Indian Wedding Sweets Menu for Every Celebration

There’s something about Indian sweets – they don’t just satisfy the sweet tooth, they stir emotions.

From the soft touch of ghee on your fingers to the burst of cardamom in your mouth, mithai is not just food – it’s tradition, celebration, and love rolled into one.

At Team Plannersy, we know that no Indian event, be it a wedding, engagement, puja, or birthday, is complete without a thoughtfully curated sweets menu.

So, if you’re planning a celebration, and looking to finalize your Indian sweets menu, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re hosting an intimate get-together or a grand wedding, here’s a lovingly curated guide by Team Plannersy to help you choose the perfect mithai mix for your big day.

Quick Indian Sweets Menu Table by Team Plannersy

Category	Sweet Name	Special Notes
Classic Favorites	Gulab Jamun	Soft, syrupy, crowd-pleaser
	Rasgulla	Light and spongy Bengali delight
	Rajbhog	Larger, richer version of rasgulla
	Kaju Katli	Cashew diamond, elegant and royal
	Motichoor Ladoo	Rich, festive, nostalgic
	Besan Ladoo	Nutty and traditional
Trendy & Fusion Sweets	Mini Rasmalai Cakes	Rasmalai in cupcake form
	Motichoor Cheesecake	Fusion of ladoo and cheesecake
	Gulkand Gulab Jamun Tarts	Gulab jamun in tart shells with rose petal preserve
	Thandai Mousse Cups	Holi drink turned into chilled mousse
	Chocolate Peda & Truffle Mithai	Desi flavors in chocolate forms
	Rasgulla Tiramisu	Coffee-layered fusion dessert
	Rabri Cannoli	Indo-Italian dessert in pastry shells
	Baked Sandesh	Caramelized version of the Bengali sweet
	Dry Fruit Energy Balls	Sugar-free, healthy option
	Macaron Mithai	Macarons with Indian fillings like gulkand
	Phirni in Matkis	Chilled rice pudding in clay pots
	Dessert Shooters	Mousse/kheer in tiny glasses
Regional Treasures	Balushahi	Flaky, syrupy sweet from North India
	Sandesh	Light Bengali chhena sweet
	Mysore Pak	Ghee-rich fudge from Karnataka
	Chhena Poda	Roasted paneer sweet from Odisha
	Pinni	Nutty, wholesome Punjabi winter treat
	Adhirasam	Rice & jaggery disc from Tamil Nadu
	Goan Bebinca	Layered pudding with coconut milk
	Thekua	Crispy Bihari jaggery biscuit
	Mawa Kachori	Deep-fried Rajasthani indulgence
	Pathishapta	Bengali jaggery-filled crepes
	Kharwas	Colostrum milk pudding from Maharashtra
	Palkova	Slow-cooked milk fudge from Tamil Nadu

Mindful Mithai Picks (Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free Sweets)

Sweet Name	Main Ingredients	Why It Works
Dry Fruit Laddoo	Dates, figs, almonds, cashews	Naturally sweet and energy-packed
Sugar-Free Anjeer Barfi	Dried figs, nuts, no refined sugar	Great for diabetics and older guests
Jaggery Til Chikki	Sesame seeds, jaggery	Crunchy and nostalgic, perfect for winters
Ragi Laddoo	Ragi flour, ghee, jaggery	Earthy flavor, iron-rich, good for kids too
Coconut & Khus Khus Rolls	Poppy seeds, coconut, jaggery	Cooling and light, ideal for summer events
Amaranth (Rajgira) Bars	Puffed amaranth, dry fruits, honey/jaggery	Crunchy, gluten-free, and wholesome
Chia Kheer Cups	Chia seeds, almond milk, cardamom	Fusion, fun, and surprisingly filling
Fresh Fruit Rabri	Almond milk, seasonal fruits, saffron	Elegant and refreshing, with natural sweetness
Stevia-Sweetened Sandesh	Chhena, stevia, cardamom	Diabetic-friendly take on a Bengali classic
Flaxseed Laddoo	Flaxseeds, peanuts, jaggery	Omega-3 rich and deeply rooted in tradition

Curious to know what makes each of these sweets special? Scroll on – Team Plannersy has curated heartfelt details, origin stories, and pairing tips for every mithai on the list.

The Classic Indian Sweets Everyone Expects (and Loves)

There’s a reason some sweets never leave the menu – they carry the warmth of every Indian household, the joy of every celebration, and the comfort of shared memories.

