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Erin Dow is a chef with over 14 years of experience. She’s cooked for Anthony Bourdain and now she’s cooking for Guiding Stars. Erin creates original recipes using the Guiding Stars nutrition rating system to help you plan nutritious meals that everyone will enjoy.  Today, she is sharing an Indian-inspired dessert (gajar ka halwa) that is simple, sweet, and nutritious. This carrot bar recipe is a very healthy dessert. The kids will love the carrot bars because they are sweet and you will love to get some extra fruit, veggies, and nuts into the kids with them asking for more!

This recipe was first shared February 18, 2013. I have added a recipe card and republished it for my new readers to enjoy.

Unlock the secret to making the most delicious carrot bars that will have everyone asking for your recipe. This unique twist on a classic treat will surprise and delight your taste buds. With a secret ingredient that takes these bars to a whole new level, you won’t be able to resist indulging in this irresistible dessert. This Indian carrot dessert is like a cross between a pudding and a fudge, with melt-in-your-mouth softness. If you love warm, spiced desserts, you’ll adore it!

Indian-Inspired Cardamom Carrot Bars

Perfect for wowing the guests at your next celebration, this spiced-sweet confection is as lovely to look at as it is flavorful. Look for green cardamom pods at your local Indian grocer. The cardamom gives it a bit of an exotic, delicious spiced flavor. You can use the leftover cardamom in your chai tea for more incredible flavor.

There is no refined white sugar in this dessert because the sweetness comes naturally from the date puree, the apple sauce, and the carrots. They are sort of like sweet carrot fudge bars. These veggie dessert bars are surprisingly delicious!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Serving Size: 696 Grams

Indian Carrot Bar Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or ghee
• 3/4 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
• 4 pounds fresh carrots, peeled and grated
• 8 cups skim milk
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 6 tablespoons date puree

I use a food processor for getting the whole pitted dates pureed. You can also use the food processor to make the shredded carrots or a plain box grater will work fine the grate carrots too.

If you don’t mind the calories, use whole milk for this carrot halwa recipe because it gives the dish a rich, creamy texture and enhances the flavor.

Cardamom pods are the better choice for gajar ka halwa if you want a more aromatic and natural flavor. You can lightly crush them and let them infuse while cooking, then remove them before serving. Ground cardamom powder is more convenient and blends evenly, but it can sometimes lose its potency faster than whole pods. If using powder, add it toward the end of cooking to preserve its fragrance.

In the United States, we most often have orange carrots. However, if you available use red carrots because they are naturally sweeter, more tender, and give the halwa a deep, rich color.

How To Make Indian Carrot Dessert:

1. Toast almonds over dry heat until fragrant.
2. Combine grated carrots, milk, and cardamom pods in a large, heavy bottomed pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring, until all milk has evaporated, about 40 minutes.
4. When liquid has evaporated, remove cardamom pods. Add oil and applesauce.
5. Fry, stirring constantly, until dark orange, about 30 minutes.
6. Add date puree and almonds.
7. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
8. Spread into a heavy bottom baking pan or jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper. Allow to come to room temperature before slicing and serving.

This may even become one of your favorite desserts. It has such an amazing flavor! Store any leftover carrot bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pro Cooking Tips:

Slow-cooking is key – Avoid shortcuts like condensed milk, as traditional halwa gets its deep flavor from slow reduction.

Storage – Halwa tastes even better the next day! Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Printable Sweet Spiced Carrot Bars Recipe Card