23 Easy Indian Desserts to Make at Home

Craving something sweet and adventurous? Let’s dive into the world of Indian desserts! In India, these sweet treats are called mithai, and each one brings its own unique flavor to the table. From creamy textures to bold spices, the diversity of Indian desserts is as rich as the culture itself.

1.Indian Peanut Brittle

If you’re crazy about sweets and peanuts, this peanut brittle recipe is your new best friend! Also called chikki, this classic treat is traditionally made with peanuts and jaggery or brown sugar.

The combination of nutty peanuts and sweet, caramel-like jaggery is pure perfection. Some recipes mix in a little ghee for richness, toss in sesame seeds for crunch, or even add other nuts to the mix.

Whatever way you make it, the blend of flavors is absolute magic. Whether you’re snacking on it in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this peanut brittle is sure to hit the spot every time!

2.Urad Dal Laddu

These no-bake protein balls are the perfect guilt-free snack–crunchy, delicious, and packed with nutrients. They’re like a dessert you can feel good about indulging in!

Made with urad dal, a lentil rich in protein, vitamin B, and other nutrients, these bites are a healthy treat. Ghee and jaggery add natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Want to mix things up? Try tossing in some dried fruits or almonds for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Snack away without any regrets!

3.Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a beloved Indian dessert that’s often served at restaurants and during weddings. Hailing from the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, this classic treat is made with hung curd, which is yogurt that’s been strained of all its water.

To create this sweet and smooth dessert, saffron, cardamom, milk, and sugar are added to the curd. The result is a creamy, flavorful treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

For a delightful finish, top it with some chopped pistachios to add a satisfying crunch.

4.Indian Carrot Pudding

Celebrate the flavors of India with this delicious carrot pudding, a beloved North Indian dessert especially popular during Diwali, the festival of light and triumph.

Made with grated carrots, crunchy nuts, creamy milk, a touch of sugar, and a hint of ghee, this pudding is both nutritious and indulgent. Carrots bring a boost of beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A for an extra healthy twist.

For a lighter version, you can swap whole milk for cashew milk. Enjoy it warm or chilled, paired perfectly with a cup of spiced masala chai for the ultimate cozy treat.

5.Boondi Ladoo

Think boondi ladoos are tough to make? Think again! This recipe is quick and easy, ready in just 35 minutes. Start by making boondis from gram flour, then cook them in a sweet sugar syrup.

Shape them into small ladoos and garnish with raisins or nuts for extra flavor. These sweet treats are a Diwali favorite and are also enjoyed during Raksha Bandhan, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

6.Doodh Peda

Doodh peda is a beloved Indian dessert you’ll find in nearly every mithai shop, and for good reason–it’s irresistibly delicious! This treat is made with khoya, which is evaporated and dried milk solids.

Whether you use homemade or store-bought khoya, it works wonderfully. The peda is sweetened with sugar, flavored with the warmth of cardamom powder, and finished with a sprinkle of pistachios for added texture and a touch of elegance.

It’s a rich, creamy, and utterly decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

7.Mysore Pak

This classic Southern dessert hails from the grand Mysore Palace. It’s rich, with ghee and sugar, and has a warm cardamom flavor. The texture? It’s a lot like a buttery cookie–crunchy on the outside and soft inside.

Best part? It’s super easy to make at home, ready in just 30 minutes. When it’s done right, the outside is perfectly crumbly, and the inside stays tender.

A perfect treat that’s both flavorful and comforting! 🍰

8.Seviyan

Looking for a new dessert to try? Meet Seviyan Kheer, a luscious Indian pudding that’s as creamy as it gets. This unique dessert gets its special texture from vermicelli, which adds a fun twist to the traditional pudding.

The magic happens when you blend vermicelli with whole milk, sugar, saffron, and roasted mixed nuts for a silky smooth treat that’s fragrant and flavorful.

Want to make it your own? Feel free to tweak the spices or add your favorite toppings. The best part? It’s a breeze to make–just toss everything into your Instant Pot, set it to porridge mode, give it a good stir, and voilà!

