10 Delicious Dessert Recipes for Maha Shivarati Celebrations

Maha Shivaratri is a time of devotion, reflection, and spiritual awakening, but it’s also an occasion to enjoy traditional sweets that add a touch of festivity to the celebration. Whether you’re observing a fast or simply looking to honor the occasion with something sweet, these 10 delicious dessert recipes for Maha Shivaratri celebrations bring together classic flavors and sacred traditions.

From rich, creamy treats made with milk and nuts to light, naturally sweetened delights perfect for fasting, there’s something for everyone. These recipes not only respect dietary customs but also offer a satisfying way to complete your Maha Shivaratri feast. Whether you’re preparing for a grand gathering or enjoying a quiet moment of devotion, these sweets will add warmth and joy to your celebrations.

Get ready to explore desserts that are as meaningful as they are delicious. Let’s dive into these must-try recipes!

Thandai Kheer

Thandai Kheer is a delightful fusion of the traditional Indian dessert kheer and the refreshing flavors of thandai, making it an exciting treat for Maha Shivaratri. This creamy dish combines the richness of milk and rice with a variety of aromatic spices, nuts, and the signature flavors of thandai, which often includes almonds, cardamom, and saffron. The result is a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s both satisfying and festive, perfect for celebrating this special occasion.

This dessert is not only delicious but also quite simple to prepare. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that making Thandai Kheer is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s an ideal option for those looking for vrat-friendly desserts that align with the spirit of fasting while still indulging in something sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup thandai powder
• 1/4 cup chopped badam (almonds)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt
• Chopped nuts and saffron strands for garnishing

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, combine the soaked rice and milk. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once the rice is cooked and soft, add sugar and thandai powder, stirring well to combine.
4. In a separate pan, heat ghee and lightly roast the chopped badam. Add them to the kheer.
5. Add saffron strands, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Cook for a few more minutes until the kheer thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional chopped nuts and saffron strands.

Coconut Barfi

Coconut barfi is a delightful treat that embodies the sweetness of coconut and the rich flavor of condensed milk. This easy-to-make dessert is not only scrumptious but also a fantastic addition to your Maha Shivaratri celebrations. With a soft, chewy texture and a hint of cardamom, it’s a satisfying way to indulge during fasting.

Perfect for sharing, coconut barfi is a vrat-approved mithai that fits beautifully among traditional Maha Shivaratri desserts. Whether served as a part of your festive prasad or enjoyed as a quick snack, this recipe will surely please everyone. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be made without added sugar, making it a healthy option for those observing fasting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated fresh coconut (or desiccated coconut)
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• Chopped nuts for garnishing (like pistachios or almonds)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a pan, heat the ghee on medium flame. Add the grated coconut and sauté for a few minutes until it releases a pleasant aroma.
2. Add Condensed Milk: Pour in the condensed milk and milk, mixing well. Cook this mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
3. Flavor with Cardamom: Stir in the cardamom powder and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat.
4. Set the Barfi: Grease a plate or a flat tray with a little ghee. Transfer the coconut mixture onto it, spreading it evenly. Press down firmly and smooth the surface with a spatula.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into square pieces.

Sabudana Kheer

Sabudana Kheer is a delightful and creamy pudding made from tapioca pearls. This dessert is often prepared during fasting periods like Maha Shivaratri, making it a popular choice for those seeking sattvic dessert recipes. It combines the soft texture of sabudana with the richness of milk, creating a comforting dish that is both satisfying and nourishing.

The sweetness of the kheer can be adjusted to your taste, making it a flexible option for sugar-free festival sweets. With just a few ingredients, this quick and easy vrat sweet can be whipped up in no time, allowing you to focus on the festivities while enjoying a wholesome prasad sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 4 cups whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (like almonds and cashews)
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• Pinch of saffron strands (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak the sabudana in water for about 2-3 hours, or until they become soft and translucent.
2. In a pan, heat ghee on medium flame. Add the soaked sabudana and sauté for a minute.
3. Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously to avoid sticking.
4. Add sugar or jaggery and stir well until fully dissolved, then add cardamom powder, nuts, and raisins.
5. If using saffron, soak the strands in a tablespoon of warm milk and add it to the kheer for extra flavor.
6. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the kheer thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Serve warm or chilled as a traditional Maha Shivaratri prasad.

