5 DRY FRUIT DESSERTS TO SWEETEN YOUR DIWALI CELEBRATIONS.

Published On 16/10/2024

An Indian festival without sweets feels incomplete, almost like the festivities are missing their heart and soul. From Ganesh Chaturthi to Diwali, sweets are not just indulgences—they are a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and happiness shared with your loved ones. While there is no shortage of store-bought options, making homemade dry fruit desserts adds a special touch, bringing together family and friends to savour the sweetness and warmth of the occasion. Why not make this Diwali extra special with a homemade dessert? 

Dry fruits have always been a significant part of our cultural legacy. Indian sweets have been passed down through generations, evolving with time yet deeply rooted in tradition. Whether it is the crunch of almonds or the richness of cashews, dry fruits elevate even the simplest recipes into something truly exquisite. 

This upcoming season, make your revelries even more delightful with these five dry fruit dessert recipes. No matter your level of experience in the kitchen, these recipes are a wonderful way to sprinkle a little extra magic into your festive moments. 

1. Dry Fruit Ladoo

Short on time, but still want to whip up an impressive dessert? Dry Fruit Ladoo is your answer! This delicious dry fruit dessert is super easy to make at home while preparing for your festivities. Packed with the goodness of almonds, cashews, pistachios, and dates, this classic delicacy is both nutritious and wholesome. 

Recipe: 

• Finely chop your choice of dry fruits. 

• Sauté the chopped dry fruits in a bit of ghee. 

• Add pitted dates and cook until soft. 

• Stir in some aromatic cardamom powder. 

• Once well-mixed, roll into bite-sized ladoos. 

• Let them cool and enjoy!  

2. Cashew Barfi

Looking for an effortless yet exciting dry fruit dessert? Try this easy no-cook instant Cashew Barfi! With just a few simple steps and no cooking required, this recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious treat that still delivers on taste. 

The key to making this cashew barfi extra special is starting with top-quality cashews. The better the cashews, the richer and more flavourful your barfi will be!  

Recipe: 

• Blend cashews until finely ground (avoid making a paste). 

• Mix ground cashews with icing sugar and cardamom powder. 

• Gradually add a tiny bit of water until you form a smooth dough. 

• Press the dough into a lined baking pan and smooth the surface. 

• Optional: Add edible silver foil on top for garnish. 

• Let it set for about 30 minutes, then slice and serve! 

3. Mawa Kulfi

Denser and creamier than ice cream, kulfi is a beloved traditional Indian frozen treat that everyone enjoys. From kids to grandparents, your guests will love this rich, cooling dessert after a hearty festive meal. You can customise your kulfi with a myriad of flavours like tasty mango, a hint of saffron, or even your unique twist. But don’t forget the nuts for that irresistible crunchy texture! 

Recipe: 

• In a wide pan, simmer milk on low heat, stirring often to prevent burning. 

• Dissolve rice flour (or cornstarch) in a bit of milk and set aside. 

• Grate or crumble khoya into fine pieces and grind the nuts to a semi-fine consistency. 

• Add sugar to the reduced milk, scraping the solids from the sides. 

• Once the sugar dissolves, stir in the rice flour or cornstarch paste, ensuring no lumps form. 

• Cook until thickened, then add khoya, nuts, and cardamom powder. 

• Stir well and simmer for another minute. 

• Turn off the heat and adjust the sweetness if needed. 

• Let it cool, then pour it into kulfi moulds or serving dishes. 

• Cover and freeze overnight until set. 

• To unmould, slide a butter knife along the edges, warm the moulds slightly and serve immediately. 

4. Orange Sooji Halwa

Orange Sooji Halwa, filled with roasted nuts and fresh orange zest, brings a delicious tang to the traditional halwa. The burst of orange flavour not only elevates the taste but also gives the dessert a vibrant and enticing colour. 

Recipe: 

• Heat ghee in a pan and roast semolina on low heat until fragrant. 

• Mix in water, fresh orange juice, and sweetened condensed milk. 

• Stir continuously as the mixture simmers and thickens. 

• Once it pulls away from the pan's sides, add more ghee for a velvety texture. 

• Garnish with roasted nuts and a sprinkle of orange zest. 

• Enjoy your delicious Orange Sooji Halwa!

5. Coconut Mawa Firecrackers

These decadent Coconut Mawa Firecrackers are the ultimate dry fruit dessert to light up any celebration! Perfect for Dussehra, Diwali, or any special event, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with everyone. 

Recipe: 

• Heat ghee in a pan and roast mixed nuts until golden brown; set aside. 

• In the same pan, sauté rice flour for a couple of minutes. 

• Add desiccated coconut, a pinch of salt, cardamom powder, and condensed milk; mix well. 

• Stir in the roasted nuts to create a thick base. 

• Divide the mixture into bowls and add natural colours (beetroot puree, cocoa powder, saffron) for a festive feel. 

• Let the mixture cool, then shape it into small lemon-sized balls or "phuljhari" shapes. 

• Coat with chopped nuts, drizzle melted white chocolate, and garnish with saffron strands. 

• Allow to set and arrange on a platter for a stunning dessert! 

As you prepare for the upcoming festive season, give these five dry fruit dessert recipes a try! With just a few ingredients and a selection of tasty dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and pistachios, they are guaranteed to make your celebrations even more special. From rich, nutty ladoos to tangy orange sooji halwa, you will definitely get smiles and compliments for these delicious sweets.  

The best part? These recipes are a breeze to whip up, letting you spend more time enjoying the joyous moments with your loved ones. 

And if you want to surprise your guests with something truly exceptional, choose Zantye's Goan Cashew Katli. Made from the finest Goan cashews, this special dessert has a distinct taste that will leave no one stopping at just one piece! 

  

Don’t let your Diwali celebrations be incomplete! Bring extra joy to your festivities with premium nuts from Zantye’s. Shop online to get high-quality almonds, cashews, and pistachios delivered straight to your doorsteps today.