Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sweet bond between brother and sister and sweets have always been a part of traditional celebrations. Once the rakhi is tied on the brother’s wrist, something sweet is always fed to him. He in turn offers it back to the siste and they share the sweet treat. One fun idea would be to make a sweet treat from scratch for your sibling and if traditional mithai isn’t your thing, baking a dessert could work.To add a fun twist, these baked desserts could have desi flavours.
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Incorporating ingredients such as saffron, cardamom, rose, and nuts, these fusion desserts capture the essence of Indian sweets while introducing new textures and presentations. Imagine the richness of traditional flavours infused into soft cakes, delicate pastries, or creamy cheesecakes. These desserts are visually appealing and perfect for sharing with family.They also make for great gifts, symbolising the bond of love and the joy of togetherness that Raksha Bandhan represents.
It also going to be something that your sibling isn’t expecting and that can make for a fun surprise. They are also going to appreciate all the thought, love and hard work you ut into bake for them. Here are some ideas about the flavours you could try for them.
Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls
Warm cinnamon rolls are comforting, and for Rakhi, you can give them an Indian twist by incorporating chai spices into the dough. Think of the warm flavours of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, all rolled into a soft, buttery dough. Once baked, these rolls can be topped with a creamy glaze infused with a hint of masala chai, adding an extra layer of indulgence. The result is a rich, aromatic treat that’s perfect for sharing over a cup of tea, and will make Rakhi celebration even more special.
Mango and Coconut Loaf Cake
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Mango, often referred to as the king of fruits in India, takes centre stage in this moist and flavourful loaf cake. The sweetness of ripe mangoes is complemented by the tropical richness of coconut, creating a cake that’s both refreshing and decadent. Each slice bursts with the flavours of summer, making it a perfect treat for Rakhi, especially when paired with a dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.If you don’t have access to fresh mangoes, using pulp may work too. The loaf is easy to bake and can be beautifully decorated with shredded coconut.
Gulab Jamun Cupcakes
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Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian dessert, is reimagined as a cupcake for a modern twist on tradition. If your siblings like gulab jamun, they will love these cupcakes that have all the flavours of the beloved sweet – a moist, cardamom-flavoured cake base, soaked in a rose-scented sugar syrup, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting.
Thandai Flavoured Macarons
Macarons are delicate French cookies with a crisp shell and soft, chewy centre, often filled with flavoured ganache or buttercream. For Rakhi, you can infuse them with the flavours of thandai, a traditional Indian drink made with nuts, spices, and milk. The macaron shells can be flavoured with cardamom and saffron, while the filling can include a thandai-flavoured ganache, made with a blend of almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, and peppercorns. The result is a sophisticated dessert that marries the elegance of French patisserie with the rich flavours of Indian tradition.
Rasmalai Tres Leches Cake
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This fusion dessert that marries the creamy, saffron-infused goodness of rasmalai with the rich, milky layers of tres leches cake is definitely worth the effort. This dessert features a soft, spongy cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk (tres leches). The Indian version can include saffron milk along with condensed milk and evaporated milk. The cake is then topped with rasmalai, garnished with slivers of pistachio and almonds, and a sprinkling of edible rose petals.
Saffron and Rose Milk Cake
This delicate cake is infused with the fragrant flavours of saffron and rose, two ingredients that are often used in Indian mithai. The cake is light and airy, with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. After baking, the cake is soaked in a saffron-infused milk mixture, which keeps it moist and flavourful. A topping of rose water-infused whipped cream and a scattering of rose petals and crushed pistachios adds a touch of elegance.
Nankhatai Tartlets
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Nankhatai, the traditional Indian cookies, are given a modern twist by transforming them into tartlets. The crumbly, buttery dough is pressed into mini tart pans and baked until golden. Once cooled, the tart shells are filled with a creamy, spiced filling made from condensed milk, cardamom, and saffron, then topped with a dollop of homemade or store-bought peda or kaju katli for an extra layer of sweetness.