Indian Puff Pastry Desserts: 6 Options To Explore For The Holiday Season

When it comes to Indian festivals, desserts are the star of the show. From laddoos to halwas, the desserts are a reflection of the season. But what if you could mix the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the rich, vibrant flavors of Indian desserts? Puff pastry is a blank canvas waiting to be painted with the bold spices, nuts and fruits that Indian cuisine is famous for.

Whether you are hosting a Diwali party or making sweets for Christmas, puff pastry can be your magic ingredient to create something special. You can fill it with cardamom flavored custard, layer it with saffron infused khoya or even bake it with a topping of pistachios and rose petals.

With so many options to experiment with, from savory-spiced rolls to syrupy, flaky confections, these will be a hit with kids and adults alike this holiday season!

How To Bake Gajar Halwa Puff Pastry Strudels

Gajar Halwa is a winter classic in India, loved for its richness, sweetness and aroma. Combine this with the flaky, buttery puff pastry and you have a dessert.

Ingredients (for 6-8 servings)

For Gajar Halwa:

• 3 large carrots, grated (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup full fat milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews and almonds
• 2 tbsp raisins (optional)

For Puff Pastry:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp melted ghee or butter (for brushing)

Method

1. Heat ghee in a heavy bottomed pan and add the grated carrots. Sauté the carrots for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
2. Add the milk and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk is absorbed and the mixture thickens (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Add sugar and cardamom powder and cook until the mixture becomes a pudding.
4. Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Let it cool completely.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cut the pastry sheet into strips (about 3 inches wide) long enough to encase the gajar halwa filling.
8. Spoon a generous amount of cooled gajar halwa onto the center of each puff pastry strip.
9. Fold over the edges of the puff pastry to cover the filling, seal the sides.
10. Place the strudels on the baking tray, brush each one with melted ghee or butter for a golden crust.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
12. Let the strudels cool slightly before serving.

6 Delicious And Creative Indian Puff Pastry Desserts

1. Gulab Jamun Puff Pastry Cups

Gulab Jamun, the Indian sweet which is loved by everyone and it can be converted into a puff pastry dessert. To make it bake mini puff pastry cups and fill them with a small gulab jamun soaked in sugar syrup. The warm syrupy sweetness of gulab jamun and the crunch of puff pastry is a perfect combination.

2. Kesar Pista Puff Pastry Rolls

Kesar (saffron) and pista (pistachio) is a classic combination in Indian sweets. To make these puff pastry rolls, spread a saffron infused cream and chopped pistachios inside rolled out puff pastry dough. Bake until golden and drizzle with condensed milk or syrup for extra sweetness.

3. Mango Lassi Puff Pastry Bites

Mango lassi, the Indian yogurt drink, can also be used to inspire puff pastry desserts. For this, make small pockets of puff pastry filled with a thick mango yogurt mixture flavored with cardamom and a hint of honey. Bake the pockets until golden and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.

4. Chocolate Samosa Puff Pastries

Samosas are a favorite Indian snack but why not turn them into a dessert? Replace the filling with chocolate ganache and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Fold the puff pastry into triangles and bake till golden and crispy. These chocolate samosas are a perfect fusion of Indian flavors and Western desserts, perfect for a fun and indulgent treat.

5. Rabri Puff Pastry Tarts

Rabri, a traditional Indian sweet made from reduced milk and flavored with cardamom and saffron, is perfect with puff pastry. Bake individual puff pastry tarts and fill them with homemade rabri. You can top it with slivers of almonds or saffron threads to give it a nice look and flavor.

6. Coconut Ladoo Puff Pastry

Coconut ladoos are a must in every Indian home during festivals and these can be turned into a puff pastry dessert. Roll out puff pastry sheets, sprinkle with shredded coconut and bake till golden. Let it cool and then fill it with a sweetened coconut mixture like the filling of a traditional ladoo.