This post contains a collection of the best Indian dessert recipes for dinner parties for any special occasions or the festive season!
I have included easy Indian dessert recipes and some showstopping classic sweets and Indian fusion creations too. Most can be made ahead of time and the recipes are simple to follow .
Indian sweets are integral to Indian culture though Indian cuisine is mostly associated with curry dishes.
These sweets or mithai, are often made from humble ingredients with stunning results and are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings! The desserts are a great way to round off a delicious Indian meal.
Indian sweets can be traditional but upcoming recipes have a modern twist like these Indian Fusion Desserts
Quick Indian dessert recipes are great for last minute preparations or mid-week dinner parties as they have few main ingredients.
A couple of ingredients you will probably need available are ghee (can be homemade from butter), sugar, milk, mawa (made using ricotta cheese), paneer (cottage cheese) and nuts.
You can find a list of Indian Milk Sweets/Desserts too.
Check out this Diwali Dinner Party Menu for inspiration to curate your own bespoke menu
When to serve these Indian sweets recipes:
At festive occasions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Republic Day and Holi
At Indian weddings
Special occasions such as birthdays and celebrations
Dinner parties with families, work colleagues or friends
During weeknights – most of these easy recipes do not need much time
Easy Indian Desserts (Quick recipes)
Some of the best dinner party dessert recipes are easy to make. When preparing for a dinner party, the last thing you want is to be rushed off your feet!
You are guaranteed to find something you’ll love in this list of sweet recipes. Most posts contain plenty of helpful hints and tips so be sure to read it all the way through!
Kaju Katli / Kaju Barfi – made with a handful of ingredients – cashew flour and a simple sugar syrup is all that is required for this sweet treat! It is also easy to adapt to suit those following a vegan diet
Bhapa Doi – this perfect make ahead dessert is a type of yogurt pudding consisting of baked yogurt topped a spiced orange syrup spooned on top. Alternatively, serve with fresh fruits or dry fruits. You can either make individual portions or make in a large skillet.
Mango Panna Cotta without gelatine – This Vegetarian Panna Cotta is a layered panna cotta that combines exotic Mango and silky cream. It is a light and airy pudding requiring few ingredients
Coconut Ladoo – Coconut ladoos are hugely popular during Indian festivals. These easy ladoos are made using only 3 ingredients – desiccated coconut, milk, and sugar.
Besan Barfi – is made from gram flour and has a wonderous melt in the mouth texture. It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. It is an easier sweet to prepare compared to mysore pak which has more complicated techniques.
Sutarfeni – my cheat version of Sutarfeni uses kataifi pastry and the help of the air fryer! You can have gorgeous sutarfeni doused in sugar syrup in minutes.
Baklava Barfi – Want to wow your guests with an Indian sweet they won’t find anywhere else? This unique fusion sweet is made with plain white barfi and ribbons of nuts. Fusion desserts are also a great talking point at dinner parties!
Sugar free Boondi – these little balls of gold are a classic. If you’re looking for sugar free indian sweets, this is the one. This boondi made with only natural sweetener and has no added refined sugar. It is a great alternative to the original recipe of boondi ladoo if you have guests that are avoiding sugar.
Besan ladoo – crumbly and nutty, these Besan Ladoos are just like the ones you buy at the mithai shop. Make plenty, because these will be gone fast!
Kheer – this is a spiced Indian rice pudding made with whole milk and basmati rice. It can be served warm or chilled. If made in the instant pot, this delicious dessert can be on the table in a jiffy!
Basundi – for a creamy finish to your meal, chilled Basundi is the way to go. You need full-fat milk for perfect creamy basundi, the recipe is easy but it does take up some time. You can optionally add flavourings such as rose water
Cardamom Chai Kulfi – this kulfi recipe is so quick thanks to the use of milk powder. You just need to mix the ingredients together and freeze! If you don’t like chai, you can flavour it however you want!
Rose and Pistachio Puff Pastry Cream Cones – this recipe looks amazing but is so easy to make thanks to ready-made puff pastry. The cones are stuffed with a rose flavoured shrikhand.
Almond Butter Barfi Bars – if you want to serve up something unique, this delicious sweet is the way to go. A layer of almond butter barfi is sandwiched between a biscuit base and white chocolate ganache.
Gulab Jamun Mix Cake – this elegant cake is so quick to make as it uses packet gulab jamun mix. It is a great dinner party dessert for when you want indian flavours in a modern dessert
Rajgira Sheera – This Farali Halwa is safe to serve during Hindu fasting periods. It is a halwa made from amaranth flour and is gluten-free.
