Table of Contents
Diwali in India shines with glistening Diya, sparkling fairy lights, sweets, and snacks. That illuminates both the eyes and the soul, and joy envelops everyone. The festivities also involve preparing the most delicious Diwali Recipes, both sweet and savory. This list includes a choice of mithai (sweets), from laddus to kheer, which everyone can enjoy during the Diwali festive season.
One of the most common and celebrated stories associated with the Diwali festival is that of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman after defeating the demon king Ravana of Lanka. To welcome them, the people of Ayodhya adorned their homes and streets with clay lamps. These lit festivities, where sweets also play an important role, symbolize the triumph of good over evil, hope over despair, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. This is why different types of Diwali Recipes and homemade Sweets for Diwali are an absolute necessity when celebrating Diwali.
Celebrating Diwali: A Sweet Festivity
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, truly embodies the spirit of a festival filled with lights, festivity, and celebration. No major festival or special occasion is considered complete without the presence of sweets, and the same holds true for Diwali. The essence of the Diwali festival lies in the victory of good over evil, making sweets an integral part of commemorating this success. Traditionally, in India, sweets are not only offered to Gods and Goddesses but are also prepared with purity and devotion.
It is recommended to make sweets or mithai at home, just like in the olden times, instead of buying them from the market. Sharing homemade sweets with your family, friends, and loved ones will amplify the feeling and excitement of the celebration. For your convenience, my curated list of Diwali Sweets is here to assist you.
In many parts of India, it is a customary practice to offer or gift sweets to neighbors during the Diwali festival. Since this time of the year revolves around Diwali Recipes, it becomes challenging to consume everything, leading people to pass the sweet boxes along to others.
Popular Diwali Sweets to Try at Home!
During Diwali, a variety of popular sweets can be easily prepared at home to indulge in the festivities. Some delectable options include laddus, such as besan laddu and coconut laddu, which are simple to make and offer a burst of flavor. You can also try your hand at preparing Gulab jamun, soft and spongy dumplings soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, or the crispy and golden jalebi. Another favorite is the creamy and rich kheer, a rice pudding infused with cardamom and garnished with nuts. These homemade treats not only add sweetness to the celebration but also allow you to savor the joy of creating them with your own hands.
Kaju Katli or Kaju Barfi Recipe
The perfect Kaju Katli or Kaju Barfi recipe is a delightful masterpiece of Indian sweets. To craft this iconic delicacy, start with finely ground cashews and a touch of ghee, creating a smooth and creamy cashew paste. Cook it with sugar, stirring patiently until it thickens and turns into a soft dough. Then, roll it out into thin, diamond-shaped pieces, allowing them to cool and set. These diamond-shaped delights are adorned with silver foil, embodying the rich heritage of Indian sweets. Kaju Katli or Kaju Barfi is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of celebration, making it a cherished part of festivals like Diwali and special occasions.
Besan Laddu Recipe
The Besan Laddu recipe is a classic Indian sweet that delights with its simplicity and rich flavor. To create these golden spheres of sweetness, start with roasted gram flour, or besan, which is sautéed in ghee until it turns aromatic and attains a beautiful golden hue. This fragrant mixture is then combined with powdered sugar and shaped into small, round laddus. Garnished with slivered nuts, these laddus are a harmonious blend of nutty and sweet, with the earthy aroma of roasted gram flour. Besan laddus are a beloved treat during festivals and special occasions, offering a taste of tradition and warmth in every bite.
Rava Laddu or Suji Ke Laddu Recipe
Rava Laddu, also known as Suji Ke Laddu, is a delightful Indian sweet treat that brings a unique texture and flavor to the world of laddus. This recipe begins with roasting fine semolina or Suji in ghee until it exudes a nutty aroma and transforms into a beautiful golden hue. Afterward, the roasted Suji is combined with powdered sugar, cardamom, and garnished with roasted nuts like cashews and raisins. The mixture is then shaped into small, round laddus. Rava laddus offer a delicate balance of sweetness and the delightful crunch of roasted Suji, making them a popular choice during festivals and special occasions, appreciated for their unique texture and warm flavors.
Perfect Gulab Jamun Recipe
Perfect Gulab Jamun recipe is a divine creation of soft, spongy dumplings soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. It epitomizes the essence of Indian sweets. To craft these delectable delights, one must prepare a dough using milk powder, a touch of ghee and leavening agent like baking soda. The dough is rolled into small, smooth balls and deep-fried until they turn a rich, golden brown. These fried gems are then immersed in a warm, aromatic sugar syrup, allowing them to soak up its sweetness and essence. The result is a melt-in-the-mouth experience that’s as heavenly as it gets. This makes Gulab Jamun an iconic and beloved sweet at Indian celebrations and festivals.
Best Homemade Jalebi Recipe
The Jalebi recipe is a delightful fusion of crispy and golden exteriors with a syrupy, sweet core. The texture of this making it a beloved Indian dessert. To create these coiled wonders, a batter is prepared with all-purpose flour, yogurt, and a pinch of turmeric for color. The batter is allowed to ferment, enhancing its texture and flavor. It is then carefully piped into hot oil in a spiral shape, fried until golden and crispy. Later it is soaked in saffron and cardamom-infused sugar syrup. The result is a mesmerizing combination of textures and flavors, as the crispy jalebi soaks up the aromatic syrup. Homemade jalebi, often served warm, is a cherished treat during festivals and special occasions, evoking nostalgia and delight in every bite.
Kala Jamun or Black Gulab Jamun
Kala Jamun, also known as Black Gulab Jamun, is a luxurious Indian sweet that adds a unique twist to the classic Gulab Jamun. These dark, glossy dumplings are prepared using the same process as regular Gulab Jamun but with a few variations. The dough consists of milk solids or khoya, flavored with cardamom and rolled into small balls. However, the key difference lies in the frying process, where these dumplings are deep-fried until they achieve a deep brown or black color. After frying, they are soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, allowing them to absorb its sweetness. Kala Jamun offers a delectable contrast between the dark, caramelized exterior and the syrupy, sweet interior, making it a delightful and indulgent dessert enjoyed during special occasions and festivals.
Mysore Pak Recipe
The Mysore Pak recipe is a mouthwatering South Indian sweet known for its irresistible blend of ghee, gram flour, and sugar. To create this iconic delicacy, a generous amount of ghee is heated and mixed with gram flour, creating a fragrant and silky-smooth mixture. Sugar syrup is prepared in parallel, and the two are combined. The concoction is then carefully cooked until it thickens and absorbs the essence of ghee. It is then poured into a greased tray, allowed to cool, and cut into diamond-shaped pieces. Mysore Pak is renowned for its rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture, and its ability to balance the sweetness of sugar with the richness of ghee. This makes it a cherished treat for celebrations and festivals.
Cham Cham Sweet Recipe
Cham Cham, a delightful Bengali sweet, is a confection that delights the taste buds with its soft, spongy texture and exquisite flavors. To craft this dessert, fresh chena (paneer or cottage cheese) is kneaded and shaped into cylindrical or oval shapes. These chena rolls are then boiled in sugar syrup, absorbing its sweetness and fragrance. After being bathed in syrup, the Cham Cham is often coated with desiccated coconut or garnished with chopped pistachios. The result is a sweet delicacy that is not overly sugary but boasts a milky, cardamom-infused taste, and a luxurious, creamy texture. Cham Cham is a beloved and elegant, sweet, a quintessential part of Bengali cuisine, often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
Rasgulla or Bengali Rosogolla Recipe
Rasgulla, also known as Bengali Rosogolla, is an iconic Indian sweet hailing from the state of West Bengal. This delectable dessert consists of spongy, soft cheese balls soaked in a light and fragrant sugar syrup. To create these heavenly spheres, chena (a form of cottage cheese) is kneaded and shaped into small rounds, which are then gently cooked in sugar syrup. The key to the perfect Rasgulla lies in achieving the right texture – spongy yet delicate. The result is a melt-in-the-mouth experience with the subtle sweetness of the sugar syrup infusing the chena. Rasgulla is a celebrated dessert, not just in Bengal but throughout India, and is a symbol of indulgence and joy in various festivities and special occasions.
Kalakand Sweet Recipe
Kalakand is a luscious Indian sweet, known for its simplicity and rich flavor. To prepare this delectable treat, fresh paneer is crumbled and cooked with milk, sugar, and a hint of cardamom. First, the paneer is simmered in milk, gradually thickening as the liquid evaporates, resulting in a creamy texture. Next, sugar is added to infuse sweetness and create the perfect balance of flavors. The mixture is continuously stirred until it reaches the desired consistency. Once done, it is set in a tray and cut into delightful squares. The result is a sumptuous dessert that embodies the essence of celebration and joy, a cherished part of Indian festivities and special occasions.
Rabdi Recipe
To create a luscious Rabdi, start by simmering milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Gradually, let it reduce, and as the liquid evaporates, a thick layer of cream or malai forms. This process requires patience and frequent stirring. Once the milk has significantly reduced, add sugar, cardamom, and saffron, infusing the mixture with sweetness and aromatic flavors. Continue simmering until the sugar dissolves completely. The result is a rich and creamy dessert, thickened to perfection. Rabdi can be enjoyed as a standalone delight or as a complement to a variety of Indian sweets and desserts. Its smooth texture and sweet, fragrant taste make it a delightful addition to any celebratory occasion.
Rasmalai Recipe
Creating the delectable dessert known as Rasmalai involves a series of steps that result in a delightful treat. First, fresh paneer or chena is kneaded and shaped into soft discs, which are gently cooked in flavored sugar syrup. After the discs have soaked up the sweetness, they are transferred into thickened, saffron-infused milk. This milk, simmered to perfection, imparts a creamy, fragrant richness to the dish. The Rasmalai is then chilled and garnished with slivered almonds and pistachios, enhancing its visual appeal. The end product is a sumptuous dessert that combines the goodness of paneer with the sweetness of sugar and the fragrance of saffron-infused milk, making it a beloved indulgence during special occasions and festivities.
Doodh Peda Recipe
Creating the classic Indian sweet, Doodh Peda, is a straightforward yet delicious process. Begin by heating milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and allow it to simmer. Gradually, as the milk thickens, add sugar and cardamom for a burst of flavor and sweetness. Stir the mixture consistently, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom. As it thickens, the milk transforms into a dough-like consistency. Then, shape the mixture into small, round Pedas or discs, garnishing them with saffron strands or pistachios for added visual appeal. These Pedas are a delightful treat, offering a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and aromatic flavors, making them a cherished part of Indian festivities and special occasions.
Sandesh Recipe
Creating the delectable Indian sweet, Sandesh, is a delightful culinary process. It commences with heating fresh paneer, obtained from curdled milk, in a non-stick pan over low heat. Gradually, sugar and cardamom are added to infuse sweetness and flavor, and the mixture is cooked until it thickens. Once the desired consistency is achieved, it is removed from heat and allowed to cool. The cooled mixture is then shaped into small, bite-sized portions, often decorated with slivered pistachios or saffron strands. Sandesh is a delightful fusion of creamy texture and aromatic sweetness, a beloved treat for those seeking a traditional Indian dessert that embodies simplicity and elegance, making it a perfect accompaniment to special occasions and celebrations.
Coconut Laddu Recipe
The Coconut Laddu recipe offers a delightful journey of crafting a classic Indian sweet treat. To embark on this culinary adventure, begin by gently toasting desiccated coconut in a pan until it turns a golden hue, releasing its nutty aroma. Next, condensed milk is added, creating a luscious mixture that’s gently cooked over low heat. As the mixture thickens, cardamom and ghee are introduced to enhance the flavor. Once it attains the desired consistency, the mixture is shaped into small, round laddus. The results harmonious blend of coconut’s natural sweetness and the creaminess of condensed milk, encapsulating the essence of joy and celebration. Thus, making Coconut Ladoo’s a beloved sweet for special occasions and festivals.
Til Ke Laddu Recipe
Til Ke Laddu, a cherished Indian sweet, involves a delightful process while making. It combines the earthy richness of sesame seeds with the sweetness of jaggery. Begin by roasting white sesame seeds in a pan until they turn a light golden brown and release a nutty fragrance. Meanwhile, melt jaggery in another pan until it forms a thick syrup. Combine the roasted sesame seeds with the jaggery syrup and add cardamom for flavor. Shape this mixture into round laddus while it’s still warm. The final product is a delightful blend of nuttiness and sweetness, capturing the essence of Indian festivities and special occasions. Til Ke Laddus are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a reflection of tradition and warmth.
Phirni Recipe
Creating the creamy delight known as Phirni is a culinary journey filled with flavor and tradition. This Indian rice pudding begins with soaking rice in water, then grinding it into a smooth paste. The paste is cooked in milk, and as it thickens, sugar is added to infuse sweetness. The addition of cardamom enhances the aroma and taste, creating a harmonious blend. Once Phirni reaches desired consistency, it is poured into small earthenware bowls. Left it for cooling, allowing it to set beautifully. Garnish it with slivered nuts like pistachios and almonds. Phirni is a beloved dessert that encapsulates the essence of Indian cuisine and celebrations. This makes it a delightful treat for special occasions.
In conclusion, making Diwali sweets at home is a heartwarming tradition that unites families and conveys love and care. Crafting these treats with attention to detail and cultural significance brings joy and togetherness. Whether it’s traditional mithais or new recipes, making Diwali sweets at home lets us celebrate our heritage, share happiness, and create lasting memories. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing these sweets this Diwali, adding a personal touch to the festival of lights.
FAQ
What are the best sweets for Diwali?
Diwali sweets recipes include popular Bengali sweets like kalakand, rasgulla, rasmalai, cham cham, Sandesh, Kaju Katli, Gulab jamun, Peda etc.
Which special dish is prepared on Diwali?
Besan Ke Laddus, Gulgule using jaggery, Coconut Laddus, Murukku, Mathri, A Thali from Tamil Nadu.
Which sweet is most gifted in Diwali?
Then there’s Kaju Katli or Kaju Barfi, one of the most gifted mithai during Diwali. It can be thought of as a sweet cousin of barfi made from cashews and just as decadent and fudgy.
Which sweet for Diwali pooja?
Kheer. Kheer made with milk, rice and sugar is considered very auspicious during Diwali. It acts as a good luck charm as well. After the puja bhog, the kheer is distributed as prasad.
