15 Mouthwatering Diwali Sweet Dishes For A Yummy Tummy

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and across the world. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 21. This special day is all about lighting diyas, decorating homes, exchanging gifts, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. And when it comes to food, no Diwali celebration is complete without a spread of mouthwatering sweets.

Now, if you’re feeling a little confused about which sweet to make or serve this Diwali, you’re not alone. With so many options around, it’s natural to wonder which ones will truly make your celebrations special. That’s where this list comes in. We’ve brought you a handpicked list of easy, Diwali sweets that you can make, store, and serve to your guests. Let’s dive into the list.

Yummy Dishes

If you’re eager to cook delicious Diwali sweets but worry it might be hectic, don’t worry! We’ll share easy mithai recipes that everyone will love. All these recipes include key ingredients, like chickpea flour, rice flour, condensed milk, and sugar, along with essential dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and pistachios. You can improve the flavor of these recipes with saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and rose water. For a touch of elegance, consider adding silver or gold leaves. You can easily order these ingredients online, taking advantage of Diwali offers to save money. Now, let’s start with our recipe list!

Here are the 15 easy Diwali sweets recipes:

1. Gajar Halwa Pie-Crust

Who doesn’t like Gajar Halwa? It’s the most common yet one of the most delicious sweets ever! One of the most loved Diwali snack recipes for anyone who prefers a sweet dish. How about giving it a makeover? So, here is the modernized version of the traditional dish!

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

1. Choice of biscuits- 250grms
2. Butter- 3tbsp

For the Halwa:

1. Grated carrots- 1kg
2. Sugar- 1/2 cup
3. Ghee- 4tbsp
4. Elaichi powder- 1tsp
5. Dry fruits- your choice

Method:

• Beat the biscuits into a coarse powder or simply turn them in the mixer grinder and add melted butter to the mixture, and fold well.
• Flatten the mixture in a pie dish and chill until firm.
• Boil the milk, add the grated carrot, and cook. To this, add elaichi powder.
• Once the carrots are cooked and the milk thickens, add sugar and stir until it dissolves fully.
• Add your favorite dry fruits and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Cool it.
• Transfer this mix onto the pie crust.
• Serve warm or chilled (We loved it super chilled, though!).

2. Chocolate Dryfruits Snowball

Let’s not forget about the kids! They would love to have loads of chocolates, and if it’s a creative version of that, it can make them go nuts! Wanna find out how?

Ingredients:

1. A bit of chocolate- 100gms
2. Chocolate biscuits- 200gms
3. A handful of chocolate chips
4. Dry coconut powder

Method:

• Make a coarse powder out of chocolate biscuits (you can also use your choice of biscuits).
• Melt the chocolate and add it to the coarsely powdered biscuits. Knead it into a dough.
• Now, grease your hands with butter and make small balls with the dough.
• You can add chocolate nuts to the dough.
• Finally, sprinkle dry coconut powder onto the chocolate balls, and you are ready to serve.

3. Coconut Barfi

Who doesn’t like coconut barfi? Made perfectly, it can be cherished by kids and adults alike. Moreover, you can preserve it for days and enjoy the same taste.

Ingredients:

1. Coconut
2. Sugar
3. Cashews
4. Milk
5. Cardamom powder

Method:

• Heat a pan. Add ghee and broken cashews and fry it till they turn slightly golden. Remove it.
• Add coconut and milk in the pan. Stir well until it is combined, and bring it to a boil.
• Cook the mixture on medium-low heat until the milk evaporates.
• Then add sugar and mix it until the moisture evaporates.
• Add a little ghee and stir it continuously.
• Add some cardamom and mix it well.
• Once done, transfer the mixture to a greased pan and pour some dry fruits on it.
• After it cools down, cut it into square pieces. The barfi is ready to be served.

4. Dry Fruits Kheer

Kheer is one of the most popular sweets during festivals. Just add a dash of dry fruits to anything and make it irresistible! This lip-smacking dish is the perfect option and one of the most popular Diwali sweet dishes.

