Seeking to rejoice a special day with Indian sweets? Try this extensive list of 45+ easy dessert recipes from throughout India. They’re perfect for dinner parties, festivals, or for days if you find yourself just craving something sweet.
What’s the difference between sweets and desserts?
Sweets include cakes, cookies, pastries, ice creams, puddings, and candies, in addition to Indian ones resembling laddoos, halwas, barfis, kheer, etc. In brief, anything that’s sugary in taste could be categorized as sweet.
Dessert is a meal course served after the most important course. Often, most folk serve something sweet for dessert, however it may additionally include cheese and even beverages resembling wine and liqueur.
In a nutshell, sweets could be had at any time, but dessert, which can or may not include a sweet, is served after a meal.
Importance of sweets in Indian culture
While in most cultures, sweets are served as a dessert through the last course of a meal, in India, it is usually served with the meal. Actually, scratch that – the actual fact is that you simply don’t even should wait for a meal to have sweets. On birthdays and through festivals like Diwali, we start our day with sweets 🙂
To Indians, sweets signify happiness, prosperity, and recent beginnings, and that’s why we rejoice any and each occasion with something sweet. From graduations to weddings to purchasing a recent house – all our special moments are marked with making and sharing sweets or mithai, as we call it in Hindi.
In reality, all Indian festivals are celebrated with sweets, be it Diwali, Eid, Pongal, or Holi). Sweets are also offered as prasad (or holy offerings) to deities.
What’s unique about Indian sweets
Indian sweets are known to be irresistible and drool-worthy, and a few may even call them exotic. They are available various textures; for example, barfis are soft and crumbly, kheer and halwas are moist, and a few, like gulab jamuns and rasgullas, are soaked in sugar syrup.
Many Indian desserts are created from powdered nuts, while some are garnished with them. Sometimes Indian sweets are decorated with edible silver leaf, also called varq.
Their uniqueness is partly resulting from the ingredients used and the cooking method.
Ingredients utilized in Indian sweets
India is a various country with forty languages and roughly 1600 dialects. The variety is reflected not only within the languages spoken but in addition within the cuisine, which has been heavily influenced by.
Indian sweets are typically created from the next ingredients –
- Milk or milk-based products – milk powder, khoya / mawa (reduced milk solids), condensed milk, etc.
- Roasted and ground grains and pulses – wheat, semolina, Bengal gram, moong dal, etc.
- Dry fruits/nuts – figs, dates, raisins, apricots, almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc.
- Fruits/vegetables – apples, carrots, pumpkin, etc
- Spices/spice powders – Cardamom powder is usually added to sweets to make them fragrant, while saffron is included for its color and fragrance.
- Essences resembling kewra, saffron, etc., are also used to make the sweet more fragrant and enticing.
But one thing that’s common with most Indian sweets is that they’re mostly cooked in homemade ghee (also called desi ghee). Some store owners may use alternative fats like dalda vanaspati (created from hydrogenated vegetable oils) to chop costs, in order that’s why homemade sweets are the perfect for you since you understand what goes in them.
Cooking method
Indian sweets are most of the time revamped a stovetop, unlike desserts in other countries, that are typically baked in an oven.
As an example, sweets like jalebis and gulab jamuns are deep-fried, while others, resembling , are cooked and stirred in a wok until the mixture thickens and while there are just a few which can be steamed like modaks and gattis (Mangalorean sweet). Certainly one of the few exceptions can be the plum or fruit cakes made during Christmas which can be baked within the oven.
Note: With the arrival of the Quick Pot, many recipes have now been modified to be made quickly on this electric pressure cooker. Try this collection of 20+ Quick Pot desserts (which incorporates quite just a few Indian recipes)
Even folks who’ve lived all their lives in India haven’t tried all of the wide varieties of sweets made across the country. With this blog post, I even have attempted to capture the 45+ hottest Indian desserts and sweets I assumed you’d enjoy making.
Popular Indian Desserts and Sweets
If you happen to are in search of recipes for popular sweets like Gulab jamun and jalebis, together with Diwali favorites resembling barfis and ladoos, you’ll find all the favored Indian dessert recipes in the primary three sections.
