A Diwali sweet box is not just about courtesy and customs; it represents warmth, care, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. Creating a sweet box filled with homemade treats Mysore Pak and Sandesh becomes a heartfelt gesture that expresses love and affection during this auspicious occasion. With these Easy Diwali Sweets for Beginners, you can craft an assortment of delightful Indian sweets that will surely add sweetness to your celebrations!
Barfi
Barfi, the delightful melt-in-the-mouth squares of milk fudge, are loved for their versatility and ease of preparation. With a variety of
Ingredients:
- 300 gm full-fat milk powder
- 150 ml whole milk
- 120 gm sugar
- 65 g butter
- One pinch ground cardamom
Procedure:
- In a non-stick pan, combine all the ingredients: milk powder, whole milk, sugar, butter, and ground cardamom.
- Cook the mixture at extremely low heat, stirring continuously for about 10 minutes until it thickens and resembles mashed potato.
- Press the mixture into a greased and lined 15 cm (6 in) cake tin.
- Allow it to set at room temperature until cool, then cut into 12 squares.
- For an extra touch of luxury, crown the barfi with edible silver or gold leaf called varkh; alternatively, you can achieve a similar look at home by coating them with edible glitter, sprinkles, dragées, or edible metallic shimmer spray used for cake decoration.
- You can also experiment with flavors by making chocolate barfi, simply by adding melted chocolate to the mixture before setting.
Ladoo
Ladoos are the most traditional of all Indian sweets, originally served at temples for their convenience and affordability. These little round balls can vary in texture from fudgy to crumbly or grainy and can be made from a wide range of flours, nuts, and seeds, making them incredibly versatile.
Ingredients:
- 90 gm unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 90 gm ground almonds
- 125 gm skimmed milk powder
- 250 gm sweetened condensed milk
- 5 grams ground cardamom
Procedure:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, ground almonds, skimmed milk powder, sweetened condensed milk, and ground cardamom.
- Microwave Method: Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly, then warm the mixture in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring again halfway through to ensure it becomes a thick consistency.
- Stovetop Alternative: If you don’t have a microwave, you can also cook the mixture in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring continuously for about 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then roll it into 18 small balls.
- For an appealing finish, you can jazz up the ladoos by adding food colourings before shaping or rolling them in sprinkles, cocoa powder, or instant espresso powder to balance the sweetness.
Gajar Halwa Truffles
Gajar Halwa Truffles are a delightful fusion of traditional Indian dessert and modern chocolate indulgence. Combining the sweet nostalgia of Gajar Halwa with the bite-sized joy of truffles, these treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the Gajar Halwa:
- 200g shredded carrots
- 100g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 120ml milk
- 60g sweetened condensed milk
- 50g shredded coconut (optional, for texture)
- For the Chocolate Coating:
- 200g dark, milk, or white chocolate (your choice)
Procedure:
- In a pan, combine the shredded carrots, sugar, milk, and sweetened condensed milk, cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes gooey.
- Allow the halwa mixture to cool slightly, then roll it into small balls.
- Melt your choice of chocolate and dip each halwa ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage.
- Place the coated truffles on a tray and sprinkle with shredded coconut or crushed nuts if desired.
- Refrigerate the truffles until they firm up and achieve the desired texture.
Once you've crafted your delicious sweets, it's time to think about how to present them beautifully for gifting. Use an old chocolate box or biscuit tin and cover it in elegant gold or silver wrapping paper, then line the inside with vibrant tissue and greaseproof paper. For bite-sized treats, consider placing them in mini foil or cupcake cases for a charming touch. To add a traditional flair, include a tea light or diya, symbolizing the light of Diwali. Finally, seal your creation with a decorative ribbon, transforming your sweet box into a heartfelt gift filled with love and festive cheer.