do not need very thick syrup, just lightly thick syrup is enough for this recipe.

7. Keep stirring the mixture on low flame and as it keeps cooking, the mixture starts to thicken. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. And at this stage, we add cardamom powder to get that perfect mild flavour.
8. Once the mixture thickens just turn off the flame and transfer it onto a butter paper or a plate which is greased. 
9. Now gently start kneading the mixture for a minute like a smooth dough.
10. Now comes the main part. You have to place another butter paper on the top of the dough and roll it using a rolling pin. Roll it evenly on all the sides for the correct thickness. Usually the thickness is 5mm. 

11. For decorating, you can use edible silver leaf. Place the silver leaf carefully on the dough and press it lightly so that it sticks properly. Using a knife or a cutter, cut it into diamond shaped pieces.

12. Now we allow the pieces to cool down completely and our homemade kaju katli is ready to be served !
13. Enjoy !

Common mistakes to avoid 

• Always remember not to over grind the cashews because grinding them for too long can release their natural oil and turn the powder into paste.
• The cashews which are used for grinding must always be dry. Using moist cashews can make the mixture moist as well.
• Avoid cooking the mixture on high heat because it can harden the mixture and burn the cashews. 
• If the mixture is cooked for a longer amount of time, it can become hard and dry. Off the flame as soon as it begins to form smooth dough. 
• Before rolling the dough, always ensure it is slightly cooled.
• Knead the dough gently when it is warm will help create a smooth texture and gives soft consistency to the kaju katli. 

Variations you can try with Kaju Katli

You can give a slight twist by trying different variations of kaju katli. It can be done by adding flavours of your choice and these variations make the sweet more interesting. It is perfect if you want to try something different from the traditional recipe.

1. Chocolate Kaju Katli: 

This is prepared by adding 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cashew mixture while cooking. Then mix everything well until the cocoa powder is blended evenly. This chocolate version of kaju katli is especially loved by children.

2. Rose Flavored Kaju Katli

If you want a light floral aroma that gives a refreshing and elegant flavor, add a few drops of rose water or rose essence to the mixture before removing it from the heat.

3. Pistachio Kaju Katli

You can mix finely grinded pistachios with the cashew powder to create a rich and nutty flavor. Some people also make layered katli using a pistachio layer on top of it for a beautiful green and white look.

People also ask

1. What are the ingredients of kaju katli ?

Kaju Katli is a popular Indian sweet which is primarily made with cashew nuts(kaju), sugar,ghee and water. Some variations also include milk powder or cardamom powder for added flavour and richness.

2. How much kaju is required for 1kg of kaju katli ?

To make 1kg of Kaju Katli , you will need exactly 500 grams of kaju which is about 4 cups of cashews.

3. Does kaju katli have maida ?

The authentic Kaju katli is made from using cashews, sugar, and ghee and does not contain maida which is an all-purpose flour. However, commercial shops add maida or cornflour as replacements to reduce costs.

4. Why is kaju katli so costly ?

Kaju katli is expensive beacuse its main ingredients include cashew nuts (kaju), which is a premium and high-value commodity. Unlike other sweets which can be made using cheaper flours, kaju katli is made entirely from cashews and sugar.

5. Is ghee added in kaju katli ?

Yes, ghee which is also known as clarified butter is a traditional ingredient used in preparation of authentic kaju katli.

6. How long does kaju katli last ?

Kaju katli typically lasts for 1 to 2 weeks when stored at room temperatures in cool, dry conditions. They can last up to 7 to 15 days when stored in refrigerator in an airtight container.