No Raksha Bandhan is complete without something sweet. After all, every Rakhi tied comes with a bite of love — whether it’s a classic laddoo, a melt-in-the-mouth barfi, or your mom’s famous kheer.
This year, skip the store-bought boxes and surprise your siblings with homemade mithai that’s easy, quick, and made with love (and ghee!). Here’s a curated list of 9 Rakhi-special Indian sweets you can make at home, even if you’re short on time or trying it for the first time.
1. 🟡 Besan Laddoo (Gram Flour Laddoos)
Time: 30–40 minutes
Level: Beginner-friendly
Ingredients:
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- ½ cup ghee
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- Cardamom powder & chopped nuts (optional)
Why It’s Perfect:
- Long shelf life
- Can be made in advance
- Loved by all age groups
💡 Pro Tip: Roast besan on low flame till it gives a nutty aroma — that’s the secret to perfect laddoos!
2. 🟠 Coconut Barfi (Nariyal ki Barfi)
Time: 20–25 minutes
Level: Super easy
Ingredients:
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
- 1 cup condensed milk
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- Ghee to grease tray
Why It’s Perfect:
- Quick, fuss-free
- Looks festive with silver vark
- Can be made with kids too!
💡 Twist It: Add a drop of rose or kewra essence for a fragrant kick.
3. ⚪ Kheer (Rice Pudding)
Time: 45 mins
Level: Traditional & Worth It
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rice
- 1 litre full-cream milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- Cardamom, saffron, chopped dry fruits
Why It’s Perfect:
- Ultimate comfort dessert
- Can be served hot or chilled
- Symbolic in many Rakhi thalis
💡 For Creaminess: Simmer it long and slow — the thicker, the better!
4. 🟤 Chocolate Modak
Time: 20–30 minutes
Level: Modern & Kid-Friendly
Ingredients:
- Crushed biscuits
- Cocoa powder
- Condensed milk
- Dry fruits (optional)
Why It’s Perfect:
- Fusion of Indian + Western flavours
- No steaming or complicated shaping
- Can be made in moulds
💡 Creative Idea: Sprinkle choco chips or drizzle with Nutella for added fun.
5. 🔶 Sooji Halwa (Sheera)
Time: 15–20 minutes
Level: Instant delight
Ingredients:
- 1 cup suji (semolina)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup ghee
- 2 cups water or milk + cardamom + raisins
Why It’s Perfect:
- Quickest Rakhi sweet possible
- Great for small families
- Also used in puja offerings
💡 Add-On: Serve it in small earthen pots for desi vibes!
6. 🟨 Malai Pedas (No-Cook Version)
Time: 10–15 minutes
Level: No stove needed!
Ingredients:
- Milk powder
- Condensed milk
- Ghee
- Cardamom + saffron + pistachio
Why It’s Perfect:
- No gas / induction needed
- Easy enough for kids to help
- Great for last-minute prep
💡 Decor Tip: Use a peda stamp or your thumb for a pro finish.
7. 🟧 Gulab Jamun (Using Ready Mix or From Scratch)
Time: 45 minutes
Level: Medium
Ingredients:
- Ready mix (like Gits/MTR) OR khoya + maida
- Sugar syrup with rose water or cardamom
Why It’s Perfect:
- Ultimate festive favorite
- Loved by brothers and bhabhis alike
- Juicy, warm, and indulgent
💡 Serving Tip: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a fusion touch!
8. 🟩 Dry Fruit Laddoos (No Sugar Added)
Time: 20–25 minutes
Level: Health-conscious yet rich
Ingredients:
- Dates, figs, raisins
- Almonds, cashews, walnuts
- Ghee or coconut oil
Why It’s Perfect:
- Naturally sweet
- Great for elders or diabetic family members
- Rich in energy, looks gourmet
💡 *Roll them in desiccated coconut or sesame seeds for a festive look.
9. 🟦 Mango Shrikhand (Amrakhand)
Time: 2 hours (incl. chilling)
Level: Summery, creamy delight
Ingredients:
- Hung curd
- Mango pulp
- Powdered sugar
- Cardamom + saffron
Why It’s Perfect:
- No cooking needed
- Royal dessert from Maharashtra/Gujarat
- Great for afternoon Rakhi celebrations
💡 *Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve in glass jars for IG-worthy look.
📸 Presentation Ideas for Rakhi Sweets:
| Idea | Add-ons |
|---|---|
| 🌺 Rakhi Thali | Place sweets with diya, rakhi, tikka |
| 📷 Instagram Reel | Timelapse of sweet-making |
| 🧺 Gifting Box | Homemade sweets in mason jars or tins |
| 👧 With Kids | Let them help roll laddoos or garnish |
🍽️ Bonus: Build Your Own Rakhi Sweet Platter
🪔 Combo Platter Idea:
- 2 Besan laddoos
- 2 Coconut barfis
- 1 small bowl of kheer
- Decorate with rose petals + diyas
- Add a printed “Happy Rakhi” card for gifting
❤️ Final Thoughts
Making sweets at home for Rakhi isn’t just about taste — it’s about tradition, effort, and the joy of doing something personal for your sibling.
“The sweetness of a laddoo made with love lasts far longer than a store-bought box.”
This Raksha Bandhan, bring the festive aroma into your kitchen, and make your sibling say, “Wow, you made this at home?”
🔜 Coming Soon on HumareUtsav.in
- 🎁 Easy Rakhi Gift Ideas for Bhabhi
- 📦 How to Pack & Ship Homemade Sweets Safely
- 📲 Instagram Reels: Sweet-Making in 15 Seconds