Kaju Katli – The Royal Cashew Delight Loved Across the World

Kaju Katli – The Royal Cashew Delight Loved Across the World



When it comes to Indian sweets, few have earned as much love, recognition, and nostalgia as Kaju Katli (also known as Kaju Barfi). Whether it’s a festival, a wedding, or a family celebration, this melt-in-the-mouth delicacy made from cashew nuts, sugar, and ghee takes center stage. Its diamond shape, silver-coated elegance, and rich nutty flavor make it not just a sweet but a symbol of joy, tradition, and togetherness.

In this comprehensive blog, we will explore everything about Kaju Katli – its history, ingredients, preparation, recipes in different languages, sugar-free variations, calories, pricing in India and abroad, and why it continues to remain one of the most cherished Indian sweets.

What is Kaju Katli?

Kaju Katli (काजू कतली), sometimes called Kaju Barfi, is a traditional Indian sweet made primarily with cashews (kaju) and sugar. The word “Katli” means "thin slice," referring to the way the sweet is cut into diamond-shaped pieces. Unlike heavy milk-based sweets, Kaju Katli has a subtle richness and a soft texture that dissolves in the mouth instantly.

It is often prepared during festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, and Holi. In many households, it is also exchanged as a premium gift during celebrations because of its luxurious feel and taste.

Kaju Katli Price (1 Kg)

The price of Kaju Katli depends on the quality of cashews, preparation method, and brand. On average:

  • India (1 kg price): ₹800 – ₹1,600 (premium stores like Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, and Royal Sweets are on the higher side).
  • Sugar-free Kaju Katli: ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 per kg (since sugar substitutes and special processing are used).
  • International pricing: In the USA, UK, or Germany, prices can go as high as $25–$35 per 500g due to imported cashews and premium packaging.

When you search “kaju katli sweets near me” or “kaju katli kaufen in Germany”, you will notice Indian sweet shops and online portals offering delivery worldwide.

Ingredients of Kaju Katli

The charm of Kaju Katli lies in its simplicity. You need very few ingredients:

  • Cashew nuts (Kaju): Finely ground to form a smooth powder.
  • Sugar: Used to make a syrup for binding.
  • Water: For dissolving sugar.
  • Ghee (Clarified butter): For richness and smooth texture.
  • Cardamom (optional): For a hint of fragrance.
  • Edible silver leaf (Vark): For decoration and traditional appeal.

For sugar-free Kaju Katli, artificial sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit extract are used instead of sugar.

Kaju Katli Recipe – Step-by-Step Preparation

Here is the classic recipe for homemade Kaju Katli:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cashew nuts
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • 1 pinch cardamom powder (optional)
  • Edible silver leaf

Method

  1. Prepare cashew powder: Grind the cashews in a blender into a fine powder. Make sure they are at room temperature to avoid oiliness.
  2. Sugar syrup: In a pan, mix sugar and water. Heat until you get a one-string consistency syrup.
  3. Combine with cashew: Add cashew powder into the syrup and stir continuously on low flame.
  4. Cook to dough consistency: Stir until it thickens and forms a smooth dough that leaves the sides of the pan.
  5. Knead with ghee: Grease your palms with ghee, knead the dough gently.
  6. Roll and cut: Roll the dough into a thin layer and cut into diamond-shaped pieces. Decorate with silver leaf.

Your delicious homemade Kaju Katli is ready!

Kaju Ki Barfi Recipe (Alternate Name)



Kaju Barfi is essentially the same sweet as Kaju Katli, though some versions include milk or khoya (reduced milk solids) for extra richness. This variation is slightly softer and creamier.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cashew nuts
  • ½ cup khoya (mawa)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • Ghee

The preparation is almost the same, except khoya is added along with cashew powder to the sugar syrup, giving it a creamy taste.

Regional Recipe Variations

Kaju Katli Recipe in Tamil (காஜு கட்ட்லி ரெசிபி)

In Tamil Nadu, it is popularly prepared during Diwali. The method is the same, but people often add a hint of rose water or saffron for fragrance.