Gulab jamun
One of the popular Indian desserts, gulab jamun is a round, milk-based sweet that’s made by deep-frying balls created from milk solids. These balls are then soaked in flavored sugar syrup, which is what gives this Indian dessert its melt-in-the-mouth texture and its distinctive sweetness.
India’s most beloved dessert and a favourite at Indian buffets! Here’s a simple and fail-proof recipe to make these melt-in-the-mouth Gulab Jamun at home.
Jalebi
Jalebi is a spiral-shaped sweet created from all-purpose flour. Similar to gulab jamun, it’s first deep-fried in oil or ghee after which soaked in sugar syrup. Fun fact: Jalebi is usually served as breakfast, accompanied by milk. In Gujarat, it’s served with fafda (a savory snack) and with sweetened curd in North India, and a few parts of India serve it with Rabdi.
This Jalebi recipe will persuade you ways easy it’s to make this delicious Indian sweet at home.
Rasgulla
Rasgulla is a well-liked milk-based sweet treat that originates from the state of West Bengal. It is ready from paneer or chena (Indian cottage cheese), which is achieved by curdling the milk. Fresh paneer is drained thoroughly and mashed until smooth.
This smooth dough is then shaped into balls and cooked in saffron-infused sugar syrup. The final result is rewarding – melt-in-mouth soft and spongy rasgullas.
Homemade soft and spongy Rasgulla (Cottage Cheese Dumplings) cooked in sugar syrup! A gluten free delicious dessert!
Rasmalai
Rasmalais are these soft, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings created from Indian cottage cheese which can be soaked in sweetened thickened milk flavored with saffron & cardamom. They’re truly irresistible.
How To Make Soft Rasmalai At Home
On the lookout for a fail-proof, soft rasmalai recipe? Do that tried and tested recipe and impress your loved ones and friends.
Sandesh
Sandesh is a tasty Bengali sweet created from milk that needs only just a few ingredients. Flippantly flavored with cardamom, that is a simple sweet to make through the festive season!
Sandesh – Bengali Sweet
Sandesh, the favored Bengali sweet is a simple treat to make at home through the festive season! Made with milk and sugar, this takes lower than half-hour!
Kaju katli (barfi)
Kaju Katli or barfi is that this delicious Diwali dessert created from cashew nuts which can be characterised by their diamond shape. Learn how you can make this Indian sweet that appears and tastes identical to those from the shop.
Kaju Katli (Barfi) / Cashew Fudge
Kaju Katli – This delicious Diwali dessert is a hot favorite with people of ages. Learn how you can make this sweet dish in lower than 10 minutes.
Badam katli
A pleasant Indian sweet, this Badam Barfi is a superb unison of a soft fudge-like texture and opulent flavors.
Badam Katli (with almond flour)
This festive season try Badam Katli with almond flour made in 20 minutes! This delightful fudge-like Indian sweet can be called Badam Barfi.
Milk peda
You’ll love this quick and straightforward version of milk peda that takes only 5 minutes to cook within the microwave.
Milk Peda (microwave version)
Learn how you can make this delicious milk peda in a microwave in about 5 minutes!
Mathura peda
Traditionally, Mathura peda takes hours to make, but not this recipe! Leverage storebought mawa and make these pedas in lower than half-hour.
Mathura Peda is a classic Indian sweet made with roasted mawa (milk solids) and sugar and flavored with cardamom. These are done in lower than half-hour!
Quick Shahi Rabdi (Rabri)
The standard shahi rabdi takes over an hour over the stovetop with constant stirring involved. That’s why I got here up with this quick recipe where you would like nearly quarter-hour, and this dish is prepared before you understand it!
Quick Shahi Rabdi (Rabri)
This quick shahi rabdi (rabri) is a fast and straightforward spin on the classic Indian dessert that takes hours to make! Try this 15-minute recipe that you’re going to have the desire to make over and once more.
Malpua
Malpua is essentially a fried pancake dunked in sugar syrup. This traditional Indian sweet is crispy from the perimeters and soft at the middle. Learn how you can make it at home.
