Types of Indian Sweets and Desserts
From the snow-capped Himalayas, famous for its Pahadi Halwa, to the sun-kissed beaches of Kerala, renowned for its Uniyappam, India’s landscapes are as varied as its sweets. India is a country that is not only diverse in its culture, languages, and regions but also equally diverse in its food culture.
But when it comes to sweets and desserts, there are innumerable types of sweets from different origins. It can be from milk, khova, paneer, or even fresh fruits and chocolates. These different sweets make the country unique for its celebration and joy. This article will look at the various types of Indian sweets and desserts.
Common Types of Indian Sweets: Different sweets in India
India’s rich culinary heritage shines through its diverse array of sweets, also known as ‘mithai’ in the local languages. From the milk-based Barfi to the syrup-soaked Gulab Jamun, each confection tells a story of tradition and celebration, showcasing regional flavours and intricate recipes passed down through generations. Let us find out the most common types of Indian sweets and desserts. Shall we?
1. Mithai
“Mithai” comes from the word “Meethi,” meaning sweet. It refers to various traditional Indian sweets dating back centuries. These confections hold cultural significance in celebrations, festivals, and religious ceremonies across India and are easy to make! Recipes typically include milk, ghee, sugar, and flavourings like cardamom and saffron. Recipes range from simple milk-based sweets like Kalakand, Coconut mithai and more. WarmOven offers the best in town if you are looking for delicious milk-based cakes.
2. Halwa
Halwa is a dense, smooth, textured sweet enjoyed across India and neighbouring regions. It is made from semolina, wheat flour, carrots, dry fruits, or lentils. It is cooked with ghee and sugar and flavoured with nuts and sweet spices. Varieties include Gajar Halwa (carrot), Sooji Halwa (semolina), Moong Dal Halwa (lentil), Badam Halwa (Almonds), and more. Halwa has ancient roots, and recipes evolve continuously.
3. Laddoo
Laddoos are sphere-shaped sweets enjoyed as festive treats and offerings in temples. They represent good fortune and celebration. They are made from flour (besan or gram flour), ghee, and sugar syrup, shaped into balls, and garnished with nuts. Besan Laddoo and Rava Laddoo are popular variations. Laddoos are usually made as offerings to Gods in temples, weddings, and other special occasions. Motichoor Laddoo is another special delicacy of Besan, saffron, and sugar. It is a famous and most loved laddoo by all.
4. Barfi
Barfi, derived from the Persian “barf,” meaning snow, denotes its soft, fudge-like texture. It has been enjoyed in India for centuries. It is usually shaped in squares and cubes and served as a sweet gesture on a special occasion. Barfi is made from condensed milk, sugar, and various flavours like mango, pistachio, or almond. It’s cooked until thick, then set and cut into squares or diamonds. Varieties like Mango Barfi, Coconut Barfi, Badam Barfi, Kaju Barfi, Chocolate Barfi, Horlicks Barfi, Pista Barfi, and many more are widely available in Indian Markets.
5. Rasgulla and Rasmalai
Originating from West Bengal, these spongy paneer balls soaked in sugar syrup or milk are iconic in Bengali cuisine and festivals. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is kneaded and shaped into balls, then cooked in sugar syrup for Rasgulla or soaked in sweetened milk for Rasmalai. Have you ever heard of Rasmalai cake? Yes, WarmOven offers the yummiest Rasmalai cakes. Order online to get it at your doorstep!
6. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun, meaning “rose berry,” has Persian origins and has become synonymous with festive celebrations across India. This sweet in India is an absolute delight in every home. If any milestone or festival is achieved, Gulab Jamun will be ready on the table! But have you ever wondered what a Gulab Jamun Cake tastes like? WarmOven offers online Gulab Jamun Cake delivery. Order now to get a 10% discount on orders above ₹700/-
7. Jalebi and Imarti
Crispy, syrupy swirls like Jalebi and Imarti have ancient origins, with recipes passed down through generations. The batter is made from fermented flour, deep-fried in circular shapes, and then soaked in sugar syrup. Jalebi is thinner, while Imarti is thicker and often has a distinct shape. These Indian sweets offer a sugary, sweet, and joyful memory with your loved ones and make the occasion extra special.
9. Peda
Peda, originating from Uttar Pradesh, is a semi-soft sweet made from khoya (reduced milk solids). Khoya is cooked with sugar and flavoured with cardamom or saffron, then shaped into small, flattened rounds. It’s often garnished with pistachios or almonds. It is usually served as a sweet offering for every guest and visitor at Indian homes, along with some Masala Tea, Coffee, Biscuits, Snacks, and, of course, some Peda.
