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I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for that one snack—the one that feels like a treat, takes no time to make, and gives you just the right amount of energy to power through the day. These laddus? That snack.
They’re nutty, naturally sweet, and subtly floral, with a hint of rosewater and warm cardamom to make every bite taste like something straight out of a celebration.
We’re talking:
- Chewy dried figs – A mix of golden and dark-skinned for the perfect natural sweetness.
- Crunchy pistachios & almonds – Because texture matters.
- Cashew butter – Bringing everything together with a little extra creaminess.
- A touch of beet powder – For that gorgeous color and a subtle earthy depth.
- Rosewater & crushed cardamom – A little floral, a little warm, a lot of magic.
No refined sugar, no baking, just one bowl, a food processor, and 15 minutes between you and these beautifully blush-colored, nutty little bites.
What Are Laddus?
Laddus are traditional Indian sweets, often made with a mix of nuts, dried fruit, flours, or seeds and shaped into round bites. They’re a staple in South Asian homes, served during celebrations, festivals, and everyday chai breaks.
Unlike deep-fried or sugar-heavy versions, this no-cook laddu relies on dried figs and nuts to create a naturally sweet, soft, and slightly chewy texture—with a hint of cardamom and rose for that signature festive touch.
Nutrition Highlights
What’s inside? Just a few powerhouse ingredients:
- Dried figs = fiber
- Pistachios & almonds = healthy fats
- Beet powder = antioxidants
Rolling, Chilling, Done: The Easiest Way to Make Laddus
- Pulse the base – In a food processor, combine dried figs, pistachios, almonds, cashew butter, beet powder, cardamom, and rosewater. Pulse until everything breaks down into a sticky, dough-like consistency.
- Roll into laddus – Take small portions and roll them between your palms to form bite-sized balls.
- Decorate (optional but stunning) – Crumble dried rose petals over the top for a beautiful finish.
- Let them set – Chill for 10 minutes in the fridge to firm up or enjoy them right away.
Pro Tip: If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water or an extra drizzle of cashew butter to help it bind.
- Process the ingredients – In a medium food processor, combine dried figs, pistachios, almonds, cashew butter, beet powder, cardamom, and rosewater. Blitz for about a minute, or until the mixture is crumbly and begins to come together (Images 1-4).
- Shape into laddus – Transfer the mixture to a large bowl or plate. Using your hands, shape into medium-sized balls. This recipe should yield 13 laddus (Images 5-6).
- Decorate (optional but stunning) – For an extra-special touch, crumble dried rose petals over the top.
- Let them set – Chill the laddus in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to firm up, or enjoy them straight away.
Tried this Indian sweet recipe? Drop a rating, leave a comment, and make sure to tag me on Instagram @DesiliciousRD. I can’t wait to see your creations!
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How to Make Laddus in 15 Minutes (No Added Sugar!)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried figs, a mix of golden and dark-skinned
- ¾ cup pistachios, plain, unsalted, without shell
- ½ cup almonds, plain, unsalted, sliced
- ¼ cup cashew butter, unsweetened
- 2½ tsp beet powder
- 6 green cardamom, fresh, crushed seeds
- 1 tsp rosewater, pure
- 4 dried roses, optional for decoration
Equipment
Instructions
- Add figs, pistachios, almonds, cashew butter, beet powder, cardamom and rose water to a food processor and blitz for a minute or until the mixture is crumbly and begins to come together.
- Transfer the laddu mixture into a large bowl or plate. Using your hands, shape into medium-sized balls. You should end up with thirteen balls with this laddu recipe.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- Don’t forget to stir the cashew butter thoroughly before using it. You can add a dash of warm water, if needed, to loosen it.
- Use cardamom from fresh green pods which makes a world of difference. Use a pestle and mortar to crush the seeds finely, and finish with;
- Opt for plain unsalted pistachios and plain sliced almonds.
- Store laddus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
