What Are the 20 Best Indian Sweets of All Time?

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Key Highlights

• The list of the best Indian sweets includes classic favourites like rasgulla, gulab jamun, kaju katli, and gajar ka halwa.
• Each sweet features easy-to-follow recipes for home preparation.
• These sweets are perfect for festivals, special occasions, or everyday indulgence.
• Explore sweets with unique textures, from creamy rasmalai to flaky soan papdi.
• Includes regional specialties like modak, sandesh, and adhirasam.
• Offers tips to recreate authentic flavours of traditional Indian mithai sweets at home.

Ever stood in front of a mithai (sweets) counter, completely overwhelmed by choices, wondering which sweets are truly worth trying? Indian sweets are more than just desserts; they’re emotions wrapped in ghee, sugar, and centuries of rituals. From syrup-soaked delights to slow-cooked milk desserts, every corner of the country has its own signature treat that tells a story of tradition, ingredients, and generations of perfected technique.

These treats appear everywhere; during festive celebrations, family gatherings, and even everyday indulgences, carrying regional flavours and time-honoured recipes passed down through generations. But with so many iconic mithais across the country, how do you decide which ones truly stand out?

That’s exactly why this blog brings together the 20 best Indian sweets of all time, along with easy-to-follow recipes, so you can not only discover the famous Indian desserts but also recreate these timeless treats right in your own kitchen.

Looking for the Most Famous Sweets in India? Here Are 20 Iconic Desserts With Recipes

Whether you’re planning a festive menu, craving something sweet, or simply curious about India’s most loved desserts, this list has something for everyone. Each sweet featured below has earned its fame through unforgettable flavour, cultural significance, and generations of devotion.

Let’s explore the 20 iconic Indian sweets list, complete with simple recipes that you can recreate and enjoy in your own kitchen.

1. Rasgullas

Rasgulla is one of the most popular Indian sweets and a true symbol of West Bengal’s rich culinary heritage. Soft, spongy, and soaked in light sugar syrup, this dessert is often enjoyed during special occasions or as a simple sweet treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Made from fresh Indian cottage cheese, rasgullas are loved for their delicate mouth texture and subtle hint of cardamom that balances the sweetness.

Key Ingredients

• Indian cottage cheese (chhena)
• Sugar
• Water
• Cardamom pods

Recipe

• Knead the freshly made chhena until smooth and soft
• Shape into small, crack-free balls
• Boil sugar and water to make a clear sweet syrup
• Gently cook the balls in syrup until spongy
• Add crushed cardamom and let it soak before serving

2. Anjeer Cutlet

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Anjeer Cutlet is a rich and wholesome Indian sweet that stands out for its natural sweetness and chewy, nutty mouth texture. Popular in many parts of North India, this dessert is often prepared for special occasions and festive gatherings.

The best part about anjeer cutlet is its balance of flavour, subtly sweet, mildly spiced, and deeply satisfying, making it a popular dessert choice in Indian cuisine.

Key Ingredients

• Dried figs (anjeer)
• Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder

Recipe

• Soak dried figs in warm water until soft
• Grind the figs into a thick, coarse paste
• Cook the paste in ghee on low heat
• Add finely chopped nuts and cardamom
• Shape into cutlets and allow to set before serving

3. Gajar ka Halwa

Gajar Ka Halwa is a winter favourite that instantly evokes warmth, comfort, and nostalgia in Indian households. Slow-cooked to perfection, this creamy dessert is a cornerstone of North Indian cuisine and a must-have during festivals, family gatherings, and cold evenings.

The magic of this sweet lies in patience, grated carrots simmered gently in sweet, thickened milk until they absorb richness and develop a deep, caramel-like flavour.

Key Ingredients

• Carrots (grated)
• Full-fat milk
• Ghee
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)

Recipe

• Heat the ghee in a pan and sauté the grated carrots until soft
• Add milk and cook on a low flame, stirring occasionally
• Once the mixture thickens, stir in sugar and cardamom
• Cook until the halwa reaches a rich, creamy consistency
• Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm, either alone or with a scoop of Indian ice cream for an indulgent twist

4. Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is arguably one of the most beloved desserts across India, known for its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich, syrupy sweetness. Often served during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, weddings, or simply as a treat for a sweet tooth, this classic dessert perfectly represents India’s love for indulgent sweets.

Key Ingredients

• Khoya or milk powder
• Maida flour
• Sugar
• Water
• Ghee for frying
• Cardamom powder
• Rose water (optional)

Recipe

• Knead khoya and maida into a soft dough
• Roll into small, crack-free balls
• Fry gently in ghee until golden brown
• Boil sugar and water to make syrup, add cardamom and rose water
• Soak fried balls in warm syrup for at least 1 hour before serving

5. Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak is a legendary sweet from South India, celebrated for its rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture and nutty aroma. Originating in Karnataka, this indulgent treat is a staple during festivals and special occasions, showcasing India’s love for ghee-based desserts.

