Chocolate Banana Halwa Recipe: A Rich And Fruity Treat For Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is on April 12, 2025 and it is the birth day of Lord Hanuman, the devotee of Lord Rama and the embodiment of strength and selfless service. Across India, people visit temples, chant Hanuman Chalisa and observe fasts to seek his blessings. Prasad plays an important role in this festival and traditional sweets made from ingredients that have spiritual and nutritional significance.

Banana is considered auspicious in Hindu rituals and is a key ingredient in many festive recipes. When mixed with chocolate and slow-cooked into a halwa, it becomes a healthy and energy boosting treat—perfect for fasting and post-pooja indulgence. Ripe bananas natural sweetness pairs well with cocoa and ghee enhances the flavour making it a perfect prasad. This twist on traditional halwa is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients and satisfies your sweet cravings without artificial sugar overload.

Whether you are fasting or celebrating the day with your loved ones, Chocolate Banana Halwa is a traditional and indulgent treat. Let’s see how you can make this festive sweet at home.

How To Make Chocolate Banana Halwa Recipe For Hanuman Jayanti

A healthy and delicious twist on traditional halwa, this Chocolate Banana Halwa is perfect for Hanuman Jayanti prasad or any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 bananas (mashed)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• ¼ cup ghee
• ½ cup jaggery powder (as needed)
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews or walnuts)
• 1 tbsp grated coconut (optional)

Method

1. Peel and mash the bananas into a smooth paste using a fork or blender. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. In a heavy bottomed pan or kadhai, heat ¼ cup ghee on low flame.
3. Add the mashed bananas to the pan and cook on medium low flame for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
4. Lower the flame and add 2 tbsp cocoa powder, mix well. Add ½ cup jaggery powder and ¼ cup milk, mix well. Don’t let lumps form.
5. Add ½ tsp cardamom powder. Add chopped nuts and grated coconut, stir gently.
6. Cook on low flame for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The halwa will start leaving the sides of the pan.
7. Once done, switch off the flame and let the halwa rest for a few minutes. Garnish with nuts and serve warm as prasad or as a festive dessert.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Chocolate Banana Halwa Recipe For Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is a day of devotion, strength, and fasting, observed with deep reverence across India. But to get that perfect consistency and taste, you need the right approach. Here are eight essential tips to help you master this treat.

Use Overripe Bananas for Maximum Sweetness

Brown bananas may not look appealing, but they are the best for this halwa. They bring natural sweetness and make the halwa super smooth without needing too much jaggery. Ripeness also enhances the flavor making your halwa richer and aromatic.

Slow Cook for the Best Flavor

Patience is key! Cooking the bananas on low to medium flame allows them to break down properly and gives the halwa a soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Rushing it might leave chunks in the mixture and spoil the experience.

Roast the Cocoa Powder for a Deep Chocolate Flavor

Instead of adding cocoa powder directly, dry roast it for 30 seconds before mixing it in. This brings out a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor and avoids any raw cocoa aftertaste.

Balance Jaggery and Cocoa to Get the Right Taste

Jaggery adds warmth and a subtle caramel like depth, but too much can overpower the cocoa. Start with ½ cup of jaggery powder and adjust as per your taste. If you like a stronger chocolate taste add a little more cocoa.

Use Fresh Ghee for Authentic Flavor

A generous amount of pure homemade ghee is what makes any Indian halwa truly divine. It makes the dessert rich and gives it that traditional festive touch. Don’t skip it – ghee ensures the halwa gets the right consistency and doesn’t stick to the pan.

Add Cardamom for a Classic Indian Aroma

While cocoa brings the modern twist, cardamom keeps the halwa Indian. Add just ½ teaspoon and it lifts the entire dish and blends beautifully with banana and jaggery. The aroma makes it prasad-worthy!

Don’t Skip the Nuts for Extra Bite

A handful of chopped almonds, cashews or walnuts adds a nice texture to the halwa. Not only do they bring in a festive crunch but also enhance the flavor. If you love coconut, sprinkle some grated coconut for extra traditional touch.