A delicious dessert ready to serve.

9.Puran Poli

Puran poli is a delicious Indian flatbread stuffed with a sweet and spiced filling, perfect for festive occasions like Holi, Diwali, and Bail Pola. The flatbread, or poli, is made from whole wheat flour, while the puran is a flavorful mix of lentils, jaggery, cardamom, saffron, and nutmeg.

Enjoy it on its own for a tasty snack, or pair it with a drizzle of saffron and cardamom-infused milk for an extra-special treat.

10.Jalebi

Jalebi is a beloved Indian street food that also shines at weddings and celebrations. Crispy and surprisingly easy to make, it’s a treat you’ll want to try!

Imagine an Indian twist on a funnel cake–this dessert is just as delightful. Made with gram flour, all-purpose flour, and drizzled with sweet sugar syrup, jalebi offers the perfect mix of crunch and juiciness.

With the right batter, you can whip up these tasty sweets in 30 minutes or less. It’s a quick and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress!

11.Basundi

Basundi is a classic Indian dessert made by simmering milk until it reaches a thick, creamy texture. This sweet treat gets its signature flavor from cardamom and saffron, two of India’s most beloved spices.

To take it up a notch, try adding some chopped nuts or fresh fruits for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. For the creamiest results, go with full-fat or whole milk.

And if you want to add a little something extra, a splash of rose water would be a perfect touch. It’s the ideal way to end a meal with a touch of warmth and elegance.

12.Kalakand

Meet kalacaand, a milk cake that’s as unique as it is delicious! Spiced with cardamom, it offers a blend of piney and fruity flavors. The texture is divine–melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a satisfying crunch from chopped pistachios on top.

Imagine a treat that’s both firm and moist, landing somewhere between a cake and fudge. The color may vary depending on how you cook it, adding a touch of surprise each time.

The best part? This recipe is a total game-changer, letting you make it quickly in an Instant Pot!

13.Rasmalai

Rasmalai is a dessert that’s as juicy as it is creamy, melting in your mouth with every bite. It’s packed with explosive flavors from sugar, saffron, cardamom, creamed milk, and nuts.

Hailing from Bengal but loved all over India, this dessert is a true classic. While it takes some time to make, the process is straightforward–just three easy steps.

First, you make the chena discs, then boil them in a sweet sugar syrup, and finally let them rest in a rich, thickened milk. The trickiest part? Making sure the chena is super soft, which happens when you curdle the milk right after it boils.

It’s worth the effort for that perfect texture!

14.Indian Milk Balls

Gulab jamun is a beloved Indian dessert that’s all about little balls of pure joy. Traditionally, these treats are made with khoya, flour, sugar, and a hint of Indian spices.

Khoya, which is dried milk solids, can be tricky to find outside of Northern India, so many folks opt for milk powder instead. These bite-sized milk balls are about as small as berries and get a luxurious soak in a sticky, rose-flavored syrup.

To give it an extra boost, the flavor gets a lift from cardamom, a squeeze of lime juice, and a touch of paneer. The perfect gulab jamun is silky smooth on the outside and irresistibly moist on the inside.

Trust us, these little gems are impossible to resist!

15.Phirni

Looking for a dessert that’s both simple and packed with flavor? Phirni is an Indian treat you won’t want to miss! Made with just a few ingredients like milk, rice, saffron, sugar, and nuts, this dessert is as easy as it is delicious.

While it might look similar to rice kheer, phirni stands out because it uses ground rice instead of whole grains. To elevate the flavor, add some aromatics like rose petals, saffron strands, or a pinch of cardamom powder.

A sprinkle of almonds or pistachios can also add a nice crunch and depth. Want to mix things up? Try adding pureed or grated fresh fruits to the mix for a fruity twist.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with new flavors, phirni is sure to delight!

16.Rasgulla

Rasgulla, a beloved Indian dessert, is a treat you won’t want to miss. These fluffy, syrupy white dumplings melt in your mouth, offering a delightful experience.

