When it comes to sweet treats, Indian cuisine has a lot to offer. From moist and fluffy sponge cakes to rich and creamy desserts, Indian baking has evolved over time to incorporate a wide range of flavors and ingredients. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of Indian traditional cakes, where spices, nuts, and dried fruits come together to create mouthwatering treats that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or adventurous types like gulab jamun and cardamom saffron, our collection of 20 delicious cake recipes will inspire you to try something new. So go ahead, take out your mixing bowls and baking pans, and get ready to indulge in the sweetness of India!
Eggless Vanilla Sponge Cake
This classic sponge cake recipe gets a twist with the absence of eggs, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. With its light and airy texture, this vanilla-flavored cake is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces eggs)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gulab Jamun Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this unique cake recipe that combines the flavors of gulab jamun, a popular Indian sweet treat. Moist and flavorful, this cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup gulab jamun syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by gulab jamun syrup.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Kaju Katli Cake
A unique fusion of traditional Indian flavors with a modern twist, this Kaju Katli cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year. With its rich cashew and cardamom aroma, this cake is sure to delight your senses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ghee
– 1/2 cup cashews
– 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and blend the cashews with ghee, confectioner’s sugar, cardamom powder, and salt until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the cashew mixture and mix well.
5. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rasmalai Cake
A unique fusion of Indian flavors with a moist and fluffy cake, Rasmalai Cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon rosewater (optional)
– 1 cup ras malai syrup (see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, milk, eggs, and rosewater (if using). Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with ras malai syrup.
Note: Ras malai syrup can be found at Indian grocery stores or made by boiling milk, sugar, and cardamom powder together.
Besan Cake
This classic Indian dessert is a staple at many celebrations and gatherings. Made with chickpea flour, sugar, and spices, this besan cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup ghee or vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Pinch of salt
– Chopped nuts or dried fruit (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together besan, sugar, baking powder, cardamom powder, and salt.
3. Add ghee or oil, vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pistachio Badam Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the goodness of pistachios and badam, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons pistachio paste
– 1 tablespoon badam (almond) extract
– ¼ cup chopped fresh pistachios
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, pistachio paste, and badam extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
5. Fold in chopped pistachios.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cardamom Saffron Cake
Experience the warm aromas of India with this exotic Cardamom Saffron Cake, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cardamom, and saffron mixture.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Jalebi Cake
This Jalebi Cake recipe combines the crispy, sweet flavors of traditional jalebis with a moist and fluffy cake. Perfect for dessert or as a snack, this unique treat is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Water, for soaking
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Malai Cake
This rich and decadent Malai Cake is a popular Indian dessert made with condensed milk, eggs, and spices. With its moist texture and creamy flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) sweetened condensed milk
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Add condensed milk and mix well.
4. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Beat in egg whites until stiff peaks form.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Kesar Pista Cake
Experience the regal flavors of saffron and pistachios in this moist and decadent cake, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. This Kesar Pista Cake is a delightful fusion of Indian spices and Western baking techniques.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pistachios
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– Unsalted butter, softened, for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add milk, saffron mixture, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped pistachios. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rose Flavored Cake
Discover the delightful combination of moist cake and subtle rose flavor with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons dried rose petals (or 1 tablespoon rose extract)
– 1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add dried rose petals or rose extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Coconut Ladoo Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect blend of coconut and spices, inspired by the traditional Indian sweet treat, Ladoo. With its aromatic fragrance and tender crumb, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 6-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, coconut, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Halwa Cake
Halwa Cake Recipe
This rich and creamy Halwa cake is a unique twist on the traditional Indian pudding. With its velvety texture and nutty flavor, it’s perfect for special occasions or as a decadent treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated carrot
– 1/2 cup grated coconut
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
– Chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine carrot, coconut, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, heavy cream, and rose water (if using). Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped nuts.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Moong Dal Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is made with the humble moong dal (green gram) and is perfect for a quick dessert or snack. The addition of spices like cardamom and cinnamon gives it an authentic Indian flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup moong dal
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Milk, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 6-inch cake pan.
2. In a blender or food processor, grind the moong dal into a smooth paste with the sugar and spices.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture and blend until well combined.
4. Pour in the melted butter and egg, and mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Add milk as needed to achieve the right consistency.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Masala Chai Cake
Experience the warmth of India with this aromatic cake infused with the spices of Masala Chai.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon black tea leaves (Masala Chai)
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter and eggs until smooth. Add tea leaves and milk; mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Thandai Cake
Thandai cake is a unique dessert that combines the flavors of traditional Indian thandai, a spiced drink made with milk, nuts, and spices, with the moistness of a classic cake. This recipe yields a deliciously fragrant and flavorful cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron threads
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron threads to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour in milk and whisk until well combined.
5. Fold in chopped pistachios, if using.
6. Pour batter into prepared cake pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Paan Cake
Experience the unique flavor of paan (betel leaf) in a moist and delicious cake. This recipe combines the freshness of mint with the sweetness of cardamom, creating a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup crushed paan leaves (or 1 tablespoon paan extract)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, vanilla extract, mint leaves, paan leaves (or extract), and cardamom.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mango Shrikhand Cake
Mango Shrikhand Cake Recipe: A Twist on Classic Lemon Bars
This refreshing dessert combines the sweetness of mango shrikhand with the moistness of a classic cake, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup mango shrikhand (see note)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together mango shrikhand, eggs, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the mango mixture over the crust.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Note: Mango shrikhand is a sweet yogurt-like dessert made with mango puree and cream. You can use store-bought or homemade shrikhand in this recipe.
Rabdi Cake
Rabdi cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the richness of rabri (a popular Indian sweet drink) with the comfort of a warm cake. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup rabri (or milk with rose syrup)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Add rabri (or milk with rose syrup), eggs, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Kulfi Cake
Experience the creamy delight of kulfi ice cream in a moist and fluffy cake. This unique dessert combines the flavors of cardamom, saffron, and rosewater to create a truly Indian-inspired treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/4 teaspoon rosewater
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with saffron mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors and aromas of India with these 20 mouth-watering cake recipes! From classic eggless vanilla sponge cakes to innovative creations like Gulab Jamun Cake, Kaju Katli Cake, and Rasmalai Cake, there’s something for everyone. With a range of ingredients from saffron and cardamom to pistachios and coconut, these traditional Indian desserts are sure to delight your taste buds. From sweet treats like Mango Shrikhand Cake and Rabdi Cake to festive cakes like Thandai Cake and Paan Cake, this collection has it all.
