As the festival of lights, Diwali draws near, people everywhere are getting increasingly excited. Sharing sweets and gifts with loved ones is a great way to show appreciation and show love during Diwali. One of the most cherished traditions is gifting sweet boxes filled with homemade treats. These boxes send warmth and togetherness in addition to great cuisine. One kind of considerate approach to prolong the festive energy is sending easy sweet boxes to friends and relatives.
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Preparing a DIY Diwali sweet gift box can be an enjoyable and creative experience. It’s easier than you think to curate a box of delectable Indian sweets that your loved ones will appreciate. You can make a thoughtful present that highlights the flavours of Diwali by picking out a variety of simple or easily accessible sweets. Making thoughtful presents is as easy as assembling a few essentials and putting them in a little container.
Prepare Your DIY Diwali Sweet Boxes
Chai Sugar Cookies
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Chai sugar cookies are a perfect blend of traditional Indian spices and modern flavours. Cookies made using the medium-level recipe can be left at room temperature for up to twelve days. These cookies have a buttery crunch, a wonderful blend of chai spices, and they travel well, making them a great option for dessert boxes. Packed in decorative paper boxes or small tins, these cookies will add a modern twist to the Diwali gift box.
Khajur Burfi (Date and Nut Burfi)
Khajur Burfi is one of the easiest sweets to make, with its simple preparation process. This date and nut burfi has a shelf life of up to 14 days at room temperature and can be made well in advance. It's not only great but also loaded with nutrients. Khajur Burfi is a handy addition to any gift box since it is so portable. It can be wrapped in wax paper or small parchment packets and placed inside traditional Diwali boxes.
Kesar Malai Peda
Kesar Malai Peda is a traditional sweet that is quick to prepare and bursts with rich flavours of saffron and cardamom. It holds up well at room temperature for about a week and can be frozen if prepared in advance. Kesar Malai Peda fits snugly into any box and can be presented in decorative gold or silver foiled paper. Including this traditional treat brings an authentic touch to your Diwali gift box.
Bread Malpua
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Bread Malpua, a slightly sticky dessert, brings a festive essence to any sweet box. It’s made from bread slices dipped in sugar syrup, creating a sweet, soft treat. Though it has a short shelf life, this dessert can be a great addition if you plan to distribute the boxes within a day or two. Ensure to place the malpua in a plastic-wrapped container or individually in small plastic bags to avoid any mess during transportation.
Kaju Katli
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Kaju Katli is one of the most popular Diwali sweets, but it requires a bit more effort to make. With its rich cashew flavour, this sweet lasts about 10 days at room temperature. Kaju Katli’s diamond-shaped pieces are visually appealing, making them ideal for a Diwali gift box. Wrap each piece in thin parchment paper or use a decorative box insert to keep the pieces separate, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.
Spicy Roasted Cashews
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Spicy Roasted Cashews bring a fiery kick to your Diwali sweet box, offering a delightful contrast to the sweeter treats. These roasted cashews are simple to make and can be prepared in large batches, making them perfect for gift boxes. Their spicy, crunchy texture is highly addictive, and they remain fresh for weeks when stored properly. To pack these, use small resealable bags or paper pouches, ensuring they add an extra punch of flavour to your gift box.
Murukku
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Murukku, a crunchy and savoury snack, is the perfect addition to balance the sweet treats. Though it requires special equipment to make, this snack can last up to a month when stored in an airtight container. For packaging, you can use snack-sized resealable bags or small jars. The crunchy texture of Murukku contrasts well with the softer, sweeter desserts in the Diwali box, making it an ideal addition to variety.
Suvari/Khadkhadiya
Suvari, also known as Khadkhadiya, are mildly sweet puris or crackers made using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, sesame seeds, and ghee. These crisp puris are perfect for balancing out the spicy and savoury snacks traditionally enjoyed during Diwali. A nostalgic treat for many, Suvari brings back memories of family gatherings, especially when made by loving grandmothers. Their light sweetness makes them an ideal accompaniment to more flavourful dishes, offering a delightful contrast in any festive spread.
Gujarati Fafda
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Gujarati Vanva, or Fafda, is a well-loved traditional snack often prepared during Diwali. Made from gram flour (besan), urad dal flour, and a mix of common spices, this crispy and crunchy treat is a festive favourite. It is relatively easy to prepare and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week after frying, making it a convenient and tasty addition to any Diwali celebration.
Creating a DIY Diwali sweet gift box is a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of Diwali. The wide range of sweets, from the easy-to-make Khajur Burfi to the more elaborate Kaju Katli, provides a perfect balance of taste and tradition. Pack these carefully in decorative boxes and add a personal touch with a Diwali card. Your loved ones will enjoy this thoughtful and delicious gift, and it will make their festive season even more special.