These timeless mithais are the ones that make elders smile in nostalgia and kids sneak extra helpings of. No matter how modern the theme, a sweets counter without these classics feels incomplete.

Let’s take a look at the must-haves that guests will look for – and love you for including.

1. Gulab Jamun

Soft, syrup-soaked, and soul-satisfying. Gulab Jamun is a must for every dessert counter. Opt for the classic khoya version or get creative with stuffed gulab jamuns filled with dry fruits or even rose petals.

Gulab Jamun - An Indian Sweet for Wedding Menu

2. Rasgulla & Rajbhog

These syrupy Bengali delights are a celebration of texture and lightness. Rasgullas are best served chilled and make a refreshing end to heavy meals.

Rasgulla & Rajbogh - An Indian Sweet for Wedding Menu

Rajbhog – larger, richer cousins of rasgulla – are often stuffed with dry fruits and kesar.

3. Kaju Katli

Elegant, diamond-shaped, and made of pure cashew joy – this sweet is not just popular, it’s prestigious. Add a silver foil touch for a royal look.

Kaju katli - An Indian Sweet for Wedding Menu

Pro tip: Always have extra. These disappear first!

4. Motichoor Ladoo

From weddings to Diwali boxes, these golden orbs of boondi and ghee are pure nostalgia. Their melt-in-the-mouth texture makes them a hit across all age groups.

Motichoor laddoo - An Indian Sweet for Wedding Menu

5. Besan Ladoo

A traditional mithai with a rich, nutty flavor. Made with roasted gram flour, ghee, and cardamom, these ladoos are comforting and classic.

Especially loved by elders and often included in festive poojas.

6. Rasmalai

Soft cheese discs dipped in saffron-flavored milk, rasmalai is indulgent, luxurious, and ideal for plated desserts. A hit at wedding receptions and sit-down dinners.

7. Peda

Whether it’s Mathura peda, kesar peda, or milk peda, this humble sweet holds great cultural significance in celebrations and religious rituals.

Best served in bulk for events like poojas and family gatherings.

8. Jalebi

Hot, crispy, and soaked in sugar syrup, jalebis are a festive favorite. Serve them with rabri for a rich combo or include live jalebi counters for a touch of nostalgia.

9. Barfi (Milk, Coconut, or Almond)

Barfis are versatile and widely loved. Whether you choose the classic milk barfi, coconut barfi with edible rose petals, or the nutty almond version, they’re simple yet crowd-pleasing.

10. Soan Papdi

Flaky, melt-in-the-mouth, and often underestimated – soan papdi adds variety and a touch of childhood memories to your dessert table.

Available in various flavors like elaichi, chocolate, and saffron.

Regional Sweet Treasures Worth Featuring on Your Menu

India’s heart beats in its regions – and each region has a sweet story to tell.

From the bylanes of Varanasi to the temples of South India, from Rajasthani havelis to Bengal’s riverbanks, every corner of our country has gifted us a dessert that’s more than just food – it’s an emotion wrapped in sugar, ghee, and nostalgia.

So if you’re looking to add depth, diversity, and a sense of place to your Indian sweets menu, here are regional treasures that deserve a sweet spotlight:

1. Balushahi (North India)

Flaky on the outside, soft and syrupy on the inside – Balushahi is often called the Indian glazed doughnut.

baalushahi - indian sweet for wedding return gift

Best enjoyed during winter weddings or traditional North Indian feasts.

2. Sandesh (West Bengal)

Light, delicate, and full of artistry – Sandesh comes in floral shapes, fruit flavours, or even layered versions.

This Bengali delight is ideal for elegant dessert spreads.

3. Mysore Pak (Karnataka)

Rich, crumbly, and packed with ghee, Mysore Pak is a South Indian favorite. It’s the kind of sweet that melts in your mouth and stays in your heart.

4. Chhena Poda (Odisha)

Literally translated to ‘burnt cheese’, this caramelized cheesecake-like sweet is made from roasted chhena (paneer), sugar, and cardamom. A hidden gem from Odisha that foodies will adore.

5. Pinni (Punjab)

A winter essential and a power-packed sweet made from wheat flour, ghee, jaggery, and lots of dry fruits.

Add it to your winter wedding menu for warmth and nostalgia.

6. Adhirasam (Tamil Nadu)

A traditional festive sweet made with rice flour and jaggery, deep-fried to perfection. Often served during temple festivals and weddings in the South – simple, sacred, and satisfying.

