Looking for a cozy and delicious dessert to brighten up your winter evenings? Try this Instant Pot Butternut Squash Halwa a creamy, aromatic pudding-style dessert inspired by the traditional Indian "halwa." Butternut squash, with its naturally sweet and nutty flavor, makes the perfect base for this festive treat that your whole family will love!
As a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, Butternut squash is a fine option to prepare a nutritious recipe.
Although technically a fruit, butternut squash is used as a vegetable that can be roasted, sautéed, toasted, puréed for soups such as squash soup, or mashed for use in casseroles, bread, muffins, and pies.
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Why You'll Love This
- Perfect for winter - a warm and cozy dessert that celebrates seasonal produce.
- Naturally sweet - butternut squash adds subtle sweetness, so you need less sugar.
- Healthy indulgence - packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals for guilt-free enjoyment.
- Quick and easy - make it effortlessly in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
- Family favorite - kids love its creamy texture and nutty, caramel-like flavor.
Variations
- Low-sugar option: Swap sugar with maple syrup, honey, or dates for natural sweetness.
- Vegan version: Use vegan ghee, avocado oil, or vegan butter and plant-based milk.
- Nutty twist: Mix in chopped almonds, pistachios, or cashews for crunch.
- Flavored version: Add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk for an elegant aroma.
- Pumpkin or sweet potato halwa: Substitute butternut squash with other winter vegetables for a new flavor.
Tips To Make Butternut Squash Halwa
- Choose a ripe squash: Look for one with a firm texture and deep beige skin for the best flavor.
- Pressure cook first: Softening the squash in the Instant Pot makes peeling and blending easier.
- Control sweetness: Taste as you go; butternut squash can vary in natural sweetness.
- Stir continuously: When sautéing, stir often to prevent sticking or burning.
- Adjust texture: Add almond flour or milk to make it creamier or thicker based on your preference.
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📖 Recipe
Butternut Squash Halwa (Instant Pot)
This one is a simple and delicious halwa that's is easy to make and taste great. Try my instant pot vegan version of butternut squash halwa.
Equipment
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- ½ cup organic sugar - +1 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoon vegan butter or use oil
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoon cashew nuts
- 1 tablespoon almond flour - optional
Instructions
- To prepare the squash, add 2 cups water into the steel inner pot and place a trivet in it.
- Place the halved, cleaned and deseeded butternut squash in the trivet.1 butternut squash
- Secure the lid and change the vent set to sealing mode. Set for 'Manual/Pressure' Cook for 15 minutes.
- At the end of the timer, use the quick release option after 5 min to relieve the pressure.
- Remove the squash and set it aside to cool.
- Drain any remaining water from the inner pot.
- Press the sauté button and add 2 tablespoon vegan butter and the butternut squash after peeling the skin off of it.2 tablespoon vegan butter or use oil
- Mash them lightly with a spoon and add sugar & cardamom.1 teaspoon cardamom powder, ½ cup organic sugar
- Stir-fry for 6 minutes, or until the mixture turns a little darker or when the butter or oil releases a nutty aroma.
- Garnish with roasted cashew nuts and Butternut Squash Halwa is ready! It is best served as a warm dessert.
Notes
- Don't overdo the sugar: Butternut squash is naturally sweet, so start with less sugar and adjust as needed. This keeps your halwa balanced and lets the natural flavors shine.
- Use aromatic spices: A little cardamom powder goes a long way toward giving the halwa its traditional Indian dessert aroma. You can also add a pinch of saffron for extra warmth.
- Make the most of your Instant Pot: The Instant Pot simplifies this recipe you can steam, sauté, and simmer all in the same pot, cutting down on cleanup time.
- Adjust the texture to your liking: For a thicker and richer halwa, mix in some almond flour or cashew powder during the sauté process. It adds body and a mellow nuttiness.
- Serve it warm: Like most halwa recipes, this dessert tastes best when served slightly warm, garnished with toasted nuts.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 462mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 13288IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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