Maharashtrian Dessert Recipes: Most of us like something sweet at the end of our lunch or dinner. A yummy dessert bursting with flavour is the perfect ending to any meal. Nowadays, there is no shortage of options in terms of cakes, tarts, mousse, doughnuts, etc. But if you're in the mood for something traditional, then we've got you covered. Why not opt for regional delicacies made using age-old recipes? To get you started, we have come up with a list of Maharashtrian dessert recipes you must try. These sweet treats can be enjoyed after your meal or also as a special indulgence at other times. Check them out below.
Also Read: 17 Best Indian Dessert Recipes | Popular Indian Dessert Recipes
Here Are 8 Maharashtrian Sweet Recipes You Must Try:
1. Kharvas
Kharvas is a steamed pudding-like dessert made of milk. It is typically flavoured with cardamom and/or saffron, but other versions also exist. It has a consistency similar to custard and is delicately sweet. A delicious ending to any meal, you can easily make kharvas at home. Click here for the step-by-step recipe.
2. Puran Poli
Puran Poli is often made for festivals in the state. Photo Credit: iStock
Puran poli is one of the quintessential Maharashtrian festive treats. It is like a flatbread stuffed with a sweet filling made of dal and sugar or jaggery. Puran poli is usually roasted and topped with generous amounts of ghee. It is a wholesome sweet treat you can enjoy at any time. Watch the recipe video here. Pro tip: pair it with some warm milk to make the experience more satisfying.
3. Rajgira Sheera
Sheera is another type of sweet made in different ways across the country. If you're looking for a traditional Maharashtrian recipe, then you should opt for this rajgira sheera. While most types of sheera are made using rava (semolina), the base of this one is rajgira (amaranth). It also contains palm jaggery, walnuts and ghee, of course. This sweet dish is comforting and nutritious too. Find the recipe here.
4. Karanji
Karanji is known by many other names across the country. Photo Credit: iStock
Another famous festive delicacy you must try is karanji. It is Maharashtra's version of the crescent-shaped treat also known as gujiya, nevri, soma, pedakiya, etc. in other parts of India. Stuffing options are varied, but a classic filling contains coconut, jaggery and dry fruits. Click here for the step-by-step recipe.
5. Kakadiche Sandan
Also known as dhonda, this cucumber dessert is a lesser-known treat made in western states, including Karnataka and Goa (where it is called tavsali). Steamed or baked, this delicacy contains cucumber, jaggery, coconut, semolina and dry fruits. If you're looking to try something different, then kakadiche sandan is a yummy choice. Click here for the recipe.
6. Shrikhand
This sweet dish is made using hung curd and has a lovely creamy texture. It has several flavour options, including cardamom (elaichi), saffron (kesar), mango (aamrakhand), dry fruit mix, etc. This delicacy is also popular in Gujarat. You can relish shrikhand plain, or pair it with puris. It can be made and stored for several days. Click here for the recipe.
Also Read: This Kesar Pista Shrikhand Will Make Every Meal Feel Like A Festival
7. Aamras
Aamras puri is a seasonal treat you have to try. Photo Credit: iStock
Another delicacy often savoured with puris, aamras is a seasonal indulgence you must not miss. And you don't necessarily have to eat it as dessert - it can be part of your main course too. Aamras simply refers to fresh mango pulp, which may be sweetened and lightly flavoured with cardamom. Like shrikhand, the aamras-puri combination is also famous in Gujarat. Find the complete recipe here.
8. Modak
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great fanfare in Maharashtra. And a delicacy that has become almost synonymous with the festival is modak. This is a small dome-shaped type of mithai that comes in a variety of flavours. Some versions are whole, while others have a special stuffing enclosed within an outer dome. Modak is soft, wholesome and strongly sweet. Click here for a recipe.
Which of these sweets have you never tried before? Let us know in the comments.
Also Read: Love Maharashtrian Food? Try These 7 Easy Recipes Ready In Under 30 Minutes