Welcoming a sweet treat to your table can be a delightful experience, especially when it’s an authentic Indian dessert. Often made to celebrate special occasions, festivals, and religious offerings in India, these sweet confections bring people together. With their rich flavors and aromas, Indian desserts have become a staple in many cultures around the world.
Typically, they are crafted from a combination of ingredients such as sugar, nuts, milk, and cardamom, which provide a unique taste profile. However, what sets these desserts apart is the amount of time and effort required to prepare them, particularly for traditional recipes like kheer and Ras Malai, which can take hours to perfect in the kitchen. Fortunately, there are quicker alternatives that still offer the same level of flavor and authenticity.
We’ve curated a list of easy-to-make Indian dessert recipes below, perfect for those who want to indulge in the classic taste of Indian sweets without spending hours in the kitchen. These quick and delicious options will not disappoint, ensuring you can enjoy the essence of Indian desserts with minimal effort.
Gajar Ka Halwa – Indian Carrot Pudding
Discover the magic of this unique carrot dessert that will change your perception of carrots forever! This sweet treat combines the sweetness of carrots, cashews, sugar, and ghee to create an incredibly rich and decadent pudding. If you’re not a fan of carrots or looking for something different, give this recipe a try – it’s unlike any other carrot dessert out there.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions like festivals and gatherings, where you can impress your guests with its unique flavor and texture. You can serve it on its own or take it to the next level by adding some chopped nuts or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless! Go To Recipe
Coconut Ladoo Recipe With Condensed Milk
A traditional Indian sweet treat, ladoos are made by combining the sweetness of sugar and milk with the richness of coconut. This instant coconut laddoo recipe revolutionizes the classic cooking process by significantly reducing the cooking time, allowing you to indulge in delicious and nutty coconut treats within a mere 10 minutes! These bite-sized balls of heaven are perfect for those who need a quick dessert fix, making it an ideal last-minute recipe.
To ensure the best results, it is essential to use very fine desiccated coconut. If your coconut pieces happen to be thicker, simply grind or grate them until they become thinner, allowing for a smooth and even consistency.
Rice Kheer – Indian Rice Pudding
Honestly, one of the key aspects that sets kheer apart from other Indian desserts is its simplicity in ingredients yet rich flavor profile. The fundamental components of this classic dessert are milk, rice, and sugar, which might seem basic but when combined create a truly mouth-watering pudding. It’s worth noting that using whole or full-fat milk is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture.
Using lower fat or non-dairy milk alternatives may result in an unappealingly runny consistency, undermining the overall experience of enjoying kheer. Adding a touch of elegance to your kheer can be as simple as topping it with rose water, cardamom, and flaked almonds, creating a beautiful and refined finish!
Basundi
Often associated with Maharashtrian cuisine, Basundi is a traditional Indian dessert that has gained popularity in neighboring states of Karnataka and Gujarat as well. This rich dessert is created by mixing creamy full-fat milk with cardamom powder, saffron strands, and Buchanania Lanzan seeds, resulting in a thick and indulgent pudding that boasts toasted nutty flavors.
To minimize added sugar content, consider substituting it with condensed milk; alternatively, feel free to customize the recipe by incorporating fruits such as figs, oranges, or mango puree according to your preferences.
Peanut Chikki – Peanut Brittle
Sweet treats are a big part of Indian cuisine, and one popular sweet is peanut brittle! In fact, peanut brittle is made all around the world, including in India, where it’s a staple dessert. This recipe for chikki makes a delicious mix of jaggery and chopped peanuts that are then formed into crisp, brittle pieces, perfect for snacking on the go.
Unlike many other Indian dessert recipes, which can take hours to prepare, peanut chikki can be made in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal option when you’re short on time but still want to serve up something special to your loved ones.
Gulab Jamun
Zestfully, no list of Indian desserts would be complete without a nod to the iconic Gulab Jamun. These indulgent treats are composed of sugar, cardamom powder, and milk solids, resulting in a delightfully sweet experience infused with the subtle nuances of rose and spicy flavors. Interestingly, this recipe takes a creative approach by utilizing milk powder instead of traditional khoya, thus significantly reducing the cooking time required to craft these beloved desserts.
A helpful tip to keep in mind is to exercise a light touch when forming the balls, as excessive kneading or pressure can cause them to crumble and fall apart in your hands.
Bread Halwa
Undoubtedly one of the most popular desserts in Indian cuisine, bread halwa is a unique twist on traditional bread pudding. Unlike its counterparts, this recipe involves soaking fried bread in a classic Indian sugar syrup, which gives it an unmistakable flavor profile. The halwa is then elevated with the addition of nuts and spices, bringing out the full potential of the bread’s texture and taste.
