Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars Recipe

Ever thought you’d taste a dessert that feels like two of your favorite treats had the best kind of baby? Welcome to my Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars—where classic Indian flavors meet a creamy, dreamy twist!

I love giving a contemporary twist to traditional desserts, and these Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars are no exception. They marry the rich flavor of ghee-toasted carrots with the smoothness of cheesecake to create a delightful narrative of flavors.

And oh, the textures! This isn’t your average layered dessert, friends.

Each spoonful delivers an unexpected crunch from nuts, a fragrant burst of cardamom, or a pop of saffron. Just the way a layered dessert should.

Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars Recipe Ingredients

• Grated Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, and good for eye health.
• Ghee: Adds richness, enhances flavor, and provides healthy fats.
• Sugar: Sweetens the halwa with a classic taste.
• Cardamom Powder: Aromatic spice that adds warmth and flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Provides crunch, protein, and healthy fats.
• Milk: Source of calcium and protein.
• Cream Cheese: Creates creamy texture, adds tanginess.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and velvety texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor, adding sweetness.
• Digestive Biscuits/Graham Crackers: Provides a crumbly base layer.
• Melted Butter: Binds biscuit base, adds flavor.
• Saffron Strands: Adds scent and golden hue, optional.

Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 cups grated carrots
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8-10 digestive biscuits or graham crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Pinch of saffron strands (optional)

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How to Make this Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars Recipe

1. Prepare the Carrot Mixture:
In a frying pan, medium ship, place 2 tablespoons of ghee; heat until melted. Add 2 cups of grated carrots and stir to coat. Continue cooking until the carrots become soft and fragrant.

2. Add Milk and Sugar:
Add 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of sugar to the pan with the carrots. Heat over medium until thickened and the milk is absorbed.

3. Season and Finish the Halwa:
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts.

Mix well, cooking for a few more minutes, then set aside to cool.

4. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to a well-mixed, fluffy consistency.

5. Prepare the Biscuit Base:
Finely crumble 8-10 digestive biscuits or graham crackers. Blend with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well-combined.

6. Assemble the Jars:
In jars for serving, layer 1-2 tablespoons of the biscuit mixture. Press down gently to form a base.

7. Add Cheesecake Layer:
Apply another layer of cream cheese mixture over the biscuit base, smoothing it evenly.

8. Gajar Halwa: Spoon a layer of the cooled carrot halwa mixture over the cheesecake layer.

9. Optional garnish: a few saffron strands scattered atop the halwa; a few more nuts, chopped, as a sort of nut confetti.

10. Chill:
Chill the jars for a minimum of 2-3 hours before serving so that the layers may solidify. Enjoy your chilled Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars.

Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Frying pan
2. Mixing bowl
3. Mixing spoon or spatula
4. Hand mixer or whisk
5. Heat-resistant spatula
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Grater
9. Knife
10. Chopping board
11. Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin (for crushing biscuits)
12. Small jars or glasses for serving
13. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Q: Can I prepare the Gajar Halwa in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the Gajar Halwa a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This helps save time when assembling the jars.
• Q: What can I use instead of digestive biscuits or graham crackers? A: You can substitute with other types of cookies like shortbread or speculoos for a different flavor profile.
• Q: Is it necessary to add saffron strands? A: Saffron is optional, but it adds a rich aroma and vibrant color to the Gajar Halwa. You can skip it if you prefer.
• Q: Can I make this recipe vegan? A: Yes, substitute ghee with coconut oil, use a dairy-free cream cheese and heavy cream alternative, and use plant-based milk to make it vegan.
• Q: How long do these cheesecake jars stay fresh? A: Once assembled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese? A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it might slightly alter the richness and texture of the cheesecake layer.

Gajar Halwa Cheesecake Jars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ghee: Replace it with butter without salt or with coconut oil for a different taste.
Sweetener: Substitute with the same measure of honey or maple syrup to deliver an unexpected sweetness.
Powdered cardamom: Substitute with ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicy twist.
Nuts that have been chopped: If you prefer, use walnuts or hazelnuts instead.
Milk: Use almond milk or coconut milk as a nondairy alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor: Before using the saffron, soak it in a tablespoon of warm milk. This will help release its color and aroma, giving the dish a richer flavor.