24 Indian Desserts You Need to Try (Trust Us, They’re Amazing!)

Indian desserts are known for their exotic flavors, rich textures, and indulgent sweetness, making them a must-try for any dessert lover.

These 24 Indian desserts are guaranteed to wow you with their combination of unique ingredients, spices, and textures.

From the creamy richness of kulfi (Indian ice cream) to the irresistible syrupy sweetness of gulab jamun, Indian sweets are an experience like no other.

These recipes feature traditional favorites, as well as modern twists, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors ranging from cardamom and saffron to coconut and pistachio.

Ready to treat yourself to something indulgent?

These desserts will take you straight to the heart of India’s sweet traditions.

Irresistible Indian Dessert Delights

Indian desserts are known for their rich flavors, aromatic spices, and delightful textures.

From creamy milk-based sweets to warm, spiced treats, Indian desserts are a true celebration of flavor.

Dive into these recipes and enjoy the sweet side of Indian cuisine.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a popular Indian dessert that melts in your mouth.

These sweet, spongy treats are made by deep-frying dough balls and then soaking them in a fragrant rose-water syrup.

With a soft texture and rich sweetness, they’re often served warm, making them a perfect indulgence for special occasions or after a hearty meal.

The key to getting the perfect gulab jamun lies in the dough, which should be just the right consistency to create those melt-in-the-mouth morsels.

The syrup soaks into the dough, infusing each bite with delightful flavor.

Whether served at festivals or family gatherings, this classic dessert never fails to please.

Rasgulla

Rasgulla is a delicate, spongy Indian dessert made from fresh cheese soaked in syrup.

The chenna or paneer is kneaded into soft dough and shaped into small, round balls before being simmered in a sugary syrup.

As the balls expand and absorb the syrup, they become light and airy, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Enjoyed either warm or chilled, rasgulla is a refreshing dessert, perfect for serving at festive gatherings or after a comforting meal.

It has a subtle, milky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the syrup.

The simplicity and elegance of rasgulla make it a favorite in many Indian households.

Kheer

Kheer is a creamy, comforting rice pudding that can be enjoyed on any special occasion.

The dish combines rice, milk, and sugar, cooked together until it reaches a rich and thick consistency.

With a dash of cardamom for flavor, the pudding is often garnished with raisins, almonds, and pistachios for added texture and taste.

Kheer can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it versatile for all seasons.

The indulgent, smooth texture makes it a beloved dessert across India, especially at festivals and celebrations.

With its simplicity and sweetness, kheer never disappoints anyone with a sweet tooth.

Jalebi

Jalebi is a deliciously crispy and syrupy treat that is a staple in Indian sweets.

The batter is squeezed into spiral shapes and fried until golden and crisp, then soaked in a warm sugar syrup infused with cardamom.

The result is a sweet, crunchy exterior with a soft, syrup-soaked center.

Perfect for indulging during festivals or as an after-dinner dessert, jalebi is a treat loved by all ages.

It has a unique texture that’s both crisp and gooey, offering a satisfying contrast in each bite.

A true delight, especially when served warm.

Barfi

Barfi is a melt-in-your-mouth Indian sweet that comes in a variety of flavors.

The most basic barfi is made from milk, sugar, and ghee, while other variations include coconut, besan (chickpea flour), or mawa (milk solids).

The mixture is cooked on low heat until it thickens, then spread into a pan and left to set.

Once firm, the barfi is cut into small pieces, often garnished with nuts or dried fruits.

It’s a favorite during festivals and family celebrations, offering a rich, creamy flavor that is both satisfying and indulgent.

With its smooth texture and sweet taste, barfi is a classic dessert.

Ladoo

Ladoo is a delicious Indian sweet shaped into small, round balls.

These treats can be made from a variety of ingredients, such as chickpea flour (besan), coconut, or a mix of nuts.

The besan ladoo, often prepared with roasted chickpea flour, ghee, and sugar, is a popular variant.

Once the mixture is cooked to perfection, it’s rolled into balls and cooled.

Ladoos are perfect for festivals, special occasions, or even as a quick snack.

Each bite offers a burst of sweetness and texture, making them a crowd-pleaser at every gathering.