Ingredients:

1. Full-fat organic milk- 1 litre
2. Basmati rice- 1/4 cup
3. Sugar- as required
4. Elaichi powder
5. Dry fruits (almonds/badam, cashews/raisins)

Method:

• Rinse and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes.
• In a wide pan, heat 1 liter of full-fat milk and boil it (use a ladle to stir the milk so that it doesn’t stick to the pan).
• To the simmering milk, add basmati rice (drained).
• Add sugar as required. Now, on a low flame, cook the rice in the milk (make sure to stir continuously, or else it will start burning).
• Once the rice is halfway cooked, add elaichi powder.
• Now add chopped dry fruits and stir.
• Once the rice has cooked completely and the kheer has reached a thick consistency, turn off the flame.
• Garnish with more dry fruits and serve one of the most sought-after Diwali sweet dishes, the dry fruits kheer, hot or chilled.

5. Healthy Laddoos

Laddoos are one of the most popular Diwali special dishes in India. So, this year during Diwali, don’t forget to try this with your favorite combinations in sweet recipes. And what does healthy laddoo mean?

Ingredients:

1. Dates and Raisins- 200gms
2. Dried Apricot- 40gms
3. Poppy Seeds/Khus Khus- 2 tbsp
4. Cashew Nuts- 40gms
5. Almonds- 40gms
6. Walnuts- 20gms
7. Pistachios- 20gms
8. Ghee- 2-3 tbsp

Method:

• Dry roast Cashew Nuts, Pistachios, Walnuts, and Almonds for a few minutes. Dry roast Poppy Seeds for a few minutes and remove them from the heat.
• Allow the dry fruits to come down to room temperature. Now grind the roasted nuts in a mixer to a coarse paste. (Don’t make it too powdery).
• Keep a pan on the stove and add 2 tbsp of ghee. Add the coarse dry fruit powder. Stir well to mix it properly.
• Now add ground nuts and stir everything. Turn off the flame and let it cool off till it’s lukewarm.
• Apply ghee on your hands and start making laddoos. Now roll these laddoos in roasted poppy seeds. Preserve them in an airtight container.

6. Rocket Dryfruit Barfi

The name itself brings out the festive mood. A modern twist to one of the traditional Diwali sweets recipes, this barfi adds charm to the dish. Of course, kids would love to have them.

Ingredients:

1. Milk -1 tbsp
2. Rose syrup- ¼ cup
3. Sugar-1 cup
4. Almond powder- 1½ cups
5. Cashewnut powder- 1½ cups
6. Edible color in red- A few drops
7. Liquid glucose- 2 tablespoons
8. Ghee-1½ to 3tbps

Method:

• Take a deep non-stick pan and cook the sugar in 1½ cups of water, till the sugar dissolves.
• Add milk and cook on medium heat for 12 minutes or till the multi-string consistency of syrup is reached.
• To the liquid glucose and ghee, add rose syrup and red color, and mix well.
• Add almond powder and cashew nut powder after taking the mixture off the heat and mixing well. Knead to make a soft dough.
• Spread the dough evenly on a greased aluminum tray and smooth the surface with a spatula. Set aside for 1 to 2 hours.
• Cut the barfi into rocket shapes and insert sticks through them.
• Garnish with silver foils if needed. Tada! You are done.

7. Decorative Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli is a loved sweet for many Indians, Kids, youngsters, and older people all like to indulge in some. The romance of it makes a sweet lover drool. Let alone looking at one.

To create Kaju Katli for Diwali decoratively, simply follow the instructions to make Kaju Katli and arrange them in a floral format, as shown above. You and the kids will love it.

Here are these simple steps.

