Coconut Ladoo Veg Recipes Of India: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Coconut ladoos are one of the most beloved traditional sweets in India, cherished for their rich flavor and simplicity. These delightful treats, made primarily with fresh coconut and sugar, are a staple during festivals and special occasions.

What makes coconut ladoos truly special is their melt-in-the-mouth texture combined with a naturally sweet and aromatic taste. Beyond just a dessert, they carry the essence of Indian culinary heritage and evoke nostalgic memories of home kitchens and festive celebrations.

In this blog post, we’ll explore authentic coconut ladoo recipes from various regions in India. These veg recipes are easy to prepare, use wholesome ingredients, and are perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Whether you prefer your ladoos soft and chewy or slightly dry and crumbly, we have variations to suit every palate. So, get ready to dive into the world of coconut ladoos and add a touch of Indian sweetness to your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coconut ladoos are incredibly easy and quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients and kitchen equipment. What’s more, they are naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making them accessible for a wide variety of diets.

The rich aroma of fresh coconut combined with the subtle sweetness of jaggery or sugar creates a perfect balance of flavors that everyone enjoys.

This recipe is versatile — you can customize it with nuts, cardamom, saffron, or even chocolate to create your own signature ladoo. Plus, they store well, making them an excellent choice for gifting or for preparing ahead of time for celebrations.

Whether you’re making them for Diwali, Holi, or just a sweet treat after meals, these coconut ladoos will surely delight your taste buds!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh grated coconut (or desiccated coconut for convenience)
  • 1 cup condensed milk (for sweetness and binding)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter for richness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (for fragrance)
  • 10-12 chopped cashews and almonds (optional, for crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (to adjust consistency, optional)
  • Saffron strands (optional, soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk)

Equipment

  • Non-stick pan or heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Wooden spatula or silicone spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Grater (if using fresh coconut)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plate or tray for cooling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coconut. If using fresh coconut, grate it finely. If using desiccated coconut, ensure it is fresh and unsweetened.
  2. Heat the ghee in a non-stick pan. Once hot, add chopped nuts and roast until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add the grated coconut to the pan. Sauté on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until it releases a pleasant aroma.
  4. Pour in the condensed milk and mix well. Cook the mixture on low to medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
  5. Add powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron milk (if using). Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
  6. Stir in the roasted nuts. Mix everything thoroughly and turn off the heat.
  7. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. When it’s cool enough to handle but still warm, grease your palms with ghee and shape the mixture into small round ladoos.
  8. Place the ladoos on a plate or tray to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
  9. Store coconut ladoos in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to a week or kept at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Using fresh coconut gives the ladoos a more vibrant flavor and moist texture, but desiccated coconut works well if fresh isn’t available.

For a healthier twist, substitute condensed milk with jaggery syrup or coconut jaggery powder — this adds a rich, caramel-like flavor reminiscent of traditional Indian sweets.

Try adding a teaspoon of rose water or orange zest for a fragrant variation that adds a unique twist to your coconut ladoos.

For a dry and crumbly ladoo, reduce the condensed milk and increase the powdered sugar slightly. Adding a pinch of salt can also enhance the sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 ladoo approx.)
Calories 120 kcal
Carbohydrates 15 g
Fat 7 g
Protein 2 g
Fiber 1.5 g
Sugar 10 g
Calcium 20 mg

Serving Suggestions

Coconut ladoos make excellent festive sweets, perfect for Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, or family celebrations. Serve them as a dessert after meals or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee.

You can also pack them in decorative boxes to give as gifts to friends and family.

For a more indulgent treat, try pairing coconut ladoos with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle them with a little honey and crushed pistachios. They also complement savory dishes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe wonderfully, balancing flavors with a touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

Coconut ladoos are a timeless delight that beautifully showcase the simplicity and richness of Indian sweets. This recipe is a wonderful way to bring a piece of India’s culinary heritage into your kitchen with minimal effort.

Their vibrant flavor, combined with the subtle aroma of cardamom and nuts, makes them an irresistible treat for all ages.

Whether you prepare them for a festive occasion or a simple family gathering, these ladoos are sure to impress. Plus, their vegetarian nature and wholesome ingredients make them a healthier sweet option.

For more exciting recipes, check out our Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or the delightful Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe. Enjoy making and sharing these luscious coconut ladoos!

📖 Recipe Card: Coconut Ladoo

Description: A traditional Indian sweet made with fresh coconut and condensed milk. These bite-sized treats are rich, creamy, and perfect for festivals or celebrations.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 20 ladoos

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grated fresh coconut
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1 tablespoon ghee
  • 10 chopped cashew nuts
  • 10 chopped almonds
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon raisins
  • 1/2 teaspoon edible camphor (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for binding)

Instructions

  1. Heat ghee in a pan and lightly roast cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins until golden. Set aside.
  2. Add grated coconut to the same pan and sauté on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour in the condensed milk and stir continuously to combine.
  4. Add powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and edible camphor if using; mix well.
  5. Cook the mixture on low flame until it thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
  6. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  7. Grease your palms with ghee and shape the mixture into small round ladoos.
  8. Press a few roasted nuts on top of each ladoo for garnish.
  9. Allow ladoos to set at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Marta K

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