Due to its richness, this dessert is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings within just a few mouthfuls! Interestingly, while traditional methods call for deep-frying the bread pieces before soaking them in syrup, you can easily opt for pan-frying them lightly if that’s your preference.
Shrikhand Recipe – Sweetened Flavored Yogurt
Varying in sweetness and flavor, traditional Indian desserts often feature yogurt as a key ingredient. Shrikhand is one such example, a sweet yogurt dessert that combines the creamy texture of yogurt with the warm, aromatic flavors of cardamom, saffron, and sugar. With minimal ingredients required, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish.
What’s more, the process involves straining the yogurt to achieve a rich, thick consistency, a technique that can be easily adapted by substituting muslin with alternative materials like labneh or Greek yogurt in case the former is not readily available.
Badam Katli With Almond Flour – Instant Pot & Stove Top
Focusing on a traditional Indian sweet, badam katli is a classic dessert that combines sugar and almonds to create a delicious treat. Unlike some recipes that require whole almonds, this recipe utilizes ground almonds to make the process easier and more convenient. With the increasing availability of almond flour in most grocery stores, you can now indulge in these sweet treats whenever you desire!
Additionally, making badam katli has become even simpler with the option of using an instant pot, allowing for a quicker preparation time. However, if you don’t have access to an instant pot, you can still make this recipe on the stove, though it may take slightly longer to complete.
Black Gram Ladoo – Urad Dal Laddu
Keeping in line with traditional Indian desserts, this recipe for laddoos takes an unconventional approach by substituting sweet ingredients like sugar syrup, condensed milk, and rosewater with savory lentils instead! Also known as dal, these dried and ground lentil powders are mixed with jaggery to create a rich and complex flavor profile. When shaped into balls, the result is a hearty treat that balances sweet and earthy notes perfectly.
For an added pop of color, be sure to use the darkest lentils you can find, allowing each laddoo to shine in its own unique way. Go To Recipe
Mango Halwa
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic Indian fruits, mangos, are the star of these sweet treats, boasting an abundance of juicy mango flavors. The addition of milk, pistachios, cardamom, and saffron elevates the sweetness to a whole new level, blending nutty and sweet notes together in perfect harmony.
The generous amount of sugar that typically goes into Indian sweets can be a concern for those watching their calorie intake, but rest assured that each serving size of this halwa comes in at just 450 calories, providing a guilt-free indulgence. Moreover, the portion sizes are quite generous, so you’ll get to enjoy a satisfying amount of dessert with each serving!
For an extra touch of elegance, consider topping your halwa with cardamom pieces or sliced almonds – it’s a simple yet effective way to add some visual appeal!
Sooji Halwa With Jaggery
Making traditional Indian desserts at home can be a delightful experience, especially when using ingredients like suji, which is also known as semolina in English. This halwa recipe combines the nutty flavor of suji with the warmth of cardamom, crunch of nuts, and sweetness of powdered jaggery to create a truly unique dessert experience. To make this recipe, you’ll need just a few ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Easy Rasmalai Recipe
Varying from other traditional desserts, Rasmalai has a rich and creamy texture that is achieved through its milk and sugar base. The dessert combines small portions of chenna (Indian cheese) with milk, sugar, cardamom, and nuts to create a unique flavor profile. Although the presence of cheese may raise some eyebrows, rest assured that its light flavor complements the other ingredients beautifully.
This recipe offers two methods for making Rasmalai, one of which can be prepared in just ten minutes. For this method, you’ll need to purchase rasgullas and extract the syrup from them. To avoid damaging the dessert, it’s essential not to press too hard when squeezing out the syrup, as excessive pressure can cause the rasgullas to collapse.
Kesar Pista Kulfi Recipe – Pistachio Ice Cream
Packed with rich flavors and textures, kulfi stands out as a distinct Indian version of ice cream. One of the most recognizable characteristics of kulfi is its cone shape, which forms around the stick when served. This unique presentation can be easily replicated at home using specialized molds designed specifically for making kulfi. It’s also worth noting that the authenticity of kulfi lies in its use of full-fat milk or cream; skimmed milk won’t produce the same delicious results.
If you find your mixture is too thin, try adding a little khoya (evaporated milk) to thicken it up and achieve the perfect consistency for an authentic kulfi experience.
Boondi Laddu Recipe
Just as its name suggests, Boond Laddoo is a popular type of Indian sweet made by incorporating droplets of batter into a dish. The droplet-making process involves pouring gram flour batter through a sieve over hot oil, creating crispy pieces that are then soaked in a sweet sugar syrup. This unique method results in small, soft, and rich sweets that melt effortlessly in the mouth, making them an ideal treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
With its distinct texture and flavor profile, it’s no wonder why Boond Laddoo is a favorite among Indian dessert enthusiasts.
Shahi Tukra
Wrapped in rich history and decadent flavors, shahi tukra is a popular North Indian dessert that has been a staple on royal menus for centuries. Traditionally, the dish consists of pouring creamy sweet milk over deep-fried bread, then garnishing it with pistachio pieces before serving. This recipe puts a creative spin on the classic by breaking down the dessert into bite-sized pieces, making it easier to serve at gatherings and special occasions.
To add an extra touch of elegance, top each piece with slivered almonds, pistachios, and rose petals for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.
Seviyan Kheer
Discover the delightful twist on traditional kheer by using seviyan instead of rice. This innovative approach not only reduces cooking time significantly but also yields an equally delicious result. In fact, thanks to the instant pot, you can have your seviyan kheer ready in under half an hour, saving you a considerable amount of time in the kitchen. Seviyan, which is known as vermicelli in English, boasts a sweet flavor and a texture that closely resembles thin spaghetti pieces.
A key step in preparing this recipe involves roasting the vermicelli directly within the instant pot, making it incredibly convenient to prepare. The addition of raisins and mixed nuts adds an exciting dimension to the dish, providing a delightful contrast of creamy and crunchy textures with each bite.
Paan Ladoo With Gulkand
Paan, a traditional Indian delicacy, is often savored as a palate cleanser after meals. The typical ingredients include a mix of herbs and spices, along with other accompaniments wrapped in betel leaves. Fortunately, this recipe eliminates the tobacco aspect that’s commonly associated with paan. Instead, it draws inspiration from the classic combination, substituting it with a blend of nuts, seeds, coconut, and fragrant rose petal jam to create a distinctively flavored laddoo.
These bite-sized treats are characterized by nutty undertones and bursts of sweet, floral flavors in every morsel. For those interested in replicating this unique flavor profile, betel leaves and rose petal jam can be sourced from various online stores or Indian grocery shops.
Phirni Recipe
Taking its place alongside kheer as one of India’s most beloved puddings, Phirni is a creamy dessert that stands out from its counterpart thanks to the use of ground basmati rice instead of whole grains. Typically, preparing phirni can be a time-consuming affair, but with this streamlined recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a rich and indulgent rice pudding in just half an hour!
To add an extra layer of flavor and fun, feel free to get creative with the ingredients – fresh fruits like grated apples, lychees, or strawberries pair perfectly with the milky mixture. For a truly unique twist, try substituting sugar for gulkand, also known as rose petal jam, which boasts intoxicating rose aromas and flavors that complement cardamom powder and saffron beautifully. Present your phirni in individual chilled glasses and garnish with chopped pistachios for an elegant finish!
Puran Poli – Sweet Lentil Flatbreads
Diving into the world of traditional Indian desserts, Puran Poli stands out as a unique and flavorful treat. This sweet and savory delight is made by infusing whole wheat dough with an array of ingredients, including brown sugar, lentils, saffron, and nutmeg, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The dough is then carefully cooked to perfection, resulting in a golden, crisp exterior that gives way to a soft and flavorful interior.
One of the beauty of Puran Poli lies in its customizability, allowing cooks to create variations that reflect the distinct culinary traditions of different Indian states. For instance, Kerala’s take on Puran Poli incorporates turmeric and rice flour into the dough, while Tamil Nadu adds coconut to the filling for an added layer of richness. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh’s version, known as Bobbatlu, adds nuts to the mixture for a delightful textural element.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with other Indian dishes like rice and aloo chaat (a flavorful combination of potatoes and chickpeas), Puran Poli is sure to delight even the most discerning palate.
Doodh Peda
Variations of doodh peda are found across India, and this recipe showcases the simplicity of making it at home. Doodh is the Hindi word for milk, which forms the base of this fudge-like sweet treat. Typically made with dried milk, nuts, spices, and sugar, doodh peda is a popular offering in Indian sweet shops, but with this recipe, you can easily create your own version at home.
To ensure a smooth cooking process, it’s essential to use a heavy pan, as this will help prevent the mixture from browning at the bottom, which can lead to an uneven texture. The addition of cardamom powder is traditional in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other classic Indian flavorings such as rosewater, saffron, or a blend of various spices to give your doodh peda a unique twist.
Directions
To get started with cooking your chosen dish, select a recipe from the provided list. Click on the name of the recipe you’ve chosen to be taken to its corresponding webpage. Once there, carefully collect all the necessary ingredients and follow the instructions to cook your meal to perfection. Finally, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor – don’t forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review for others to benefit from.
