Diwali 2025 is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with sweets that are quick to make yet steeped in tradition? This festive season, impress your guests with 10 delicious Indian desserts that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. No matter is you're a novice or a seasoned cook, these sweets will definitely elevate your Diwali celebrations.
Let’s dive into these festive treats that combine tradition, taste, and speed.
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1. Kaju Katli
Kaju Katli is a classic Diwali sweet that's loved across India. Made primarily with cashew nuts and sugar, this diamond-shaped treat is creamy, nutty, and melts in the mouth. To prepare, you need to grind cashews into a fine powder and mix with sugar syrup. Add a few drops of rose water and little cardamom for fragrance. Roll the mixture into a smooth dough, flatten it, and cut into diamonds. This sweet is not only visually stunning but also quick, ready in about 25–30 minutes.
2. Coconut Ladoo
Coconut Ladoos are rich, aromatic, and require minimal ingredients. Desiccated coconut, condensed milk, and a hint of cardamom create a sweet that’s soft and chewy. Roast the coconut lightly in a pan to enhance its natural flavour, then mix with condensed milk and cook until the mixture thickens. Roll the mixture into small balls and garnish with slivers of almond or pistachio for a festive look. These ladoos are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making them a healthy and quick sweet option for Diwali 2025.
3. Besan Barfi
Besan barfi combines the nutty aroma of roasted gram flour with the richness of ghee. Begin by roasting besan in ghee until golden brown and aromatic, then gradually mix in sugar and a little milk to form a smooth, thick batter. Add cardamom powder for a warm fragrance. Pour the mixture into a greased tray, flatten, and allow it to set. Once cooled, cut into squares or diamonds and optionally garnish with chopped nuts. This dessert is quick to make, indulgent in taste, and a timeless Diwali favourite.
4. Malpua
Malpua is a soft and sweet pancake that's infused with cardamom. This dessert is deep-fried to golden perfection and soaked in sugar syrup. Prepare a simple batter using flour, semolina, milk, and mashed banana or khoya for richness. Pour spoonfuls into hot ghee and fry until golden. Immediately soak in warm sugar syrup to absorb the sweetness. Serve warm with a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
5. Rava Kesari
Rava kesari is a South Indian dessert that's vibrant, soft, and aromatic. Roast semolina in ghee until fragrant, then gradually add sugar, water, and a pinch of saffron for its characteristic orange hue. Stir it continuously to prevent lumps and cook till the mixture thickens. Garnish with cashews and raisins sauteed in ghee. This sweet can be prepared in 20-25 minutes, make it an easy, festive option.
6. Badam Barfi
Almond barfi is rich, creamy, and elegant. Soak almonds overnight, peel, and grind into a fine paste. Cook it with sugar syrup on low heat until it forms a thick mixture. Pour into a greased tray, flatten, and cut into squares. Garnish with silver foil or sliced almonds for a festive look. Ready in about 30 minutes, badam barfi is ideal for gifting or serving during the festivities.
7. Shahi Tukda
Shahi Tukda is a royal dessert made from fried bread slices soaked in saffron-flavored milk and topped with rabri and nuts. Cut bread into triangles, fry until golden, and dip in warm saffron milk. Layer with thickened sweetened milk and garnish with pistachios, almonds, and a pinch of cardamom powder. Shahi tukda is a luxurious treat that impresses guests instantly and adds a regal touch to Diwali feasts.
8. Fruit Custard
Fruit custard is a refreshing, light, and colourful dessert that complements the richness of fried sweets. Boil milk, add custard powder dissolved in cold milk, and sugar, and stir until thickened. Cool slightly and mix in seasonal fruits like apple, banana, and grapes. Serve chilled for a vibrant, sweet, and healthy option. It gets ready quickly and balances out the indulgent sweets with freshness.
9. Basundi
Basundi is a creamy, thickened milk dessert infused with cardamom and saffron. Boil full-fat milk, stir continuously until it reduces to half, then add sugar, saffron strands, and cardamom powder. Garnish with sliced almonds and pistachios. This is a rich and indulgent dessert that's ideal for Diwali feasts. Despite its richness, basundi can be prepared under 30 minutes if you use pre-thickened milk.
10. Ragi Ladoo
Ragi ladoos are nutritious, wholesome, and ideal for a modern Diwali treat. Roast ragi flour in ghee until fragrant, mix with powdered jaggery and a touch of cardamom, and form into bite-sized balls. Garnish with desiccated coconut or chopped nuts for texture. These ladoos are not only healthy but quick to prepare, providing a fibre-rich option that balances the indulgent sweets table.
