Boondi Ladoo Vegan Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Boondi ladoos are a classic Indian sweet that burst with flavor and nostalgia. Traditionally made with gram flour and bound together with sugar syrup, these delightful spheres are often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.

But did you know you can make a completely vegan version that’s just as delicious and satisfying? Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want to try a healthier twist on this beloved treat, this boondi ladoo vegan recipe will show you how to create soft, melt-in-your-mouth ladoos without any dairy or animal products.

In this recipe, we’ll use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) to replace traditional ghee, making it a wholesome and cruelty-free delight. Perfectly crispy little boondis soaked in fragrant cardamom-infused syrup, shaped into golden balls — it’s a joy to make and share with loved ones.

So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this sweet adventure that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan boondi ladoo recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a plant-based alternative to traditional Indian sweets. It uses simple pantry staples and replaces ghee with aquafaba, reducing saturated fat while keeping that authentic taste and texture.

You’ll love how the boondis turn out light, crispy, and perfectly sweetened.

Plus, these ladoos are naturally gluten-free and can be customized with nuts or dried fruits. They’re great for festive occasions or just as a comforting homemade treat.

By making them from scratch, you control the sugar and ensure no artificial additives. And if you’re interested in other vegan delights, don’t miss our Collard Green Casserole Recipes and Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for more inspiration!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
  • ⅓ cup aquafaba (chickpea liquid) – substitute for ghee
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice – prevents crystallization
  • Oil for deep frying (neutral oil like sunflower or canola)
  • Chopped nuts (optional: cashews, almonds, pistachios) – 2 tbsp
  • Saffron strands (optional) – a pinch

Equipment

  • Deep frying pan or kadhai
  • Boondi ladle or perforated spoon (for dropping batter)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan (for sugar syrup)
  • Slotted spoon
  • Plate lined with paper towels
  • Wide bowl or tray (to cool boondis)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix the chickpea flour with aquafaba. Whisk well to form a smooth, lump-free batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter. It should neither be too thick nor too runny.
  2. Heat oil: In a deep frying pan, heat oil on medium flame. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small drop of batter; it should sizzle and rise immediately.
  3. Make boondis: Hold the boondi ladle over the hot oil and pour a small amount of batter into it. Using the back of a spoon, gently tap the ladle to let tiny droplets fall into the oil. Fry the boondis until they turn golden and crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Drain and cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove boondis and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely; they will crisp further as they cool.
  5. Prepare sugar syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat on medium flame, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and saffron strands if using. Boil the syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency (when a drop between your fingers forms a thin thread).
  6. Add cardamom: Stir in cardamom powder into the syrup for a fragrant touch.
  7. Combine boondis and syrup: Pour the cooled boondis into the syrup and mix gently to coat all the boondis evenly.
  8. Shape ladoos: While the mixture is still warm, grease your palms lightly with oil. Take small portions and form round balls by pressing gently. Place on a tray to set and cool completely.
  9. Garnish and store: Press chopped nuts into the ladoos if desired. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 7 days.

Tips & Variations

“Using aquafaba instead of ghee gives a vegan twist without compromising the texture. Make sure to whisk it well to incorporate air for lighter boondis.”

  • Consistency is key: The batter should be pourable but thick enough to hold shape when dropped into oil.
  • Oil temperature: Medium heat works best. Too hot and boondis brown quickly without cooking inside; too cold and they absorb excess oil.
  • Sugar syrup: Achieve the correct one-string consistency for perfect binding. Use lemon juice to stop crystallization.
  • Add nuts and dried fruits: Mix in finely chopped raisins or dried cranberries for added texture.
  • Flavor twists: Add rose water or orange blossom water to sugar syrup for a floral note.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 ladoo)
Calories 120 kcal
Carbohydrates 25 g
Protein 2.5 g
Fat 3 g
Fiber 1.5 g
Sugar 15 g

Serving Suggestions

Boondi ladoos are best served at room temperature, paired with a cup of masala chai or your favorite herbal tea. They make a wonderful festive gift or dessert option for celebrations like Diwali, Holi, or weddings.

For those seeking a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe — the warm spices in the ladoos complement the creamy ice cream beautifully.

Also, try them as a sweet contrast to savory dishes such as those found in our Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes for a complete meal experience.

Conclusion

Making vegan boondi ladoos at home is a rewarding experience that brings the warmth and tradition of Indian sweets into a compassionate and health-conscious lifestyle. This recipe proves that you don’t need dairy or ghee to enjoy authentic, melt-in-your-mouth ladoos.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create these golden treats that are perfect for festivals, special occasions, or anytime you crave a sweet indulgence.

Not only do these ladoos taste fantastic, but they also allow you to customize flavors and textures to suit your palate. Don’t forget to explore more recipes on our blog, like the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for a vegan-friendly dessert or our savory Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to complement your meals.

Happy cooking and sweet celebrations!

📖 Recipe Card: Boondi Ladoo Vegan Recipe

Description: A traditional Indian sweet made with chickpea flour boondi, sugar syrup, and flavored with cardamom. Perfectly vegan and delicious for festive occasions.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 12 ladoos

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water (for sugar syrup)
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
  • 2 tbsp vegan ghee or coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Mix chickpea flour, baking soda, and water to make a smooth batter.
  2. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
  3. Pour batter through a perforated spoon to drop small boondis into hot oil.
  4. Fry boondis until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels.
  5. In a separate pan, boil sugar and water to make a one-string sugar syrup.
  6. Add cardamom powder and vegan ghee to the syrup.
  7. Mix fried boondis and chopped nuts into the syrup quickly.
  8. Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape into round ladoos.
  9. Allow ladoos to set and cool completely before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 27g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Boondi Ladoo Vegan Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A traditional Indian sweet made with chickpea flour boondi, sugar syrup, and flavored with cardamom. Perfectly vegan and delicious for festive occasions.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “12 ladoos”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup chickpea flour (besan)”, “1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)”, “2 cups sugar”, “1 cup water (for sugar syrup)”, “1/4 tsp cardamom powder”, “2 tbsp vegan ghee or coconut oil”, “1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)”, “1/4 tsp baking soda”, “Oil for deep frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix chickpea flour, baking soda, and water to make a smooth batter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter through a perforated spoon to drop small boondis into hot oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry boondis until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate pan, boil sugar and water to make a one-string sugar syrup.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cardamom powder and vegan ghee to the syrup.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix fried boondis and chopped nuts into the syrup quickly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape into round ladoos.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Allow ladoos to set and cool completely before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “27g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X