Kaju Katli Banane Ki Recipe (Hindi)

Hindi-speaking households follow the same recipe but often refer to it as “Kaju Ki Mithai”. Traditionally, it is gifted in decorative boxes during festivals.

Cashew Katli Recipe

This is simply another name for the same sweet. The recipe remains unchanged.

Sugar-Free Kaju Katli Recipe

With rising health consciousness, sugar-free Kaju Katli has become popular, especially among diabetics and fitness enthusiasts.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cashew powder
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • Natural sweetener (stevia/erythritol)

Preparation

  • Instead of sugar syrup, dissolve the sweetener in warm water.
  • Add cashew powder and follow the same method as traditional Kaju Katli.

This version is guilt-free yet just as delicious.

Calories in Kaju Katli

Many people wonder “how much sugar in Kaju Katli” or “how many calories are in one piece”. Here’s a breakdown:

  • 1 Kaju Katli (approx. 15g): ~55–65 calories
  • 1 Kg Kaju Katli: ~4,000–4,200 calories
  • Sugar-free version: Slightly fewer calories, depending on sweetener used.

Nutritional Value (per piece):

  • Carbs: 8–9g
  • Fat: 3–4g
  • Protein: 1–2g

Though high in calories, it provides healthy fats and protein from cashews.

Different Types of Kaju Sweets

Kaju Katli has inspired many related sweets and variations:

  • Kaju Roll: Cylindrical rolls stuffed with pistachio or anjeer (fig).
  • Anjeer Kaju Roll: Cashew dough filled with fig paste and nuts.
  • Kaju Pista Barfi: Cashew layered with pistachio paste.
  • Mungfali Ki Kaju Katli: A budget-friendly version mixing peanuts with cashews.
  • Kaju Chocolate Barfi: Cashew layered with chocolate flavor.

These variations add creative twists while retaining the charm of cashews.

Kaju Katli Around the World



Indian communities abroad have made Kaju Katli a global delight.

  • In Germany: Search for “kaju katli kaufen” and you’ll find Indian stores offering them.
  • In the USA (Dallas, New Jersey, California): Shops like Royal Sweets and Bikanervala serve Kaju Katli.
  • In Canada & UK: Indian sweet shops keep it as a premium item, especially during Diwali.

Royal Sweets and Kaju Katli

Popular sweet chains like Royal Sweets have made Kaju Katli an iconic menu item. In places like Dallas, Texas, you’ll find:

  • Kaju Katli Royal Sweets Menu: Premium cashew barfi, sugar-free variants, and kaju rolls.
  • Royal Sweets Bakery & Restaurant: Serves traditional Kaju Katli along with other mithai and snacks.

Their pricing is slightly higher due to imported ingredients, but the authenticity and taste remain unmatched.

Homemade Kaju Katli vs Store-Bought

  • Homemade Kaju Katli: Fresh, hygienic, customizable (can adjust sugar, add saffron, or make sugar-free).
  • Store-bought Kaju Katli: Consistent taste, longer shelf life, beautifully packaged.

If you want healthier options, homemade is best. For gifting and convenience, premium sweet shops are ideal.

Why Kaju Katli is Special

  1. Premium Ingredients: Cashews are expensive, making it a luxury sweet.
  2. Festive Symbol: Represents prosperity and celebration.
  3. Universal Appeal: Loved by children, adults, and elders alike.
  4. Gift of Choice: Beautifully packed Kaju Katli boxes are popular Diwali and wedding gifts.

Final Thoughts

Kaju Katli is not just a sweet—it’s an emotion. Whether you call it Kaju Barfi, Cashew Katli, or Kaju Mithai, it continues to win hearts with its nutty richness and silky texture. From traditional diamond-shaped pieces to sugar-free modern versions, Kaju Katli has evolved but never lost its charm.

So, the next time you crave something sweet, skip the chocolates and indulge in a few slices of this royal delight. Better yet, try making it at home with our recipe – it’s easier than you think and tastes far better when made with love. 

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