Every year, as Eid approaches, Muslims around the world begin preparing for the joyous celebrations that mark the end of Ramadan. An integral part of Eid festivities is the variety of traditional sweets and desserts that are lovingly made in homes to be shared with family, friends, and neighbours on this special occasion. While recipes and traditions vary across cultures, regions, and families, sweets are universally seen as a symbol of community, love, and the blessings of Eid.
The week before Eid sees a flurry of last minute activity—chopping pistachios and almonds, whipping up sweetened cream, and artfully arranging the final delicacies on platters. Each family has their favourites, whether simple or more elaborate; this year there may be a new trendy sweet added to the mix. Finally, Eid morning arrives, and after joyful prayers, families descend on the sweets table, eager to partake in the beloved tastes of the holiday and share the happiness of the occasion together.
Sheer Khurma
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Sheer Khurma is a traditional sweet milk dessert associated with Eid festivities in many parts of South Asia. To make it, first cook the vermicelli noodles in milk with cardamom and saffron. Separately, chop the dates, raisins, almonds and pistachios. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the chopped fruits and nuts. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavours. Sheer khurma is ready to be served warm or chilled.
Baklava
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The Middle Eastern pastry baklava is a beloved treat served during Eid celebrations for its sweet, nutty flavours. To make this layered dessert, one must carefully stack sheets of thin, flaky phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter or oil. In between the delicate phyllo layers, a filling of chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios is spread. The nut-filled pastry is then baked until the phyllo becomes crispy and golden brown. Finally, a sweet, sticky syrup of honey or rosewater is poured over the baked baklava, soaking into the layers.
Ma’amoul
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Ma'amoul are traditional Middle Eastern cookies that are a beloved treat for Eid celebrations. Making ma'amoul takes time and care. The dough must be kneaded thoroughly so it is pliable enough to shape around the fillings. The filling is prepared by simmering dried fruits or toasting nuts until the flavours meld. Once shaped, the raw cookies are baked until golden brown and firm but still tender on the inside. When bitten into, the cookies reveal a lush, fruity or nutty centre in contrast to the subtle sweetness of the cookie dough.
Qatayef
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Qatayef is a popular dessert enjoyed by many during the festive celebrations of Eid. These sweet dumplings consist of a soft, fluffy pancake that is folded over a delicious filling of rich cheese, creamy nuts, or sweetened cream. The dumplings are made by first whisking together flour, eggs, sugar, and milk to form a smooth batter. Dollops of this batter are then dropped onto a hot griddle and cooked until lightly golden. Next, a small spoonful of the sweet filling is placed in the center before folding the pancake over into a crescent shape. The dumplings are cooked for a few more minutes until the exterior becomes crispy. Finally, they are drenched in sweet syrup or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of decadence.
Rasmalai
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Rasmalai is a traditional Indian dessert often enjoyed during Eid celebrations. It consists of small, soft cheese balls made from chena, or pressed cottage cheese, which are boiled in sweetened milk. Once cooked, the spongy, pale cheese balls are soaked in chilled, sweetened milk flavoured with cardamom and other aromatic spices. This process allows the balls to absorb the sweet, fragrant milk syrup, known as rabri. Before serving, the soaked cheese balls are garnished with chopped pistachios or almonds, providing a nice crunch. The result is a cold, creamy and flavourful dessert with a unique texture from the soft, porous cheese balls.
Mango Custard
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Mango custard has become a cherished Eid al-Fitr dessert, especially in Muslim countries where the love for mangoes is deeply rooted. The sweet, creamy custard made with ripe mangoes and milk is a refreshing treat to break the fast. During mango season, the pulp is scooped out and blended into the custard for a fresh, fruity flavour. A popular variation is mango trifle, which layers the custard, cake pieces, whipped cream and mango slices in a beautiful dessert. Recipes vary across regions but generally involve cooking milk, sugar, eggs and mango pulp on the stove until thickened. This sweet, smooth and tangy custard is the perfect ending to the iftar meal. The tropical mango and creamy custard blend for a mouth-watering Eid treat.
Kanafeh
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Kanafeh is a beloved traditional dessert served for Eid al-Fitr celebrations across the Levant. This sweet treat features shredded filo dough baked with soft white cheese like Nabulsi or Akkawi, creating a crispy golden exterior and melting interior. Kanafeh is typically made by layering the fine shreds of dough with cheese, then baking until the top is crispy and the cheese is ooey-gooey. It’s often cut into rectangular slabs or wedges and served warm, drizzled with sweet rose water or orange blossom syrup.
Vermicelli
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Seviya is a beloved dessert enjoyed by South Asian Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan fasting. To make this sweet treat, thin vermicelli noodles are first lightly fried in ghee until golden and aromatic. Sugar and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron are then stirred in to coat the noodles. Both seviya and sheer khurma are beloved traditions for Eid across South Asian Muslim communities.
Semolina Desserts
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Semolina is a key ingredient in many traditional desserts enjoyed during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The creamy wheat flour can be transformed into diverse sweets that are shared among families and friends after a month of fasting. A simple yet delicious semolina dessert is made by simmering the grain in milk and sugar until thickened, then pouring it into a pan to set. Flavourings like vanilla, cinnamon, or rosewater are sometimes added for extra aroma. Once cooled completely, the pudding-like semolina is cut into squares and garnished with chopped nuts or coconut before serving. This sweet treat offers a taste of culture and connection for those honouring the end of Ramadan.