Similar to rasmalai, rasgulla is crafted by curdling milk to create soft chenna, which is then shaped into smooth balls. Cooked in a spiced sugar syrup, these dumplings absorb all the flavors, doubling in size as they soak.

Once done, let them cool, then refrigerate and serve chilled for the best taste. Perfect as a sweet ending to any meal, rasgulla is a must-try for anyone exploring Indian sweets.

17.Sooji Halwa

Sooji halwa is a classic Indian dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. This pudding is made with three main ingredients: ghee, sugar, and sooji (semolina).

For an extra touch of Indian flavor, you can add cardamom and nuts–they’re optional but definitely worth it! There are two secrets to making the best sooji halwa.

First, get the ratio right: use equal parts of the main ingredients, and double the amount of water. Second, don’t skip roasting the sooji–it helps remove any raw taste.

With these tips, you’re ready to create a dessert that’s sure to impress the crowd!

18.Indian Rice Pudding (Kheer)

No collection of Indian desserts would be complete without the iconic rice kheer, also known as Indian rice pudding. This sweet treat is a staple in most Indian homes, and for good reason–it requires just three simple ingredients: rice, milk, and sugar.

For the creamiest texture, whole milk is the way to go. To elevate the flavor, spices like cardamom, rose water, and saffron are added, along with nuts for crunch and aroma.

These additions bring a floral scent and a tropical twist, making this pudding a comforting and delicious treat that’s easy to prepare.

19.Mango Halwa

Imagine a dessert where mango pulp takes center stage, blending its rich sweetness with flour and ghee to create one of India’s most cherished sweets. This mango halwa, or mango sheera, is a treat for the senses – creamy, aromatic, and perfectly sweet.

While mango pulp brings the main flavor, cardamom, nuts, and vanilla add delightful layers to make it even more decadent. If you’re a mango lover, this dessert is about to become your new obsession.

Serve it warm, and it’s the perfect cozy treat to warm up those chilly winter nights.

20.Kulfi

Kulfi, India’s beloved summer treat, is here to beat the heat! This isn’t just any ice cream–it’s denser and packed with unique flavors that set it apart.

Creamy and smooth, it skips the starch for a richer taste, thanks to fresh cream and a touch of cornstarch. The magic happens with sweetened evaporated milk, crunchy nuts, and a hint of warm cardamom.

Once the mixture is ready, pour it into steel cups or popsicle molds and let it freeze. The result? A perfectly spiced, creamy dessert that both kids and adults will adore!

21.Toasted Coconut Ladoo

Coconut Dessert Bites are a quick and delicious Indian treat that’s ready in just 20 minutes! With only four simple ingredients–coconut milk, shredded coconut, milk, and sugar–you can create a dessert that’s both festive and flavorful.

Start by toasting the shredded coconut for a nutty aroma, then mix it with coconut milk, sugar, and a touch of flavor. Let the mixture cool, shape it into bite-sized balls, and you’re done!

You can also add a pinch of cardamom for extra flavor–or try vanilla extract or lemon zest if you prefer. These Coconut Dessert Bites are the perfect treat for any occasion, with their creamy coconut taste and satisfying crunch.

You’ll love how easy and delicious they are!

22.Shahi Tukra

Indulge in Shahi Tukra, a classic Hyderabadi dessert that’s as rich as it is delicious. Crispy, golden bread slices are the star of the show, either fried to perfection in ghee or toasted in the oven for a lighter touch.

These are then nestled in a creamy, spiced milk sauce that’s been thickened to perfection. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into leftover bread, turning it into a stunning dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.

Perfect for special occasions or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Hyderabad.

23.Kaju Katli

Kaju katli, a classic Indian dessert, is a delicious cashew fudge that’s surprisingly simple to make. At its core, you only need three ingredients: cashews, sugar, and water.

For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of ghee and a drizzle of rose water. While it might take a bit of practice to get it just right, the end result is well worth the effort.

This creamy, sweet treat is perfect for sharing or gifting. With time, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!