Indian Recipes for Diwali: Easy Indian Sweets, Desserts & Festive Recipes
Discover the best Indian recipes for Diwali, from easy homemade mithai and traditional Indian sweets to fusion desserts, masala chai cakes and festive savoury snacks. Find your favourite Diwali recipes all in place in this blog.
Diwali is one of those occasions when food becomes so much more than something we eat. It is about sharing, celebrating, gathering around a table and making memories with the people we love. From boxes of mithai being passed around to cups of masala chai, beautifully decorated homes and plates filled with delicious food, there is something so special about cooking and baking during the festive season. Not to mention sweet boxes packed with treats for your neighbors and friends. If you have been around here for a while, you will know that I have a soft spot for Indian flavours, especially when I can turn them into something a little different. I love the flavours and textures of traditional Indian sweets, but I also enjoy finding ways to recreate them in my own kitchen without spending hours attempting complicated techniques.
Think cardamom, saffron, pistachios, coconut, jaggery, chai spices and creamy milk-based desserts. These are the flavours that instantly make me think of Indian festivals, and they are some of my favourite ingredients to experiment with when Diwali comes around. This collection brings together my favourite Indian recipes and it is an upgrade from my 15 Recipes to make this Diwali, easy Diwali sweets, homemade mithai, Indian-inspired cakes, no-bake desserts and savoury bites. Whether you are hosting a Diwali party, preparing a festive dessert table, looking for homemade edible gifts or simply craving something delicious, there is a recipe here for you. So, make yourself a cup of chai and let’s get to it!
What is Diwali and why is it celebrated?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated by millions of people in India and around the world. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. For many Hindus, it is associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, while other traditions connect the festival with Goddess Lakshmi, prosperity and new beginnings. Diwali is also celebrated in different ways by Jain, Sikh and some Buddhist communities.
What is the difference between Diwali and Deepavali?
Diwali and Deepavali refer to the same festival of lights. Diwali is the more commonly used name in northern India, while Deepavali is widely used in southern India and other parts of the world. Both names are associated with the lighting of lamps and the celebration of light.
When is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali usually falls in October or November, following the Hindu lunar calendar. The main day of celebration takes place on the new moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik. The exact date changes each year, so it is worth checking the calendar when planning your festive menu or celebrations.
What foods are traditionally eaten during Diwali?
Diwali celebrations often feature an assortment of Indian sweets, savoury snacks and festive meals. Popular sweets include ladoos, barfi, kaju katli, gulab jamun, jalebi and peda. Savoury favourites can include samosas, chakli, namak pare and a variety of regional snacks. Families often prepare or exchange homemade sweets, making food an important part of the celebrations.
Why are sweets important during Diwali?
Sweets represent happiness, good fortune and the sharing of joy during Diwali. Offering mithai to family, friends and neighbours is a cherished tradition, and boxes of Indian sweets are often exchanged as gifts. Homemade desserts are another lovely way to celebrate, whether you prefer traditional ladoos and barfi or modern Indian-inspired cakes and tarts.
What are the five days of Diwali?
Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days, with customs varying by region and community but here is a universal breakdown
- Dhanteras: Associated with prosperity, wealth and auspicious purchases.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Observed with rituals that vary across regions and traditions.
- Lakshmi Puja (Diwali): The principal day for many families, featuring prayers, lamps, festive meals and sweets.
- Govardhan Puja: Celebrated in many Hindu traditions, often with food offerings.
- Bhai Dooj: A day celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
How can I celebrate Diwali if I am not Indian?
Diwali is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the festival’s different cultural and religious traditions respectfully. You can celebrate by sharing a meal with friends, learning about the meaning of the festival, preparing Indian recipes, decorating your home with lights where appropriate, or attending a community celebration. Remember that customs differ between families and communities, so learning from those who celebrate Diwali is a great place to start.
What should you make for Diwali?
Diwali menus can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You do not need to prepare an entire table of homemade sweets to make the occasion feel special. A few thoughtfully chosen dishes can be more than enough. I like the idea of mixing traditional Indian flavours with approachable recipes. You could prepare a batch of ladoos, bake a show-stopping cake, make a chilled dessert ahead of time and add a savoury snack for guests to enjoy before dessert.
Here is how I would approach a festive menu, for traditional Indian sweets: Try ladoos, barfi or kalakand, for easy Diwali desserts: Choose a no-bake tart or a simple one-bowl cake, for something a little different: Bake a gulab jamun cake, ras malai cake or masala chai cheesecake, for savoury Diwali snacks: Make chutney cheese twists or a samosa-inspired tart, for drinks and tea-time treats: Prepare masala chai and pair it with a spiced dessert. The best part is that many of these recipes can be prepared ahead, leaving you with more time to enjoy the celebrations.
