Month: April 2025

Craving something sweet but not up for baking? We’ve all been there. Whether your oven’s already busy, the temperatures are rising, or you just want something quick, simple, and satisfying—this recipe is here to save the day. These Carrot Halwa Cheesecake Parfaits strike the perfect balance between cozy and fresh, indulgent and effortless.

There’s a rich, no-bake whipped cheesecake layer that’s light and creamy with just the right amount of tang. Then comes the carrot halwa, a spiced carrot pudding that’s warm, lightly sweet, and fragrant with cardamom. Little Red Wagon’s Cosmopolitan Granola adds the perfect crisp texture to contrast the creamy and soft layers. Each bite delivers flavor and comfort without feeling heavy.

This dessert looks impressive and feels elevated—perfect for spring brunches. It’s also something you can throw together and sneak from the fridge midweek when you’re craving a sweet moment.

At Little Red Wagon, we believe great food should feel special—but never complicated. Carrot halwa may seem complicated, but it is essentially shredded carrots simmered with milk, butter, a touch of sugar, and warm spices. You can grab it at major retailers or specialty ethnic food stores. If you want to whip some up yourself, we’ve included a simplified recipe below the parfait recipe.

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups of carrot Halwa (cooled or at room temp.)
• 2 1/2 cups of Little Red Wagon Cosmopolitan granola

Cheesecake cake filling:

• 1 block of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 tsp of almond extract
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream

Instructions: 

1. In a stand mixer, add heavy whipping cream and mix with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form.
2. In another bowl, add cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract.  Combine with a spatula until well incorporated. Then add into whipped cream and whisk until combined and smooth.
3. Grab 4 serving jars or glasses:
   1. Start with Cosmopolitan Granola
   2. Add a layer of cheesecake filling
   3. Spoon in carrot halwa
   4. Repeat the cheesecake filling
   5. Top with a final scoop of carrot Halwa and a sprinkle of granola for crunch
4. Enjoy!

Quick & Easy Carrot Halwa (Microwave or Stovetop)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pre-shredded carrots (store-bought works great)
• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (or pumpkin-pie spice as a backup)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of raisins or chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios)

Microwave Method (Easiest):

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter or ghee (about 30 seconds).
2. Add the shredded carrots and microwave for 2 minutes to soften them slightly.
3. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and cardamom.
4. Microwave for another 4–5 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Add optional nuts or raisins. Stir and let cool slightly before layering into your parfaits.

Stovetop Method (Still Easy):

1. Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shredded carrots and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
3. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and cardamom and stir.
4. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the carrots are soft and glossy.
5. Add optional nuts or raisins, then remove from heat and let cool before using.