7. Goan Bebinca

A multi-layered pudding made from coconut milk, flour, sugar, and eggs, slow-cooked one layer at a time. Bebinca adds a touch of Indo-Portuguese flair to any modern wedding table.

8. Thekua (Bihar)

Crispy, earthy, and made with whole wheat and jaggery – Thekua is an authentic Bihari sweet, often made during Chhath Puja.

Serve it as a crunchy snack sweet alongside chai or mithai platters.

9. Mawa Kachori (Rajasthan)

Rajasthani royalty in sweet form. Deep-fried pastry filled with sweetened khoya and dry fruits, soaked in saffron syrup. Rich, festive, and luxurious.

10. Pathishapta (Bengal)

A lesser-known Bengali winter sweet – soft crepes made of rice flour and semolina, filled with jaggery-infused coconut. Unique and comforting.

11. Kharwas (Maharashtra)

A steamed pudding made from colostrum milk, jaggery, and cardamom. It’s soft, mildly sweet, and deeply rooted in Maharashtrian traditions.

12. Palkova (Tamil Nadu)

Thickened milk slow-cooked to a fudge-like consistency, palkova is a classic you’ll find in temples and sweet shops alike. Pairs beautifully with banana leaf meals or South Indian wedding spreads.

💡 Plannersy Pick: Curate a “Flavours of India” sweet station with tiny placards introducing each mithai’s origin. It’s not just dessert – it’s storytelling through sugar.

Trendy Sweets for the Modern Indian Menu

Traditions are beautiful – but every celebration today also carries its own personality, doesn’t it?

Whether you’re hosting a chic Mehendi brunch, a boho rooftop engagement, or a pastel-themed wedding reception, modern Indian celebrations call for sweets that are as stylish as they are soulful.

At Team Plannersy, we’ve seen couples and families bring so much creativity to their dessert spreads – blending the timeless charm of Indian mithai with modern flavours, forms, and flair.

Here’s a list of trending sweets that are making waves (and winning hearts) at weddings and events right now:

1. Mini Rasmalai Cakes

A dreamy fusion of soft rasmalai layered like a cupcake, often topped with rose petals, saffron, or even gold dust. They look stunning on dessert tables and taste even better chilled.

2. Motichoor Cheesecake

Think of it as tradition meeting temptation. A buttery cheesecake base layered with a generous helping of motichoor ladoo mix – it’s rich, decadent, and impossible to ignore.

3. Gulkand Gulab Jamun Tarts

Gulab jamuns nestled into buttery tart shells with a touch of gulkand (rose petal preserve). These are elegant, fusion-forward, and a serious crowd favorite at sangeet nights.

4. Thandai Mousse Cups

Inspired by Holi’s signature drink, thandai mousse is a creamy, nutty dessert served in shot glasses. Perfect for summer weddings and day events.

5. Chocolate Peda & Truffle Mithai

Who says chocolate can’t be desi? From paan-flavored truffles coated in dark chocolate to Ferrero Rocher-inspired pedas, these sweets bring a playful yet luxurious twist.

6. Rasgulla Tiramisu

A layered dessert where juicy rasgullas replace sponge cake, and the cream is infused with coffee or cardamom. It’s the cross-cultural sweetness nobody knew they needed.

7. Rabri Cannoli

Yes, we’re talking about crispy pastry shells filled with thick, chilled rabri, sometimes flavoured with pistachio or saffron. It’s Indo-Italian, and it’s irresistible.

8. Baked Sandesh

A twist on the Bengali classic—this version is rich, slightly caramelized, and often served in ramekins. Ideal for plated servings or dessert stations.

9. Dry Fruit Energy Balls (Sugar-Free)

For guests who prefer healthier options, include beautifully rolled energy balls made from dates, nuts, seeds, and a touch of rose. They’re guilt-free and flavorful.

10. Macaron Mithai

Think macaron shells filled with Indian flavors like rose-kesar cream, gulkand, or cardamom white chocolate. A hit among millennial guests and a visual treat!

11. Phirni in Matkis (Mini Clay Pots)

Perfect for rustic or earthy-themed weddings, phirni served in little clay pots brings in both tradition and sustainable style.

12. Dessert Shooters

Tiny glass portions of kesar pista mousse, mango shrikhand, rose kheer, or kulfi crumble—dessert shooters are perfect for modern, buffet-style receptions.

💡 Plannersy Tip: Add name tags to these fusion sweets with quirky labels—like “Jamun Tart Love,” “Shaadi Shots,” or “Desi Meets Videsi.” They become talking points, photo ops, and cherished memories all at once.

