Jackfruit has always been a regular on the stage of Indian cooking, but in recent years it’s been enjoying international fame as a meat substitute. This monstrous, prickly fruit is a true wonder of nature, with a flavour and texture that has earned it the nickname "vegetable meat." But did you know that it's also a secret weapon in the world of dessert-making?
Its sweet, tropical taste can add a unique flavour profile to all kinds of sweet treats. This versatile fruit can take your desserts to the next level, from ice cream to halwas, cakes and jams. What makes jackfruit so great in sweet dishes, is its juicy, fibrous flesh that adds a natural sweetness and a pleasing texture.
Plus, it pairs well with a variety of flavours, from creamy dairy to tangy citrus. Next time you're looking to add a tropical twist to your sweet treats, remember the mighty jackfruit. It may look intimidating on the outside, but inside lies a world of delicious possibilities.
Here are 6 jackfruit desserts you can try out:
Jackfruit Pudding:
Jackfruit pudding is a creamy and indulgent dessert that can be made by blending jackfruit with milk, sugar and cornstarch. Once the mixture thickens, pour it into individual bowls and let it chill in the refrigerator until set.
Jackfruit Cake:
Jackfruit cake is a moist and flavourful dessert that is perfect for special occasions. To make it, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, oil, milk and mashed jackfruit together, pour the batter into a greased cake pan, and bake for 30-40 minutes. You can also decorate the cake with whipped cream, sliced jackfruit or other toppings.
Jackfruit Payasam:
Payasam is a popular South Indian dessert that is similar to rice pudding. To make jackfruit payasam, cook jackfruit pieces with coconut milk, jaggery, and cardamom powder until the mixture thickens. Serve it hot or cold for a creamy, comforting dessert.
Jackfruit Modak:
Modak is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet that is often served during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival but loved all year round. To make jackfruit modak, mix jackfruit pulp with coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder, and shape the mixture into small dumplings. Steam the dumplings until they are cooked through and serve them warm.
Jackfruit Ice Cream:
Jackfruit ice cream is a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. To make it, blend fresh jackfruit pulp with condensed milk and cream, and freeze it until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add nuts, chocolate chips or other toppings for an extra crunch.
Jackfruit Halwa:
Halwa is a sweet pudding-like dessert that is popular throughout India. To make jackfruit halwa, cook jackfruit pulp with ghee, sugar, and milk until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown. Top it with nuts and raisins for a crunchy contrast.