24 Easy Indian Dessert Recipes

Tired of trying the same desserts over and over again?

The world has fallen in love with Indian culture, and one of the things we love most is delicious Indian food. While we love curry dishes, there is so much more to Indian cuisine than curry. Also, while vegetables play a huge role in Indian food, several Indian dishes also have meat.

Mix things up with these Indian desserts that are packed with flavors you’ve probably never had before.

Diving into the world of Indian desserts, you’ll embark on a journey of delightful flavors, intriguing textures, and rich cultural histories. As you explore further, it becomes clear that these sweet treats are not only a testimony to India’s culinary heritage but also a celebration of the country’s diverse regions, traditions, and festivals.

Each region of India boasts its own unique collection of desserts, often showcasing the local ingredients and tastes. From creamy milk-based confections to deep-fried delights, you’ll find a myriad of flavors and textures that cater to every preference. As you savor these scrumptious Indian desserts, you’ll also discover how they beautifully blend centuries-old techniques with modern culinary influences, creating an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.

These Indian sweets will satisfy your cravings and are made with ingredients you can find around the home.

Some of these Indian dessert recipes are made for special occasions and holidays but you can try them out any time of the year.

You’ll find the different combinations and cooking methods and welcome relief from having to make the same old dishes again and again.

Sit back and take note of your favorite easy Indian desserts from the list below and give your guests something new to try next time they come over.

Source: ruchiskitchen.com

1. Thandai Mousse Gulab Jamun Cups

Try this thandai mousse gulab jamun recipe if you’re looking for an Indian desserts recipe that will really check off all your boxes.

It’s sweet, light, and filled with great flavor.

You’ll even be able to make some extra cups to store away in the fridge for an after-dinner snack throughout the week.

Source: spicesnflavors.com

2. Indian Carrot Pudding

Indian carrot pudding started because of a religious festival where sweets and goods are made to celebrate the occasion.

You can make this delicious recipe any time of the year though, because all you need is a handful of ingredients.

Serve this grated carrot treat in hot or cold weather and it will still be packed with flavor.

Add a cup of chai tea on the side and you’ll be satisfied and feeling warm at the end of your meal.

Source: chefreetuudaykugaji.com

3. Basundi

Basundi is an Indian recipe made by boiling milk until it gets thick and then adding sugar.

It’s often flavored with things like cardamom, rose water, or saffron.

This recipe uses evaporated milk instead of regular milk just to give the basundi a lighter texture.

Source: bbcgoodfood.com

4. Indian Rice Pudding

Indian rice pudding, or kheer, is a classic dessert that not only goes with Indian cuisine but goes with any meal.

With just the right amount of sweetness, this Indian dessert will have you asking for more.

You can also add your own touch to this dish by adding different flavorings such as cardamom powder or rose essence.

Serve this rice kheer recipe with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite.

Source: mygingergarlickitchen.com

5. Indian Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is a classic American sweet and this Indian recipe gives it the perfect twist.

You’ll hear this dessert called chikki when you’re in India and it’s made using things like jaggery or sugar.

It’s separately made and then mixed with some peanuts to create the perfect crunchy texture.

You can use any type of nuts you want, so feel free to give this recipe your own twist.

Just be warned that these treats might not last too long around the house!

Source: yummy.ph

6. Indian Milk Balls

The other name for this Indian sweet is gulab jamun but these Indian milk balls are so good that you’ll need to make some extra so you can have them the next day.

They are really small and you can use a rose-flavored syrup to dip them in.

You’ll know they’re right when the outside is super smooth and the inside still has a lot of moisture.

You should try these milk balls but be sure to top them off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Source: sharmispassions.com

7. Urad Dal Laddu

If you’re looking for a healthy version of Indian treats then this urad dal laddu recipe is your top choice.

Made with black lentils, sugar, and ghee, this sweet is less oily than most Indian desserts.

You could even try making these laddu balls into different shapes to have them be more festive for the holidays.

The recipe is so simple you don’t need a background in Indian foods to be able to make it.

Source: vegrecipesofindia.com

8. Shrikhand

Shrikhand is Indian food that is made with hung yogurt and is seasoned with saffron.

You can make shrikhand at home using hung curd, ground cardamom, pistachios, and sugar.

