Ganesh Chaturthi is one of those holidays that fills homes with happiness, devotion, and plenty of sweets! Most mithai are traditionally made with milk, ghee, and khoya, but why not try something a little different this year? Dairy-free sweets are becoming a lovely way to celebrate, not only for people who can’t eat dairy but also for anyone who wants to indulge in healthier, lighter treats without sacrificing the festive atmosphere.
Best Dairy-Free Sweets For Ganesh Chaturthi
1. Vegan Rasmalai By Foodotomic
Rasmalai is one of those sweets that instantly brings a smile to everyone’s face during festivals. Normally, it’s made with paneer and thick milk, but this vegan version proves that you don’t need dairy to enjoy the same charm. The spongy balls soak up a rich, plant-based “milk” syrup, which is flavoured with fragrant cardamom and saffron. With this recipe from Foodotomic, you get a dessert that feels light, refreshing, and just as festive as the original.
2. Banana Appam By Hebbars Kitchen
Looking for that one sweet that feels like pure comfort during Ganesh Chaturthi? The appam is the perfect choice for you. This dairy-free sweet is special because the ripe bananas give it a natural sweetness and softness that’s hard to resist. Once fried, they turn golden on the outside while staying fluffy and sweet on the inside. This recipe from Hebbars Kitchen lets you enjoy a warm and homely dessert that almost feels like eating a piece of nostalgia. These little round delights are easy to share, easy to make, and are perfect for prasad.
3. Peanut Chikki By Hebbars Kitchen
Chikki is one of those classic dairy-free sweets that everyone enjoys, from grandparents to young children. It’s easy yet incredibly satisfying to combine crunchy peanuts with sticky, caramel-like jaggery. Peanut chikki is special because it tastes like a healthy snack and a sweet treat all at once. Bite into this dairy-free sweet for a dose of earthy sweetness and nutty crunch. Hebbars Kitchen’s recipe is a great option for Ganesh Chaturthi because it’s easy to store and quick to prepare.
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4. Aval Jaggery By Tanuz Kitchen
Aval, or flattened rice, is such a simple ingredient, but when combined with jaggery, it becomes a heavenly and comforting sweet. Tanuz Kitchen’s Aval jaggery is light, wholesome, and carries a natural sweetness that feels perfect for a festive day when you’re already surrounded by rich foods. It doesn’t need much effort in the kitchen, which makes it ideal if you want something simple yet meaningful as prasad. This is the kind of sweet that instantly reminds you of childhood and the love that goes into festive cooking.
5. Vegan Payasam By Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
Payasam is the heart of many Indian celebrations, and Ganesh Chaturthi is no different. This dairy-free version by Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana swaps milk for a plant-based alternative. However, it still retains the richness of this treat. Whether made with vermicelli or rice, the result is a creamy, sweet bowl full of flavours from nuts, dry fruits, and spices like cardamom. This dairy-free sweet is a wonderful way to show how traditional dishes can easily adapt to a modern, healthier lifestyle.
6. Ellu Urundai By Jinoos Kitchen
Sesame jaggery ladoos, also known as ‘elu urundai’, are little balls of healthy goodness that are rich in tradition. Sesame seeds are roasted and mixed with jaggery, creating ladoos that are slightly crunchy, naturally sweet, and deeply flavourful. Small but packed with energy, they are a great offering during festivals. Try out this recipe by Jinoos Kitchen that comes together with just a handful of ingredients.
7. Vegan Malai Peda By Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
Pedas are an essential part of any Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, and this vegan Malai peda ensures that everyone can enjoy them. This recipe by Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana retains the traditional soft, fudgy texture that pedas are adored for, without the milk. They have that comforting sweetness that gets you in the mood for celebration right away. Yes, it tastes like traditional mithai, but with a contemporary twist that is lighter and easier to digest. These pedas are proof that going dairy-free doesn’t mean missing out on the joy of traditional sweets.
These dairy-free sweets keep the essence of Ganesh Chaturthi alive while also embracing mindful, modern choices.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/vm2002 and Canva/maxlashcheuski
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