Crispy fried pancakes dipped in a flavored sugar syrup, this Indian mithai’s taste is to die for.
Basundi
While the standard recipe over the stovetop takes 1.5 hours, this recipe shares an quick method that may assist you to make this creamy dessert in under half-hour.
Basundi is a standard Indian dessert famous in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and a few parts of Karnataka. It is essentially thickened milk flavored with nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron.
Shrikhand
If you happen to are craving shrikhand and just don’t have the patience to attend, then, this recipe is for you. Made with Greek yogurt, this quick shrikhand recipe is prepared in a jiffy.
Double ka meetha
Double ka meetha or shahi tukda / shahi tukra is a well-liked dessert from Hyderabad. Consider it as a sweet Indian bread pudding with fried bread slices soaked in saffron and cardamom powder-infused, thickened milk which is then served topped with chopped nuts.
Barfis
Barfis are fudge-like Indian sweet that is often made using milk solids and sugar. It’s flavored in alternative ways, as you’ll notice within the recipes below.
Kalakand
This milk-based sweet traditionally takes hours to make, but this quick microwave version made with ricotta cheese takes lower than half-hour! Do that easy kalakand or milk cake recipe today.
This delicious Kalakand recipe is everyone’s favorite sweet to feast on during Diwali. It is ideal for potlucks or for a big crowd because it comes together in under half-hour.
Mango kalakand
Love mangoes? Then this mango kalakand recipe is a must-try in my book! Cooked within the microwave, this recipe needs only half-hour.
Mango kalakand is a delicious spin to the favored Indian dessert – kalakand. This crumbly melt-in-the-mouth sweet is ideal for potlucks and dinner parties since half-hour is all it takes!
Anjeer barfi
If you happen to prefer to try a recent variation of kalakand, make this anjeer barfi or kalakand. It’s a very good option to use up any figs lying in your pantry, and the perfect part – this melt-in-your-mouth dessert needs only half-hour!
Anjeer (Fig) Barfi / Anjeer Kalakand
Anjeer Barfi is a tasty sweet from Rajasthan. Learn how you can make it quickly in half the time using Ricotta Cheese.
Chocolate barfi
If you happen to love chocolates, then this recipe is for you. All you would like is just a few ingredients, and in ten minutes, this chocolate barfi is able to be set within the refrigerator.
This 2 layered Chocolate Barfi recipe is bound to steal your heart. Follow this fail-proof and straightforward recipe to make this Chocolate Barfi in a microwave.
Coconut barfi
What’s not to like a few recipe that satisfies your sweet cravings and gets done in lower than quarter-hour, isn’t it? This coconut barfi recipe does just that. Try it today, or put it aside for whenever you need a fast dessert.
15-minute Coconut Barfi (Coconut Fudge)
Craving something sweet? Do that 15-minute recipe Coconut Barfi – an ideal recipe for whenever you want something sweet and satisfying without spending hours within the kitchen.
Mohanthal
Mohanthal is an Indian sweet made with besan (gram flour), ghee, and sugar and flavored with cardamom and saffron. It has a grainy texture and is made for festivals like Diwali!
Mohanthal is a sweet fudge made by roasting besan with ghee and flavored with cardamom and saffron. Perfect treat for the festive season!
Mysore pak
Mysore pak is a standard South Indian sweet made with gram flour (besan), sugar, and copious amounts of ghee. There are two different versions of Mysore pak, one which crumbles like a cookie and the opposite one which is soft and fudgy. This recipe teaches you how you can make the soft, melt-in-your-mouth Mysore pak at home.
This softer, melt in your mouth version of Mysore Pak is super easy to make. It needs only 3 ingredients and tastes delicious!
Laddoos
Laddoo or ladoo are sweetened round balls often created from powdered grains resembling wheat, semolina, rice, etc. They’re sweetened by either using sugar, sugar syrup, or jaggery. Whole and ground nuts are sometimes added to the sugary grain mixture before they’re rolled into balls.
Laddoos should not just reserved for festive or special occasions; they are sometimes fed to kids as an after-school snack or as a sweet treat.