Frequently asked questions about Indian Diwali recipes:
What are the easiest Indian sweets to make for Diwali?
Coconut ladoos, peanut ladoos and easy besan ladoos are good starting points if you want homemade Indian sweets without complicated techniques. Kalakand is another option for those who want a creamy milk-based mithai.
What desserts can I make ahead for Diwali?
No-bake shrikhand tart, chilled custards and suitable cakes are useful make-ahead options. Always follow the storage instructions for each recipe, particularly for desserts containing dairy, yoghurt or custard.
What are some Indian fusion desserts for Diwali?
Gulab jamun cake, ras malai pudding cake, masala chai cake, saffron milk cake and thandai tres leches are all lovely ways to bring Indian flavours into modern desserts.
What should I serve at a Diwali party?
A balanced spread could include two or three Indian sweets, one larger cake or tart, a savoury appetiser and masala chai. If you are hosting a larger gathering, you can scale suitable recipes up and offer a mix of bite-sized and sliceable desserts.
Can I make Diwali sweets without traditional mithai-making experience?
Absolutely. Start with recipes that have straightforward ingredients and methods, such as coconut ladoos or peanut ladoos. If you prefer baking, Indian-inspired cakes and cheesecakes are another accessible way to explore the flavours of the season. Let’s celebrate Diwali with something delicious.
Diwali is a wonderful excuse to bring people together over food, whether that means making a traditional sweet, baking a cake inspired by your favourite Indian dessert or putting together a table full of little treats to share. For me, the joy is in experimenting with flavours, learning something new and making recipes that people want to come back to. You do not need a perfect festive spread; you just need a few delicious things to share with the people around you. I hope this collection of Indian recipes and Diwali dessert ideas gives you plenty of inspiration for your own celebrations. If you make any of these recipes, do share your creations with me on pinterest & instagram. I would love to see what you make! Happy Diwali, and happy cooking, Ninjas!
Chutney Cheese Twists
This vegetarian appetizer is the perfect recipe to feed a...
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Masala Chai Basque Cheesecake (Easy Diwali Dessert)
This burnt Basque cheesecake is flavored with strong masala chai....
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Samosa Tart (open faced)
This easy appetizer is the perfect vegetarian recipe to serve...
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Saffron Milk Cake Recipe
Saffron Milk Cake Recipe This crowd pleasing fusion Indian inspired...
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Diwali Dessert Ideas – 15 Recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth
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Onam Pancakes – Stuffed with Coconut and Jaggery
Fluffy pancake batter cooked until golden and crispy, packed with...
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Masala Chai Bombolini
Fluffy mini yeasted doughnuts dusted in cardamom sugar and filled...
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Easy Indian sweets and homemade mithai for Diwali:
Traditional mithai is a big part of festive food culture, and homemade versions can be a lovely way to celebrate. These recipes are a good starting point if you want to make Indian sweets at home, whether you are a beginner or someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen.
Til Chikki aka Sesame Seed Brittle
Til chikki is brittle made out of sesame seeds and jaggery (gur). It is a simple Indian snack and sweet treat recipe that you can easily make at home.
Pistachio Barfi
Easy pistachio fudge made with whole pistachios, pistachio powder and chopped pistachios. This
Peanut Ladoo
The easiest ladoo’s you will make. They come together in until 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. This is an easy mithai recipe that is perfect to celebrate Indian festivals. They are travel friendly too.
Easy Besan Ladoo
Homemade mithai recipe that is perfect for the festive season of Ganesh Chaturthi, or anytime. It is a simple sweet treat that comes together in under 30 minutes with just 6 ingredients. These ladoo’s are made with jaggery instead of sugar making them healthier too.
Kalakand (Easy Mithai Recipe)
This Indian sweet treat is a cross between Kalakand and Burfi but more on the Kalakand side. We use paneer, condensed milk, milk powder, ghee, nuts, cardamom and saffron. It takes less than 15 mins to make and 30 mins to set, perfect for Diwali.
Coconut Ladoos
Calling all coconut lovers. These coconut ladoos are filled with fresh and desiccated coconut making for a very flavorful ladoo. The addition of condensed milk makes it rich and delicious, perfect for Diwali.
Indian fusion desserts for a modern Diwali dessert table:
One of my favourite things about cooking is taking familiar flavours and using them in unexpected ways. Indian-inspired fusion desserts are perfect for this because ingredients such as saffron, cardamom, rose, pistachio and masala chai work beautifully in cakes, custards and pastries. If you are looking for something a little different from a traditional box of mithai, these recipes are where I would start.
Karak Chai Tiramisu
Creamy and rich this eggless tiramisu is for those chai/tea lovers. It is a simple no bake dessert that comes together easily and tastes delicious – not to mention it feeds a crowd very comfortably.
