Greek Halva Jelly – Traditional Caramelized Dessert from Village Festivals

Halva Farsalon is one of the most iconic Greek desserts, known for its unique caramelized crust and soft, jelly-like texture. Traditionally prepared in Thessaly and often served at village festivals and fairs, this dessert combines roasted almonds, starch, butter, and sugar into a truly irresistible treat.

Its golden caramel topping makes it stand out from other types of halva, and it’s still one of the most beloved sweets across Greece.

Greek Halva Jelly – Traditional Caramelized Dessert from Village Festivals

Recipe by George Zolis

Course: DessertCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

285

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

Traditional Greek Halva Farsalon with caramelized crust and roasted almonds. A classic festival dessert with rich flavor and soft texture.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Metric US

• 1 liter 4 1/4 cup Cold Water

• 550 g 2 3/4 cup Sugar

• 50 g 1/4 cup Brown Sugar

• 250 g 2 cup Cornstarch

• 150 g 2/3 cup Butter (or margarine or corn oil)

• 1 pinch 1 pinch Salt

• 200 g 1 1/2 cup Roasted Almonds

• 1 tsp 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

How to make Greek Halva Jelly

• In a bowl, combine 400 g of sugar, cold water, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well.
• In a saucepan over low heat, gradually add the remaining 150 g of sugar. Stir until it melts and caramelizes.
• Add a little butter to the caramel and stir.
• Stir the mixture from the bowl again and carefully pour it into the saucepan with the caramelized sugar. Mix constantly.
• Gradually add the remaining butter while stirring continuously.
• Add vanilla and roasted almonds. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
• Transfer mixture to a baking pan and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle with brown sugar and caramelize using the oven grill or a kitchen torch until golden and crispy.

Recipe video

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @georgezolis on Instagram and hashtag it with #georgezolis

Like this recipe?

Follow @gzoliskitchen on Pinterest

Γίνετε μέλος της Ομάδας μας

Ακολουθήστε τις Μαγειρικές Απολαύσεις στο Facebook

🍯 What Makes Halva Farsalon Unique

Unlike semolina halva or tahini halva, Halva Farsalon has a smooth, almost jelly-like texture created from starch, and a signature caramelized crust that makes it crunchy on top while soft inside. This combination of textures is what makes it stand out as a festive Greek dessert.

🎉 A Dessert of Greek Festivals

Traditionally sold and served at village festivals and fairs, Halva Farsalon has become known as the “festival dessert” of Thessaly. Its shiny caramel crust and roasted almond flavor make it a favorite for both young and old.

🌟 Tips for Success

• Use a heavy-bottom saucepan to avoid burning the sugar.
• Stir constantly when adding the starch mixture to the caramel.
• For best flavor, roast the almonds before adding them.
• Caramelize the top right before serving for maximum crunch.

More Greek Desserts to Try

• Fluffy Coconut Ravani – Greek Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake
• Vegan Oil-Free Greek Samali
• Fluffy Yogurt Cake with Chocolate Chunks