Festivals are vital to India’s vibrant culture, showing its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. These joyous celebrations unite people, fostering a strong sense of community, tradition, and identity. Every region, religion, and community in India has unique festivals, showcasing a powerful key element of the values and beliefs passed down through generations. These celebrations combine, promoting unity in diversity by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds.
For example, the festival of lights, Diwali, goes beyond all social barriers and gives harmony and togetherness. These festivals hold religious significance, making important events or victories of good over evil. They provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion, offering moments for families and communities to come together in prayer and gratitude. Indian festivals are not just occasions for joyful celebration but also uphold the values of unity, tradition, and cultural pride.
With this blog, we will understand the importance of accessible and engaging Diwali sweet recipes that are yummy and irresistible to skip. So, you want to take your kid and prepare them for doughing and frying.
Diwali in Hindu Mythology
Diwali is an important festival in Hindu mythology. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. It is observed for five days between mid-October and mid-November. Diwali is a time to honour traditions and embrace contemporary interpretations. The celebration extends beyond India, influencing cultures worldwide through the Indian diaspora. Diwali brings joy, introspection, and spiritual growth to millions, illuminating lives and inspiring hearts.
11 Tasty Diwali Sweet Recipes for Children
Diwali is a festive occasion where indulging in delicious sweets is a tradition. If your child has a sweet tooth, you can treat them to their favourite homemade sweets. If you’re looking for unique Diwali sweet ideas for children, here are some delightful Indian recipes to try.
1. Malpua:
It is a north Indian pancake traditionally made with wheat, sugar, jaggery, flour, and cardamom powder. It is one of the best Diwali sweet recipes made in many Indian homes during these festivities. Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa enjoy malpua at every festivitie.
Ingredients we need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
- ¼ teaspoon of baking soda
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons of milk powder
- 3 tablespoons of yoghurt
- 3 tablespoons of A2 khoya
- Fry in A2 Gir Cow Ghee
How to Make-
- Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp fennel seeds, and 3-4 crushed cardamom pods in a bowl.
- Add 3 tbsp grated khoya (or milk powder) and 3 tbsp fresh yoghurt.
- Stir in ½ cup water to make a thick, lump-free batter. Let it rest for 30 mins to 2 hours.
- Prepare Nuts: For 20-30 mins, peel, and slice, blend almonds and pistachios in hot water.
- Sugar Syrup: Heat ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup water, stirring until dissolved. Achieve a sticky syrup consistency. Keep it warm to avoid crystallisation.
- Frying Malpua: Heat 4 tbsp ghee in a pan (shallow fry). Mix ⅛ tsp baking soda into the batter. Fry small portions of the batter on low-medium heat until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Dipping & Serving. Dip fried malpua in warm sugar syrup.
- Serve hot with Rabri, garnished with almonds, pistachios, and saffron.
- Note: Malpua is best served hot or warm to avoid a chewy texture.
2. Gajar ka halwa
Gajar ka Halwa is love for all over India. It is one of the classic Diwali sweet dishes. The North Indians prepare this halwa with great enthusiasm. Khoya makes the halwa rich and healthy. This delightful sweet is enjoyed on special occasions or any bright time or festival of the year.
Ingredients we need:
- 1 kg Carrots
- 1-litre A2 Gir cow milk
- Ghee
- ¾ to 1 cup Sugar
- Cardamom Powder ½ teaspoon
- Cashews, Almonds, Raisins
- Khoya 200 grams
How to make-
- Cook milk and mix grated carrot for 15-20 minutes.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well
- Once it starts thickening, add sugar and ghee
- Add saffron, dry fruits, and almond paste, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve the gajar ka halwa warm. It is an easy Diwali sweet recipe for children.
3. Pistachio Kulfi:
Kulfi is a frozen dessert made with pure-fat milk, cardamom, or saffron sugar. It is an Indian dessert chopped with nuts and dry fruits and is added for its flavour and richness.
Ingredients we need:
- 3 liters of milk
- ½ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of almonds peeled and blanched
- ¼ cup of cashew
- ¼ cup of pistachios
- 2 teaspoons of cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds
- 8-10 whole black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
How to make-
- Finely grind all the ingredients in a mixer. This paste can be made using some water as well.
- Start by boiling the milk, reducing the heat, and simmering for 30 minutes until it reaches half its quantity.
- Add sugar as needed and mix until it dissolves.
- Now give a nice whisk after you mix the kulfi paste.
- Lower the heat and let the mixture cool down completely.
- Get the mixture into the kulfi molds until 3/4th full and refrigerate for 15 to 20 hours.
- Take out the kulfi from the molds and serve.
4. Milk Pedha:
Pedha is a delicious milk-based fudge treat, generally spherical or round, made with a great blend of dried milk (khoya or mawa), sugar, and milk, and with any preferred flavouring.