Rasmalai

Rasmalai is a decadent dessert made from soft cheese dumplings soaked in a sweet, creamy milk sauce.

The dumplings, typically made from paneer or chenna, absorb the aromatic flavors of cardamom, saffron, and rose water as they cook in the sugar syrup.

The dish is then topped with chopped nuts, adding texture and richness.

Served chilled, rasmalai offers a refreshing and indulgent experience, making it perfect for warm weather or festive occasions.

The richness of the milk and softness of the dumplings create a perfect harmony of flavors in each bite.

Halwa

Halwa is a comforting Indian dessert that comes in many varieties, made from ingredients like carrots, semolina, or almonds.

The carrots in gajar ka halwa are grated and cooked with milk and sugar, creating a soft, jammy consistency that’s enriched with ghee and cardamom.

Other types of halwa, such as suji (semolina) or badam (almond), offer unique textures and flavors.

Rich and flavorful, halwa is perfect for warming up on a cold day or celebrating a special occasion.

The dish is often garnished with nuts, adding extra crunch and flavor to each serving.

Kulfi

Kulfi is an indulgent Indian frozen dessert that’s creamier and denser than ice cream.

Traditional kulfi is made by slowly simmering milk, then mixing it with sugar and flavorings such as pistachio, mango, or cardamom.

Once poured into molds and frozen, the result is a rich, velvety dessert that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Unlike ice cream, kulfi has a firmer texture, which makes it a treat to savor.

Enjoyed in various flavors, kulfi is a refreshing and delightful end to any meal, especially in the summer.

Kesari

Kesari is a bright, flavorful dessert made from semolina, ghee, and sugar.

The semolina is roasted in ghee until golden brown, then mixed with water or milk and cooked until soft and thick.

Cardamom and saffron infuse the dish with fragrant flavors, while cashews and raisins are often added for texture and richness.

Kesari is a simple yet satisfying dessert that can be enjoyed at room temperature or warm.

It’s a quick-to-make treat that’s often served at religious ceremonies or festive occasions.

The golden hue and aromatic flavor make kesari a crowd favorite.

Peda

Peda is a rich Indian sweet made from condensed milk, sugar, and ghee.

Often flavored with cardamom or saffron, peda has a smooth and creamy texture that’s perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the milk.

After cooking, the mixture is shaped into small discs and decorated with pistachios or almonds.

Pedas are a popular choice for festivals, especially Diwali, and are known for their indulgent richness.

The balance of flavors in peda makes it a satisfying treat that appeals to those with a sweet tooth.

Sandesh

Sandesh is a traditional Bengali sweet made from fresh chhena (cheese).

After curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar, the chhena is kneaded into a smooth dough and flavored with cardamom or saffron.

The dough is shaped into delicate discs or balls, sometimes garnished with pistachios.

Sandesh has a light, creamy texture that’s perfect for those who prefer milder, less-sweet treats.

It’s often served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert.

Sandesh is a perfect example of Bengali culinary finesse, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Basundi

Basundi is a rich, creamy dessert made by simmering milk until it thickens.

Sugar, cardamom, and saffron are added to infuse the dessert with sweet and aromatic flavors.

Chopped nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, are often sprinkled on top for a crunchy contrast.

This dessert is typically served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for any season.

Basundi is particularly popular during festivals, where it adds a touch of elegance to the feast.

Its creamy consistency and fragrant flavor make it a favorite in Gujarati and Maharashtrian households.

Modak

Modak is a traditional sweet dumpling from Maharashtra, often enjoyed during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

The dough is made from rice flour or wheat flour, and the filling is typically made from grated coconut and jaggery.

Modaks can be steamed or fried, with steamed ones being soft and translucent, while fried versions are crisp and golden.

The dumplings are shaped into small, pointed bundles, which represent Lord Ganesha’s form.

Modak is a beloved treat that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.

It’s a sweet, satisfying treat that’s perfect for celebrations.

Phirni

Phirni is a creamy, aromatic rice pudding that’s served chilled.

Made by grinding rice into a coarse paste, it’s then cooked with milk, sugar, and cardamom for a rich, fragrant flavor.

Garnished with slivered almonds or pistachios, phirni is a popular dessert during weddings, festivals, and special occasions.