How to Curate the Perfect Indian Sweets Menu for Your Event

Let’s be honest – a well-thought-out sweets menu can steal the show.

Long after the last song has played and the décor is packed up, your guests will still be talking about that warm gulab jamun, the quirky tart, or that surprise Sandesh that reminded them of home.

At Team Plannersy, we believe your sweets table shouldn’t just look good – it should reflect your story, your roots, and the joy you want to share. Here’s how you can do just that:

1. Balance Familiar with Fresh

Start with the classics – Gulab Jamun, Kaju Katli, Rasmalai. These are comfort sweets, the ones everyone reaches for. Then, add 2–3 fusion or modern sweets to create excitement – maybe a Motichoor Cheesecake or Rasgulla Tiramisu. Let tradition and trend hold hands.

2. Celebrate Your Region (or Multiple!)

Weddings and family events are personal.

If you’re Bengali, include Sandesh or Pathishapta.

If you’re from Tamil Nadu, go for Palkova or Adhirasam.

If you’re hosting a multicultural celebration, curate a regional sweets corner with “From the North,” “Coastal Delights,” or “South Indian Staples.”

3. Think Beyond Quantity—Go for Variety

Instead of repeating a single sweet in bulk, offer smaller portions of 8–10 varieties. Dessert shooters, bite-sized barfis, and mini matki phirnis help guests taste more without wasting.

4. Account for Weather & Storage

Planning a summer wedding? Go easy on syrupy sweets like jalebi or chhena poda and add more chilled options like mousse cups, rasmalai cakes, or thandai-based desserts.

For winter, bring in warm treats like Balushahi, Pinni, or ghee-laden ladoos.

5. Include Guilt-Free & Sugar-Free Sweets for Every Kind of Guest

Not every guest walks up to the dessert table with the same appetite – or the same needs. Some may be consciously choosing low-sugar options. Others may be managing health conditions like diabetes, or simply trying to stay on track with a wellness journey. And then there are those who appreciate the effort of having something just for them.

This is where guilt-free, sugar-free, and mindful mithais come in – not as compromises, but as thoughtful choices.

Think dry fruit laddoos with no added sugar, jaggery-sweetened bites, or energy balls made with dates, nuts, and a hint of cardamom. Even sweets made with millets, seeds, or coconut flour are now making their way into modern menus – and they’re honestly delightful.

💛 By including a few clean, conscious treats, you’re not just keeping up with trends – you’re making every guest feel seen, included, and cared for. And that’s what great hosting is all about.

Try adding options like:

Dry Fruit Laddoos (with dates, figs, and nuts—no refined sugar)

Jaggery Til Chikki (a nostalgic winter treat with sesame and gur)

Flaxseed or Ragi Laddoos (wholesome and earthy)

Khus Khus & Coconut Rolls (light, cooling, and naturally sweet)

Stevia-sweetened Kalakand or Sandesh (for sugar-sensitive guests)

Amaranth (Rajgira) Bars (crunchy, protein-packed)

Fresh Fruit Rabri (thickened almond milk, lightly sweetened with honey)

Chia Kheer Cups (fusion, fun, and full of fiber)

Sugar-free Anjeer Barfi (dense, rich, and incredibly satisfying)

6. Presentation Is Everything.

Whether it’s a rustic wooden setup or a pastel-themed candy counter, match your sweets display with your event theme.

Add florals, custom signage, mini chalkboards, or brass thalis for flair.

And if you’re doing a plated meal, consider serving one fusion dessert as a highlight with a garnish – think Rabri Cannoli or Baked Sandesh with rose crumble.

7. Collaborate with the Right Vendors

Don’t just cater sweets in your wedding menu – curate an experience.

Work with mithai artisans who understand your vision, are open to fusion ideas, and can provide beautiful packaging if needed for takeaways or return gifts.

💛 Final Thoughts from Team Plannersy

At the heart of every celebration lies something sweet. And behind every Indian sweet lies a story – of childhoods, of grandmothers’ kitchens, of temple visits, of weddings past.

So as you build your Indian sweets menu, don’t just think of what will impress – think of what will be remembered.

Let your sweets table be a place where nostalgia meets novelty, where every bite tells your story – and your guests leave a little sweeter than they came.

More Ideas to Sweeten Your Celebration (Suggested Reads):

Wedding Food Menu:

Sustainable Weddings:

Wedding Rituals and Cultural Tie-ins:

Wedding Planning

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