Ingredients we need:
- 200 grams of condensed milk
- ½ tablespoon of ghee
- ¾ cup of milk powder
- A pinch of nutmeg powder
- A pinch of saffron
- 3-4 green cardamoms, crushed
How to make-
- Take some mixed condensed milk, milk powder, and ghee in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it high for one minute.
- Get some crushed cinnamon, nutmeg powder, and saffron and microwave for another two minutes or until the mic thickens.
- Take some ghee on the palm and shape the dough into small balls. Flatten it properly and refrigerate.
5. Kaju Katli:
Kaju barfi, or Kaju Katli, is our Indian heart. Our cashew fudge candy is smooth and thin and melts in the mouth. It is one of the top Diwali sweet recipes during the festive season.
Ingredients we need:
- ½ cup of sugar or as a requirement
- 1 cup of cashews
- 1 tablespoon of A2 Buffalo ghee
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 8-9 strands of saffron
How to make-
- Take some cashews in the grinder until it comes out with a powdered texture.
- Grease a tray, and it should be kept aside.
- Heat a pan, add water and sugar, and let the sugar dissolve. Add the cashew powder and keep stirring continuously.
- Take the cashew mixture and mix it for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- When the mixture is too wet to handle, knead the cashew mixture. Put the mixture on a greased tray and flatten the dough.
- Let the mixture cool down, cut it into diamond shapes and refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
6. Besan ke Laddoo:
This ladoo is a beautiful mix of aromatic spices, sweetness, and roasted gram flour. This beloved Indian sweet expresses the essence of the goodness of home.
Ingredients we need:
- 2 cups of Besan
- ½ cup of ghee
- ¾ cup sugar (powdered)
- 1 tablespoon of raisins
- 3-4 green crushed cardamoms
- 1 tablespoon of chopped cashews
- Cashews to garnish
How to make-
- Add some heated ghee in Besan, roast it for 6-7 minutes, and lower the flame when you see the change of colour.
- Mix sugar and stir for about 7 minutes. Also, make sure the mixture doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Stir well while adding the cardamom powder and dry fruits.
- Now let the mixture aside and let it cool.
- Make small-sized balls for the mixtures and serve them hot or cold.
7. Coconut Ladoo:
This sweet is traditionally associated with Assam. It is a famous sweet, authentically known as ‘Narikol Laduu’. These simple ladoos are made using coconut, sugar, and cardamom for flavour.
Ingredients we need:
- 1 ½ cups of finely grated coconut
- ½ cup of water
- 3-4 powdered cardamoms
- 2/3 cup of sugar
How to make-
- In a saucepan, mix water and sugar and let it simmer on low flame.
- The consistency should be thick; switch off the heat and add cardamom powder and grated coconut to the sugar solution.
- Mix the mixture well and get the flame off
- Serve it immediately.
- Include these simple Diwali sweet recipes in the experience for your kids.
8. Moong Dal Halwa:
Moong dal halwa is a perfect mix of moong daal, sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder. It is delicious and aromatic and the best festive dessert. The texture is mouth-melting, and the taste and aroma are also unique.
Ingredients we need:
- 1 cup of spilt moong daal
- Safor strands
- 1 tbsp warm milk
- ½ cup ghee
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp silver almonds
How to make-
- Take an ample quantity of yellow moong dal and soak it in water for 3 hours. Drain it later.
- Now blend the soaked moong daal into a textured paste and add 1 tablespoon of water. Let the mixture set aside.
- In 1 tablespoon of warm milk, let some strands of saffron dissolve, and use it later.
- Heat a non-stick pan with ghee and add the blended moong dal paste. Cook the mixture for 25 minutes on medium flame, stirring continuously.
- Add water and one cup of milk to the mix, and cook again on a medium flame for 5-7 minutes, stirring it continuously.
- Now, add the saffron milk mixture with cardamom powder, ensuring thorough mixing. Cook on a medium flame and stir continuously.
- Garnish the warm moong dal halwa with almonds, store it in an airtight container, and let it set.
9. Badam Halwa:
This badam halwa is a South Indian sweet made with ground almonds, ghee, cardamoms, sugar, and saffron. Treat yourself to this festive treat this Diwali.
Ingredients we need:
- 1 ½ cups of almonds
- 2 cups of water
- 5-6 crushed cardamom
- 4 strands of Saffron
- ½ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of water or milk
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
How to make-
- Blend almonds and 2 cups of water to make a smooth paste.
- Now cook the almond paste in a heavy bottom pan until it thickens.
- Add sugar and combine well
- Add water or milk and keep stirring
- Now add coconut oil and mix until the mixture becomes lumpy.
- Add saffron and cardamom in the end and stir again.
- Let the halwa cool down and cut them in a diamond shape.
10. Chocolate Barfi:
This super delicious chocolatey Indian Style fudge with milk solids, sugar and cardamoms, and cocoa.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of sugar
- 2 ½ cups of crumbled Khoya
- 1/8 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- 1 teaspoon of rose water
- 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
- Some vegetable oil
How to make-
- Take a thick-bottomed pan, heat the khoya, and keep stirring continuously so that it does not burn out.
