If you’re looking to add some exciting new flavors to your dessert repertoire, these Indian sweets are a must-try!
With unique ingredients like pistachios and cardamom, these desserts offer an exotic twist that’s sure to delight. They bring bold flavors and rich textures that will impress both family and guests alike.
What’s even better is that these treats are surprisingly easy to make! We hope you enjoy these delicious Indian desserts as much as we do.
Indian Desserts
GULAB JAMUN
We’re kicking off this incredible list of Indian dessert recipes with Gulab Jamun, one of the most beloved and iconic sweets in India. These soft, spongy treats practically melt in your mouth, soaking up a delicately flavored sugar syrup. Gulab Jamun is a traditional favorite, making it the perfect choice for birthdays, parties, celebrations, and festivals!
FALOODA (SWEET CREAMY NOODLES)
Falooda is a delightful dessert drink that’s the ultimate summer treat to satisfy your sweet cravings! It’s a perfect blend of dessert, beverage, sundae, and ice cream float all in one delicious concoction, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Originally from Persian cuisine, this refreshing treat has become a beloved summer favorite across the Indian subcontinent!
RAS MALAI (COTAGE CHEESE BALLS IN CLOTTED CREAM)
Ras Malai is a beloved dessert from eastern India, though it’s also incredibly popular throughout India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This easy recipe features soft paneer balls soaked in sweetened milk, garnished with nuts, and served chilled. Ras Malai is a traditional treat enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, making it a perfect dessert for celebrations!
GAJAR KA HALWA (CARROT HALWA)
Gajar Halwa is a quintessential winter dessert, especially popular in North India, known for its rich and decadent flavor. This delicious treat is infused with the aromatic essence of cardamom powder and topped with crunchy nuts, making it absolutely irresistible. Whether served hot or cold, Gajar Halwa is a festive favorite, enjoyed during all celebrations across India!
BESAN LADOO (ROASTED GRAM FLOUR BALLS)
Besan Ladoo is one of the most beloved Indian desserts, known for its fragrant aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These delicious Ladoos are made with gram flour, ghee, and sugar, delicately flavored with aromatic cardamom. It’s one of the easiest Diwali sweets to prepare, making it a perfect treat for the festive season!
KALAKAND (MILK CAKE)
This Kalakand (Milk Cake) recipe is a rich, soft, and creamy dessert that melts in your mouth. Infused with cardamom, this milk cake is the perfect treat for festivals or special occasions. While Kalakand is often purchased from stores due to the time it takes to make, this shortcut recipe saves you time without compromising on flavor!
MISHTI DOI (SWEET YOUGURT)
Mishti Doi, which translates to sweetened yogurt, is a classic Bengali treat that’s mild, light, and incredibly addictive. This delightful dessert is the perfect way to end an Indian meal and makes an excellent choice when entertaining guests. Its subtle sweetness and creamy texture are sure to impress everyone!
aLEBI (SPIRAL SHAPED CRUNCHY SWEETS)
Jalebi, a spiral-shaped, crunchy sweet soaked in saffron-infused sugar syrup, is a traditional and beloved Indian dessert. Often prepared during festivals like Diwali and Ramadan, it’s commonly enjoyed with Rabadi (thickened milk) or other Indian snacks. This easy recipe offers two different ways to make this irresistibly delicious treat!
KAJA KATLI (CASHEW FUDGE)
This gluten-free Indian Kaju Katli (Cashew Fudge) recipe is made by grinding and kneading cashew nuts into a smooth, nutty dough, then cutting it into diamond shapes. A delicate layer of silver leaf is added for a festive touch. Perfect for Diwali, this treat also makes a wonderful edible gift for friends and family. It’s an incredibly delicious and addictive dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any celebration!
NANKHATAI (SHORTBREAD BISCUITS)
This easy Nankhatai recipe makes buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that you’ll want to bake again and again. These light and crispy traditional Indian cookies are the perfect bite-sized teatime snack, offering a delightful crunch and rich flavor with every bite!
RICE KHEER (INDIAN PUDDING)
Creamy and aromatic Rice Kheer (Indian Pudding) is a classic Indian dessert that everyone grows up enjoying. Made with simple ingredients, this easy recipe is flavored with cardamom, nuts, and saffron, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Kheer, also known as Payasam, Payesh, or Phirni, is the ideal way to end an Indian meal. You’re sure to love this comforting, delicious treat!
KULFI (INDIAN ICE CREAM)
Kulfi is a traditional and authentic Indian ice cream loved by all. This eggless, no-churn Kulfi recipe is rich, decadent, and incredibly easy to make without the need for an ice cream maker. With its creamy texture and delicious pistachio flavor, this Kulfi will quickly become your new favorite ice cream!
PEANUT CHIKKI (PEANUT BRITTLE)
Peanut Chikki is a beautiful, caramelized, sweet treat that’s perfectly crisp and crunchy—loved by all and a staple in Indian homes. This simple recipe requires just three ingredients and takes only 20 minutes to make. It’s an easy and delicious snack that’s sure to satisfy your cravings—give it a try!