Shrikhand – shrikhand is a very easy recipe that does not require any cooking! It is My secret ingredient is whipped heavy cream that adds a silky soft finish.
Mango Peda – for a colourful end to your dinner party, try these milk powder peda which are flavoured with mango and saffron.
Pumpkin Kalakand – Pumpkin Kalakand is an exotic take on the traditional Indian sweet kalakand recipe. Perfect during Autumn/Fall.
Aate Ka Halwa – This decadent classic dessert is one of the most easy Indian sweet you can make without spending long time in the kitchen. The best part, it comes together in less than in 20 minutes and it is one the easy dessert recipes from North India. I have made this halwa recipe extra rich by adding milk solids and flavoured with cardamom powder.
Gujarati Keri no Ras – there are few summer desserts as good as this one! Serve chilled homemade mango pulp as part of a Gujarati thali and wow your guests!
Biranj – this sweet rice has similarities to zarda rice – it is a Gujarati recipe made with basmati rice and chana dal and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Serve it a the end of the meal or alongside a thali.
Puran Poli – This recipe is not a dessert and probably a better recipe to serve alongside a homely curry. Nevertheless, it is included here as it is a wonderful, sweet flatbread.
Traditional Indian Dessert Recipes
These recipes take time and skill but are well worth the effort! If you want to pull out the stops, these are the desserts to choose from!
Gulab Jamun – This is a classic Indian recipe consisting of fried balls of all-purpose flour and milk solids which are doused in a sugar syrup. Gulab Jamun are delicious served at room temperature. A firm British Asian restaurant favourite however, is to serve these warm alongside vanilla ice cream. These Indian milk balls are one of my favourite recipes!
Kala Jamun – this is a recipe for guests who have a sweet tooth! Kala Jamun is similar to Gulab Jamun except the balls are made from paneer. This sleek dessert is an absolute beauty.
Ras Malai – Ras Malai is an Indian milk dessert made with cottage cheese balls which are soaked in a sweet milk cream. Ras Malai remains a top contender as one of the best Indian desserts!
Gajar ka Halwa – a delicious North Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk and sugar. It is most often served during the winter months thanks to its warm and the season of Indian carrots. Carrot Halwa is the perfect sweet dish to complete a North Indian feast.
Moong Dal Halwa – This rich dessert is made with yellow split lentils, plenty of ghee and sugar. It is perfect during Diwali or other festive occasions.
Shahi Tukra – a type of Indian bread pudding, this recipe involves frying bread pieces in ghee then soaking in a thick rabri or sweetened milk.
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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29 Easy Indian Desserts For Dinner Parties
Ingredients
- 1 Gulab jamun
- 1 Aate Ka Halwa
- 1 Biranj
- 1 Kaju Katli
- 1 Pumpkin Kalakand
- 1 Sugarfree Boondi
Instructions
- Choose one easy Indian dessert recipe for dinner parties.
- Click on the given recipe link.
- Go through recipe and collect all the ingredients that are necessary for the dish.
- Prepare the recipe by following the method/instructions given in the recipe card, video or step by step images.
- Serve to your friends, family and guests.
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
29 Easy Indian Desserts For Dinner Parties
Ingredients
- 1 Gulab jamun
- 1 Aate Ka Halwa
- 1 Biranj
- 1 Kaju Katli
- 1 Pumpkin Kalakand
- 1 Sugarfree Boondi
Instructions
- Choose one easy Indian dessert recipe for dinner parties.
- Click on the given recipe link.
- Go through recipe and collect all the ingredients that are necessary for the dish.
- Prepare the recipe by following the method/instructions given in the recipe card, video or step by step images.
- Serve to your friends, family and guests.
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Over the holiday season, enjoy this velvety festive hummus that is prepared with chestnuts instead of chickpeas! This easy dip is made with chestnuts, tahini, garlic and lemon juice. It is super quick to prepare, naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Included is a recipe for Instant Pot Chestnuts.
- What is Chestnut Hummus?
- Why you should make this recipe:
- Ingredients
- How to boil chestnuts in the Instant Pot
- Method
- Serving Suggestion
- Storage
- Other Instant Pot Recipes
If you love chestnuts or have some leftover, try this Cream of Chestnut Soup – perfect as a Christmas starter!
What is Chestnut Hummus?
Chestnut Hummus is a twist on the classic Middle-Eastern hummus. Hummus is made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon juice.
