Besan Ladoo is a popular Indian sweet made with roasted besan (gram flour), ghee, sugar & cardamom, rolled into spherical little fudge balls, called Ladoo, or Laddu. Made with just 5 ingredients, it's a must-have during festivals.
Here's my quick and easy besan ladoo recipe, made two ways - microwave and stovetop.

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What is Besan Ladoo
Besan ladoo is a popular Indian sweet dish made from besan (gram flour), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and sometimes nuts, and flavored with cardamom. It is often prepared during festivals like Holi and Diwali, special occasions, or as a sweet snack.
To make besan ladoo, besan is roasted in ghee until golden brown and aromatic. Then, sugar, cardamom powder, and nuts (if using) are added to the mixture and shaped into small balls while still warm. The ladoos are then left to cool and set, after which they are ready to be served.
What does Besan Ladoo taste like? Besan ladoo has a rich and nutty flavor and a crumbly texture that melts in the mouth. It is a popular sweet dish in India and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
If you've enjoyed the Coconut Ladoo and Rava Ladoo recipes, you'll love this homemade besan ladoo recipe.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free and can be made nut-free by skipping nuts.
- Homemade ladoo is far superior to any store besan ladoo and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight festivities.
- This easy recipe includes instructions for a quick microwave recipe as well as a stovetop besan ke laddu.
- The microwave recipe is great to get the kids involved in the celebrations! My girls have been helping me make these ladoos on Diwali since they were 7 years old!
Alright, let's make some ladoos!
Looking for more desserts for Indian festivities? Try this collection: Easy Indian Desserts & Sweets Recipes.
Ingredients- Notes & Substitutions
It only takes a handful of ingredients to put these delicious ladoos together. Let's take a look at some ingredient notes and possible substitutions. Scroll to the recipe card for exact quantities.
Besan: I used coarse besan or gram flour, which is also known as Ladoo Besan. But, if you only have regular fine besan on hand, simply replace 2 tablespoons of besan with sooji (semolina). This will add a nice crunch to the texture.
Ghee: For best results, always start with good quality ghee. Use homemade ghee or your favorite store-ready brand.
Sugar: We use a shortcut in this recipe by using confectioner's sugar, also labeled as powdered cane sugar. If you have the time, or regular sugar is all you have, grind it to a fine powder before using it.
Cardamom powder: Freshly ground cardamom makes a world of difference, especially in Indian sweets. I deseed 3-5 green cardamom pods, then use my spice grinder to powder them.
Nuts: Adding nuts is optional in this recipe, but I highly recommend them. I use a mix of pistachio and almonds, but you can do either exclusively.
Dietary Variations: To make a nut-free ladoo, skip the nuts altogether. To make this recipe 100% vegan, replace the ghee with coconut fat, just know that it will have a prominent coconut flavor though.
Scroll to the recipe card for a detailed list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Besan ladoo
There are two ways you can make besan ka ladoo at home- in the microwave, or on the stovetop. Let's start with the easiest option first, using the microwave.
Besan Ladoo in Microwave
Step 1 - Roast Besan: Take a microwave-safe bowl and melt ghee, for about 30-40 seconds. Add besan and salt, and mix well. (Pic 1)
Mix well till the besan absorbs the ghee. The mix should look like wet sand at this point. (Pic 2). If your mix looks too dry at this stage, add another 1-2 tablespoons of ghee in increments.
Cook in the microwave: Using the default setting of your microwave, cook this mix for 3-5 minutes, depending on your microwave.
Important: During these 3-5 minutes, take the mix out every minute, (or every 30 seconds if your microwave is strong), and stir well. (Pic 3)
Check for doneness: Your eyes and nose will tell you when the besan is done. It will turn to medium golden color and its aroma will fill the room. For me, it gets done anywhere between 4:30 - 4:45 mins (Pic 4).
How to tell when besan is done? I use two signs to confirm that besan is roasted enough. First, the color or besan darkens to a medium golden brown. Second, you can start smelling the sweet aroma of besan in the whole house.
Step 2 - Add Sugar & Nuts (if using): Add chopped nuts (optional) and let it cool for 20-30 minutes. (pic 5 ).
Check to see if the mix is cool to the touch, then add powdered sugar and ground cardamom, and mix till the sugar is incorporated well. (pic 6)
Step 3 - Check binding consistency and Shape Ladoo: Check if the mix can bind well by pressing between your fingers. If it feels too dry, add up to a tablespoon of ghee.
Alternatively, add 1-2 tablespoons of dry milk powder if it's too wet to hold shape. (pic 7).
Form ladoos: To make ladoos, take about a tablespoon of the mix in your palm (you can use a cookie spoon for this). Press and roll between your palm by moving your hand in a circular motion to shape it like a ball. Ladoo is ready!
Top it with the reserved nuts, by gently pressing in a pinch on top. (pic 8)
Shaping Tip: If the ladoo mix feels too crumbly, add a tablespoon or so of ghee and mix well to bind it.
Alternatively, if it feels too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons of dry milk powder, or pop it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. That solidifies the ghee a bit, making it easier to shape ladoos.