• Grind the cashews
• Prepare the sugar syrup. To do so, add as much sugar as you want the sweetness to be to the water, and boil it
• Add cashew powder to the syrup and continue to heat and stir
• Take the mixture out and let it dry
• Roll over it to make flat surfaces
• Cut diamonds
• Arrange in a flower arrangement.
• Serve

8. Coconut Ladoo

Coconut Ladoo is a delightful and easy-to-make Diwali sweet. These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also require minimal effort. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of desiccated coconut
• 1 can (400 grams) of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
• A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios)

Method:

• In a non-stick pan, combine the desiccated coconut and sweetened condensed milk.
• Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan (about 10-15 minutes).
• Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
• Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
• While the mixture is still warm, shape it into small, round ladoos. You can grease your hands with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
• Press a piece of chopped nut into the center of each ladoo.
• Let the ladoos cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Enjoy these delicious and creamy Coconut Ladoos!

9. Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo is a classic Diwali sweet made from gram flour (besan). These melt-in-your-mouth sweets are not just easy to prepare but also incredibly tasty. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of besan (gram flour)
• 1 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Method:

• In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over low-medium heat.
• Add the besan to the melted ghee and roast it on low heat, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma (about 15-20 minutes).
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
• Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder to the roasted besan and mix well.
• While the mixture is still warm, shape it into round ladoos. If desired, press a chopped nut into the center of each ladoo for garnish.
• Let the besan ladoos cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Enjoy these delectable treats!

10. Jalebi

Jalebi is a popular Indian sweet that’s loved for its crispy, syrup-soaked goodness. While it may seem complex, making Jalebi at home is surprisingly easy. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tablespoons of gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder (for color)
• 1 teaspoon of yogurt
• Water (as needed) to make a thick batter

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder

Method:

• Preparing the Sugar Syrup:
• In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and heat over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
• Add saffron strands (if using) and cardamom powder to the sugar-water mixture.
• Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it reaches a one-string consistency. Turn off the heat and set it aside.

Making the Jalebi:

• In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, gram flour, baking soda, turmeric powder, and yogurt.
• Add water gradually and whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter.
• Transfer the batter into a squeeze bottle or a piping bag with a thin nozzle.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
• Squeeze the batter in a spiral shape directly into the hot oil. Fry until the jalebis turn golden and crisp.
• Remove the jalebis from the oil and immediately dip them into the warm sugar syrup.
• Allow them to soak for a few seconds, then remove and place them on a plate to cool.
• Serve the crispy and syrupy Jalebis warm. Enjoy the sweet and tangy delight!

11. Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Kheer, a creamy and aromatic rice pudding, is a Diwali favorite that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Here’s how to make this delectable dessert:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of basmati rice
• 4 cups of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of saffron strands
• A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios)
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder

Method:

• Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 20-30 minutes.
• Drain the soaked rice and set it aside.
• In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over low-medium heat.
• Add the drained rice to the boiling milk and reduce the heat to low. Simmer and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Continue to cook until the rice is soft and the milk thickens to a creamy consistency (about 30-40 minutes).
• Add sugar, saffron strands, chopped nuts, and cardamom powder to the kheer. Mix well and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Once the kheer has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
• Serve the fragrant and creamy Kheer chilled or warm, garnished with more nuts if desired. Enjoy this comforting and traditional Diwali sweet!

12. Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a beloved Indian dessert that embodies the essence of festivals with its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made from khoya (reduced milk solids), these small, round balls are deep-fried until golden brown and then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with cardamom and sometimes a hint of rose water. The result is a warm, soft dessert that bursts with sweetness and flavor with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of khoya (milk solids)
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• Ghee for frying
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• A few cardamom pods
• Rose water (optional)

Method:

• First, combine khoya, all-purpose flour, and baking soda in a bowl. Knead until it smoothens, then cover and let rest for 15-20 minutes for proper consistency.
• Divide the rested dough into small portions, rolling each into smooth, crack-free balls. Always make sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.
• Heat the ghee in a deep pan over low-medium heat. Gently add the balls, frying until they rise and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
• In another pot, combine sugar and water, and add crushed cardamom pods. Boil it until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a light syrup, and remove it from the heat.
• Once fried, remove the balls and immediately immerse them in warm sugar syrup. Allow them to soak for at least 2-3 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with slivers of pistachio or almonds. Enjoy the traditional sweetness and delightful texture of Gulab Jamun!