- Khoya should be warm, add cardamom powder, rose water, and sugar.
- Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely; the halwa mixture should be grainy.
- Let the mixture become thick and leave the sides of the pan.
- The dough should be divided into two parts. Let the mixture knead into a smooth dough, giving it a square shape.
- Take some cocoa powder and start layering. Gently press it, freeze it for about 30 minutes, and cut it into small pieces.
11. Jalebi:
This crispy, spiral-shaped, and juicy delight is made with maida (all-purpose flour), sugar syrup, and gram flour. It is known by different names in different states, like Jilapi in Assam, Jilipi in Bengali, and Zalebia in the southern parts of India.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of maida
- 2 tbsp of cornflour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup yogurt
- ¼ tsp turmeric or a pinch of saffron
- Water ½ cup
- Ghee for frying
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup water
- Baking Powder 1 tsp
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Rose water for the essence
How to Make-
- Whisk the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Gradually add water and yoghurt to make it a smooth batter.
- Add saffron for the colour in the mix.
- Let the batter ferment for 8-10 hours.
- Now combine sugar and water in a pan, and, over medium flame, heat it.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, and add the cardamom powder and saffron.
- Boil for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a fine consistency.
- Add lemon juice and rose water for the required amount of essence.
- Heat some ghee in a deep-frying pan on medium heat.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or squeeze bottle.
- Pipe some spiral shapes into hot oil, and fry the jalebis on medium heat until it’s crisp and golden on both sides.
- The moment they are fried, transfer them to the warm sugar syrup.
- Let them soak for about 30 seconds until they get coated evenly.
- Now strain and remove them and put them to cool before serving.
Conclusion
The real essence of Diwali lies in sharing joy and love with your family and friends. By teaching children, the preparation of these sweet little delights, we teach them the value of cooking skills and introduce cultural awareness and appreciation for India’s rich traditions.
Whether you decide to make fancy designs with barfi, shape your ladoos into fun shapes, or create colourful rangoli-inspired cookies, these recipes are made to bring smiles to young faces and warmth to the home. These delightful Diwali sweet recipes are perfect for kids, and we hope you’ve found inspiration to make memorable moments with your little ones during this festive season. These easy-to-make delicacies offer an excellent chance to engage kids in the kitchen while introducing them to traditional Indian sweets.
Visit https://swadeshivip.com/ and order A2 milk and A2 milk-based products to make this Diwali memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous sweet of Diwali?
During this ‘festival of lights’ Diwali, Gulab Jamun is one of the most popular delicacies. These tiny balls of sweetener are made of utter goodness and deliciousness.
What are the unique dishes of Diwali?
There are many unique dishes for Diwali; 6 of them are
– Besan ke laddoos
– Gulgule
– Coconut Ladoos
– Murukku
– Gulab Jamun
– Mathri
What is the significance of eating sweets on Diwali?
Diwali is more than just a light festival; it is also a sweets festival. In Indian culture, sweets, or ‘mithais,’ have a deep-rooted significance and a rich tradition. These sweets symbolize joy, festivities, auspiciousness, and prosperity.
What are traditional Indian sweets?
Indian sweets, such as Gulab Jamun, Rasagulla, Jalebi, and the timeless favourite Kaju Katli, have a dedicated fan base. Our sweets are prepared using various methods such as cooking, baking, roasting, steaming, boiling, frying, and freezing. Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but also a festival of delectable sweets.
What are the names of the few Diwali sweets?
A few Diwali sweets are known for their extreme sweetness, such as Kalakand, Chum, Sandesh, Ras Malai, and Rasgulla. The all-time favourites are burfi, kaju katli, halwa varieties, and kheer.
How can children learn the cultural significance of Diwali sweets by making and sharing these recipes?
During Diwali, people dress up and share stories and snacks with neighbours and friends. The different ways of celebrating Diwali make it even more special. You can share recipes for sweets and cakes with your neighbours and get their recommendations. Also, involve your children when trying out these recipes.
Is it essential to teach kids the legacy of Diwali?
The kids must learn why we celebrate Diwali as a victory of good over evil. People decorate their homes with lights, diyas, and rangolis. They welcome Lord Ram’s arrival in Ayodhya over 14 years of exile.
What are some traditional regional Diwali sweet recipes that children might enjoy exploring?
Traditional foods create good memories in the kids’ minds. Regional Diwali sweets like anarsa from Maharastra, bamboo from Himachal Pradesh, galvalume from Andhra Pradesh, mawa kachori from Rajasthan, Mohan thal from Gujarat, shufti from Kashmir, charlotte from Karnataka, and Khaja from Bihar are pretty popular.
Read more Blogs: 10 Diwali Sweets You Can Make In Just 15 Minutes