9. Sondesh (Sandesh)
A Bengali delicacy made from chhena (paneer) and sugar, Sandesh symbolises hospitality and is often served during auspicious occasions. Chhena is kneaded with sugar and flavoured with cardamom, shaped into moulds or flattened discs. It can be garnished with nuts or fruits. This sweet from Bengal is an absolute lip-smacking confection you can never miss.
10. Kaju Katli
Kaju Katli, made from cashews, has Mughal origins and is a famous sweet during festivals like Diwali. Ground cashews are cooked with sugar syrup ghee and flavoured with cardamom. The mixture is set, cut into diamond-shaped pieces, and garnished with edible silver foil. Kaju Katli is one Indian sweet that nobody can ever miss. It is also known to be very addictive to eat. You know, one piece of Kaju Katli doesn’t suffice.
11. Kulfi
Kulfi, an Indian ice cream, has ancient origins and is traditionally made by slow-cooking milk until thickened. Milk is simmered with sugar, saffron, and cardamom until reduced, then frozen in moulds. Varieties include Malai Kulfi (cream), Mango Kulfi, and Pistachio Kulfi. This Indian sweet-ice cream is an absolute favourite for every 90s kid. Be it the last day of the exam or the mid-summer vacation, Kulfis is always in mind.
12. Shrikhand
Shrikhand, a sweetened yogurt dessert, originated in Maharashtra and Gujarat, often served during festivals and celebrations. Yoghurt is hung to drain excess whey, then mixed with sugar, saffron, and cardamom. It’s chilled and garnished with nuts or fruits before serving. Shrikhand is a sweet that is served on all occasions.
Regional Specialties: Different sweets in India
India’s regional culinary delights showcase a rich tapestry of flavours and traditions through iconic sweets. Be it Bengal’s Rasgulla, Karnataka’s Kesari Bath, Punjab’s Gajar Ka Halwa, or even Assam’s Komolar Kheer, Indian states have various specialities.
Let’s learn more about the regional specialities.
1. Petha
Petha, hailing from Agra in Uttar Pradesh, features delicate white pumpkin immersed in fragrant sugar syrup, often infused with saffron or cardamom for a subtle sweetness. Similar to Pedha but very different in the making, Petha is a melt-in-the-mouth. Anyone visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra gets a lot of Petha back home.
2. Mysore Pak
Mysore Pak, originating from Karnataka’s Mysore city, boasts a crumbly texture from a blend of ghee, sugar, and gram flour (besan). It is enjoyed during festive occasions like Diwali, Dusshera, and Ugadi. Mysore Pak is the most popular and easiest sweet to make at home.
3. Modak
Modak, essential during Maharashtra’s Ganesh Chaturthi, is sweet dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery. It symbolises auspicious beginnings and devotion to Lord Ganesha. Modak is made in every household in India during Ganesh Chaturthi and acts as a symbol of joy and celebration.
4. Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar Ka Halwa, a beloved North Indian dessert from Punjab, blends shredded carrots with milk, sugar, and ghee. It is a comforting treat, especially cherished in winter. Whether Eid, Diwali, or New Year, Gajar Ka Halwa is made on all beautiful occasions.
Festival Special Sweets
India’s festivals are celebrations of culture and spirituality and occasions to savour a wide array of traditional sweets that hold deep significance in each region. During Diwali, the festival of lights, homes are adorned with diyas (oil lamps) and rangolis, while families exchange sweets like Laddoo, Barfi, and Rasmalai to symbolise prosperity and happiness.
Raksha Bandhan strengthens sibling bonds with treats like Kaju Katli and Peda, expressing love and protection. Holi, known as the festival of colours, brings together communities with sweets such as Gujiya and Malpua, enhancing the joyous spirit of the occasion.
Eid and other festivals like Pongal and Makar Sankranti also feature unique sweet dishes like Sheer Khurma, Khaja, Pongal, and Til Laddu, reflecting India’s diverse culinary traditions and the joy of sharing sweetness with loved ones during festive times. Christmas features a variety of fruit cakes and desserts. If you are looking for cakes, you must try WarmOven’s doorstep delivery service for regular cakes and custom-made cakes.
Conclusion
Indian sweets are central to traditions, symbolizing joy and auspiciousness during festivals and celebrations. Authentic Indian sweets can be savoured at local sweet shops, festivals, and specialty restaurants worldwide. If you are looking for doorstep delivery, WarmOven offers a variety of Cakes and desserts at your doorstep. Order now to get a flat 10% discount on orders above ₹700/-
