We Tried 10 Unique Holi Desserts: Here Is What You Should Try This Year

Holi, with its dazzling colours and infectious energy, is one of India's most joyous festivals. While the fun of splashing colours and playing with water balloons is one of the highlights, there's no denying that the festival's rich tradition of sweets also steals the show. From crunchy gujiya to refreshing thandai, Holi is a time to indulge in some of India's finest desserts.

But while the classics are loved and cherished by many, there's always room for a little innovation. This year, instead of sticking to the usual, why not explore some new twists on the classic favourites? If you're looking to impress your guests or just add a bit more excitement to your celebrations, these 10 Holi desserts are just what you need. They're indulgent, fun, and bursting with flavours that capture the spirit of Holi in every bite. So, let's dive into these delightful Indian sweets that will make your Holi celebrations unforgettable!

Also Read: Holi 2025: Sweet And Delicious Snacks That Will Make Your Day More Special

We Tried 10 Unique Holi Desserts: Here's What You Should Try This Year; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Pista Gujiya

Gujiya is a beloved Holi treat, and its crispy exterior paired with a sweet, rich filling has been winning hearts for generations. Traditionally made with khoya (reduced milk) and a variety of dry fruits, the gujiya is a symbol of celebration. But this year, how about giving it a luxurious twist by adding pistachios to the filling? The rich, earthy flavour of pistachios combined with the usual sweetness creates a more sophisticated variation of the traditional gujiya.

Not only does this pista gujiya look stunning with its green filling peeking out of the golden, crisp shell, but the taste is equally delightful. The pistachios bring a delicate crunch and richness, balancing the sweetness of the filling. If you want to go all out, you can even coat the gujiya with a light sugar syrup, giving it a gorgeous glossy finish. This is a festive treat that's both familiar and innovative, making it a perfect addition to your Holi spread.

2. Thandai Trifle

Thandai, a traditional drink made with milk, almonds, saffron, cardamom, and a handful of other spices, is a staple during Holi. But have you ever tried it as a dessert? Enter the thandai trifle, a cool, creamy dessert that layers the essence of thandai with the richness of custard, fruit, and crumbled cake.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its layering. The thandai-flavoured custard forms the base, while fresh fruits like pomegranate and mango add a burst of freshness. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed nuts, this trifle is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for those warm Holi afternoons. The thandai flavour gives it that signature festive touch, while the layers of textures keep each bite interesting.

3. Malpua With Rabri

Malpua, those sweet, soft, and slightly crispy pancakes soaked in syrup, are already a Holi favourite. But for a more indulgent experience, pair these golden delights with a rich, creamy rabri, a traditional Indian sweet made by simmering milk until it thickens into a luscious, velvety consistency. The combination of the crispy malpua with the cool, creamy rabri is a perfect balance of textures and flavours.

The malpua is deep-fried to golden perfection, and once it's soaked in the warm sugar syrup, it becomes melt-in-the-mouth delicious. When topped with a generous serving of chilled rabri, the sweetness is elevated, and the richness of the milk-based dessert takes it to a whole new level. The pistachio and cardamom toppings on the rabri add extra fragrance and crunch, making this dessert a must-try during Holi.

We Tried 10 Unique Holi Desserts: Here's What You Should Try This Year; Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Kesar Peda

Pedas are a favourite during festivals, and kesar (saffron) peda, with its intoxicating fragrance and rich texture, is especially perfect for Holi. Made from condensed milk, sugar, and ghee, the peda is infused with the exotic flavour of saffron, which gives it a beautiful golden hue. The cardamom adds a warm, aromatic touch that takes the sweet to a whole new level of indulgence.

These little squares or round balls are often garnished with slivers of pistachios or almonds, making them as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. The flavour of saffron combined with the milky richness makes this a delectable dessert that's bound to be a crowd-pleaser at any Holi gathering. The peda is dense, sweet, and creamy, the ultimate indulgence during a celebration.

