Ah, Diwali—the Festival of Lights! It is one of the widely celebrated and most popular festivals in India and around the world. As the much-anticipated festival of lights draws closer, the excitement and joy in the air are palpable. It symbolizes joy, prosperity, togetherness, and the triumph of good over evil. Even while fireworks light up the night sky and vibrant costumes liven up the celebrations, the delectable sweets are unquestionably one of the most cherished parts of this festival, and they are what truly elevate this joyous event. Choosing which traditional Indian sweets to prepare for this auspicious occasion can be difficult due to the wide variety of sweets available. So, we have put together a list of the top 10 easy Diwali sweets recipes that will sweeten your festivities and make them even more special. Let’s dive into these simple yet delectable recipes that will add even more special memories to your Diwali celebration.
Top 10 famous Diwali sweets recipes:
- Besan ladoo
- Puran poli
- Gulab jamun
- Rasgulla
- Jalebi
- Soan papdi
- Karanji
- Mohanthal
- Malai peda
- Halwa
- bonus – Kalakand milk cake
1. Besan ladoo:
Besan ladoo, popular and traditional Diwali sweets, is a wonderful treat that is served in many Indian homes during the colorful festival of lights. These delicious, golden-hued spheres, which are prepared from gram flour (besan), are a favorite among many because they are simple to make and have a delicate nutty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
To prepare besan ladoo, start with carefully roasting the flour in ghee until it turns a golden brown. The key to making the ideal ladoos is to roast the flour until it releases a rich aroma, which enhances the besan’s nutty flavor. Once the flour has cooled a little, add the powdered sugar, cardamom powder for flavor, and a handful of chopped cashews and almonds for crunch. Then, shape the mixture into round balls, and for a luxurious touch, garnish with chopped almonds, saffron, or dried rose petals. The simplicity of besan ladoo—a tasteful combination of only a few high-quality ingredients—makes it a delightful and delicate treat. Try this simple and delicious treat to embrace the Diwali spirit and create lasting memories with every bite!
2. Puran poli:
Among the myriad of sweets prepared during this joyous occasion, the traditional and aromatic puran poli stands out as a popular treat. It is a soft flatbread stuffed with chana dal, jaggery, and a mixture of aromatic spices.
To prepare puran poli, first cook the chana dal till it is soft, then drain and mash it well. In a pan, mix the mashed dal with jaggery and cardamom powder and stir the jaggery until it melts and the mixture thickens. Then make dough using wheat or any other purpose flour, water, a pinch of salt. The dough should then be rolled out into thin circles, filled with the sweet filling, and cooked on a hot tava until golden brown. Serving puran poli hot and drizzling it with ghee enhances its flavor and richness. It is an iconic dessert that represents joy and unity during the auspicious festival of Diwali and is still renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious sweetness. Among the top 10 easy Diwali sweets recipes, this delectable treat is a staple of the festival season and offers the perfect balance of taste and tradition.
3. Gulab jamun:
Gulab Jamun, ranked among the most famous Indian sweets, that holds a special place in the hearts of many peoples. Among the many Diwali treats, the traditional gulab jamun is a timeless favorite. This delectable treat is the perfect choice for anyone who wishes to make a sweet without spending hours in the kitchen, which is why it earned a place among the top 10 easy Diwali sweets recipes.
To prepare this, make dough from milk solids, sometimes referred to as mawa or khoya. After that, this dough is shaped into tiny balls and fried until they turn a stunning golden hue. The warm, crunchy balls are then dipped in sweet syrup infused with cardamom, saffron, or rose water, which deepens their sweetness and aroma. For an extra touch, garnish them with chopped nuts or dried fruits. These delectable treats are a staple of the festival’s celebratory mood and are sure to delight and enchant everyone who enjoys them, whether they are served as a stand-alone dessert or as part of a lavish Diwali spread.
4. Rasgulla:
A perennial favorite, the cherished rasgulla is one of the top 10 easy Diwali sweets recipes.
To prepare this delicious dessert, the first step is to curdle milk using lemon juice or vinegar to make chhena (fresh cottage cheese). Once the chhena is ready, knead it until it’s smooth, and then shape it into small balls and boil them in a sugar syrup infused with saffron and cardamom. Allow them to absorb the sweetness and aroma of the syrup. The rasgullas’ texture is improved by chilling them in the refrigerator, which makes them even more pleasant when served. The result is this dessert that just melts in your mouth with each bite, leaving a lasting sweetness and a sense of satisfaction. For anyone wishing to celebrate with delectable homemade treats, this is a must-try due to its amazing taste and texture.
5. Jalebi:
One traditional choice that is simply too good to pass up if you’re searching for the top 10 easy Diwali sweets recipes is the beloved Jalebi. It is one of the popular Indian desserts that appeals to both young and old and is famous for its crispy, coiled appearance and irresistible sweetness.
To prepare this, make a batter using all-purpose flour, yogurt, ghee, water, and a pinch of saffron for color and aroma, which is then allowed to ferment for a few hours to get the ideal consistency. When the batter gets ready, it is piped into hot oil in circular spirals using a squeeze bottle or piping bag to form the well-known jalebi shape. Fry them till golden and crispy, and then quickly dip them into the hot sugar syrup infused with cardamom or saffron, which gives it its distinctive flavor and shine. These sticky, sweet spirals are a great addition to your Diwali celebrations because they are not just a visual treat but also a culinary joy. During this festive season, sharing homemade jalebis with loved ones is likely to produce enduring memories! Jalebi is sure to satisfy everyone’s palate, whether it is served warm with some rabri or eaten just the way it is!
