India is home to some of the most delicious sweets and desserts you could ever imagine. From traditional favorites like gulab jamun and kulfi to modern treats like ice cream and laddoos, there are plenty of options to satisfy every sweet tooth. The history of Indian desserts dates back thousands of years, and today it continues to evolve alongside the country’s culture. Many of the dishes we know and love today originated during ancient times.
This includes the use of milk products and ghee, which are still common ingredients used in many desserts across North India and the nation. In addition to being tasty, Indian desserts are also highly nutritious. Many contain nuts, fruits, seeds, spices, and herbs, making them perfect for those looking to add extra nutrients to their diet. India is one of the rich countries that follow the rich culture of traditional sweets and desserts, maintained by many states like Punjab West Bengal, Gujarat, South India and many more in our nation.
Kaju Katli
Kaju Katli is one of the most famous Indian desserts in the world. It consists of cashews soaked in thickened milk, sugar syrup, saffron, and cardamom. Kaju Katli is most famous Sweets in India and is also one of the most consumed sweets during festival seasons like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, and many other famous Indian Festivals. These flavors come together to form a creamy pudding that is served chilled. Kaju Katli is traditionally eaten on Holi but can be enjoyed any time of year. The Kaju Katli is made from fine cashews and has a silver work presentation on its surface. It’s one of the most enjoyable sweets in our Indian cultural tradition.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun dessert is made with steamed milk balls called dumplings. They are stuffed with khoya milk-soaked jaggery and then dipped into a sweetened batter before being deep fried. The result is an incredibly light and fluffy treat that is often eaten as a Sweet Dish or even Desserts served at festivals and family functions too. Gulab jamun is the most delicious dessert originating in Delhi. It is made using milk and jaggery. Jaggery is one type of unrefined cane sugar, the most natural sugar to get. It is commonly found in Indian regions only. Gulab jamun is a trendy dessert in North India. This Dessert is also one of the most served Dish in Indian festivals.
Ladoo
A popular Indian dessert made with semolina flour, wheat flour, coconut, jaggery (or brown sugar), and ghee or clarified butter. Ladoo is often decorated with colorful sprinkles such as sandalwood powder, dried fruit, and silver foil. Ladoos are also made of sesame seeds as well and are different from wheat Ladoos, Motichoor Ladoos and Boondi Ladoos. They are typically served at special occasions like weddings and festivals. It’s also one of the most favorite Indian Dessert recipes that are also prepared at home kitchens too for special occasions and functions. During the festival of Raksha Bandhan, this is one of the ultimate best-selling sweets in India.
Jalebi
Jalebi is an Indian sweet dish made of deep-fried lentils. This recipe calls for ground garbanzo beans, known as chickpeas in English. The batter should be slightly watery. You can use regular flour or gram flour in place of besan. To make it gluten-free, substitute 2 cups of rice flour with 2 cups of corn starch. Its is also served as a sweet snack in the evening.
Ras malai
Ras malai is an old Indian dessert prepared during festivals like Holi, Diwali, etc. It is a sweet dish made up of milk curd mixed with sugar syrup or sweet syrup. In Bengal, it is called “ras malai”.But there are many stories about how this dessert came into existence. Some say that King Shashanka of the Kamarupa dynasty invented this sweet dish dessert. They also used to prepare this dish during his coronation ceremony. The other story says that Queen Kalyani of the Kamarupa Dynasty invented this sweet dish. She used to make ras malai for her son Bir Bikram Shah. This dish is very famous among people because it tastes great and is easy to make. Ras malai literally means “creamed milk”. Ras malai is a creamy dessert that originated in Punjab. It is made using thickened milk. Ras malai is available in various forms like ice cream, cake, mousse, etc. Rasmalai is often served along with other Indian desserts such as Kheer, Halwa and Laddoo. Rasmalai is a traditional Punjabi sweet dessert. It is believed that Guru Nanak Devji was fond of ras malai. He would always order ras malai when he visited places like Amritsar. Ras malai is considered the national dessert of the Punjab region.
Modak
Modak is a traditional Indian dessert made from wheat flour and filled with dry fruits. Modaks are usually made by hand and are not machine-made. They are said as Indian Delicacy sweets. There are different types of modak recipes, some include nuts, raisins, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, dates, figs, mangoes, bananas, strawberries, apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, grapes, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, kiwifruits, melons, guavas, pineapples, papayas, passionfruit, custard apple, jackfruits, and lychee. Modak is the most famous sweet in India and is highly served and gifted as a greet on the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Khoya Barfi
Khoya Barfi is a very popular Indian dessert that originated in Maharashtra. It is a soft chewy barfi made from milk solids and sugar. It has a distinct flavor due to its ingredients. It is mostly served chilled but can also be served warm. It is available in different flavors like Mango, Coconut, Rose Petals, Cardamom, Pistachio, Cashew Nuts, Almond, Walnut, Raisin, Banana, and even Chocolate Flavoured barfi as well.