Stovetop Besan Laddu recipe
- Heat a heavy-bottom non-stick fry pan on medium-low heat. Add ghee and let it melt. Add besan and salt. Mix until besan absorbs the ghee.
- Keep stirring continuously till the mixture darkens to a medium-golden color and the aroma of besan becomes strong. Depending on the heat intensity and quantity, it can take from 15 to 20 minutes. Watch it closely after the 15-minute mark.
- Transfer besan to a mixing bowl to prevent over-roasting. Add chopped nuts (optional), and let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- When the mix is cool to the touch, add confectioners sugar, and ground cardamom. Mix well to incorporate the sugar. Check if the mix can bind well by pressing between your fingers.
- To make ladoos, take about a tablespoon of the mix in your palm (you can use a cookie spoon for this). Press and roll between your palm by moving your hand in a circular motion. This helps shape it like a ball. After that, top it with finely chopped or sliced nuts.
How to Store & Freeze
Besan ladoo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to a month.
To enjoy them again, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen), or let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.
Microwave vs. Stovetop Method - Which is easier?
My mother-in-law would always follow the traditional recipe, and roast the besan low and slow in ghee, till it turned medium-golden brown. Depending on the quantity of besan, that would take her up to 30 minutes and require continuous stirring.
By using the microwave, I replaced that tedious stovetop roasting process with a 4-5 minute hands-off cooking time. So I would say that the microwave recipe is much easier.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Use Ladoo Besan or add sooji: For best results, use coarse besan, known as 'Ladoo Besan'. If fine besan is all you have, replace 2 tablespoons of besan with sooji (semolina).
- Quality of ghee matters: Always start with good quality ghee for this recipe. I make ghee at home using this recipe. Also, refer to the ghee quantity difference between the microwave and stovetop versions.
- Microwave Roasting Time: After the 3 min mark, keep an eye on the besan mix. Cook it in increments of 30 seconds and stir well in between each round. For me, it takes between 4:30 - 4:45 mins, depending on the brand of besan.
- If making a large quantity: Use a wider bowl to maximize surface area and ensure even cooking.
- How to tell when besan is done roasting: I use two signs to ensure that I don't under or over-roast the besan. First, the color darkens to medium-golden brown. And second, you can start smelling a sweet aroma in the whole house.
- Consistency Tip: If it feels too crumbly, add a tablespoon or so of ghee and mix well to bind it. Or, if it looks too wet, add 1- 2 tablespoons of dry milk powder.
- Shaping tip: If you are unable to form the ladoo from the cooled mix, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. That will solidify the ghee a bit, making it easy to shape your ladoos.
- Make ahead for parties: This recipe is great for potlucks and parties. Prepare these ladoos and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The texture of Besan Ladoo is a combination of creamy and chewy. Roasting the besan develops a sweet-crisp texture, and when it is bound together with sugar, nuts, and ground cardamom, it gets a rich, melt-in-mouth texture.
Bitter besan ladoo is a sign of under or over-roasting the besan. You can try adding a tablespoon of milk powder to mask that taste, but if it's too bitter, it is better to discard it as you will not be able to get rid of the bitter taste. To prevent that, always roast your besan well, following the directions listed above.
Besan sticking in the mouth is a sign of under-roasting. To prevent that, always ensure that your besan is slow-roasted, medium-golden in color, and releases a sweet aroma around.
More Indian Desserts from my Kitchen
Here are some more Indian desserts that my family really enjoys:
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📖 Recipe
Besan Ladoo Recipe - Microwave & Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ladoo Besan Flour (gram flour) check notes for substitution
- ½ cup Confectioner's Sugar check notes for substitution
- 4 tablespoons ghee (melted) Add 2 tablespoons more for stovetop method
- 4 tablespoons assorted chopped nuts optional(I used pistachios + almonds)
- ½ teaspoon cardamom Powder 4-6 green pods
- 1 pinch salt (small pinch- optional)
Instructions
Microwave Besan Ladoo
- Prep: if using nuts, finely chop your favorite nuts. I use pistachios and almonds. Keep 1 tablespoon aside for garnish.
- Take a microwave safe bowl and melt ghee, about 30-40 seconds. Add besan and salt, and mix well. Add besan and salt, and mix well.
- Mix well till the besan absorbs the ghee. The mix should look like wet sand at this point. Note: If your mix looks too dry at this stage, add another 1-2 tablespoons of ghee in increments.
- Using the default setting of your microwave, cook this mix for 3-5 minutes, depending on your microwave. Important: During these 3-5 minutes, take the mix out every minute, (or every 30 seconds if your microwave is strong), and stir well.
- Your eyes and nose will tell you when besan is done. It will turn to a medium golden color and its aroma will fill the room For me, it gets done anywhere between 4:30 - 4:45 mins. Mix in chopped nuts (if using) and let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- Check to see if the mix is cool to the touch, then add confectioners sugar and ground cardamom, and mix till the sugar is incorporated well.
- Check if the mix can bind well by pressing between your fingers. If it feels too dry, add up to a tablespoon of ghee. Alternatively, add 1-2 tablespoons of dry milk powder if it's too wet to hold shape, .
