Dates Halwa

Rich, warm, and melt-in-the-mouth — this Dates Halwa is pure festive indulgence! Made with ripe Nendrapazham, soft dates, ghee, and khoya, it’s a sweet that celebrates tradition with every spoonful.

If you liked this Dates Halwa, don’t miss my other halwa recipes – Microwave Gajar Ka Halwa, Vegan Carrot Halwa, Lauki Gud ka Halwa, Badami Chana Dal Halwa, Sweet Corn Halwa, Thulli – Cracked Wheat Halwa, Ande Ka Halwa

What is Dates Halwa?

Dates Halwa, or Khajoor Halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert made by slow-cooking mashed dates with milk, jaggery, and ghee. The version I’m sharing today includes ripe Kerala bananas — a beautiful twist that adds natural sweetness and texture.

This combination of Dates and Nendrapazham gives the halwa a caramel-like flavor and deep color. The addition of khoya or fresh malai makes it richer and creamier, while cardamom adds the final aromatic touch.

It’s a dish that fits perfectly into festive menus and makes a wonderful treat during Iftar parties and other special occasions.

A Halwa with a Difference

The first time I made this halwa, the whole house filled with the aroma of ghee and caramelized dates. My daughter came running to the kitchen, asking if I was making payasam. But when she took her first bite, she smiled and said, “This tastes like banana halwa from Kerala, but richer!” That’s the beauty of this dish — it combines familiar flavors from our childhood with the richness of festive sweets.

Unlike traditional halwas made with flour or semolina, this one gets its richness from fruits — dates and Kerala bananas (Nendrapazham). The sweetness from these two ingredients is natural, deep, and caramel-like. When combined with a touch of jaggery and khoya, it turns into a soft, luscious halwa with a flavor that’s both earthy and aromatic.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of patience.

Dates Halwa (Khajoor Halwa)

Dates are one of nature’s sweetest gifts. They are wholesome, rich in flavor, and packed with natural sweetness. Turning them into a warm, ghee-kissed halwa is pure indulgence. Dates Halwa or Khajoor Halwa is a melt-in-mouth South Indian-style sweet that combines ripe Kerala bananas, jaggery, and khoya to create a rich, festive dessert.

This recipe is a winter favorite and also perfect for special occasions like Diwali or Eid. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug — creamy, nutty, and naturally sweetened.

Texture and Taste

This halwa is rich, smooth, and slightly grainy from the khoya. The natural sweetness of dates and bananas blends beautifully with the warm, earthy flavor of jaggery. The ghee adds depth and aroma, while the cardamom lends a subtle perfume that lingers.

Each bite feels wholesome and comforting — not too sugary, yet indulgent enough to satisfy a sweet craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Dates Halwa:

• Pitted dates – use soft Medjool or Omani dates for best results
• Kerala bananas (Nendrapazham) – they add body and natural sweetness
• Milk – gives richness and creaminess
• Jaggery – adjust depending on the sweetness of your dates and bananas. I prefer using jaggery powder.
• Khoya – enhances texture and adds depth
• Cardamom powder – for aroma
• Almonds – for crunch and garnish
• Ghee – to fry nuts and enrich the halwa

Note: You can replace khoya with fresh homemade malai if you like. It gives a soft, creamy texture that melts beautifully into the halwa.

How to Make Dates Halwa

Let’s walk through this step by step.

Cook the Dates and Bananas

• Start by chopping the dates and bananas into small pieces. Add them to a pressure cooker with half a cup of water. Cook for 2 whistles or until both the fruits turn soft and mushy.
• Once the pressure releases, mash the mixture well using a spoon or blend it into a smooth paste. You’ll notice a lovely aroma and a rich caramel color — that’s your base for the halwa.

Add Milk and Simmer

• Transfer the mashed mixture to a heavy-bottomed pan. Add one cup of milk and stir well. Let it cook on medium flame until it starts to bubble.
• The milk will blend with the dates and banana paste to form a smooth, velvety mixture.
• At this stage, the kitchen will smell heavenly — a mix of caramelized fruit and warm milk.

Sweeten with Jaggery

• Now add the jaggery. Stir continuously until it melts completely. The halwa will slowly start to thicken and darken in color. Lower the flame and keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• This step takes around 15 to 20 minutes, so be patient. You’ll know it’s ready when the halwa starts to leave the sides of the pan and ghee begins to separate slightly.

Add Khoya and Cardamom

• Once the halwa thickens, add khoya (or malai). Mix well and continue to cook for a few more minutes until everything combines beautifully.
• The khoya will add creaminess and a lovely grainy texture to the halwa.
• Finally, sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder. It brings a soothing aroma that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Garnish with Almonds

• In a small pan on low flame roast sliced almonds until light brown. Pour this over the halwa and serve warm.

Variations You Can Try

1. Add coconut: For a South Indian touch, stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut along with the milk. It gives a nice texture and aroma.
2. Add dry fruits: Along with almonds, you can add cashews, pistachios, or raisins fried in ghee.
3. Vegan version: Skip the milk and khoya. Use coconut milk instead and add coconut oil instead of ghee. The result will be equally delicious!
4. Flavored version: Add a drop of rose water or a few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk for a royal touch.

Serving Suggestions

Dates Halwa tastes best when served warm. You can enjoy it as a dessert after lunch or dinner, or even as a special breakfast treat with puris on a festive morning.

It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot chai during winters.

If you chill it for a few hours, it sets slightly and can be scooped into small serving bowls — perfect for parties and get-togethers.

Nutritional Benefits

Dates are naturally rich in fiber, iron, and antioxidants.

Bananas provide potassium and energy, while jaggery is a healthier sweetener compared to refined sugar.

This halwa is not just a dessert — it’s nourishment disguised as indulgence. It’s ideal for growing kids, elders, and anyone who enjoys traditional sweets made with wholesome ingredients.

Festive Touch

You can serve this Dates Halwa in small earthen pots or brass or glass bowls, garnished with roasted nuts and a few strands of saffron. It makes a beautiful addition to any festive spread — whether for Diwali, Navratri, or Eid.

It’s also a great idea for gifting. Pack it in small glass jars, tie a golden ribbon, and gift it along with a handwritten note.