Sweet Potato Halwa (Shakarkandi Halwa)

Sweet Potato Halwa is a delicious Indian dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes, ghee, milk, and cardamom. Easy to make and naturally sweet, this halwa is perfect for celebrations, vrat, or a cozy dessert at home.

As a kid growing up in India, I remember my mom used to make this sweet potato halwa specially during the festival time. This was one of my favorite foods to eat during the festivals. My mom used to make this with boiled white sweet potato, mix in some sugar, milk, some cardamom powder for the aromatic flavor and cook it in the ghee or clarified butter. Garnish with some nuts.

The aromatic flavors from the cardamom powder, used to fill the whole house with sweet fragrance. We used to relish this sweet potato halwa with some poori.

Sweet potato is such a versatile root vegetable, highly nutritious and low in calories, can be enjoyed in both savory and sweet dishes. Possibilities are endless how one can use this incredibly delicious vegetable.

Some of the sweet potato dishes I like, are sweet potato fries, chips (I air fry these for a healthier version of fries and chips). Mashed sweet potatoes topped with roasted pecans. Sweet potato pancakes, waffles, for a healthy breakfast.

I also like to make sweet potato paratha (Indian style stuff flatbread). Add the sweet potatoes in curries, soups, stews and last but not the least my favorite sweet potato pudding. aka. sweet potato halwa.

Jump to:

• About Sweet Potato Halwa
• Sweet Potato Halwa in Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)
• Sweet Potato Halwa in Instant Pot
• Stovetop Method
• Pro Tips
• Storage
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Indian Desserts
• Sweet Potato Halwa (Instant Pot, Stovetop)

About Sweet Potato Halwa

Sweet potato halwa, also known as Shakarkandi ka halwa is a popular dessert, traditionally served during festivals in India. This comforting dish is made with sweet potatoes, some milk, sugar, and ghee or clarified butter. Flavored with aromatic green cardamom and topped with some nuts.

The addition of nuts and khoya, add a nice crunch and an absolute eye pleasing appearance. It also pairs so well with the soft, pillowy sweet potatoes. This Sweet Potato Halwa recipe is a must try!! 

Rich in nutrients and low in calories, this sweet potato halwa makes a great dessert as well as a side dish that can be enjoyed anytime. Easy, delicious and a healthy dessert made with just the few basic ingredients, is so rich, flavorful and delicious.

Traditionally, sweet potato halwa is made with boiled white sweet potatoes or shakarkandi. These boiled white sweet potatoes are further cooked in ghee, milk, sugar, until the sugar is well blended and the potato mixture resembles somewhat like a soft dough or halwa.

Flavored with some cardamom powder, and garnished with some nuts. You can also make the same sweet potato halwa using the orange sweet potato.

The main difference I find between the white sweet potatoes and orange sweet potatoes is that the orange sweet potatoes are slightly less sweet compared to the white sweet potatoes. Therefore, when I make halwa using orange sweet potatoes, I add little extra sugar for the sweetness.

I love to make this sweet potato halwa, its absolutely my family's one of the favorite desserts. The fact that the potatoes have their natural sweetness, makes a great low-calorie dessert.

Sweet Potato Halwa in Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)

Cooking sweet potato halwa in a Instant Pot (or pressure cooker) is a breeze. In just under 10 minutes you can actually make this yummy, melt-in-mouth sweet potato halwa in Instant Pot.

The best part of this halwa is that you need not grate the sweet potato, unlike carrot halwa which takes quite some time. Peel and chop sweet potatoes and rest is taken care by IP.

With minimum of effort and time, you can make this delicious sweet potato halwa. I bet you won't stop eating this halwa ?

Sweet Potato Halwa in Instant Pot

Step 1: Turn on Instant Pot on a saute mode(high), add a tablespoon of ghee.

Step 2: When ghee melts, add peeled and diced sweet potatoes, a tablespoon of sugar (IMPORTANT: do not skip this, sugar actually helps caramelize the sweet potatoes to bring out this nice nutty flavor)

Step 3: Saute for 3-5 minutes or until potatoes are slightly caramelized. Add half cup of whole milk, mix well.

Step 4: Pressure cook it on a high for 2 minutes. A natural pressure release, around 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Turn on saute mode (high), mash the sweet potatoes. You may use potato masher or with the spatula mash the potatoes. The consistency of sweet potato halwa is quite smooth.

Step 6: Add remaining sugar (as per taste), cardamom powder, almond flour and freshly grated nutmeg. Mix well. 
Note: Using a cheese grater, fine grate nutmeg couple of time.

Step 7: Cook until everything is incorporated well. This takes around 2-3 minutes. At this point if you feel the halwa is too dry, you may add 1-2 tablespoon of milk.

Step 8: Finally, add ghee(optional), mix well for a minute or so. Dish out the halwa and garnish with your favorite toppings and the sweet potato halwa is ready to be devoured!!

Stovetop Method

Step 1: Heat a heavy bottom pot or dutch oven, add a tablespoon of ghee.

Step 2: When ghee melts, add peeled and diced sweet potatoes, a tablespoon of sugar (IMPORTANT: do not skip this, sugar actually helps caramelize the sweet potatoes to bring out this nice nutty flavor.)

Step 3: Saute for 3-5 minutes or until potatoes are slightly caramelized. Add half cup of whole milk, mix well.

Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat, until potatoes are soft and cooked. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or with a spatula.

Step 5: Add the remaining sugar or to taste, cardamom powder, almond flour, and freshly grated nutmeg.

Step 6: Cook until everything is incorporated well. This takes around 2-3 minutes. At this point if you feel the halwa is too dry, you may add 1-2 tablespoon of milk.

Step 7: Finally, add ghee(optional), mix well for a minute or so. Dish out the halwa and garnish with your favorite toppings and the sweet potato halwa is ready to be devoured!!

Pro Tips

Sugar: Adding 1 tablespoon of sugar while pressure cooking helps caramelize the sweet potatoes and enhances their natural nutty flavor. The remaining sugar should be added later and adjusted to taste. A total of ⅓ cup sugar works well, depending on sweetness. Condensed milk can be used instead for a richer halwa.

Ghee: Use 1 tablespoon of ghee to sauté the sweet potatoes before pressure cooking for flavor. An additional tablespoon at the end adds shine and richness but is optional if you prefer a lighter halwa.

Almond Flour: Almond flour adds nutrition without changing texture, making it ideal for picky eaters. You may substitute with crushed almonds, pecans, or skip nuts entirely.

Flavorings: Cardamom is traditional, while saffron, nutmeg, or cinnamon can be added for extra warmth and depth.

Khoya: Adding khoya gives the halwa a richer texture and slight creaminess. This step is optional.

Consistency Tip: Sweet potato halwa thickens as it sits. Stir in a few tablespoons of warm milk before serving to restore moisture. Half-and-half, cream, condensed milk, or milk powder may also be used for added richness.

Storage

Allow the sweet potato halwa to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Sweet potato halwa thickens as it sits, which is completely normal.

Reheating:
Reheat the halwa on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a few tablespoons of milk while reheating to restore moisture and achieve a soft, creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet potato halwa warm for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with chopped nuts, a drizzle of ghee, or a few saffron strands. It pairs beautifully with a cup of masala chai and makes a perfect dessert for festivals, vrat, or special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Indian Desserts

Rice Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Carrot Halwa

Basundi (Thickened Milk)

Lauki ka Halwa

No Fry Gujiya (Karanji, Air Fry & Oven Baked)

Homemade Ghee