In this recipe, I have replaced chickpeas with cooked chestnuts for a delicious and easy dip! Cooked chestnuts have a wonderfully sweet and nutty flavour and buttery texture which is perfect to blend.
Other hummus recipes we love are:
Turkish Tadka Hummus
Mango and Chilli Hummus
Thai Green Curry Hummus
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Black Chickpea Hummus
Why you should make this recipe:
Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Impress your guests with a new take on hummus.
A change to celebrate seasonal produce.
Great way to use up leftover chestnuts.
Make ahead recipe that freezes well.
Ingredients
Cooked chestnuts – I used chestnuts that were boiled in my Instant Pot
You can also use air fryer chestnuts or roasted chestnuts. It is possible to buy cooked and peeled chestnuts in packets in supermarkets for ease.
Tahini – also known as liquid gold. It is a paste of sesame seeds and adds smoothness and texture. Tahini also boasts a high nutritional profile.
Easily available in most of the major supermarkets and middle eastern grocery stores.
Garlic – use fresh cloves of garlic.
Lemon Juice – use either bottled or fresh.
Olive oil – I use extra virgin olive oil.
The tahini is optional but definitely adds creaminess and a Middle Eastern flavour to the hummus so do not skip it if you can help it!
Optional addition is ground cumin which gives a wonderful flavour
How to boil chestnuts in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a quick way to boil chestnuts in only a fraction of the time.
First, you will need to soak the chestnuts in hot water for around 10 minutes. This technique makes peeling easier later.
Discard any chestnuts that either float or have noticeable holes in them – these are rotten
Score an “X” using a sharp knife on the round side of the chestnut. Try to avoid going too deep to the inner flesh.
Place the chestnuts in the inner liner of the instant pot. For 1 cup of chestnuts, add 2 cups of water
Close the lid, select Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes.
Then, you want to allow for NPR for 10 minutes
After this point, you can release any remaining steam
One by one, peel the outer layer and inner skin whilst the chestnuts are still warm. If the chestnuts cool, the skin may stick and become too difficult to remove. In this case, warm the chestnuts again.
You can now eat them as they are or add into recipes.
Store Instant Pot chestnuts in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Method
Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor or blender.
Add a little warm water if the hummus is too thick
Once served, top with an extra drizzle of olive oil. Optionally, sprinkle over some fresh herbs.
Tips:
You want the hummus to be silky smooth so persevere with the blending. You can always add a tablespoon of warm water to the blender to help things along.
Serving Suggestion
Chestnut Hummus is best enjoyed in the same way as regular hummus. You can use it as a dip for pitta or vegetable/salad crudites.
I like to top my chestnut hummus with a little extra grated chestnut, pomegranate arils and roasted beetroot and carrot.
Why not spread it in a Christmas sandwich for a unique treat!
Storage
Chestnut Hummus stays fresh for up to 2-3 days if kept in the fridge in an airtight container.
If you wish to freeze this hummus, store in a suitable airtight container and freeze up to 3 months.
Let it thaw at room temperature before consuming.
Other Instant Pot Recipes
Apple Butter (No added Sugar)
Garlic Baby Potatoes
Tapioca Pudding
Eggless Cheesecake
Easy Tiger Rolls
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (vegan)
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Chestnut hummus (Instant Pot)
Equipment
- 1 Instant pot
- 1 blender/food processor
Ingredients
Instant Pot Chestnuts
- 1 cup chestnuts
- 2 cup water
Chestnut Hummus
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup water hot
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cumin ground
- salt
Garnish
- 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablsepoon pomegranate optional
- 1 teaspoon thyme optional
- ½ cup air fried/roasted carrots and radishes
- 1 teaspoon grated chestnut
Instructions
- Place scored chestnuts and water in the liner of the instant pot. 1 cup chestnuts, 2 cup water
- Close the lid, make sure valve is pointed to the sealing point.
- Select HIGH PRESSURE and cook the chestnuts for 4 minutes.
- 10 minutes NPR then release the remaining pressure manually.
- Remove the chestnuts from the pot.
- Peel quickly whilst they are warm.
- Place peeled chestnuts, olive oil, garlic, tahini, cumin, water and salt in the blender jug or food processor. 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup water, 2 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoon tahini, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt
- Process until smooth in consistancy.
- To serve, spoon into a serving plate or bowl, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, black pepper. 2 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablsepoon pomegranate, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 cup air fried/roasted carrots and radishes, 1 teaspoon grated chestnut
- Serve with vegetable c rudités, toasted pitta bread or roasted carrots and radishes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