This sweet dish is best eaten chilled or at room temperature, but if you like your desserts cold, then throw it in the fridge and it will still be good.

Saffron can get a little expensive but it’s more than worth it to add this spice to your dish to give it that well-rounded flavor.

You can use a little bread to dip into your shrikhand or try some premium crackers you find at the store.

Source: cookwithkushi.com

9. Kaju Katli

This tiny treat might not be overwhelming to the eyes, but it certainly pleases the taste buds.

All you need to make Kaju katli is cashews, sugar, water, and butter or ghee.

The cashews are ground together with the sugar and then flavored with some poppy seeds.

They are then shaped into small rolls that are just waiting to be devoured.

Source: under500calories.com

10. Mango Halwa

Try this mango halwa recipe if you’re tired of making Indian desserts that are similar to each other.

Pistachios are a favorite ingredient in many Indian desserts and this one has a nice nutty flavor to it that balances the sugar and spices.

This will brighten your day and put a smile on your face knowing what’s waiting for dessert after your meal.

This halwa spicy Indian dessert is the perfect way to end your day, so don’t forget to put it on your list of things to try next time you have guests over for dinner.

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11. Kalakand

Having kalakand is like eating a creamy fudge bar.

It’s basically made by boiling milk until it gets thick and then adding sugar, nuts, and cardamom to taste.

Cream cheese or unsalted butter can even be added to create an extra layer of flavor.

This Indian dessert recipe will definitely give your sweet tooth some satisfaction so you might want to make some extra batches.

We can’t think of anyone who would turn down a sweet kalakand after dinner!

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12. Toasted Coconut Ladoo

You don’t have to slave away in the kitchen in order to make a delicious dessert that pleases any palate.

This coconut ladoo recipe will take less than half an hour and it will taste like you took all day making it.

These little balls will go fast once you serve them on the table so make sure you have some backups waiting for refills.

The coconut gives some nice texture to the sugary balls.

There’s only a handful of ingredients that you’ll need so you can easily whip these up in time for your next party.

Source: secondrecipe.com

13. Sooji Halwa

There are only a handful of ingredients needed for this Sooji Halwa recipe.

It is packed with flavor because it has ingredients like cardamom, dried fruit, and pistachios.

You might want to serve this halwa with some heavy cream or vanilla ice cream.

Just looking at it makes us think of the holidays because it looks so festive and colorful.

So next time you’re thinking about making desserts for Thanksgiving, give these Indian desserts a try.

Source: ruchiskitchen.com

14. Rasmalai

This rasmalai recipe is packed with ingredients that bring a ton of flavor.

The mix of cardamom, sugar, saffron, creamed milk, and nuts really hits all the notes on your taste buds.

This treat originally started in Bengal, but the entire country enjoys this dish and you can make it right in your home.

The process may be a bit more complicated than making a chocolate chip cookie, but it will have a lot more flavor too.

Curdle your milk as soon as possible when it gets to boiling temp. This will make your chena soft and the treat much more delicious.

Source: funfoodfrolic.com

15. Kulfi

Kulfi is popular in India during summer because it’s made from ice and milk and served frozen.

It is then flavored with things like pistachios, almonds, cashews, or cardamom.

These Indian desserts will really cool you down during the hot summer months, so whip up a batch so you can dig in!

Some people call this Indian ice cream because it is so creamy and full of flavor.

It’s the perfect way to finish off a meal so why not give it a try?

Kulfi has always been served in India but you can make your own at home if you want different flavors without having to visit an Indian restaurant.

You could even mix this recipe up to add in some fruit flavors that go well with the other ingredients.

Source: jessysflavourworld.com

16. Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak is originally from Mysore, India and it’s basically a block of sugar that is flavored with ghee or oil.

This sweet treat is usually made during the Diwali festival but you can have this Indian dessert anytime you’re looking for something new to try.

Mix together your ingredients in a deep pot before you heat them up on the stove and stir constantly.

Add in your ghee and you’ll have a sweet treat ready to eat once it’s cooled down for a bit.

This Indian dessert is great to share with friends and family so make sure you save some room after dinner because everyone will want a taste of this deliciousness.