- To make ladoos, take about a tablespoon of the mix in your palm (you can use a cookie spoon). Press and roll between your palm by moving your hand in a circular motion to shape it like a ball. Ladoo is ready! Top it with the reserved nuts, by gently pressing in a pinch on top.
Stovetop Recipe for Besan ke Ladoo
- Heat a heavy bottom non-stick fry pan on medium heat. Add ghee and let it melt. Add besan, and salt. Mix until besan absorbs the ghee.
- Keep stirring continuously till the mixture darkens to a medium golden color and the aroma of besan becomes strong. Depending on the heat intensity and quantity, it can take from 12-15 minutes. Watch it closely though.
- Transfer besan to a mixing bowl to prevent over-roasting. Add chopped nuts (optional), and let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- When the mix is cool to the touch, add confectioners sugar and ground cardamom. Mix well to incorporate the sugar. Check if the mix can bind well by pressing between your fingers.
- To make ladoos, take about a tablespoon of the mix in your palm (you can use a cookie spoon for this). Press and roll between your palm by moving your hand in a circular motion. This helps shape it like a ball. After that, top it with finely chopped or sliced nuts.
Video
Notes
- Use Ladoo Besan or add sooji: For best results, use coarse besan, known as 'Ladoo Besan'. If fine besan is all you have, replace 2 tablespoons of besan with sooji (semolina).
- Quality of ghee matters: Always start with good quality ghee for this recipe. I make ghee at home using this recipe. Also, refer to the ghee quantity difference between the microwave and stovetop versions.
- Microwave Roasting Time: After the 3 min mark, keep an eye on the besan mix. Cook it in increments of 30 seconds and stir well in between each round. For me, it takes between 4:30 - 4:45 mins, depending on the brand of besan.
- If making a large quantity: Use a wider bowl to maximize surface area and ensure even cooking.
- How to tell when besan is done roasting: I use two signs to ensure that I don't under or over-roast the besan. First, the color darkens to medium-golden brown. And second, you can start smelling a sweet aroma in the whole house.
- Consistency Tip: If it feels too crumbly, add a tablespoon or so of ghee and mix well to bind it. Or, if it looks too wet, add 1- 2 tablespoons of dry milk powder.
- Shaping tip: If you are unable to form the ladoo from the cooled mix, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. That will solidify the ghee a bit, making it easy to shape your ladoos.
- Make ahead for parties: This recipe is great for potlucks and parties. Prepare these ladoos and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
This recipe has been updated with new photos, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips.
Shaheen says
Thank you for your recipes! I have made these many times and they come out great!
Thanks for your recipe.
Aneesha says
Thank you so much Shaheen! I'm so glad that you enjoy my recipes!
Paula says
I tried the recipe and my only problem is that I got only ten ladoos. I also used icing sugar and it was fine. thanks for a relatively easy recipe.
Aneesha says
You're most welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Manjula bhushan says
I enjoyed each and eveverstep iwill try it thanks
Aneesha says
Hi Manjula, thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Gauri Gopalakrishnan says
Easy and delicious!
Aneesha says
Hi Gauri, thank you so much. I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe! I highly recommend trying the coconut ladoos or Moong Dal Halwa next 🙂
Sri says
Hi
Thank you for this receipe. It’s so quick . I tried this but the ladoods are tasting bit bitter. How can I rectify this in my next attempt?
Aneesha says
Hi Sri, Thank you, I'm glad you tried it. Bitterness indicates over roasting of besan. Next time reduce the cook time by 30 seconds and check the besan for doneness. Microwave strengths are different, which is why it is important to monitor it closely towards the end. Hope it turns out perfect next time.
John says
Tried your recipe with sugar free substitute and came out well.
Aneesha says
Hi John, Glad to hear that. Did you use an equal quantity of the sugar substitute? Also, may I ask which one did you use? This information can help other readers who're looking for sugar-free alternatives.Thanks.
Amrin says
Fantastic recipe.. Thank u so much.. I can't thank u enough for this.. My son loves besan laddu.. N since I hv an infant wit me, it gets dfclt to mk on stove top.. Thank u so much for making it incredibly easy for me😊 looking forward to many such recipes of yours😊😊
Aneesha says
Hi Amrin, That's the best compliment ever- it makes my day when kids enjoy these recipes too 🙂 If you like coconut ladoo- try that, that's also an easy microwave recipe.
Ashwini says
Nice!! Must try them !!
Aneesha says
Thanks Ashwini, I hope you enjoy them!
Samir Bhatnagar says
Thanks for this super simple fantastic recipe!!!
Aneesha says
Hi Samir, glad you enjoyed it too! Thanks so much for the ratings! If you like coconut, try coconut burfi next- that's another quick and yum recipe!
Ruchi says
I’ve made this recipe several times and it gets rave reviews every time . Thanks for making this recipe so incredibly simple and easy.
Aneesha says
Hi Ruchi, thank you so much. I am glad you enjoy it so much, it's a lifesaver for weeknight festivals for us 🙂 Thanks for sharing your feedback!