The charm of Mysore Pak lies in its simplicity, basic ingredients transformed through careful technique into a perfectly spongy, slightly crumbly sweet that delights every sweet tooth. It’s a true example of how Indian cuisine turns humble components into iconic desserts.

Key Ingredients

• Gram flour (besan)
• Ghee
• Sugar

Recipe

• Roast besan lightly on low heat until aromatic
• Boil sugar with a little water to make syrup
• Gradually add ghee and roasted besan to the syrup, stirring continuously
• Pour into a greased tray and allow to set
• Cut into squares once cooled and enjoy this classic sweet treat

6. Laddus

Laddus are one of the most versatile and beloved sweets in Indian culture, often seen at weddings, festivals, and religious celebrations. From the nutty, grainy texture of besan ladoo to the rich sweetness of boondi laddu, these treats can satisfy any sweet tooth. Their charm lies in simplicity, basic ingredients transformed into a delightful, melt-in-the-mouth indulgence.

Key Ingredients

• Gram flour (besan) or boondi
• Ghee
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Recipe

• Roast besan or prepare boondi until golden and aromatic
• Mix in sugar and cardamom powder
• Add warm ghee and knead into a soft dough
• Shape into small round balls while still warm
• Let them set and store in an airtight container for a few days

7. Adhirasam

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Adhirasam is a traditional South Indian sweet that instantly transports you to festival kitchens filled with the aroma of ghee and jaggery. This chewy, caramel-coloured delicacy is particularly popular during Diwali and other special occasions.

Made with rice flour and jaggery syrup, adhirasam has a unique texture that is crispy on the outside and soft inside, offering a delightful bite every time.

Key Ingredients

• Raw rice flour
• Jaggery
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder
• Water

Recipe

• Melt jaggery with water to make a thick syrup
• Mix in rice flour and cardamom to form a smooth dough
• Let the dough rest for a few hours for a better texture
• Heat ghee and flatten small portions of the dough into patties
• Fry on low heat until golden brown and crisp on edges
• Serve warm for the best taste and aroma

8. Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli is a royal Indian sweet that has become a symbol of elegance and celebration. Thin, diamond-shaped, and melt-in-the-mouth, it is often gifted during festivals or shared during special occasions.

Made primarily from cashew nuts and sugar, this popular Indian sweet has a smooth, creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavour that appeals to both kids and adults.

Key Ingredients

• Cashew nuts
• Sugar
• Water
• Cardamom powder
• Ghee (optional)

Recipe Steps

• Grind cashew nuts into a fine powder
• Boil sugar with water to make a thin syrup
• Mix cashew powder with the syrup and cook until it forms a smooth dough
• Roll out the mixture between parchment paper
• Cut into diamond shapes and optionally decorate with silver leaf
• Let it cool slightly before serving

9. Gujia

Gujia is a popular sweet from Rajasthan, especially popular during Holi, that perfectly balances a crispy exterior with a rich, sweet filling. These semi-circular desserts are prepared using maida and stuffed with a mixture of khoya and dry fruits.

Loved across Indian culture, gujia is a treat that brings families together during celebrations and is often prepared in large batches to share with friends and relatives.

Key Ingredients

• Maida (all-purpose flour)
• Khoya (milk solids)
• Sugar
• Ghee
• Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins)
• Cardamom powder

Recipe

• Prepare a soft dough using maida and ghee
• Mix khoya, sugar, cardamom, and chopped dry fruits for the filling
• Roll out small discs of dough, place filling in the centre, and fold into half-moons
• Seal the edges tightly and deep-fry in ghee until golden brown
• Cool slightly before serving this crunchy, festive delight

10. Rasmalai

Rasmalai is a beloved dessert that features soft, spongy balls of paneer soaked in a fragrant, creamy milk syrup. Lightly flavoured with cardamom and often garnished with saffron or nuts, this indulgent sweet is one of the most famous Indian sweets, and is often served during special occasions, festive celebrations, or as a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Key Ingredients

• Indian cottage cheese (chhena)
• Milk
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped pistachios or almonds

Recipe

• Knead chhena into smooth, soft balls
• Boil them in sugar syrup until spongy and cooked through
• Reduce milk with sugar, cardamom, and saffron to make a creamy syrup
• Soak the dumplings in the milk mixture for at least an hour
• Garnish with chopped nuts and serve chilled for a refreshing, creamy dessert

11. Jalebi

Jalebi is a vibrant, syrup-soaked sweet that’s instantly recognisable with its bright orange spirals and crisp, sugary bite. Known for its crunchy exterior and juicy, syrupy interior, jalebi is one of the most popular Indian sweets and even features in fusion treats like Indian ice cream floats.