Rava (sooji) laddoo
Rava ladoos or Sooji ladoos are balls fabricated from semolina (rava or sooji), sugar, and ghee. This recipe will teach you how you can make perfectly crumbly laddoos very quickly!
Rava Laddoo / Sooji laddoo
Follow this video recipe to make crumbly, melt within the mouth Rava ladoo. (And the perfect part – you do not have to shape these into balls when it’s piping hot!)
Motichoor ladoo
Motichur ladoo is considered one of the favourite Indian desserts and a quintessential sweet offered to gods as prasad (holy offering) during festivals and auspicious occasions. Follow this easy recipe to make it at home.
Motichoor Ladoo truly exhilarates the aura of any celebration or festivity. This step-by-step recipe will teach you how you can make it at home.
Boondi laddoo
Comprised of tiny, deep-fried besan balls soaked in sugar syrup, this boondi laddoo is a well-liked dessert for each occasion – from weddings to all major Hindu festivals. Most South Indian temples also offer this sweet to god, which is then distributed as prasad. Here’s a step-by-step recipe so that you can make it at home.
Boondi Laddu | Boondi Ladoo
Lipsmacking delicious and heavenly Boondi Laddu or Boondi Ladoo recipe with detailed step-by-step pictures!
Besan ladoo
This delicious treat, while popular during festivals, is usually made at home every time the guts desires a fast sweet treat. Popular with people of all ages, this besan laddoo comes together easily with just a few pantry ingredients.
Besan laddoo – created from chickpeas flour is a delicious treat that you simply pull together in under half-hour.
Chocolate nariyal laddu
These decadent chocolate coconut balls (ladoo) are perfect for days whenever you desire a quick treat. Make this easy dessert together with your kids – all you would like is three ingredients!
Chocolate Coconut Balls / Chocolate Nariyal Laddu
On the lookout for a fast dessert? Make these decadent chocolate coconut balls! Needs only 3 key ingredients, and it comes together in about half-hour.
Godi /Wheat laddoo
Made with whole wheat flour, this laddoo comes together fairly quickly. All you would like is half-hour and just a few ingredients out of your pantry.
Godi laddoo / Wheat laddoo
This fragrant and delicious laddoo is an ideal after-school snack for teenagers! Learn how you can make this sweet treat in lower than half-hour.
Popular regional festival sweets
While Diwali is the festival of sunshine (and sweets), there are numerous other Indian festivals, like Pongal, Holi, Sankranti, Eid, etc., where sweets take center stage. This recipe collection wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t share these treasured sweet recipes.
Sweet pongal (sakkarai pongal)
If you happen to like South Indian desserts, you then’ll fall in love with sweet Pongal – a stupendous brown-colored porridge created from rice and moong dal. Cooked in ghee, sweetened with jaggery, and garnished with cashews and raisins, this dessert recipe is completely divine.
Quick Pot Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal or Chakkara Pongali) Recipe
Learn how you can make this authentic-tasting Sakkarai Pongal or Chakkara Pongali in under half-hour using an Quick Pot.
Til chikki
Crispy and crunchy Til Chikki or sesame crisps are made with roasted sesame seeds, sugar, laced with floral cardamom, and a touch of salt. In India, these irresistible crisps are specially made through the Sankranti festival, celebrated in January.
Til Chikki | Sesame Crisps
No-fail 15-minute recipe to make homemade, crunchy Til Chikki or Sesame Crisps with roasted sesame seeds, sugar & cardamom.
Gujiya
Gujiyas are sweet fried dumplings which can be full of a combination of milk solids (mawa/khoya) and nuts and are sometimes made during Holi and Diwali. These mawa gujiyas are the proper festive treat; the addition of coconut makes them so special!
Fried sweet dumplings full of milk solids, nuts and raisins. Gujiya is a standard Indian sweet often made through the festival of Holi.
Ukadiche modak
Ukadiche Modak is a Maharashtrian delicacy made with steamed rice flour and a sweet coconut filling laced with nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron that is usually made through the Ganesh festival. Try the detailed recipe with all the guidelines and tricks to assist you to make modak like a professional!