Source: savoryandsweetfood.com

17. Shahi Tukra

Shahi Tukra is made from bread that has been dipped in a sweet and creamy rose water-flavored syrup.

The bread is then topped with some nuts or fruit to give it even more flavor.

If you want to go the extra mile, drizzle your shahi tukra with some kewra (which is made from pandanus leaves and flower extracts).

Having a taste of this delicious dessert will make you want to integrate it into your weekly rotation.

Source: spiceindiaonline.com

18. Boondi Ladoo

Boondi Ladoo started as street food in India but it became popular throughout the country and has been a go-to for dessert for a long time.

Make enough so that you can have a bit leftover to munch on throughout the week when you need a little sweet snack.

These are usually served during Diwali or Holi, but they’re so good that you’ll want to keep them in rotation for after-dinner treats.

You’ll need to make the boondi but you’ll also need to make the topping as well, which is cashew-based.

Try pairing this with yogurt or ice cream if you like your desserts cold or warm milk if you prefer something hot.

Source: cookshideout.com

19. Doodh Peda

This dessert is huge in India and being able to make it right in your home is a real treat.

Doodh peda is made by boiling milk until it gets thick and adding sugar to taste.

This goes along with some whole milk too so if you want your Indian desserts extra creamy, this is the way to go.

You’ll then crumble up some peda (which are made of dried milk solids) into fine pieces that will resemble bread crumbs.

Of course, this classic dessert gets pistachios as well, because why wouldn’t it?

Source: indianfoodforever.com

20. Puran Poli

Like most of the other sweet Indian desserts on this list, Puran Poli is usually reserved for Diwali, Holi, or Bail Pola.

But once you know the recipe you can celebrate any occasion you want with this irresistible dessert.

Puran Poli is basically a stuffed flatbread that is stuffed with a sweet chana dal filling.

You may have never tried this Indian dish before but it’s one of the most popular desserts so you know you need to at least give it a try.

Source: vegrecipesofindia.com

21. Jalebi

Jalebi started as a treat for royalty and quickly became a street food favorite back in India.

These sweet treats get their signature flavor from the use of yogurt and baking soda.

The batter is then fried into spirals that are dipped into a sugary syrup before being topped with chopped pistachios.

It looks similar to a funnel cake you might get at the state fair that’s covered in powdered sugar.

Making your own at home can be dangerous because they are easy to make, so you might end up baking these for a week straight.

Source: hebbarskitchen.com

22. Phirni

Phirni only needs a handful of ingredients that you probably have lying around the pantry.

The taste is a combination of rice pudding and almond-flavored desserts.

The texture is slightly denser than that of rice pudding but the taste makes up for it when you’re craving an Indian dessert.

This was originally served in wealthy homes during Mughal times in India but everyone has since enjoyed this treat with their meals.

When you make this recipe, make sure to use full-fat milk. This will give the densest and creamy texture.

You can also serve this with some pistachio on top to give it some more texture and a salty, earthy taste.

Source: teafortumeric.com

23. Seviyan

Indian desserts have really hit their stride when it comes to pudding and this Seviyan recipe is no different.

If you haven’t tried it, seviyan is made of vermicelli that is cooked in milk and flavored with saffron, cardamom, or rosewater.

You can also top this delicious treat with sliced pistachios before serving it to give it a more visually stimulating appeal.

This dessert is definitely on the sweeter side of things but there are some savory Indian desserts that might suit your tastes better.

If you have a crockpot this dish just got a lot easier to make.

You just dump all the ingredients into your crockpot and sit back while it does all the work for you.

Letting all the flavors meld together over a long period of time will give your seviyan so more flavor too.

Source: thatbakergal.com

24. Rasgulla

Rasgulla in similar to Rasmalai in that it’s a milk-based Indian dessert that is flavored with cardamom and saffron.

The difference between the two, however, is that rasgulla consists of small balls of cheese soaked in sugar syrup.

This is also similar to another Indian treat called chena poda but it’s not exactly the same thing.

These spongy balls will practically melt in your mouth and that is when you know that you’ve found one of the best Indian desserts.

You’ll want to give this recipe a try for yourself, so head to the kitchen and get started on your very own batch!

Serve these with some honey if you like your Indian desserts sweet or save it for after dinner to help cleanse your palate.