13. Rasmalai

Rasmalai is a traditional Bengali sweet that captivates with its delicate cheese dumplings soaked in a rich, creamy milk sauce. These soft, spongy discs, made from chhena (freshly made cheese), are cooked in a sugary syrup, then immersed in a cardamom-flavored milk, creating a luxurious dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of full-fat milk
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• Cardamom powder and chopped pistachios for garnish

Method:

• First, boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and add the lemon juice gradually, stirring until the curds separate from the whey. Strain through a muslin cloth and rinse well.
• Transfer the strained chhena to a bowl. Knead it well until it becomes smooth and soft, ensuring there are no lumps. Form small flat discs.
• In a separate pot, combine sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely, forming a light syrup for cooking.
• Carefully add the shaped discs to the boiling syrup. Cook them gently for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to puff and absorb the syrup.
• In another pot, boil additional milk, reducing it over low heat while stirring frequently. Add cardamom powder for flavor once thickened, then remove from heat.
• Place the cooked discs in the thickened milk sauce, ensuring they’re well-soaked. Garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds, then serve chilled or at room temperature.

14. Mohanthal

Mohanthal is a traditional Gujarati sweet made from gram flour (besan), ghee, and sugar, often prepared during festivals and special occasions. This rich, fudgy dessert is flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts, offering a melt-in-the-mouth texture that makes it truly irresistible. Its nutty flavor and smooth consistency make it one of the most loved Indian mithais.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan (gram flour)
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• Chopped almonds and pistachios for garnish

Method:

1. In a large bowl, add besan and 2 tbsp ghee. Rub it with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk gradually and mix lightly. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Heat the remaining ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Sieve the besan mixture and roast it in the ghee on a low flame until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
3. In another pan, combine sugar and water to make a sugar syrup of one-string consistency.
4. Once the besan is roasted well, add cardamom powder and slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the mixture. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Cook until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
6. Pour it into a greased plate or tray, spread evenly, and garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios.
7. Allow it to cool slightly, then cut into squares or diamonds. Serve once set.

15. Rava Kesari

Rava Kesari is one of the most popular and easy South Indian sweets that delights with its vibrant color, aromatic flavor, and soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Made from semolina (rava), ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, this dessert is often garnished with nuts and raisins, making it a festive favorite that’s perfect for Diwali or any celebration.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
2. 3/4 cup sugar
3. 3 cups water
4. 3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
5. A pinch of saffron strands
6. 6-8 cashews and 6-8 raisins for garnish
7. 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

Method:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the cashews and raisins, and saute until golden brown. Remove and set aside for garnishing later.
• In the same pan, roast the semolina lightly until it turns aromatic, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Remove from heat once done.
• In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add saffron strands and cardamom powder for flavor.
• Gradually pour the boiling water into the roasted semolina, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
• Add sugar and mix well, allowing it to dissolve completely. Continue cooking until the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan and reaches a soft, pudding-like consistency.
• Stir in the remaining ghee for richness and flavor.
• Garnish with the fried cashews and raisins. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the comforting sweetness of Rava Kesari.

Key Takeaways

Diwali is all about celebrating light, happiness, and togetherness, and sweets are at the heart of it all. From soft, syrupy gulab jamuns to nutty kaju katli and the comforting warmth of Rava Kesari, every sweet has a way of bringing smiles and creating memories. These delicious treats are more than just desserts, they are little moments of joy that you can share with your family and friends. Which Diwali sweet will you be picking this year? We’d love to hear your favorites and celebrate the festival of lights together.