← Back to recipes
Vegan Gulab Jamun

Vegan Masala Recipe

Vegan Gulab Jamun

Vegan Gulab Jamun are tender, aromatic sweets made from bread crumbs and enriched with a smooth cashew cream. Soaking in a warm cardamom syrup, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

25 minPrep: 10 minCook: 15 minIndianVegan
Vegan gulab jamun

From the kitchen

What to expect

These Vegan Gulab Jamun embody a sweet tradition, transforming simple ingredients into a cherished treat that everyone can enjoy.

Serving idea

Best served simply

Pair these jamuns with a warm cup of chai for a comforting dessert experience.

Cook the recipe

Method

  1. 1

    In a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups sugar and 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and add the crushed cardamom and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for another five minutes before turning off the heat.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups white bread crumbs with ½ cup blended cashew cream, adding the cream gradually until you form a smooth, pliable dough that is not too stiff or dry.

  3. 3

    Divide the dough into 14 pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball, ensuring no cracks are visible on the surface. Grease your palms with a little oil to help with shaping.

  4. 4

    Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep fryer to about 300°F (150°C). Ensure the oil is not too hot, as this could result in quick browning without thorough cooking.

  5. 5

    Carefully add a few jamuns at a time into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. The oil should bubble gently. Use a slotted ladle to keep them moving until they attain a deep reddish color.

  6. 6

    Once cooked, remove the jamuns to a plate lined with paper towels. While still warm and manageable, poke small holes in each jamun using a thin pin or needle to facilitate syrup absorption.

  7. 7

    Immerse the jamuns in the warm syrup, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak for at least 3 hours before serving, giving them time to absorb the syrup.

  8. 8

    Serve the jamuns drizzled with syrup and a sprinkle of chopped nuts if desired.

Gather everything first

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 8 green cardamom pods (crushed to release seeds)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 ½ cups white bread crumbs
  • ½ cup cashews (blended with ½ cup water into a very smooth cream)
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying
  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts (like cashews, almonds, or pistachios for garnish, optional)

A few useful notes

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the syrup at room temperature to maintain moisture. They can be reheated gently in the microwave for a soft texture.
  • For a richer flavour, let the syrup cool and infuse longer before adding the jamuns.
  • If you prefer a different texture, adjust the water in the cashew cream slightly.
Vegan Indian Sweets Mini Ebook cover

Love this recipe?

Visit the Vegan Masala Store for the Vegan Indian Sweets Mini Ebook, featuring 6 comforting recipes, pantry notes, troubleshooting tips, and festive serving ideas.

Visit the Store£7 digital download

Learn the technique