Masala Chai Basque Cheesecake (Easy Diwali Dessert)
This burnt Basque cheesecake is flavored with strong masala chai. It is the perfect one bowl dessert recipe to bake for diwali. It is easy to make, creamy, rich and delicious.
Saffron Milk Cake Recipe
Saffron Milk Cake Recipe This crowd pleasing fusion Indian inspired dessert is a fluffy cardamom sponge cake drenched in a saffron milk, topped with whipped
Masala Chai Bombolini
Fluffy mini yeasted doughnuts dusted in cardamom sugar and filled with a sweet masala chai custard that is packed with all the spices. This is a delicious Indian fusion dessert recipe to make for any occasion.
Shrikhand Tart (no bake dessert)
An easy no bake dessert recipe that is quick and delicious. Not to mention the perfect Indian dessert recipe for the festive season. All you need are a few pantry ingredients and you got the best make ahead dessert that is creamy, rich and crunchy in every bite.
Gulab Jamun Cake
A fluffy and buttery soft pound cake, drenched in Gulab jamun syrup. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with pistachios – making it the BEST dessert for Diwali.
Masala Chai Cake
A fluffy cake spiced with masala chai that is easy, delicious and fragrant. All you need is one bowl to make it and a few pantry ingredients. Perfect for the festive season of Diwali.
Ras Malai Pudding Cake
An eggless cake that is spiced with cardamom, saffron and nuts is baked in a rich sauce filled with condensed milk and more spices. A special treat for the festive season of Diwali coming up.
Thandai Tres leches
This eggless milk cake is based on a traditional Indian drink called Thandai that is filled with cardamom, saffron, nuts, rose petals, poppy seeds, fennel seeds and turmeric. The cake is soaked in a mixture of three milks making it tender and delicious for Holi.
Banana Chai Cake
This loaf is perfect for a Dusshera celebration. With simple ingredients and a bowl this banana cake can be made in under an hour with all the flavors of masala chai in it. Delicious on its own but even better to share with family, neighbors and friends during the festive season.
Thandai Mishti Doi
A fragrant and lusciously creamy baked yogurt dessert that needs only a hand full of ingredients. With little to no time to make this sweet treat is a perfect quick fix.
More Indian desserts and sweet treats to try:
If you want to build an even bigger Diwali dessert spread, there are a few more recipes worth exploring. These are especially good for readers who love experimenting with Indian flavours outside the usual mithai selection.
Homemade No Churn Roasted Almond Ice Cream
This creamy homemade no churn almond ice cream needs just a few simple ingredients. No ice cream maker needed for this easy, rich, and nutty frozen dessert recipe perfect for summer and indulgently delicious.
Onam Pancakes – Stuffed with Coconut and Jaggery
Fluffy pancake batter cooked until golden and crispy, packed with a filling of freshly grated coconut and jaggery. They are a simple snack to make but very delicious and perfect for Onam or any time of the year.
Saffron Crème Caramel Custard
A classic baked custard that is creamy, rich and so delicious. It is made with eggs, milk, double cream and condensed milk. The addition of saffron makes it even more tasty and the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Dahi Toast (Viral Baked Yogurt Bread)
Crunchy toast filled with a sweet yogurt custard that is baked until just set. Top with nuts and powdered sugar before slicing and serving warm. A simple recipe but delicious and its ready in under 20 minutes.
Masala Chai Affogato
Hot masala chai poured over vanilla ice cream that is a simple dessert that just happens to be perfect for the summer. It is delicious but cooling and refreshing.
Pistachio Lime Cardamom Cake With Rose Icing
A tender and fluffy cake spiced with cardamom powder, lime zest and flavored with pistachio powder. It is draped with a pink rose icing that compliments the cake making for a pretty but mainly all delicious recipe.
Easy Homemade Kulfi Ice Cream
Easy Kulfi ice cream at home that comes together simply. It is creamy, rich, filled with saffron, nuts and spices. The prefect summer treat to cool you down.
Chai Spiced Chocolate Stars (Day 3)
Tiny star cookies filled with the flavors of chai spice and dark chocolate pieces. These cookies are yummy on their own but the chai buttercream is a delicious addition making for a yummy treat.
Shrikhand
Shrikhand is an Indian dessert that is made with strained yogurt, cardamom powder, saffron and sugar. It is thick, creamy and very simple to make. You can serve it with nuts, or puri like I did for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Chai Custard
This is a simple custard recipe that doesn’t need much effort. A dessert that can be made ahead of time and chilled in the fridge before serving. Filled with spices, ginger, brown sugar and tea powder you can make this treat in no time.
Nankhatai
Indian shortbread cookies fit for tea, a special occasion and an all round winner. The ghee aids to a light, crumbly texture making for a cloud like cookie. They are easy to make and addictive to eat. More importantly perfect for Raksha Bandhan.