5. Gulab Jamun Cheesecake

Gulab jamun, those spongy, syrup-soaked delights, are perhaps the most iconic Holi dessert. But this year, why not serve them in a completely new avatar? Introducing gulab jamun cheesecake, a fusion dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the indulgence of gulab jamun. The cheesecake is dense and creamy, with a hint of cardamom, and features pieces of gulab jamun tucked into the batter, soaking up all the syrupy goodness.

When you take a bite, the velvety cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the soft, syrupy gulab jamun, creating a delightful surprise in each mouthful. The crunchy biscuit base adds a texture contrast, making the whole dessert feel like a perfect blend of two beloved sweets. This combination of cheesecake and gulab jamun is sure to be a hit at any Holi celebration, combining the best of both worlds.

6. Thandai Coconut Ladoo

Coconut ladoos are always a welcome sight at any festival, and when you add the spicy kick of thandai to them, they become a Holi treat to remember. These thandai coconut ladoos are made by combining desiccated coconut with sweetened condensed milk, cardamom, and a hint of thandai masala. The thandai masala brings a lovely complexity of flavours, with hints of saffron, rose petals, and almonds.

The ladoos are soft, aromatic, and perfectly sweet, with a slight crunch from the coconut. The addition of thandai gives them an unmistakable festive touch, making them stand out among the usual ladoo offerings. These are small, easy to serve, and pack a flavour punch that's sure to get everyone in the Holi spirit.

We Tried 10 Unique Holi Desserts: Here's What You Should Try This Year; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Jalebi With Rabri

Jalebi, the crisp, sugar-soaked treat, is another classic sweet that graces every Holi table. But when you pair this indulgent dessert with a rich, creamy rabri, you have a match made in dessert heaven. The crispy, golden jalebi rings are soaked in sugar syrup, and when served alongside chilled rabri, they create a beautiful contrast between the warmth of the jalebi and the cool creaminess of the rabri.

This combination brings out the best of both desserts, the sticky sweetness of the jalebi pairs perfectly with the smooth, rich rabri. The cardamom in the rabri elevates the flavour, adding a fragrant touch to each bite. If you're looking to make your Holi celebrations extra special, this pairing will definitely do the trick.

8. Chana Chaat With Sweet Yogurt

For something a little different but still in the spirit of Holi, try a chana chaat with sweet yoghurt. Chana chaat is typically made with chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and spices, but for a sweet version, we've added a cool, creamy yoghurt dressing. The result is a refreshing, tangy chaat that balances the rich, spiced chickpeas with the sweetness of yoghurt, making it an ideal treat for the festive season.

This dessert is a fusion of sweet and savoury, with the yoghurt bringing a coolness that contrasts nicely with the warmth of the spices in the chana. The dish is topped with pomegranate seeds, coriander, and a sprinkling of chaat masala, which adds crunch and brightness. It's a fun, fresh, and unique way to enjoy Holi's delicious flavours.

Products Related To This Article

1. GO DESi Classic Kaju Katli 200 grams

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3.  Atta Gond Laddu 200 grams

4. GO DESi - Mysore Pak

5. Bikano Thandai Kesaria Syrup

6. TWO BROTHERS ORGANIC FARMS Rose Thandai

7. Open Secret Thandai

8. Haldiram's Delhi Dry Agra Petha

9. GO DESi - Coconut Laddoo

10. Asha Sweets 250g Dry fruits Gujiya

Holi is the perfect time to explore new flavours and indulge in the sweets that have become synonymous with this joyous festival. While the classics will always have a special place in our hearts, these 10 unique desserts offer an exciting way to add a twist to your Holi celebrations. Whether it's the fusion of gulab jamun cheesecake or the traditional kesar peda with a fragrant, modern touch, these sweets are bound to delight. So, this Holi, get creative with your dessert spread. Bring a mix of old favourites and new surprises to the table and share the sweetness with family and friends. Happy Holi, may your celebrations be as colourful and delicious as these desserts.

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