Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)

// Quick and delicious Badam Halwa (Almond pudding) made with almond flour, and cooked in Instant Pot. Perfect dessert for any occasion.



Quick and delicious Badam Halwa (Almond Halwa) made with store-bought almond flour, and cooked in Instant Pot! It’s the perfect dessert for any festival or occasion! 

This is a quick, easy and decadent Instant Badam Halwa (almond pudding) recipe made using readily available almond meal (flour), which is made using only 6 ingredients.

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a female holding a transparent bowl of instant badam halwa

Instant Badam Halwa is an easy and fuss-free halwa recipe that anyone can make at home. No fancy ingredients are required to make this Instant Badam Halwa. 

You can make this Instant version of badam (almond) halwa for any occasion or whenever you feel like indulging in some easy to make rich Indian dessert. Here is a list of some Indian desserts and sweets for you.

This fingerlicking good almond halwa would also make a wonderful treat for Indian festivals such as Holi and Diwali.

On this page you will get a fail-proof Instant badam halwa step-by-step picture and video recipe with all the essential tips and tricks that will help you make the best melt-in-mouth badam halwa. Made in Instant Pot, can also be made in a pan.

a female holding a spoon filled with badam halwa over instant badam halwa transparent bowl

Growing up in the Northern part of India had its own perks and halwa was one of those amazing luxury treats we got to relish every once in a while. Different types of halwa were made throughout the year, such as, Aate Ka Halwa, Badam Halwa, Dry Fruit Halwa, besan halwa, Instant Gajar Halwa, Pineapple Halwa, Suji Halwa, Potato Halwa, Moong Dal Halwa, Carrot Halwa, Mango Halwa, and many more.

Moong Dal Halwa and Badam Halwa are my favorites. I only make traditional badam halwa on celebrations and special occasions because it is a work of endurance and labor. The traditional almond halwa asks for soaking, peeling, and making the paste.

And every time when badam halwa craving strikes I don’t have that much patience to wait for the next day. 

So, I generally end up making Instant Badam Halwa using almond meal because this way it is a lot easier and simpler to make. And trust me, **this Instant Badam Halwa is a fail-proof recipe that produces the same rich-tasting almond halwa without almond paste.

** Plus, it saves a lot of your time, and you won’t find any difference in both recipes. 

This Instant Almond Halwa tastes exactly the same as traditional almond halwa. Try it once and you won’t want to go back to traditional ways afterward.

overhead shot of instant badam halwa served in a transparent bowl

What is Badam Halwa?

Badam halwa or Almond Halwa is a classic, super-rich, and delightful Indian style almond pudding that is traditionally made with soaked almonds, ghee, sugar, saffron, and cardamom. 

In the traditional recipe, soaked almonds are peeled and then ground to make a smooth paste. After that, almond paste is sautéed in ghee until the paste is thickened and turns aromatic. Then sugar syrup is made with water, sugar, and saffron separately.

And lastly, sugar syrup and sautéed almonds are cooked together until you get a thick pudding-like consistency.

What is Instant Badam Halwa with Almond Flour?

Instant Badam Halwa is an instant version of the authentic Indian dessert badam halwa (almond pudding) where halwa is made with almond flour. This is a quick and easy way of making badam halwa.

What are the features of Instant Badam Halwa?

This Instant Badam halwa:

✔ is simple and easy to make

✔ can be made in under 25 minutes

✔ tastes so rich and has a soft melt-in-mouth texture

✔ makes a great festive or party dessert

✔ is gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, and a vegetarian dessert

✔ can also be made vegan

✔ requires no advance preparation

✔ is made in Instant Pot, can also be made in a stove-top pan

✔ can be made anytime when craving for sweets

What are the ingredients needed for Instant Badam Halwa?

This quick and easy Instant Badam Halwa is made with 6 simple ingredients. These ingredients are:

Almond meal (flour):

This is the main ingredient of this halwa recipe. Use blanched almond flour or almond meal which is suitable for baking. 