Pista Barfi
Pista Barfi is a delicious Indian dessert made from milk solids, sugar, cardamom and pistachios. It is a soft and chewy barfi made with milk solids and sugar cooked together until thick. It is commonly eaten with tea or coffee or even after breakfast lunch or dinner. its high in energy and balanced in sugar and gives an exotic to your taste buds.
Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar Ka Halwa is another trendy Indian dessert. It is made using carrots and other vegetables like peas and green beans. Carrots are cooked along with sugar and raisins until they become soft. Then, they are mashed and added to a bowl containing grated coconut. The sugary syrup is added to make it sweetened. The whole thing is then baked in an oven until it turns golden brown. Gajar ka Halwa is a carrot-based dessert, it can. It is usually served warm. It’s a traditional sweet dish that is commonly found in North India.
Aam Shrikhand
Shrikhand is an ancient Indian dessert made with hung milk curds. It is traditionally served with thali meals. It’s one of the most famous sweet snacks. It tastes like a combination of cream cheese and pudding. Shrikhand Dessert has been around since the time of Mahabharata. Legend has it that Krishna enjoyed shrikhand so much that he asked for more and more each day. Hence, the name “shrikhand” comes from the Hindi words “Shri” meaning “more” and “Khand”, which means “to eat”. Shrikhand comes in different flavors like mango, strawberry, Kesar, rose, etc
Sandesh
Sandesh is a sweet dish prepared by mixing curd and sugar together. This is one of the most popular desserts in India. In fact, it is a very famous dessert among Bengali people. People love eating Sandesh during festivals like Durga Puja and Holi. Sandesh sweet is a unique sweet dish in India. The Sandesh is a sweet that traditionally comes from West Bengal. There are several varieties of Sandesh sweets. They include Sandesh made out of jaggery (jaggary), Sandesh made out of khoya (khoya Sandesh) and Sandesh made out of sugar.
Shahi Tukda
Shahi Tukda originates in the Awadh region of UP. This dish is made of leftovers of Rotis/Chapatis and even bread soaked overnight in yogurt. This dish is usually served during festivals like Holi or Diwali. Shahi Tukda is one of the most ancient sweet dishes in India. It is also known as “Tukda” or “Todd”. This is a straightforward sweet dish. It can be eaten at any time of the year. However, it is mainly consumed during festive seasons. Shahi Tukda is a Mughal recipe. It is said that Shah Jahan loved this dish so much that he had it sent all over the world. Today, Shahi Tukda remains one of the most popular dishes in Uttar Pradesh state.
Soan papdi
The word “Soan” itself means “flour”. In India, it refers to wheat flour used to prepare snacks like papads, idlis, dosa, etc. Pappadams are usually deep fried while Soan Papdis are baked. There are many Soan Papdi – some are crispy, others soft, some are sweetened and some are savory. In Tamil Nadu, there are three types of Soan Papdi – Kadalai, Thayalai and Kuzhambu. Kadalai is crispier and tastes better. Thayalai is softer and sweeter. Kuzhambu is a very spicy version of Soan Papdi And one of the highest-selling sweet Dish in India. Kuzhambu is also made up with adding wheat flour in it. Soan Papdi is one of the most popular sweets in India. There are many numerous shops selling Soan Papdi across every part of India. You can find Soan Papdi in almost every street corner shop in your local surroundings. Soan Papdi is also used as an evening snack as well.
Rava Ladoo
Rava Ladoo is a delicious dessert made of semolina and ghee. Rava Ladoo can also be made up as the second version of wheat flour Ladoo as an alternative. It is similar to Besan ladoo but tastes slightly different. Rava Ladoo is a traditional Maharash sweet. It is commonly found in Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Rava Ladoo has been around for decades and centuries. It is said that King Shivaji Ji liked this dessert so much that he ordered his chefs to make more and more of them. Rava Ladoo can be served hot or cold. It is sometimes called “Kheer-e-Rava” in the Marathi language. Rava Ladoo comes in different flavors like mango, coconut, cardamom, pistachio, saffron, rose water, etc. The best way to eat Rava Ladoo is by mixing it with sugar syrup. Rava Ladoo is an excellent source of energy. It helps you stay active throughout the day.