6. Soan papdi:
Soan papdi is a wonderful and classic Indian delicacy that adds a delightful touch to your Diwali sweet spread. This flaky, feather-light treat originates in the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent and has become increasingly popular across the country.
To make this, first roast the mixture of besan (gram flour) and maida (plain flour) until it turns golden brown and releases a delicious nutty aroma that fills the kitchen. Then, making sugar syrup that is one string in consistency. Once the syrup is ready, pour the caramelized syrup onto the greased pan. Continue stirring until the temperature drops. After a minute of stretching and folding, add it to the flour mixture. Repeatedly pulling and folding the mixture to create those beautiful flaky layers. After allowing it to cool fully, cut it into bite-sized squares and add chopped nuts for crunch. One of the top 10 easy Diwali dessert recipes is soan papdi, which gives the joyous festivities a touch of sweetness and tradition. The light, thin, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth texture of soan papdi makes it an irresistible Diwali treat.
7. Karanji:
Among the variety of Diwali sweets recipes, Karanji has a specific place. This classic Maharashtrian treat, sometimes known as gujiya, is a crispy pastry shell stuffed with a rich blend of coconut, jaggery, and flavorful spices that makes it a delightful treat for everyone.
To begin, make a smooth dough using all-purpose flour, water, and a little ghee for texture. Cover the dough and let it rest for a while. In the meantime, prepare the filling by roasting the cashews and almonds, grated coconut, cardamom, sugar, or jaggery until they are combined and crispy. Take small pieces of the resting dough, roll them out into small circles, and then place a spoonful of the coconut filling in the center of the dough. The filled dough is meticulously formed into crescent or half-moon shapes, giving karanjis their iconic look, and then deep-fried until the ideal golden brown color is obtained. Karanji is an appealing treat during Diwali because of the crispy outer layer that creates a lovely contrast to the sweet, aromatic filling.
8. Mohanthal:
Mohanthal is a popular traditional Indian dessert that is often prepared for festivals like Diwali. This creamy, fudge-like treat originates from the western state of Gujarat, and is renowned for its mouthwatering flavors and velvety texture. For those looking for easy Diwali sweets recipes, this delicious treat is a great option.
To prepare this, roast the gram flour in ghee until it gets a beautiful golden brown and releases a deliciously nutty aroma. Make a sugar syrup in another pot by dissolving sugar in water until it becomes the single thread consistency, then mix it with the roasted gram flour to create a thick and fudge-like concoction. Stirring the mixture continuously is necessary to prevent lumps from developing and to ensure that the mohanthal has a creamy, smooth texture. The mixture is then transferred to a plate that has been greased and left to cool, and then cut it into diamond or square shapes once it’s set. This treat is garnished with chopped nuts and edible silver leaf to give it a crunchy feel and a touch of luxury.
9. Malai peda:
Among these, Malai Peda is a rich, creamy, delicious, and easy-to-make treat. It is a luscious delight that melts in your mouth with each bite, making it one of the most popular and beloved Diwali sweets recipes.
The first step in making malai Peda is to simmer full-fat milk over low heat until it thickens, creating a flavorful, creamy base. Stirring the mixture continuously is essential to make sure a lump-free, smooth consistency. Add the sugar and cardamom powder after the milk has reduced, stirring until the mixture becomes semi-solid. As the mixture thickens, add saffron-infused milk, giving the pedas a lovely golden hue and also enhancing the aroma. After, this delicious treat is cooked until it takes on the soft dough-like consistency. Let the dough cool a little, then shape it into little round pedas. Garnish each piece with almond or pistachio slices for a tasteful and elegant touch. One of the easiest Diwali sweets recipes to add to your list is Malai Peda, which is sure to crowd-pleaser and great complements with any Diwali feast.
10. Halwa:
A popular and versatile Indian treat, halwa is a must-have treat during the celebration of Diwali. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavors, this rich, dense confection is a standout among the top 10 easy Diwali sweets recipes.
The sweet dish halwa can be prepared using a variety of ingredients, including wheat, moong dal, sooji, carrot halwa, and even fruits like bananas. Every variety gives the festive spread a wonderful touch by contributing a distinct flavor and texture. Halwa’s secret to perfection is its slow cooking method, which lets the ingredients combine to produce a rich, fragrant, and decadent dessert. Ghee’s rich perfume, the crunch of the nuts, and the sweetness of the sugar combine to make a delicious sweet that everyone loves.
11. Bonus – Kalakand milk cake:
A delicious milk cake known as kalakand is a staple of Indian celebrations, particularly during Diwali. It is an easy-to-make dessert with a rich, creamy flavor and a hint of sweetness, mostly made from fresh chhena, or cottage cheese.
To prepare this, fresh milk is simmered and thickened until it becomes a creamy, concentrated paneer-like cheese, creating this rich, fudgy treat. The resultant thick, creamy curds are then subtly sweetened with sugar. At this point, flavorings like cardamom powder and saffron are added to improve the flavor. After the mixture has been cooked, it is spread evenly on a tray that has been greased and let to cool. To make serving easier, it is sliced into square or diamond-shaped pieces once it has set, and chopped nuts are added for a pleasant crunch.
To wrap it up:
Finally, the top ten easy Diwali sweet recipes listed above offer a delicious selection of both classic and creative desserts that are perfect for festive occasions. Each sweet, from the nutty richness of besan ladoo to the decadent sweetness of gulab jamun, has a unique blend of flavors and textures that make it a must-have for any Diwali celebration. Whether these homemade treats are shared with loved ones or consumed as part of the festive rituals, they have the power to generate enduring memories and strengthen bonds. Wishing you a Happy Diwali filled with warmth, happiness, and the mouthwatering flavors of these scrumptious sweets.
