Kaju Katli: History, Regional Styles and Serving Ideas

Kaju katli is probably India's most gifted sweet. It travels well, it isn't sticky, and that silver-topped diamond shape looks festive in any box. But behind its everyday popularity is an ingredient that is a fairly recent arrival in Indian history.

How cashews came to India

The cashew tree is native to north-eastern Brazil. Portuguese traders are generally credited with bringing it to India's west coast, around Goa, in the 16th century. Over time, cashew trees spread along the coasts of Goa, Kerala, Karnataka and beyond, and India became one of the world's major cashew producers and processors.

Where kaju katli comes from

The exact origin of kaju katli isn't well documented. Popular stories credit different regions and eras, and you'll find confident claims online that historians don't back with firm evidence. What is clear is that kaju katli, also called kaju barfi, belongs to the large North and West Indian family of barfis, and it became a sweet-shop staple across India in the 20th century.

Why the diamond shape?

Katli means "thin slice". The dough is rolled thin and cut into diamonds, which makes neat pieces with little waste and stacks beautifully in boxes. The diamond shape is now so associated with the sweet that many people recognise it instantly.

Varieties you'll see

• Classic kaju katli: cashew, sugar and a little ghee, often with silver varq.
• Kesar kaju katli: with saffron for colour and aroma.
• Kaju pista roll: a cashew layer rolled around a pistachio filling.
• Chocolate or rose kaju katli: modern versions in many sweet shops.
• Badam katli: the almond cousin, made in a similar way.
• Reduced or no-added-sugar versions: made with sugar substitutes. Read the label to see what is used.

How to serve kaju katli

• Bring it to room temperature if it was refrigerated, for the best texture.
• Serve a few pieces on a small brass or ceramic plate with tea or after a meal.
• Pair it with salty namkeen on a festive platter for contrast.
• Crumble a piece over kheer or ice cream for a quick dessert.

Gifting tips

• Choose a sturdy box with parchment between layers.
• Check the best-before date and storage instructions on the box.
• Mention that it contains cashews, for anyone with a nut allergy.

Make it or buy it

If you'd like to make it yourself, follow our step-by-step kaju katli recipe using PoshBhumi Kaju. Or pick up a box of PoshBhumi Kaju Katli from Traditional Sweets.