Boondi Ladoo
Boondi Ladoo is a traditional Indian dessert. There are many variations of Boondi laddoo recipes. You can use any milk you want. Buttermilk works best because it is sour. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk will do. Also, feel free to add nuts, raisins etc. Boondi Ladoo is a decadent dessert made from milk. Boondi Ladoo is a Milk sweet Product. It is prepared using dry fruits and nuts. Boondi Ladoos are traditionally served on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, religious festivals, etc. Boondi Ladoos have high calories in nature, but after all, they are one of the best consuming sweets of all time. They are also served as gifts. Like the Motichoor Ladoos, Boondi Ladoos are best enjoyed after dinner. They help keep your stomach full for longer hours. Boondi Ladu is a perfect dessert and sweets.
Suji Halwa
This suji halwa is one of my favorite dishes. I love it because it tastes like an Indian dessert and it is healthy too. You can eat it without worrying about gaining weight. This suji halwa is also one of the oldest desserts and sweets made from rice flour and jaggery (or palm sugar). It is low in calories and high in minerals. It is widely used in Indian sweets and desserts.
Mishti Doi (Sweet Yoghurt)
Mishti Doi is a popular Indian dessert that is usually eaten during the Holi festival. It is made from yogurt and jaggery. Jaggery is basically sugarcane juice. Yogurt contains live cultures, proteins and calcium. So eating Mishti Doi regularly keeps your digestive system healthy. It also helps maintain good dental health. It is a classical Bengali sweet mostly famous all over India.
Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Pudding)
Gajar ka halwa is one of the most popular desserts in Indian cuisine. In fact, it is often considered synonymous with Indian sweets. It originates from India, where it is known as kheer. It is typically eaten during festivals like Holi and Diwali. But what makes this dish unique is the addition of carrot juice, which gives it a unique flavor. The recipe consists of grated carrots, water, ghee, milk, khoya (milk solids), Milk Powder, sugar and cardamom powder. Traditionally, it is cooked over firewood embers, but modern kitchens use electric stoves.
Aamras
Aamras is a popular dessert in India. It consists of sweetened milk mixed with sugar syrup and cardamom seeds. Also known as Amritha or Amrita, it is an extraction of mangoes. In America, it’s usually served with ice cream or vanilla ice cream. Aamras Dessert is very famous in South India. It is mainly served at wedding receptions and other celebrations.
Petha
The word petha originates from the Hindi language, which literally translates to “sweet”. In English, we call it a pumpkin pie because it is made up of pumpkin. In India, there are many different varieties of pethas. Some are savory while others are sweet. They range in size from small to large. There are even some that are served hot. One such variety of petha is called Kalakand. This type of petha is usually cooked in milk and sugar syrup or even milk powder is added. 
Boondi
Boondi is a popular Indian sweet. In fact, it’s considered one of the most famous snacks in India. In Hindi, “Boondi” translates to “lump”, and refers to the shape of the snack itself. There are many different kinds of Boondi, including sweet ones like kheer Boondi, savory ones like Pani puri Boondi, and even some that are spicy like chana Boondi. Boondi Ladoo is a popular version of Boondi that is filled with coconut.
Kheer
Kheer is a prevalent sweet dish in India. It’s the only Indian version patent sweet dish. There are wide different varieties. Simple ingredients such as rice, milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom and raisins are used for preparations. The rice is soaked overnight before being boiled and then strained. Then, the mixture is left to cool down until it thickens. Finally, it is poured into individual bowls and garnished with almonds. Kheer is the oldest Dessert tradition in India.
Aaloo Ka Halwa
Aaloo ka halwa is one of the most popular desserts in India. This sweet dish is usually served during the winter season. It is prepared by mixing mashed potatoes with milk and sugar syrup. To make it even tastier, you can add different ingredients like nuts, raisins, almonds, cashews, etc.
Cham Cham
Cham Cham is a trendy sweet dish in Bangladesh. Cham Cham is also known as gulab jamun in Pakistan. It is a deep-fried ball of dough stuffed with jaggery or Khoya & paneer stuff and flavored with rosewater. It is often eaten for breakfast or after dinner. Cham Cham is made from pure quality khoya and sweet syrup added to it. In India, it’s the highest-selling sweet across the nation.
Kulfi
Kulfi is a traditional dessert in Northern India. It is made from ice cream and flavored with pistachio paste. It is sometimes served at celebrations in festivals and differently organized family function events. Kulfi is usually served in cones. However, you can find it frozen in supermarkets too. The Khoya Kulfi has many flavors like Rabri kulfi, Badam kulfi, Khoya kulfi, Matka kulfi, Chocolate kulfi, Rajbhog kulfi, Malai kulfi etc.
