Sweet Recipes for Festival Celebrations: 5 Days of Diwali Sweets from Dhanteras to Diwali

Dhanteras sweets for the five days of Diwali include besan ladoo, kaju katli, and gulab jamun, with a simple day-by-day plan, chocolate-twist options like Chocolate Mysore Pak, and tips for presenting a festive platter.

The 5 Days of Diwali and the Sweets to Make

The five days of Diwali all have their own unique customs and rituals. The first day is Dhanteras, followed by Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja or New Year, and finally Bhai Dooj. This celebration provides a variety of occasions to prepare and share sweet recipes for festival gatherings, including traditional mithai or chocolate-based desserts.

Day 1, Dhanteras: Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo is a classic Indian sweet made from roasted chickpea flour, sugar, and ghee. This delicious treat is rich in flavor and makes for a perfect festive indulgence. The delightful aroma of freshly roasted besan wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to indulge in this classic dessert.

Yield: Makes about 10–12 besan ladoos.

Ingredients:

• 250 gm chickpea flour (besan)
• 100 gm ghee
• The 100 g of ghee for 250 g of besan will help to make them firm but also let the mix bind.
• 150 gm powdered sugar
• 5 gm cardamom powder
• 50 gm chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)

Method:

1. In a pan, heat ghee and add the chickpea flour. Roast on low heat until golden brown and fragrant.
2. Once cooled, add powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts. Mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into small round balls and let them cool before serving.
4. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These simple sweets for Diwali are perfect for making ahead of the festivities.

Day 2, Choti Diwali: Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli is a premium sweet made from cashew nuts, sugar, and ghee. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich flavor make it a favorite during festivals.

Ingredients:

• 200 gm cashew nuts
• 150 gm sugar
• 50 ml water
• Use 1 tsp ghee for the dough and some more for greasing.
• Silver leaf (optional): for decoration

Method:

1. Grind cashew nuts into a fine powder and set aside.
2. In a pan, combine sugar and water, and cook until it reaches a one-string consistency.
3. Add the cashew powder and ghee, mixing well to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut it into diamond-shaped pieces. Garnish with silver leaf if desired.
5. If you want a chocolatey twist on this classic, you can try out the Silk chocolate kaju katli recipe as another option for simple sweets for Diwali.

Day 3, Lakshmi Puja: Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a beloved dessert made of milk solids, sugar syrup, and a hint of cardamom. These soft, syrup-soaked balls are a staple at any festive occasion.

Each bite is a celebration, evoking memories of festive gatherings and joyous occasions, making Gulab Jamun a timeless favorite in Indian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 250 gm khoya (reduced milk)
• 50 gm all-purpose flour
• 2 gm baking soda
• 300 gm sugar
• 200 ml water
• Ghee for frying
• 1 tsp rose water (optional)

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix khoya, all-purpose flour, and baking soda to form a soft dough.
2. Shape into small balls and set aside.
3. In a pan, heat ghee and fry the balls until golden brown.
4. Prepare sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water together;
5. Stir in rose water, if using any.
6. Soak the balls in a warm sugar syrup for about 1 to 2 hours so that they absorb the syrup.
7. These gulab jamuns are a favorite choice among sweet recipes for festivals.

Also Read: Try Dairy Milk Gulab Jamun Custard

Day 4, Govardhan Puja: Chocolate Mysore Pak

Govardhan Puja is a great time to indulge in sweets that take traditional flavors with a contemporary twist. Chocolate Mysore Pak combines the rich, melt-in-the-mouth goodness of traditional Mysore Pak with the indulgent flavor of chocolate, making it a festive addition to the day's festivities, and a great choice for those looking to explore the sweet possibilities of a festival. Try the Chocolate Mysore Pak recipe to make this treat at home.

Day 5, Bhai Dooj: Chocolate Mousse

Bhai Dooj is a wonderful event to bond with your siblings over tasty desserts. Chocolate mousse makes for a rich, creamy treat that complements any family feast. Enjoy it following an Oreo shake, and you're in for an exciting chocolate-based dessert that adults and children will love. Try these simple sweets for Diwali by following the Chocolate Mousse recipe and Oreo Shake recipe.

How to Present a Diwali Sweets Platter

Present simple sweets for Diwali on a vibrant platter to create a festive spread. Arrange golden Besan Ladoo with diamond-shaped Kaju Katli for a mix of colors and textures. Serve Gulab Jamun in a decorative bowl with syrup. Garnish with edible rose petals or chopped pistachios, and add tags naming each sweet for a personal touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Besan Ladoo, along with Kaju Katli, can be made in advance and kept in airtight containers in a cool and dry place. Gulab Jamun can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the sugar syrup in which it has been soaked.

Chocolate Mysore Pak needs to be kept in an airtight container, while the Chocolate Mousse and Oreo Shake need to be prepared fresh or just before serving.