Classic Indian Desserts and Drinks with a Twist

Check out our first part of the Indo-Fusion cuisine blog here!  

Apart from savory main dishes, chefs are now also pushing the envelope with their sweet concoctions. Chef extraordinaires are putting their creativity to the test, experimenting with ingredients, marrying flavors and presenting fusion Indian desserts like never before.  As East meets West, fusion desserts have become the new chic. We present to you the show-stopper desserts and drinks, the ones that hold a sweet surprise and make you marvel at the creativity. The trend is timely, given the affinity and access to global tastes. Indo Fusions desserts such as Ras Malai Cake, Gulab Jamon Cheesecake, Parlee G Ice Cream Sandwiches,  Paan Shots,  and Turmeric Lattes are among some of the masterpieces.  ‍

Ras Malai Cake or Indian Tres leches‍

Let’s start off with everyone’s favorite dessert at weddings, Ras Malai. Ras Malai Cake was the most highly trending dessert last year. It is often compared to the Indian version of tres leche cake. Ras Malai Cake is basically a cardamom flavored cake, the layers of which are soaked with “ras” (thickened, sweetened milk infused with cardamom and saffron). It is then frosted with “ras” flavored whipped cream, sprinkled with nuts, and dried rose petals. Baking this cake alone leaves the kitchen brimming with exotic flavors!  

Gulab Jamun Cheesecake‍

Gulab Jamuns are the most liked mithai in the mithai box. They have fans all over the world, but a Gulab Jamun Cheesecake beats all records. This spongy cake is soaked in sugary rose petals, cardamom infused syrup, and layered with sliced jamuns. Cheesecakes are classic yet elegant desserts, and adding gulab jamuns to it is the cherry on top.  

Parle-G Ice Cream Sandwiches‍

Everyone loves Parle-G biscuits with their evening chai. Now you can try them out with your favorite ice cream as well! Spread your choice of fruit flavored jam on one side of each biscuit. Top of the jam with a scoop of any flavored heavenly ice cream, and join the biscuits together. To make things even more interesting, roll the ice cream sandwich in crushed nuts and enjoy.  

Paan Shots‍

You have most probably seen elders in your family eating paan. Made from betel leaves and areca nuts, paan is widely consumed throughout southeast Asia. A paan shot is a mouthwatering combination of paan and rose gulkand with spices and ice cream. It melts in your mouth and tickles your taste buds! In a blender,  blend betel leaves, paan masala, gulkand (a rose paste), fennel seeds, and ice cream. Garnish with pistachios and refrigerate for an hour before serving.  

Turmeric Latte‍

Also known as Golden Milk or Haldi Dhood, a Turmeric Latte is a warm drink made from steaming milk with aromatic turmeric powder and spices. It is a perfect alternative to coffee, and actually has many magical prolonging life benefits.  To create this drink, blend your choice of milk, turmeric powder, cinnamon powder, a pinch of black pepper, and ginger powder in a blender. Then heat it in a small saucepan until hot, and serve.  Can’t wait to make Turmeric Latte? Check out our delicious full recipe here.

Above listed are some of the top trendiest desserts found in upscale Indo-fusion restaurants. Other famous contenders include: Gajar Ka halwa rolls, Dirty Masala chai affogato, Masala chai gelato, Kashmiri chai cupcakes, and Masala chai macarons. Try out the recipes for yourself or at a restaurant near you, and let us know what you think of these delectable desserts gaining a cult following everywhere.