Peda With Saffron And Cardamom

Peda with saffron and cardamom is not only a delicious treat but also a delightful addition to your Maha Shivaratri desserts. This traditional Indian sweet is made with khoya (reduced milk) and flavored with aromatic saffron and cardamom, making it a rich and creamy indulgence. The sweet, buttery taste combined with the delicate fragrance of saffron offers a festive touch that’s perfect for fasting occasions.

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What makes this recipe even better is its simplicity. If you’re looking for easy Maha Shivaratri dessert recipes, this peda is a great choice. It’s straightforward to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Serve them as divine sweets for fasting or as part of your classic Indian prasad recipes during the Shivaratri festival, and watch everyone enjoy these wholesome treats!

Ingredients

• 2 cups khoya (reduced milk)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
• Chopped nuts (like almonds and pistachios) for garnishing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Saffron: Soak the saffron strands in warm milk for about 10 minutes to release their color and flavor.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a non-stick pan, combine khoya, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and the saffron milk. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
3. Shape the Peda: Once cooked, allow the mixture to cool slightly. Grease your palms with a little ghee and take small portions of the mixture to shape into small, round pedas.
4. Garnish: Place the shaped pedas on a plate and garnish with chopped nuts and a few saffron strands for an extra touch.
5. Let Cool: Allow the pedas to cool completely before serving. You can store these in an airtight container for a few days.

Banana Sheera

Banana Sheera is a delightful and nourishing dessert that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Maha Shivaratri prasad. This dish combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich texture of semolina, making it a satisfying choice for those observing fasts. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, Banana Sheera is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a comforting option during the festival.

Known for its warm and inviting flavors, this dessert is ideal for those looking for quick and easy vrat sweets. It’s a great way to enjoy fruit-based fasting sweets while indulging in a sattvic dessert recipe. Whether you are making it for yourself or serving it to guests, Banana Sheera is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina (sooji)
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 cup sugar (or jaggery)
• 2 cups water or milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds) for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add the semolina and roast until it turns light golden, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
2. In a separate pot, bring water or milk to a boil. Add the mashed bananas and sugar, stirring until well combined.
3. Once the semolina is roasted, gradually add the banana mixture to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the semolina absorbs the liquid and reaches a pudding-like consistency.
5. Finally, sprinkle in the cardamom powder and mix well. Garnish with chopped nuts before serving.

Makhana (Fox Nut) Ladoo

Makhana (Fox Nut) Ladoo is a delightful treat, especially popular during festivals like Maha Shivaratri. These ladoos are not just tasty but also nutritious, making them a great choice for those observing fasting. With a rich, nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness, they are sure to please everyone, whether you’re celebrating or simply looking for a healthy snack.

This no-bake dessert is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Makhana is packed with energy, making these ladoos a wholesome addition to your fasting meals. They are a wonderful option among other vrat-friendly desserts, adding variety to your celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 cups makhana (fox nuts)
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/4 cup jaggery (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, or pistachios)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)

Instructions

1. Dry Roast the Makhana: In a pan, dry roast the makhana over low heat until they become crunchy. Allow them to cool down.
2. Grind the Makhana: Once cooled, grind the roasted makhana into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
3. Prepare the Mixture: In a pan, heat ghee and add the grated coconut. Sauté for a minute, then add the jaggery and stir until it melts. Mix in the cardamom powder and chopped nuts.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the powdered makhana to the melted jaggery mixture and mix well until combined.
5. Shape the Ladoos: Allow the mixture to cool slightly and then grease your hands with a little ghee. Shape the mixture into small, round ladoos.
6. Serve: Let the ladoos cool completely before serving. Enjoy them as a high-energy festival dessert!

Dry Fruit Halwa

Dry Fruit Halwa is a delightful and rich dessert that beautifully combines the goodness of nuts and the sweetness of fruit. This decadent dish is a staple during Maha Shivaratri, often served as traditional prasad. With its warm and nutty flavor, it’s a comforting treat that feels festive and satisfying.

Making Dry Fruit Halwa is quite simple, making it a great choice for anyone looking for easy Maha Shivaratri dessert recipes. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by those observing dairy-free fasting or gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can indulge in this delicious sweet. Plus, the combination of dried fruits makes it a nutritious option for high-energy festival desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/2 cup jaggery or honey (for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup chopped dates
• 1/4 cup raisins

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ghee: Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add Dry Fruits: Once hot, add the mixed dry fruits and sauté them until golden brown.
3. Mix Coconut: Stir in the grated coconut and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Sweetener: Add jaggery or honey, and mix well. Pour in the water to help melt the sweetener.
5. Incorporate Dates and Raisins: Add the chopped dates and raisins, cooking until everything is well combined and the mixture thickens.
6. Finish with Cardamom: Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix thoroughly. Cook for an additional minute and then remove from heat.
7. Serve Warm: Transfer to a serving dish, and enjoy this nourishing dessert during your Maha Shivaratri celebrations!

