Coconut and Jaggery Cardamom Fudge

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and sweet fudge combining coconut and jaggery with aromatic cardamom, a traditional Gujarati-style confection. This indian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers grated fresh coconut, jaggery, grated, whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a heavy-bottom pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee over medium heat until melted and warm.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup grated fresh coconut and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the coconut softens and releases aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 3/4 cup grated jaggery and 1/2 cup whole milk; stir continuously and cook over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to leave the sides of the pan.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 6 crushed green cardamom pods and mix well to evenly distribute the flavor.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 2 tbsp chopped pistachios and 2 tbsp chopped almonds.
  6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into a greased small square tray lined with parchment paper; spread evenly and press gently.
  7. Step 7: Let it cool completely at room temperature, then cut into small squares and serve as a festive sweet treat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut and Jaggery Cardamom Fudge take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Coconut and Jaggery Cardamom Fudge?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut and Jaggery Cardamom Fudge?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut and Jaggery Cardamom Fudge for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut and Jaggery Cardamom Fudge?

Indian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.