The best part? Its irresistible sweetness and unique texture make it hard to resist, whether it’s your first time trying it or a nostalgic favourite.

Key Ingredients

• Maida (all-purpose flour)
• Yogurt
• Sugar
• Water
• Ghee or oil for frying
• Saffron or cardamom (optional)

Recipe

• Prepare a smooth batter with maida and yogurt; let it ferment for a few hours
• Boil sugar with water to make a thick syrup
• Pour batter in spirals directly into hot ghee or oil
• Fry until crisp and golden
• Soak immediately in warm sugar syrup for a few minutes before serving

12. Modak

Modak is a traditional sweet dish from Maharashtra, famously associated with Ganesh Chaturthi, where it is offered as a favourite prasad to Lord Ganesha. It features a soft, steamed rice flour outer shell filled with a rich mixture of jaggery and grated coconut.

Lightly flavoured with cardamom and finished with a touch of ghee, modak is a wholesome dessert that beautifully reflects India’s deep-rooted culinary traditions and festive culture.

Key Ingredients

• Rice flour
• Grated coconut
• Jaggery
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder

Recipe

• Steam rice flour with a little water and ghee to form a soft dough
• Cook grated coconut with jaggery and cardamom to make the filling
• Shape the dough into small cups, fill with coconut-jaggery mixture, and seal into a modak shape
• Steam the filled modaks for 10–15 minutes until cooked
• Serve warm with a drizzle of ghee for a traditional festive treat

13. Sandesh

Sandesh is a delicate Bengali sweet that celebrates the simplicity and richness of Indian cottage cheese (chhena). Unlike syrupy sweets, sandesh has a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a subtle sweetness, often enhanced with a hint of cardamom, saffron, or rose petals. Its versatility allows for creative variations, making it a standout in the list of most popular Indian desserts.

Key Ingredients

• Fresh Indian cottage cheese (chhena)
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Saffron or rose essence (optional)

Recipe

• Knead chhena until smooth and soft
• Heat gently with sugar and cardamom until slightly thickened
• Remove from heat and cool slightly
• Shape into small, flat discs or moulds
• Garnish with saffron strands or crushed nuts before serving

14. Peda

Peda is a rich and creamy sweet made from thickened milk, loved for its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and subtle cardamom flavour. Often offered during festivals, birthdays, or religious ceremonies, peda is one of the most popular Indian sweets and a staple in traditional mithai shops. Its simplicity, just milk, sugar, and ghee, belies the indulgent, caramel-like taste that delights every sweet tooth.

Key Ingredients

• Milk
• Sugar
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder

Recipe

• Boil milk on low heat until it thickens into a dense, creamy consistency
• Stir in sugar and cardamom powder until well combined
• Cook further until the mixture forms a dough-like texture
• Shape into small round discs or flattened balls
• Let them cool slightly before serving

15. Soan Papdi

Soan Papdi is a flaky, melt-in-the-mouth dessert that’s synonymous with Indian celebrations. Its layered, fibrous texture and lightly sweet taste make it irresistible, whether enjoyed as a festive treat or a casual indulgence with tea. Popular across North India, this sweet showcases the artistry of traditional Indian sweets and is often gifted during festivals.

Key Ingredients

• Gram flour (besan)
• Sugar
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Recipe

• Roast besan lightly in ghee until aromatic
• Boil sugar with water to make a syrup and cook to a soft ball stage
• Mix the syrup with roasted besan, folding gently to create fibrous layers
• Pour into a greased tray, flatten, and cut into squares
• Garnish with nuts if desired

16. Shrikhand

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Shrikhand is a creamy, chilled dessert from Maharashtra and Gujarat, made from thickened yoghurt. Lightly sweetened and flavoured with cardamom or saffron, it’s a refreshing treat perfect for summer or as a complement to festive meals. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a favourite among those seeking a lighter, yet indulgent, dessert in Indian cuisine.

Key Ingredients

• Hung curd (thick yoghurt)
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped nuts

Recipe

• Hang yoghurt in muslin for 4–5 hours to remove whey and make it thick
• Whisk the thickened yoghurt until smooth and creamy
• Mix in sugar, cardamom, and saffron
• Chill for at least an hour
• Garnish with chopped nuts before serving

17. Cham Cham

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Cham Cham is a soft, spongy dessert that originates from West Bengal and is loved for its light texture and gentle sweetness. Made from fresh chhena, it is typically soaked in lightly sweetened, cardamom-flavoured milk, which enhances its creamy taste.

Often garnished with saffron strands or chopped nuts, cham cham is commonly served during festivals and celebrations, reflecting the refined flavours and rich culinary heritage of traditional Indian sweets.