Badam (Almond) Katli

Badam Katli is a delightful Indian sweet made primarily from ground almonds, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. This dessert is a favorite during festivals, especially during Maha Shivaratri, when many people indulge in fasting sweets. Its rich, nutty flavor combined with a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture makes it a true treat.

What’s great about Badam Katli is that it’s not only delicious but also simple to make. It fits perfectly into the category of healthy Maha Shivaratri desserts, being gluten-free and packed with nutritious almonds. Ideal for those observing fasts, this sweet is a fine example of vrats-approved mithai, enabling everyone to enjoy a little indulgence without straying from their dietary choices.

Ingredients

• 2 cups almonds
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• Almond slivers for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak the almonds in hot water for about an hour, then peel them and grind into a fine paste.
2. In a non-stick pan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely to form a syrup.
3. Add the almond paste and cardamom powder to the syrup, stirring continuously over medium heat.
4. When the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, add ghee and mix well.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Grease a flat surface with ghee and spread the mixture evenly using a rolling pin.
6. Once cooled, cut into diamond shapes and garnish with almond slivers if desired.

Date And Nut Energy Balls

Date and nut energy balls are a delightful treat that packs a nutritious punch. These small bites are not only tasty but also simple to make, making them a perfect option for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. With a mix of dates and various nuts, they provide a naturally sweet flavor, making them a favorite among fasting sweets.

These energy balls are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for healthy Maha Shivaratri desserts. You can enjoy them as a quick snack or as part of your traditional Maha Shivaratri prasad. Plus, they fall under the category of gluten-free Indian sweets, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful date and nut energy balls!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Additional shredded coconut for rolling

Instructions

1. Prep the Nuts: Begin by roughly chopping the almonds and walnuts to ensure they mix well with the dates.
2. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
3. Shape the Balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Coat the Balls: Roll the formed energy balls in additional shredded coconut for a delicious finish.
5. Chill and Serve: Place the energy balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Enjoy these healthy Maha Shivaratri desserts anytime!

Panchamrit Sweet Drink

Panchamrit is a traditional sweet drink often prepared during festivals, especially Maha Shivaratri. This drink combines the goodness of various wholesome ingredients, creating a delightful blend of flavors. With its rich taste and smooth texture, it serves as both a nourishing treat and a divine offering, making it a popular choice for prasad.

Simple to make and absolutely satisfying, Panchamrit is perfect for those observing fasting. The combination of dairy, honey, and nuts provides a wholesome boost of energy, ideal for this spiritual occasion. It’s a beloved part of classic Indian prasad recipes and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether they’re fasting or not.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup finely chopped mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1/4 cup grated coconut (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the milk and yogurt until smooth.
2. Add honey and mix well until combined.
3. Stir in the chopped nuts, cardamom powder, and coconut (if using).
4. Heat ghee in a small pan, and lightly toast the nuts for a couple of minutes to enhance their flavor.
5. Pour the warm mixture into cups and serve immediately as a nourishing sweet drink.

Find Local Dessert Shops or List Your Own

Looking for freshly made Maha Shivaratri sweets near you? Explore our dessert directory to find small businesses offering traditional desserts and festive treats in your area.

Own a bakery or dessert shop? List your business for free and connect with customers searching for handmade, authentic sweets. If your favorite local spot isn’t listed, help support small businesses by adding them to our directory.

Celebrate in Style with Dessert-Themed Apparel

Love sharing your passion for sweets? Check out our shop for unique churro shirts, foodie-inspired sweatshirts, and fun dessert-themed apparel. Whether you’re looking for something cute, funny, or stylish, we’ve got original designs perfect for dessert lovers of all ages.

Share Your Favorite Maha Shivaratri Dessert Recipes

Have a special dessert recipe for Maha Shivaratri? Submit your recipe here and be part of a growing community of home cooks and dessert lovers sharing their favorite traditional treats.

Celebrate Maha Shivaratri with these delicious desserts and make your festivities even more memorable with flavors that honor tradition and devotion!