Ghee:

It is an essential ingredient for any halwa recipe. Ghee adds a nice aroma and richness to this delectable halwa. If you don’t find ghee then you can make and use homemade ghee using unsalted butter. Or you can use unsalted butter itself. But the ghee tastes the BEST.

Sugar:

I used granulated sugar to sweeten the halwa. You can also go for other sweeteners like cane sugar, coconut sugar, jaggery, or palm sugar.

Milk or Water:

Vegan or dairy, any type of milk can be used for making this halwa. Milk adds a lovely milky flavor to this dessert recipe. You can use full fat, semi-skimmed like (1.5%) milk here. But don’t add skimmed milk, it won’t taste good. So it is recommended to use milk. 

Saffron:

Saffron adds delicately sweet-scented floral notes and bright yellow color to this halwa which makes it so classic in taste and appearance. So use the best quality saffron here.

Cardamom powder:

It adds a subtle fragrant flavor to halwa. Freshly ground cardamom and store-bought cardamom both work for this recipe. 

Love almond dishes then might also like these amazing recipes: Almond Flour Cookies, Badam Burfi, badam milkshake, 3 Ingredient Almond Flour Cookies, Almond Flour Crackers, chocolate coated badam roll, and Badam Ladoo.

ghee is drizzling from a spoon over instant badam halwa bowl

How to Make Instant Pot Badam Halwa?

Making Instant Pot Badam halwa is a quick way of making good old badam halwa. This is how it is done in 6 simple steps:

Step 1:

Turn on the Instant Pot and press saute mode. Add almond flour and ghee to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes.

Step 2:

Add sugar, saffron, and milk. Mix well. Also, whisk the mixture to make sure there are no lumps.

Step 3:

Press Cancel and close the pot with the lid. Pressure cook on high for 0 minutes.

Step 4:

QPR (Quick Pressure Release), and sauté 10 minutes until mixture thickens, keep stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 5:

Add cardamom and 1 tablespoon ghee. Keep stirring and cook for 5 minutes or until halwa leaves the sides and oozes with ghee. Done.

Step 6:

Garnish and serve badam halwa warm or hot with delicious sabudana vada..

For a full list of Instant Badam Halwa recipe ingredients and step-by-step photo and video instructions, please see the recipe box on this page.

Can I use homemade almond flour for this badam halwa recipe?

Yes, surely you can do that. To make almond flour, pulse blanched almonds (sliced or whole) in a food processor and pulse for 10-15 seconds on high-settings. Stop and shake the processor to make sure they are not stuck on the sides.

Pulse for 15-20 more seconds, or until coarsely powdered. Your homemade almond flour is ready to use.

What are the sugar substitutes for Instant Badam Halwa?

I used granulated white sugar in this recipe, but you can use other sweeteners too. If you are planning to add any of the sweeteners below, then make sure to add them to the pot after pressure cooking. This would prevent milk from curdling. 

You can use any of the sweeteners mentioned below:

  • Cane Sugar

  • Jaggery

  • Palm Sugar

  • Coconut Sugar

Can I make this Halwa with other nuts?

Badam Halwa is a nut based halwa, where almond works as the base of halwa. This base can surely be made with other nuts such as:

  • Cashew powder

  • Pistachio powder

  • Ground walnuts

  • Or use mix of all the above nuts

a feamle holding a spoon filled with badam halwa over instant badam halwa transparent bowl

How to make vegan Badam Halwa?

Making vegan badam halwa is very simple. To make vegan badam halwa, replace ghee with vegan butter or coconut oil. Also, swap milk with almond milk or water.

What type of Almond Flour is used in Badam Halwa Recipe? 

Blanched almond meal or almond flour (where the skin is removed before making coarse powder) is needed for making badam halwa. Don’t use the unblanched (which is brownish) almond flour for this badam halwa recipe.

How to serve badam halwa?

Badam halwa tastes best when served warm, hot, or at room temperature. You can simply serve this halwa in a bowl or serve it in a bowl shape.