Key Ingredients

• Indian cottage cheese (chhena)
• Sugar
• Water
• Cardamom powder
• Saffron or nuts (optional)

Recipe

• Knead chhena until smooth and shape into oval dumplings
• Boil in sugar syrup until puffed and cooked through
• Prepare thickened milk flavoured with cardamom
• Soak the dumplings in the milk and chill
• Garnish with saffron strands or chopped nuts before serving

18. Kalakand

Kalakand is a classic Indian sweet made from sweetened milk solids, valued for its moist, grainy texture and gentle sweetness. Unlike syrup-soaked desserts, it has a soft, fudge-like bite that feels rich yet balanced. Flavoured with cardamom and finished with chopped nuts, kalakand is commonly prepared for festivals and celebrations, showcasing the simplicity and comfort of authentic Indian sweets.

Key Ingredients

• Milk
• Sugar
• Lemon juice or vinegar (to curdle milk)
• Cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts

Recipe

• Boil milk and curdle with lemon juice to form chhena
• Drain and press out excess water, then crumble finely
• Cook chhena with sugar on low heat until it thickens into fudge
• Add cardamom and mix well
• Spread in a greased tray, garnish with nuts, and cut into squares

19. Malpua

Malpua is a traditional North Indian dessert with a pancake-like form, crisp around the edges and soft at the centre. Commonly prepared during Holi and Diwali, it is often served with rich rabri (sweet thickened milk). Made using maida, milk, and a touch of cardamom, malpua offers a comforting balance of sweetness and texture that makes it a festive favourite.

Key Ingredients

• Maida (all-purpose flour)
• Milk
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Ghee for frying

Recipe

• Mix maida, milk, sugar, and cardamom into a smooth batter
• Heat ghee in a frying pan
• Pour small portions of batter into hot ghee and fry until golden
• Drain excess ghee and optionally soak in sugar syrup
• Serve warm, with or without rabri

20. Payasam (Kheer)

Payasam, also known as rice kheer, is a creamy, comforting dessert enjoyed across India. Made with milk, rice, and sugar, it is often flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or nuts, and served during festivals or as a sweet end to celebratory meals. Its rich, aromatic flavour and smooth texture make it a staple in Indian cuisine, cherished by children and adults alike.

Key Ingredients

• Rice
• Milk
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped nuts

Recipe

• Wash and soak rice for 15–20 minutes
• Boil milk in a heavy-bottomed pan
• Add rice and cook until soft, stirring occasionally
• Sweeten with sugar and add cardamom and saffron
• Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled

Final Thoughts

India’s sweets are more than just desserts; they are a celebration of tradition, culture, and a rich culinary heritage that spans every region of the country. From the spongy rasgullas of West Bengal to the chewy adhirasam of the South, each treat tells a story of flavours, ingredients, and generations of expertise.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or are exploring Indian sweet dishes for the first time, these iconic desserts offer something for everyone. With the recipes shared above, you can bring the magic of authentic Indian sweets into your own kitchen and enjoy a true taste of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you list some classic Indian desserts that are easy to make at home?

Classic Indian desserts like rasgulla, gulab jamun, gajar ka halwa, and peda are easy to make at home. These sweets require basic ingredients and are perfect for beginners exploring authentic Indian flavours.

Which Indian sweets are famous in different states of India?

West Bengal is famous for rasgulla and sandesh, Maharashtra for modak, Gujarat for shrikhand, and South India for adhirasam. These great Indian sweets showcase the regional diversity of India’s rich culinary heritage.

Are there any Indian dessert recipes suited for a dinner party?

Yes, desserts like rasmalai, kaju katli, and soan papdi are elegant and crowd-pleasing. These best Indian desserts are visually appealing, delicious, and easy to serve, making them ideal for dinner parties.

What are the ingredients commonly used in Indian sweets?

Common ingredients in Indian sweets include milk, sugar, ghee, khoya, nuts, and cardamom. These components form the foundation of sweets, creating rich, flavorful, and aromatic desserts enjoyed across India.

Can you suggest some Indian sweets that use condensed milk?

Sweets like peda, kalakand, and rasmalai often use condensed milk to achieve a creamy texture. These great Indian sweets are rich, indulgent, and perfect for festive occasions or satisfying a sweet tooth at home.

Which sweet is most eaten in India?

Gulab jamun is widely considered the most eaten sweet in India. Its soft, syrupy texture and irresistible flavour make it a favourite among children and adults alike, ranking high among the best Indian desserts.

What is India’s national sweet?

Laddu is often regarded as India’s national sweet. These round, nutty, and aromatic treats are served during festivals, religious ceremonies, and celebrations, making them one of the most iconic indian sweet snacks in the country.