Kalakand
Kalakand is a prevalent Indian sweet dish also known as Milk Cake. Ingredients like Fat Milk, condensed milk and powdered sugar are normally used in the making of such delightful sweets. It is usually served hot, but it can be eaten cold too. There are many variations of the recipe. Here we will discuss with you some interesting facts about this delicious dessert. Kalakand is derived from the Persian word Kala Kaand meaning black candy. This name is given because of the dark color of the sugar syrup used to make it. The origin of Kalakand dates back to ancient times. During the Mughal era, the royal courtiers used to eat this delicacy during parties. Kalakand is a Sweet Milk product Dessert is liked and consumed by everyone. It’s India’s most dessert famous category product.
Dhondas
This sweet Dhondas is made out of thinned milk and sugar and rose syrup and is popularly known as Pedha in Hindi. It originated in Rajasthan, where it is called Dundas. This sweet is available all over India and is eaten during special occasions like festivals, weddings, etc. The origin of name “Pedha” is derived from the word “Peda,” which means “to boil.” It is also referred to as “Pedda Pedda” because it is boiled twice – once with sugar and again with ghee.
Falooda (Sweet Creamy Noodles)
Falooda is an Indian sweet cream dessert drink made out of cow milk, sugar, yogurt, and nuts. It is usually served chilled and garnished. The Falooda has creamy Noodles white in color and is very soft and juicy. They are then garnished with Pista and loaded with milk and Rabri for an extra exotic tasty experience. Falooda is one of the best Indian Desserts in India and a famous Indian Dessert Recipe.
Gujiya (Indian Pasty)
Gujiya is one of India’s most popular snacks in terms of Indian sweets. In fact, it is often referred to as the Indian version of pizza which is gifted and served on special occasions and functions too. Made from wheat flour dough stuffed with spices and vegetables, Gujiyas is usually eaten hot or cold. They are served as sweet treats during festivals like Holi and Diwali. The origin of the name Gujiya is uncertain. Some believe it derives from the Hindi word Gudiya meaning “pierced.” Others say it comes from the Gujarati language, where Gujia refers to a type of bread. Whatever the case, Gujiya is now enjoyed across the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Indian sweets and desserts?
Indian sweets and desserts are sweet dishes made from different ingredients like fruits, nuts, milk products, ghee (clarified butter), sugar, flour, baking powder etc. They are usually served at dessert occasions such as weddings, birthdays, festivals, religious events, etc. India is one of the largest producers of sweets and desserts in the world. India produces around 2 million tonnes of sweets annually.
Which is the cheapest sweet in India?
The cheapest sweet in India is Gulab Jamun. It costs only Rs.15 per piece. It is made up of fried dough balls filled with dry fruits and flavored with rose water. It is generally sold in street stalls across North India and has built up the tastes of the majority of consumers of sweets.
Which state is famous for sweets in India?
Gujarat has been recognized as the best place to enjoy sweets in India. Gujarat is home to several sweet shops that sell mouth-watering sweets. Some of them include Chikki, Jalebi, Sev, Payesh, Gajar ka Halwa, Pista kheer, Kheer, Badam ki churma, Laddoo, Rasgulla, etc. In India, Rasgulla is a famous sweet of West Bengal named Roshogulla.
What are Indian sweets made of?
Indian Sweets are made of different ingredients like Milk, Sugar, Flour, Nuts, Fruits, Vegetables, Dry Fruits, Ghee, etc. There are various types of Indian sweets like:
• Rava Ladoo – Made using semolina and ghee
• Khoya Ladoo – Made using khoya (dried curds)
• Shrikhand – A type of sweet made by boiling milk with sugar until it thickens
• Sago halwa – Made using sago pearls
• Kheer– Made using rice or wheat flour or Chickpea flour
• Badam ki churmuri – Made using almonds
• Payesh – Made using jaggery and coconut
• Sev – Made using sugar and saffron
• Gulab jamun – Made using milk and sugar
• Chikki – Made using flour and ghee
What are popular sweets?
There are many popular sweets in India. Some of them are listed below:
• Gulab Jamun – Made using milk, sugar and cardamom powder
• Jalebi – Made using batter and deep fried
• Sev – Made from sugar and saffron mixed
• Payesh – Sweet made using jaggery and cashew nut paste
• Kheer – Made from rice
What is the world’s best dessert?
Gulab Jamun is considered to be the world’s best dessert. This is made from milk, sugar and cardamom powder. It is a traditional sweet which is basically from Uttar Pradesh. Sev is another one of the most popular desserts in India. It is made from sugar and saffron (Kessar). It is mainly consumed during the Holi festival.
Summary
Indian sweets and desserts are delicious and unique. There are wide varieties of Indian sweets and desserts available. They are easy to find online or in local stores. Indian sweets and desserts are famous all over the world. In India, there are many sweet shops where people buy sweets and desserts. We discussed the best Indian Sweets and Desserts in India, with their best source of regions and their famous makings in different parts of India as well.