Make perfect Ukadiche Modak! Steamed dumplings made with rice flour dough, filled with sweet coconut, jaggery, nutmeg, cardamom & saffron.
Fried modak
Fried Modak is a festive Indian sweet made with a tasty filling of coconut with fragrant saffron & cardamom wrapped in a skinny layer of dough. These bite-sized dumplings are then deep-fried to a crisp golden brown perfection.
Fried Modak with 3 filling options
This recipe for delicious homemade fried modak will teach you how you can make this sweet treat with 3 different filling options!
Nankhatai
Nankhatai is very fashionable through the festive season, especially during Diwali. These are flavored with ghee, cardamom, and saffron and can melt in your mouth!
Eggless Indian Shortbread Cookies, these Nankhatai will melt-in-your-mouth!
Puran poli (holige)
Chapati-like but with a flaky crust and a sweet lentil filling, puran poli is a favourite dessert made in Maharashtra and Karnataka during festive occasions resembling Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and weddings. This recipe leverages the Quick Pot to make the filling and makes the entire process a lot easier and hands-free.
Puran poli – This traditional Indian dessert goes by just a few names – holige, bele obbattu, or puran poli. Chapati like but with a flaky crust and a sweet lentil filling, puran poli is a favourite throughout India and also you’re about to learn why.
Gatti
Gatti, or steamed rice dumplings, is a Mangalorean dish fabricated from brown rice, jaggery, and coconut. This sweet dish is normally made during Diwali, but I can just about eat this each day!
Kheer / Payasam
Kheer or payasam, also called Indian pudding, is a sweet dish often made with a grain like rice or lentils (moong dal / green gram dal), whole milk, and sweetened with sugar or jaggery. It may possibly be served hot or cold, depending in your preference. Try just a few of the favored varieties of kheer originating from India.
Rice kheer
Making Rice Kheer just got a complete lot quicker with this easy Quick Pot Kheer recipe. This Indian rice pudding comes out creamy and flavorful without spending hours within the kitchen. This rice recipe could be very much like the favored arroz con leche recipe with just subtle differences.
Rice Kheer is a sweet and creamy Indian Rice Pudding. This dish is usually served hot or cold and makes a delicious side dish or dessert.
Sev payasam/vermicelli kheer
Semiyan payasam or vermicelli kheer makes use of sev or vermicelli, that’s fabricated from wheat semolina. Mostly served during festivals or as offerings to God in temples. I’m unsure what’s the perfect aspect of this dish – its mind-blowing taste or the benefit at which you’ll be able to make it.
Sev Payasam / Vermicelli Kheer
Seviyan kheer or Semiyan payasam is a creamy and delicious dessert that you would be able to put together in a cinch. That’s the reason it is ideal for potlucks. Make it in an Quick Pot or a slow cooker and all you would like is lower than 5-minutes of prep time.
Moong dal payasam
If you happen to are in search of a simple, fail-proof recipe to make payasam at home, do this Quick Pot moong dal payasam recipe with coconut milk. It is prepared in 20 minutes and requires little or no hands-on time!
In a Mangalorean household, festive celebrations are incomplete with out a delicious serving of Moong dal payasam or payasa. Learn how you can make this traditional dessert in half the time without compromising on the taste.
Sheer khurma
A wealthy and delicious traditional milk sweet made through the festivals of Ramadan Eid-ul-Fitr, and Eid-ul-Adha. It is ready by simmering milk with nylon vermicelli, dates, dry fruits, and sugar.
Best Hyderabadi Sheer khurma recipe step-by-step. Sheer Korma is a delicious traditional Mughlai dessert made on festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. It’s made by simmering milk with nylon vermicelli, dates, nuts and sugar.
Kesar phirni
Phirni (Firni, Indian Rice Pudding) is a wealthy & creamy traditional Indian dessert made by slow-cooking ground rice with whole milk and flavoring it with saffron and cardamom. Slivered nuts are added to it for a beautiful crunch.
Phirni (Firni, Indian Rice Pudding) is a standard Indian dessert that’s made using milk and rice. This Mughlai sweet is a treat to eat and could be very easy to make.
