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–+ servings
plate of vegan malai ladoo topped with coconut and pistachio
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4.50 from 6 votes

Vegan Malai Ladoo

Vegan malai ladoo - sweet, cardamom-scented, Indian fudge balls - are a festive treat perfect for Diwali, Holi, or any holiday gathering! (gluten-free, soy-free with oil-free option)
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Soak and Chilling Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian, Vegan
Keyword: malai laddu, malai ladoo, malai ladoo recipe, milk powderladoo, vegan malai ladoo
Servings: 12
Author: Vegan Richa

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked in hot water for at least 20 minutes
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
  • 7 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flour or use 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon oil or vegan butter omit for oil-free
  • 5 tablespoons fine almond flour
  • seeds from 2 cardamom pods crushed coarsely
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • shredded coconut, chopped pistachios, or other toppings of choice optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Drain the soaked cashews, and blend them with the water for a minute. Add the vegan cream cheese, sugar, salt, and coconut flour, then blend again until smooth.
  • Transfer the mixture to a skillet. Use 2 tablespoons water to rinse out the blender, and add that to the skillet, as well, along with the vegan butter. Cook over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will get lumpy then thicken evenly
  • Mix in the almond flour and cardamom, then continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the mixture pulls away from the sides and bottom of the pan.
  • Cool, then chill for an hour before shaping into 12 balls. Coat in shredded coconut or top with chopped pistachios or other decoration if you wish. Serve chilled.

Video

Notes

You can use 2 tablespoons vegan yogurt instead of the 3 tablespoons cream cheese. 
Blend in 8 strands of saffron with the cashews for a saffron (kesar) malai ladoo. Use rose, vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices instead for even more variations in flavor!
Refrigerate for up to 4, days and freeze for up to a month.
Nutritional information is for 1 ball and does not include optional toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 68mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg