985 Indian Desserts , Sweets Recipes

Everybody’s craving for a sweet-something in the most creative and delightful ways. While Indian desserts and sweets are predominantly served at the end of a meal, some Indian cultures believe in serving Indian sweet at the beginning, while some world cultures don’t have the concept of a dessert at all, and others like to top off with light fruits instead of rich sweets.

In any case, who can resist pampering themselves with a dessert? So, always pay attention to this course of the meal. Fortunately, this is not a tough challenge because as far as desserts go, we have just too much to choose from!

Indian desserts are mainly made using milk and sugar, khoya or milk powder, sweetening agents like jaggery or sugar syrup, aromatic spices like saffron and cardamom powder, mixed dry fruits, chenna or cottage cheese etc. India having people from various region and culture, celebrate a number of festival with great zeal. There are some or the other Indian desserts for every special occasions.

Til Laddu is a popular sweet during Makar Sankranti, lord Ganesha is worshipped during Ganesh Chaturthi lovingly with his favourite mithaais like Modak and Churma Ladoo and then there is Jalebi that is enjoyed along with fafda, sambharo and besan chutney on Dassera day.

Punjabi besan sheera recipe |  Rajasthani besan ka sheera with milk | Uttar Pradesh  gram flour sheera |

til ke laddu recipe | til ke ladoo | til gud ladoo | Maharashtrian til che ladoo | tilkut

Maharashtrians make Puran Poli for Gudi Padwa and Kaju Katli and Mawa Karanji are much sought after during Diwali. Gulab jamuns, Milk pudding, Kopra Pak, Kalakand are other popular Indian sweet recipes.

Maharashtrian puran poli recipe | puran poli | sweet puran poli

Indian barfi recipes

When we think of Indian sweets or mithai the first thing that comes to our minds is barfi. An easy Indian Dessert recipe, Besan Barfi, has very few ingredients and takes very little time to cook, yet it has a rich taste and awesome aroma of cooked besan (chickpea flour).

atte ka malpua recipe | easy wheat flour malpua | Rajasthani malpua | Indian sweet recipe

besan barfi recipe | besan barfi with ghee | quick Indian besan barfi sweet

The Almond Barfi made with loads of almonds is super healthy, and gives you a good shot of protein!  Also have coolest fragrance mouth-melting Rose Barfi  as a chilled dessert. You can even make barfis in the microwave oven and you will be amazed by how easy and quick it is!

jowar golpapdi for kids | sukhadi for kids | golpapdi for toddlers

eggless chocolate cookies recipe | Indian style dark chocolate cookies | double chocolate chip cookies

Indian sweets | chenna and paneer recipes

Paneer is a handy ingredient in the preparation of sweets as well. Paneer and cheena are made by curdling milk and the only difference between them is paneer is drained to lose all the moisture and form a block.

Though it can be used to make quick and easy indian desserts especially Bengali sweets like the Bengali Rasgulla or Saffron Chenna Pie. Paneer imparts not just softness but a very interesting, crumbly mouth-feel, which lands quite richly on the palate.

rasgulla recipe | Bengali rasgulla recipe | rasgulla at home | chhena rasgulla

Indian sweets | Rabri recipes

Rabri is an authentic Indian sweet made by reducing milk on a slow flame for long hours. It tastes amazing with piping hot jalebi, malpua or gulab jamun. You can even make them quickly with the addition of thickening agents like corn flour or bread slices.

You can easily make a quick rabri so we have that option too. We have made a healthier version an Oats and Orange Rabdi or Apple Rabadi, with low fat milk and by using unpeeled apple to retain some fiber. Indian.

rabdi recipe | authentic rabri recipe | lachhedar rabdi recipe | easy rabri recipe

Indian desserts | sheera recipes

With their intense flavours and rich textures, mithais like Badam ka Sheera, Moong Dal sheera and Rava sheera have become timeless treasures! Rava sheera is a famous prasadam made during Satyanarayan puja in every household. You can never say no to delights like besan ka sheera and this super quick Sooji Halwa, Rava Sheera made by mixing flour sugar. One bite and you cannot stop!

badam sheera recipe | badam ka halwa | authentic almond sheera | almond halwa

Indian desserts | halwa recipes

Halwa by itself is a delicacy that none can resist, thanks to its rich, sugary taste and enticing, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The most popular is Anjeer Halwa made from pureed figs.

Come winter and everyone is waiting for a bowl of hot gajar ka halwa made using grated carrot or doodhi ka halwa. It can be enjoyed anytime of the year and we are sure the unique texture and rich flavor will linger in your palate and memory for a long time thereafter.

gajar ka halwa without mawa recipe | carrot halwa without mawa | easy gajar halwa without mawa | carrot halwa without khoya

Indian desserts | kheer recipes

The most famous traditional favourite kheer recipe in India is Rice Kheer which is made for special occasions like weddings in the South. Then there is also the South Indian Kheer, Paal Payasam where there is a long queue at the Kerala temples for this prasad. Other than this, you can make different kheers by combining fruits like apple, strawberry or mango to make lip-smacking fruity kheers.

paal payasam recipe | South Indian rice kheer | Kerala style paal payasam

Indian kulfi recipes

Kulfi is an Indian ice-cream made of thickened milk, reinforced with spices and dry fruits, and frozen in moulds. On every Mumbai major street corner and restaurant you will find irresistible Malai Kulfi, especially on a hot summer day. Also, you can perk up the simple kulfi to make Kulfi and Jalebi Sundae, Kesar Kulfi Falooda or Mango Kulfi.

mango kulfi recipe | easy mango kulfi | mango kulfi without condensed milk | Indian mango kulfi with mango pulp

From cakes, sundaes and ice-creams, to fruit-based desserts, puddings, cheesecakes and Indian mithai, there are endless options.

It is nice to prepare Indian dessert recipes at home rather than buying them from outside because you can customize them to your preferences. This section will help you explore the world of desserts and try your hand at traditional and innovative ones.

eggless baked yoghurt cheesecake recipe | Indian style no cream cheese baked cheese cake | yoghurt cheesecake

gulab jamun recipe | gulab jamun with khoya | Punjabi mithai | how to make gulab jamun |

Diwali Special Indian Sweets

• Gulab Jamun
  • The undisputed king of Diwali sweets. Soft, melt-in-mouth milk dumplings soaked in rose-saffron syrup.
  • Tarla Dalal has excellent versions (e.g., classic with khoya, quick with milk powder). Highlight 2–3 variations.
• Kaju Katli / Kaju Barfi
  • Thin, diamond-shaped cashew fudge — royal, gifting favorite, and always in top 3 searches.
  • Your site has great step-by-step ones (e.g., with photos). Add a "perfect thin slices" tip.
• Besan Ladoo
  • Golden gram flour balls with ghee, cardamom, and nuts — super traditional and easy.
  • One of the most shared homemade Diwali sweets across India.
• Jalebi
  • Crispy, syrupy spirals — festive street-style joy.
  • Include both traditional fermented and instant versions for beginners.
• Motichoor / Boondi Ladoo
  • Tiny boondi pearls formed into laddus — bright orange, very festive.
  • High visual appeal for photos.
• Barfi Varieties
  • Besan Barfi, Coconut Barfi, Pista Barfi, Almond (Badam) Barfi.
  • Barfi is a massive category — your site already has dozens; curate the top Diwali ones.

Eggless Indian Desserts for Beginners

1. Besan Ladoo (Gram Flour Laddus)
   • Why beginner-friendly? Just roast besan (gram flour) in ghee, mix with sugar and nuts, and roll into balls. No baking, no syrup.
   • Time: ~20–30 mins.
   • Key ingredients: Besan, ghee, sugar/powdered sugar, cardamom, nuts.
   • Tip: Tarla Dalal has an excellent version with step-by-step photos — super reliable!
2. Rava Kesari / Sooji Sheera (Semolina Halwa)
   • Why beginner-friendly? One-pan stovetop recipe — roast semolina, add sugar syrup + ghee, done in 15 mins.
   • Time: 15–20 mins.
   • Key ingredients: Sooji (semolina), sugar, ghee, water/milk, saffron/cardamom.
   • Tip: Add roasted cashews/raisins for extra festivity. Very forgiving even if you slightly over-roast.
3. Quick Kalakand (Milk Cake)
   • Why beginner-friendly? Microwave or stovetop version using paneer + condensed milk — no long simmering.
   • Time: 10–15 mins + setting time.
   • Key ingredients: Paneer (cottage cheese), condensed milk, cardamom.
   • Tip: Many sites (including Tarla Dalal) offer instant versions — just mix, spread, and chill.
4. Coconut Ladoo (Nariyal Laddus)
   • Why beginner-friendly? No cooking needed in some versions — just mix desiccated coconut with condensed milk and roll.
   • Time: 10 mins.
   • Key ingredients: Desiccated coconut, condensed milk, cardamom.
   • Tip: Stovetop version takes 5–7 mins — extremely simple and looks festive.
5. Kaju Katli (Cashew Fudge) (Simplified Version)
   • Why beginner-friendly? Basic 3-ingredient stovetop method (kaju powder, sugar, ghee).
   • Time: 20–25 mins.
   • Key ingredients: Cashew powder, sugar, ghee.
   • Tip: Use store-bought cashew powder to skip grinding — many beginners succeed on the first try!
6. Suji Halwa / Rava Sheera (same as #2 above)
   • Often the first Indian dessert beginners master — it's that easy!
7. No-Bake Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Jars (Fusion but Super Easy)
   • Why beginner-friendly? No oven, no eggs, no gelatin — layer crushed biscuits, cream cheese mix, and store-bought gulab jamun.
   • Time: 15 mins + chill.
   • Key ingredients: Digestive biscuits, cream cheese/whipped cream, gulab jamun + syrup.
   • Tip: Great for impressing without effort — very trendy in 2026!
8. Instant Rabdi / Basundi (Thickened Milk Dessert)
   • Why beginner-friendly? Condensed milk shortcut version — simmer milk + condensed milk for 10–15 mins.
   • Time: 15–20 mins.
   • Key ingredients: Milk, condensed milk, nuts, cardamom/saffron.
   • Tip: Serve chilled — pair with fruits for a modern twist.

Quick Tips for Beginners

• Start with Besan Ladoo or Rava Kesari — these are the most foolproof and use basic pantry staples.
• Always use low to medium flame to avoid burning.
• Use fresh ghee for authentic flavor.
• Most of these are naturally gluten-free (except if using biscuits in fusion versions).
• Tarla Dalal's site has reliable, tested versions of almost all of these with clear photos and step-by-step instructions

Low-Calorie Traditional Mitha

1. Anjeer Basundi (Fig & Cardamom Thickened Milk Dessert)
   • A creamy, saffron-infused milk pudding with figs — rich in fiber and antioxidants.
   • Calories: ~100–150 per serving (using low-fat milk and minimal sugar).
   • Why low-cal? Figs add natural sweetness and thickness, reducing the need for extra sugar.
   • Tarla Dalal Tip: Their version uses low-fat milk and dates for extra health benefits.
2. Apple Rabdi (Apple-Flavored Thickened Milk)
   • A lighter take on classic rabdi — simmer low-fat milk with grated apples, cardamom, and a touch of saffron.
   • Calories: ~120–160 per bowl.
   • Why low-cal? Apples add bulk and natural sweetness, cutting down on sugar and cream.
   • Perfect for: Beginners — quick stovetop, no fancy skills needed.
3. Dalia Kheer (Broken Wheat / Bulgur Wheat Kheer)
   • Traditional kheer made with dalia (broken wheat) instead of rice — nutty, filling, and high in fiber.
   • Calories: ~150–200 per serving (with low-fat milk and jaggery).
   • Why low-cal? Dalia is lower in calories than rice and keeps you full longer.
   • Tarla Dalal Tip: They have a popular version that's heart-healthy and easy.
4. Gajar Ka Halwa with Jaggery (Carrot Halwa – Low-Fat Version)
   • Classic winter favorite made with grated carrots, low-fat milk, jaggery, and minimal ghee.
   • Calories: ~180–250 per serving (vs. 400+ in traditional ghee-loaded ones).
   • Why low-cal? Carrots add volume and natural sweetness; jaggery is lower glycemic than sugar.
   • Festive Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg for Diwali vibes.
5. Oats and Dry Fruit Ladoo
   • A modern twist on traditional laddus — oats + nuts + jaggery, no deep-frying or heavy ghee.
   • Calories: ~80–120 per small ladoo.
   • Why low-cal? Oats are high-fiber and low-fat; dry fruits add natural sweetness.
   • Great for: Quick, no-cook/no-bake options.
6. Lauki Ki Kheer (Bottle Gourd Kheer)
   • Light, cooling kheer with grated lauki (bottle gourd), low-fat milk, and cardamom.
   • Calories: ~100–140 per serving.
   • Why low-cal? Lauki is 96% water — adds bulk without calories.
   • Tarla Dalal Tip: They feature it as a heart-healthy, low-cal classic.
7. Quinoa Apple Kheer (Fusion Traditional)
   • Protein-packed twist on rice kheer using quinoa + apples + low-fat milk.
   • Calories: ~150–180 per serving.
   • Why low-cal? Quinoa is lower in carbs and higher in protein than rice.

FAQs

1. What are Indian desserts?
Indian desserts are sweet dishes made using ingredients like milk, sugar, jaggery, ghee, nuts, and aromatic spices, enjoyed across India during meals and celebrations.

2. Which are the most popular Indian desserts?
Some of the most popular Indian desserts include gulab jamun, rasgulla, kheer, jalebi, barfi, laddu, and halwa.

3. Are Indian desserts usually very sweet?
Yes, most Indian desserts are sweet, but the level of sweetness can vary depending on the recipe and the region.

4. Are Indian desserts made with milk?
Many Indian desserts are milk-based, such as kheer, rabri, rasmalai, and paneer sweets, making them rich and creamy.

5. Can Indian desserts be made at home easily?
Yes, many Indian desserts like kheer, halwa, and ladoo are simple to prepare at home with basic ingredients.

6. Are Indian desserts served only during festivals?
No, although they are very popular during festivals, Indian desserts are also enjoyed after meals or as everyday treats.

7. Are there healthy Indian dessert options?
Yes, desserts made with jaggery, fruits, nuts, and low-fat milk are considered healthier alternatives.

8. Why are Indian desserts so popular worldwide?
Indian desserts are loved worldwide for their unique flavours, rich textures, and traditional cooking methods.

Conclusion

Indian desserts are a beautiful reflection of India’s rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions. From milk-based sweets like kheer and rasmalai to festive treats such as gulab jamun, jalebi, and laddu, these desserts offer a wide range of flavours, textures, and aromas. They are an important part of celebrations, festivals, and family gatherings, symbolizing happiness and togetherness. Made with wholesome ingredients like milk, nuts, ghee, and natural sweeteners, Indian desserts not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also bring comfort and joy. Their timeless appeal continues to delight people across India and around the world.

Enjoy our Indian Dessert recipes | 2000 Indian sweet recipes |  Indian eggless desserts. Look below for our other Indian Sweet articles. 

65 Barfi Recipes
139 Basic Desserts Recipes
417 Fruit Based Desserts Recipes
243 Desserts Dry Fruit Flavours Recipes
111 Halwa Recipes
138 Ice-Cream Recipes
111 Kheer Recipes
60 Mousse Recipes
107 Peda Laddoo Recipes
137 Puddings Recipes
496 Traditional Indian Mithai Recipes

Happy Cooking!