Halwa
Halwas are said to have originated in Persia and made their option to India through the Middle East. There are two popular variations – one which is fudge-like (Bombay halwa), typically reserved for special occasions, and the opposite one, which is sort of porridge-like, created from grains, veggies, fruits, or lentils as a most important ingredient, and cooked in ghee and sugar. Listed below are just a few of the favored halwa recipes from India.
Carrot halwa or Gajar ka halwa
Gajar halwa, or carrot pudding, is a tasty dessert created from grated carrots, milk, and sugar. Learn this (almost) hands-free approach to creating considered one of India’s most beloved desserts using an Quick Pot.
Make this mouth-watering Gajar Halwa or Carrot Halwa in around half-hour. No more toiling within the kitchen for hours!
Moong dal halwa
Moong dal ka halwa is a famous (and addictive) North Indian dessert that many individuals enjoy through the winter months. It is vitally time-consuming to make over the stovetop; that’s why you’ll love this almost hands-free Quick Pot recipe.
Quick Pot Moong dal halwa
Popular in North India, moong dal halwa is a delicious option to use lentils and ghee, typically on special occasions like weddings or Diwali. This homemade version is harking back to what you’d find in India, but made quick and straightforward within the Quick Pot!
Sheera / suji halwa
Ghee-roasted semolina is combined with milk (or water), sugar, and cardamom powder to make this crumbly sweet dish.
Sheera / Suji Halwa (Semolina Pudding)
Crumbly, sweet, and delicious – that’s how you’ll describe Sheera also often called Suji ka halwa. Learn to make this easy and traditional dessert in lower than half-hour.
Atta halwa (wheat halwa)
Atte ka halwa is a well-liked sweet in India because not only is it delicious, but in addition it’s created from pantry ingredients and comes together in a short time.
A straightforward Indian dessert, atta Halwa is made with 3 basic ingredients- wheat flour, sugar, and ghee. It’s best enjoyed warm and comes together in 10 minutes.
Summer desserts
Indians cool themselves down with quite a lot of drinks through the summer, but with regards to desserts, kulfis, and faloodas are a hot favorite. While there are numerous variations to each these desserts, I’m sharing the 2 hottest ones.
Malai kulfi
Creamy malai kulfi is a delicious summer treat! Made with easy ingredients, this eggless Indian ice cream is flavored with cardamom, dried milk solids, and nuts!
Creamy and delicious Malai Kulfi is the proper homemade treat! This eggless Indian ice cream is flavored with cardamom, dried milk solids and nuts!
Royal rose falooda
Summer’s best treat, Rose Falooda, is a dessert drink with rose syrup, crunchy plump, sweet basil seeds, silky noodles, and milk topped with vanilla ice cream. Optionally garnished with nuts or rose petals, this cooling drink could be assembled inside minutes, making it the simplest yet most stunning dessert ever!
Impress everyone with this EASY-to-make royal rose flavored drink dessert with cool sweet basil seeds, silky noodles, & milk topped with creamy vanilla ice cream!
Other recipe collections to examine out
- 10+ Indian chutney recipes – These authentic and tantalizing Indian chutney recipes are only what you have to elevate your meals. Try this collection of 10+ popular chutney recipes which can be perfect with Indian breakfast, snacks, and most important courses too.
- 35+ Best Indian breakfast recipes – Running out of ideas on what to make for breakfast? Here’s a listing of easy Indian breakfast recipes in your inspiration so that you simply are never bored eating the identical things time and again.
- 25+ Rice side dishes – Try this round-up of 25+ best rice side dish recipes you’ll be able to pair with curries or meat resembling chicken, pork, etc
- 30+ Authentic Indian curry recipes – Learn all you have to learn about Indian curries and get some easy and authentic recipes that’ll get you cooking very quickly.
- 35+ Popular Indian side dish recipes – If you happen to love Indian cuisine, listed below are just a few easy-to-make, popular Indian side dish recipes to get you began. Stop doing takeouts and make your favorite restaurant-style side dish at home.