The smooth texture and delicate sweetness make it a perfect way to end a hearty meal.

Traditionally served in small clay pots, phirni is a true delight, offering both comfort and elegance in every spoonful.

Gajar Ka Halwa

Gajar ka halwa, or carrot halwa, is a beloved Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, and sugar.

The carrots cook down into a soft, jam-like consistency, while cardamom and ghee add richness and depth to the flavor.

Often garnished with chopped nuts, this sweet dish is perfect for colder months or festive occasions.

Its comforting texture and natural sweetness make it a favorite for all ages.

Gajar ka halwa is especially popular during winter, when carrots are in season, making it a warm, indulgent treat.

Malpua

Malpua is a crispy, sweet Indian pancake that’s deep-fried and soaked in syrup.

Made with flour, milk, and sugar, malpua is flavored with fennel seeds and cardamom for extra aroma.

After frying until golden, the pancakes are dipped in sugar syrup, giving them a rich, sweet coating.

Malpua is often served during festivals like Holi and Diwali, making it a festive treat that brings people together.

The combination of crispy exterior and syrupy sweetness is a delightful contrast that everyone loves.

Rabri

Rabri is a thick, creamy dessert made by simmering milk for hours until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.

As the milk cooks, a layer of cream forms on top, which is folded back into the mixture for a rich, velvety texture.

The sweetness is enhanced with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes rose water.

Rabri pairs wonderfully with other Indian sweets like gulab jamun or malpua, making it a versatile dessert for festive meals.

Its richness makes it a luxurious treat that’s perfect for special occasions.

Doodh Puli

Doodh Puli is a Bengali sweet made from rice flour dough dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery.

The dumplings are simmered in milk until the dough becomes soft and the milk thickens into a creamy sauce.

This dessert is often enjoyed during festivals, offering a comforting texture and rich flavor.

The coconut filling adds a natural sweetness that complements the creamy milk base.

Served warm, Doodh Puli is a perfect dessert for cozy nights or special celebrations.

Balushahi

Balushahi is a traditional Indian sweet that’s similar to a glazed donut.

The dough is made with flour, yogurt, and ghee, shaped into small balls with a dent in the center, and deep-fried until golden brown.

After frying, they’re soaked in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom, rose water, and saffron.

The result is a rich, crispy exterior with a soft, syrup-soaked interior.

Balushahi is often served during festivals, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Chomchom

Chomchom is a traditional Bengali dessert made from chhena (paneer), cooked in sugar syrup and often stuffed with sweetened milk solids.

The chhena is shaped into oval pieces, boiled in syrup, and pressed to remove excess syrup.

It’s then garnished with chopped pistachios and rolled in coconut for added texture.

Chomchom has a spongy, delicate texture and a rich, milky flavor that makes it a perfect dessert for festivals.

The unique combination of sweet milk and coconut makes it a festive treat enjoyed by many.

Patishapta

Patishapta is a Bengali dessert made from thin, delicate crepes filled with sweet coconut filling.

The crepes are flavored with cardamom and saffron, and the filling consists of jaggery and grated coconut, with a hint of cardamom.

Once rolled up, these crepes are served warm or at room temperature, making them a popular treat during Bengali festivals.

The combination of the soft crepes and sweet filling makes it a delectable dessert to savor.

The preparation takes a little practice, but the result is worth it.

Khubani Ka Meetha

Khubani Ka Meetha is a sweet, flavorful dessert made from dried apricots.

The apricots are soaked overnight and then cooked with sugar and cardamom, giving them a rich, fragrant flavor.

Often served with a dollop of cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect after a rich meal.

The addition of ghee in some recipes gives it a richness that pairs beautifully with the apricot’s tart sweetness.

This dessert is especially popular in Hyderabadi cuisine.

Kalakand

Kalakand is a traditional Indian sweet made from milk, sugar, and paneer.

The milk is simmered until it thickens, and then paneer is added to create a fudge-like texture.

After cooking, the mixture is set in a pan and cut into squares.

The sweetness of the milk and the texture of the paneer create a rich, indulgent treat.

Kalakand is often garnished with chopped nuts and enjoyed during festivals.

Its simple ingredients and rich taste make it a favorite across India.