To serve it in a bowl shape, fill up halwa in a bowl, then press it to set and after that invert it onto a serving plate.

How long can I keep Badam Halwa?

You can store Badam Halwa for up to 10 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This halwa would only stay fresh when kept covered. Simply microwave it for 30 seconds on high heat, or warm it in a double boiler when you want to serve this halwa.

instant badam halwa garnished with sliced almonds and saffron transparent bowl served in a transparent bowl

What are the tips and Variations to make the best Instant Badam Halwa?

Tip 1. I love to add a good amount of milk to this halwa recipe because it makes this almond halwa taste more luxurious and silky smooth in texture. The milkier it is the tastier it is. But you can surely cut back on the amount of milk.

Tip 2. You can make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter/coconut oil, and almond milk. 

Tip 3. Roasting the almond meal in ghee at the beginning enhances the taste of badam halwa, so this step is unmissable. 

Tip 4. This almond halwa uses simple cardamom and saffron flavorings. If you want to add more flavors then you can also add rose water or kewra essence.

Tip 5. Ghee is an essential part of any halwa recipe. Thus, adding the right amount of ghee is what makes indulging, rich and decadent. I added ½ cup + 1 tablespoon of ghee for making this badam halwa recipe. I love my halwa when ghee leaves the pot.

But if you want to use less ghee then you can surely do that.

Tip 6. Adding 1 tablespoon ghee at the end would add lots of buttery aftertaste and aroma to this almond halwa, so if you want flavor bursting halwa, then this step is highly recommended. 

Tip 7. This halwa recipe makes a nice sweet halwa. If you don’t like halwa too sweet then use only ½ cup of sugar.

Tip 8. Freshly ground cardamom adds so much flavor to this halwa, so use freshly ground cardamom if possible. 

Tip 9. Cook the halwa until it leaves the sides of the pan, to make sure that halwa is properly cooked.

Tip 10 Once the halwa is cooked, immediately transfer it to a bowl. After cooking, don’t leave halwa in the, or else it will get overcooked and turn chewy. 

Tip 11. To store, refrigerate leftover badam halwa in an airtight container. When you want to serve, microwave it for 30 seconds on high heat, or warm it in a double boiler.

overhead shot of female hands holding instant badam halwa served in a transparent bowl

Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan) (Step-by-step photo instructions)

How to make Intsant Pot Badam Halwa:

  1. Start the instant pot in saute (Normal) mode.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-1 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  3. Now, add the 1/2 cup ghee.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-2 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  5. Also, add almond flour and mix well.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-3 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  7. Sauté 5 minutes or until fragrant.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-4 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  9. Add sugar, saffron strands, and milk. Mix everything well.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-5 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  11. Now, whisk for 1 minute to make sure that there are no lumps.
  12. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-6 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  13. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing.
  14. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-7 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  15. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook/Manual(High) for 0 minutes.
  16. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-8 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  17. Once pressure cooked, quick pressure release, and open the lid.
  18. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-9 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  19. Pressure saute (Normal) mode and cook 10 minutes until mixture thickens, keep stirring often to prevent burning.
  20. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-10 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  21. Once the mixture thickens, add cardamom powder and mix well.
  22. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-11 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  23. Now add 1 tablespoon ghee and cook for 5 more minutes or until the halwa leaves the sides of the pot.
  24. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-12 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  25. At this point, halwa would be oozing with ghee. Halwa is cooked now.
  26. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-13 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  27. Transfer it to a bowl.
  28. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-14 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  29. Garnish with saffron strands, sliced almonds, and dried rose petals.
  30. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-15 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  31. Serve Instant Pot Badam Halwa warm or hot as an after-meal dessert.
  32. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-16 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)

How to make Intsant Badam Halwa in pan:

  1. Heat a thick bottomed pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-1 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  3. Once hot, add 1/2 cup ghee and almond flour.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-2 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  5. Mix everything well and roast over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes or until fragrant.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-3 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  7. Now, add the sugar, saffron, and milk to the pan and mix well using a spatula or a wired whisk. Make sure there are no lumps.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-4 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  9. Cook for about 7-8 minutes while stirring often.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-5 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  11. At this point, the mixture will thicken.
  12. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-6 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  13. Now add cardamom powder and 1 tablespoon of ghee.
  14. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-7 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  15. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes or until ghee leaves the sides of the pan.
  16. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-8 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)
  17. Instant Badam Halwa is ready. Garnish and serve warm or hot.
  18. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-9 for Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan)

Recipe Card


Instant Badam Halwa - Almond Halwa (Instant Pot + Pan) [Recipe]

Recipe Image
Quick and delicious Badam Halwa (Almond pudding) made with almond flour, and cooked in Instant Pot. Perfect dessert for any occasion.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 4 reviews)

Prep time 🕐 Cook time 🕐 Total time 🕐
25 mins
Category ☶ Cuisine ♨ Serves ☺
Desserts Indian 8
Nutrition Info ⊛ Serving size ⊚
419 calories 1

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients For Making Instant Badam Halwa:
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon ghee
  • 2 cups almond flour (or almond meal)
  • 2 1/2 cups milk (I used 1.5% fat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands
  • 3/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Ingredients For Serving Instant Badam Halwa:
  • Sliced almonds (optional)
  • Dried rose petals (optional)
  • Saffron strands (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

How to make Intsant Pot Badam Halwa:
  1. Start the instant pot in saute (Normal) mode.
  2. Now, add the 1/2 cup ghee.
  3. Also, add almond flour and mix well.
  4. Sauté 5 minutes or until fragrant.
  5. Add sugar, saffron strands, and milk. Mix everything well.
  6. Now, whisk for 1 minute to make sure that there are no lumps.
  7. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing.
  8. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook/Manual(High) for 0 minutes.
  9. Once pressure cooked, quick pressure release, and open the lid.
  10. Pressure saute (Normal) mode and cook 10 minutes until mixture thickens, keep stirring often to prevent burning.
  11. Once the mixture thickens, add cardamom powder and mix well.
  12. Now add 1 tablespoon ghee and cook for 5 more minutes or until the halwa leaves the sides of the pot.
  13. At this point, halwa would be oozing with ghee. Halwa is cooked now.
  14. Transfer it to a bowl.
  15. Garnish with saffron strands, sliced almonds, and dried rose petals.
  16. Serve Instant Pot Badam Halwa warm or hot as an after-meal dessert.
How to make Intsant Badam Halwa in pan:
  1. Heat a thick bottomed pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Once hot, add 1/2 cup ghee and almond flour.
  3. Mix everything well and roast over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes or until fragrant.
  4. Now, add the sugar, saffron, and milk to the pan and mix well using a spatula or a wired whisk. Make sure there are no lumps.
  5. Cook for about 7-8 minutes while stirring often.
  6. At this point, the mixture will thicken.
  7. Now add cardamom powder and 1 tablespoon of ghee.
  8. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes or until ghee leaves the sides of the pan.
  9. Instant Badam Halwa is ready. Garnish and serve warm or hot.

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NOTES:

  1. To store, refrigerate leftover badam halwa in an airtight container. When you want to serve, microwave it for 30 seconds on high heat, or warm it in a double boiler.
  2. I love to add a good amount of milk to this halwa recipe because it makes this almond halwa taste more luxurious and silky smooth in texture. The milkier it is the tastier it is. But you can surely cut back on the amount of milk.
  3. You can make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter/coconut oil, and almond milk.
  4. Ghee is an essential part of any halwa recipe. Thus, adding the right amount of ghee is what makes indulging, rich and decadent. I added ½ cup + 1 tablespoon of ghee for making this badam halwa recipe. I love my halwa when ghee leaves the pot. But if you want to use less ghee then you can surely do that.
  5. Once the halwa is cooked, immediately transfer it to a bowl. After cooking, don’t leave halwa in the, or else it will get overcooked and turn chewy.


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