Masala Chai
Fragrant and flavorful masala chai (tea) at home brings comfort to the soul. In this recipe you will learn how to make my go to masala chai powder and turn that into the best masala chai. With 1 pot, a few ingredients and spice you are half way done.
Pistachio Marble Cake
An Eid Special fit for any household. 1 Batter and 2 Flavors. This cake is fragrant and tender to the crumb. Gleaming with the green pistachio swirls. The cardamom powder adds a mild hint of familiarity but the rose water icing brings the cake together with a floral note.
Ras Malai Cake
Spice up your Diwali Celebrations with this Ras Malai Custard filled Cake.
Date & walnut cake (updated)
Easy & delicious tea cake, it is fluffy, simple and yummy to make. A little brown butter and orange juice is my secret to the PERFECT date and walnut cake.
Orange Pistachio Saffron Cake
Orange Pistachio Saffron Cake This floral cake gets it character from the whole orange that goes into making it. The fruit not only adds a
Easy Indian savoury recipes for Diwali parties:
A festive table should have something savoury to balance all those sweet treats. If you are entertaining guests, vegetarian appetisers and shareable snacks are particularly useful because they can be served before dinner or alongside drinks.
Chutney Cheese Twists
This vegetarian appetizer is the perfect recipe to feed a crowd for any occasion or gathering. It is a buttery dough that is soft and fluffy, layered with green chutney and shredded cheese, baked until golden and serve it with more chutney.
Samosa Tart (open faced)
This easy appetizer is the perfect vegetarian recipe to serve at at occasion. It is literally the filling of a traditional Indian samosa but filled into a baked puff pastry tart shell. Served with chutney and fresh coriander it is so yummy and delicious!
Chana Chaat – easy snack recipe
This Indian snack recipe is simple to make, healthy and packed with protein. It is a fresh vegetarian dish can be made ahead of time and eaten all through the week.
Bottle Masala Mac n Cheese (one pot recipe)
This east Indian inspired Mac n cheese is spicy, packed with flavor and delicious! A simple but comforting meal to serve a family with my crunchy topping and boiled eggs. It is cheesy, gooey and very yummy in under 30 mins!
Mumbai Pav Bhaji Recipe (street style)
This is a popular and delicious street food from Bombay. It is vegetarians and packed with a variety of vegetables, served buttered pav (buns), raw onions, coriander leaves and more butter.
Easy Homemade Pav (no mixer recipe)
Fluffy and cloud like homemade pav that doesn’t need a mixer and only butter, flour, milk, yeast, water, salt and sugar. Simple ingredients and easy method makes for a soft and delicious bread you can make at home similar to the ladi pav recipe.
Homemade Samosas (Indian, Punjabi style)
These potato stuffed deep fried snacks are popular indian street food. They are served hot with chutney and make for a delicious vegetarian starter recipe. They are packed with spices, chili and a little sweetness as well.
Indian Nachos
Crunchy puris topped with corn, salsa, yogurt, black beans, avocado, date chutney and lot more! This appetizer is so simple to throw together and very delicious! Perfect vegetarian recipe to feed a crowd in little time.
Aloo Tikki (Indian Potato Patty)
Aloo Tikki is a popular Indian snack that is vegetarian, packed with potatoes, spices, shaped into patties and fried until crispy and delicious. They the perfect appetizer recipe to make and serve.
Onion Pakoda/Pakora | Kanda Bhaji
Onion pakoda recipe is a deep fried Indian snack that is crispy and perfect with chutney. They are easy onion fritters that take very little time to make and very few ingredients to make them.
Fried Cheeseballs
Crunchy and salty these cheeseballs are a mixture of goats cheese, feta cheese, cream cheese and mozzarella cheese. They are an easy and delicious hot appetizer recipe for parties or game night.
Cream Of Corn Soup | Crispy Corn | Corn Loaf
These corn recipes are simple but delicious. My cream of corn soup is the easiest soup recipe you will find, the crispy corn is a quick appetizer perfect for a crowd and the corn loaf is great as a travel friendly meal.
Lamb Kofta
These lamb koftas at home are one of the easiest kebabs you can make in under 30 mins. Serve it with some mint chutney, roti and pickled onions for a delicious Ramadan meal.
Palak Paneer
This traditional Indian dish is a classic. Filled with spinach, paneer and spices it makes for a yummy meal. Serve it with my easy homemade Jeera (cumin) rice and it is perfect.
Sabudana Khichdi
This is a traditional Indian recipe for Navratri and it is made with soaked sabudana, also known as tapioca pearls. It is stirred together in tempered spices and served with more roasted peanuts on the side. A filling vegetarian snack or meal that can be made in little time.
