Kaju Pakam, also known as Kaju Chikki or Kaju Brittle, is a delightful sweet made from cashew nuts (kaju) and jaggery (bellam). This traditional Andhra sweet is loved for its perfect balance of nutty crunch and rich sweetness. Popular during festivals and special occasions, Kaju Pakam is not just delicious—it’s also filled with nutrition!
What is Kaju Pakam?
Kaju Pakam is a brittle-style sweet, where roasted cashews are coated with melted jaggery and shaped into thin sheets or small bars. It’s similar to peanut chikki but more luxurious due to the use of cashews.
Ingredients
Cashew nuts (Kaju) – Roasted
Jaggery (Bellam) – Melted to make syrup
Ghee (optional) – For flavor and greasing
Optional: Cardamom powder for extra aroma
Nutritional Value of Kaju Pakam (Approx. per 30g)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150–180 kcal |
| Protein | 3–4g |
| Healthy Fats | 10–12g |
| Iron | High (from jaggery) |
| Fiber | Moderate |
Note: Kaju Pakam is a calorie-dense sweet, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Health Benefits of Kaju Pakam
✅ Boosts energy – Thanks to natural sugars and healthy fats
✅ Good for heart health – Cashews contain unsaturated fats
✅ Rich in iron – Helps prevent anemia
✅ Improves brain function – Cashews contain magnesium and zinc
✅ Better alternative to sugar-based sweets – Jaggery is less processed
Kaju Pakam in Different Languages
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| Telugu | కాజు పాకం |
| Hindi | काजू चिक्की |
| Tamil | முந்திரி பகம் |
| Kannada | ಗೋಡಂಬಿ ಪಾಕ |
| Malayalam | കശുവണ്ടി പകം |
How to Make Kaju Pakam at Home
Ingredients:
1 cup cashew nuts
3/4 cup jaggery
1 tsp ghee
1/4 tsp cardamom powder (optional)
Method:
Dry roast the cashews slightly and set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the jaggery with 2 tbsp water until it forms a soft ball stage (when dropped in water, it forms a soft ball).
Add cardamom powder and mix.
Add roasted cashews and mix quickly.
Spread on a greased plate or parchment paper.
Flatten with a rolling pin and cut into squares before it hardens.
When is Kaju Pakam Enjoyed?
🎉 Festivals – Diwali, Sankranti, Ugadi
🎁 Gifting – As a premium sweet gift box
🥳 Celebrations – Weddings, family functions
Is Kaju Pakam Good for Diabetics?
While jaggery is a better alternative to refined sugar, it still impacts blood sugar. Diabetics should enjoy Kaju Pakam in small quantities or explore low-glycemic sweeteners as alternatives.
Kaju Pakam Online
Many traditional and organic sweet shops now offer handmade Kaju Pakam online:
Price range: ₹300–₹600 per 250g
Available on: Amazon, Flipkart, regional sweet stores
Look for: No preservative, pure jaggery, and crunchy texture
Fun Fact 🥜
Kaju Pakam is believed to be a favorite sweet among royalty in olden days due to the cost of cashews. Today, it remains a luxury treat that brings tradition and taste together in every bite!
Final Thoughts
Kaju Pakam is more than just a sweet—it’s a symbol of celebration, care, and tradition. Whether you make it at home or buy it from a local store, this nutty treat is perfect for festivals, gifts, or a quick bite of sweetness.