The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding Dessert Menu
Check out these out-of-the-box dessert ideas to add to your wedding dessert menu. Sweet tooth or not, these will surely make it an unforgettable platter!
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No Indian wedding is complete without a show-stopping dessert spread! From syrupy gulab jamuns to creamy ras malai and crispy jalebis, the sweet course isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the grand finale everyone looks forward to. Whether planning a regal sit-down feast or a fun, live dessert station, choosing the right mix of classic and modern sweets can elevate your wedding menu. ‘Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye’ is the first gesture that signifies the commencement of celebrations for any Indian wedding. One will always find an array of desserts on every Indian wedding menu. But sometimes, the same old Jalebi, Kulfi, Halwa and Gulab Jamun might sound too boring or repetitive at every wedding.
For couples who wish to woo their guests by doing something special, it is always a great idea to introduce a dessert menu that is Hatke and recipes that are complete showstoppers. To discuss the scrumptious desserts for Indian weddings, we contacted Mayank Prasad, Founder of Curated Catering by Design.
Table of Content:
1. How to Create a Wedding Dessert Menu
3. Trending Wedding Desserts in 2025
4. Unique & International Wedding Dessert Ideas
5. Vegan & Gluten-Free Dessert Ideas
6. Budget-Friendly Dessert Ideas
How to Create a Wedding Dessert Menu
An Indian wedding is a grand affair, and while the décor, outfits, and music set the mood, the food, especially the desserts, leave a lasting impression. A well-planned dessert menu isn’t just about serving sweets; it’s about creating an experience that delights every guest. Answering the question on how best to create a perfect dessert menu for Indian weddings, Prasad said, "Creating the perfect wedding dessert menu for an Indian wedding is all about blending tradition with a touch of modern flair while ensuring a delightful experience for all guests. It’s not just about sweets; it’s about creating memories with flavours that leave a lasting impression." From traditional mithai to modern fusion treats, here’s how to craft the perfect wedding dessert menu that’s as memorable as the big day!
1. Matching Desserts to the Wedding Theme
"Wedding themes are all about creating a magical, immersive experience, and matching desserts to the theme is the sweetest way to tie everything together. Whether planning a royal affair, a boho-chic celebration, or a tropical beach wedding, there are many ways to align your desserts with your wedding theme, says Prasad."
Your dessert menu should feel like an extension of your wedding’s theme. For, eg:
For a Royal Palace Wedding: Go for indulgent Mughlai desserts like Shahi Tukda, Malpua with Rabri, or saffron-infused Kheer. A breezy beachside celebration? Opt for chilled desserts like Kulfi, Falooda, or Mango Shrikhand. Even the colour scheme can inspire your choices; think rose petal-studded Gulab Jamuns.
2. Considering Guest Preferences and Dietary Restrictions
Indian weddings are a melting pot of cultures, tastes, and dietary needs. While some guests might crave decadent, ghee-laden sweets, others prefer lighter, less sugary options. Offer a diverse mix of sugar-free Sandesh or date-based Laddoos for health-conscious guests, eggless cakes for vegetarians, and even vegan Kheer made with almond milk for those with dietary restrictions. The goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy a sweet treat without worry. "When planning a wedding dessert menu, the goal is to ensure every guest feels included and leaves with a happy and satisfied sweet tooth! With a little thoughtfulness and planning, you can create a dessert spread that caters to different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs without compromising on variety or flavour," Prasad added.
3. Balancing Flavors – A Mix of Classic and Unique Options
The perfect dessert spread strikes a balance between nostalgia and surprise. While traditional favourites like Motichoor Ladoo and Jalebi are non-negotiable, adding a modern twist can elevate the experience. Think Paan-flavoured Kulfi, chocolate-stuffed Gulab Jamun, or Ras Malai cheesecake. This way, guests get the comfort of familiar flavours while indulging in something unexpected. A mix of crunchy, creamy, and syrupy textures keeps things exciting.
Classic Wedding Desserts
Image Courtesy: Eat My Platter
Prasad says, "No Indian wedding is complete without an extravagant spread of desserts because celebrations in India are all about love, laughter, and lots of mithai! While fusion treats are fun, classic Indian desserts hold a special place in our hearts and stomachs!" Each of these desserts carries the warmth of tradition, the richness of flavours, and the joy of celebration, making them the perfect way to sweeten any Indian wedding!
1. Gulab Jamun—These melt-in-the-mouth khoya dumplings soaked in saffron-infused sugar syrup are the heart and soul of any Indian wedding.
2. Rasmalai—Soft, spongy Chhena discs dunked in creamy saffron milk.
3. Jaleb—Crispy, deep-fried spirals drenched in sugar syrup, Jalebis offer an irresistible crunch with every bite.
4. Kaju Katli—This diamond-shaped cashew fudge symbolizes celebration and luxury.
5. Motichoor Ladoo—Tiny, golden pearls of deep-fried gram flour bound together with aromatic sugar syrup.
6. Shahi Tukda — A Mughlai delight made with crispy, ghee-fried bread soaked in thick, cardamom-flavored Rabri.
7. Malpua with Rabri—These sweet, golden pancakes are perfectly deep-fried and paired with creamy Rabri.
8. Kesari Halwa—Whether made with suji, atta, or moong dal, this fragrant, saffron-infused halwa is a soulful delight.
9. Paan Kulfi— A fusion of classic Kulfi with the refreshing flavours of paan, aka betel leaves, this frozen treat is the perfect palate cleanser after a lavish wedding meal.
10. Mishti Doi—This Bengali delicacy of caramelised sweet yoghurt, set in earthen pots, brings a touch of rustic charm to the dessert table.
11. Sandesh—Light, elegant, and packed with the goodness of Chhena, Sandesh is a delicacy that perfectly balances sweetness with sophistication.
12. Gajar Ka Halwa—No winter wedding is complete without this rich, slow-cooked carrot pudding.
13. Chhena Poda— Odisha’s caramelised cheesecake, made with fresh Chhena, sugar, and a hint of cardamom.
14. Kheer—A creamy, slow-cooked rice pudding with hints of cardamom and saffron.
15. Basundi—This thickened, sweetened milk dessert, slow-cooked to perfection, is a delightfully rich treat.
Trending Wedding Desserts in 2025
A well-curated wedding dessert menu is more than just sweet treats; it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and a lasting memory for your guests. With the right balance of tradition, creativity, and inclusivity, you can create a dessert spread that truly steals the show. And that is the bottom line for some of the most trending wedding desserts in 2025 that you should bookmark for your upcoming celebrations. "Weddings in 2025 are all about personalisation, fusion flavours, and Instagram-worthy desserts that taste divine and look stunning! While traditional Mithais remain a sentimental favourite, couples are getting creative with modern twists, unique presentations, and interactive dessert experiences," Prasad adds. Some of the unique dessert ideas to include in your wedding menu are:
Motichoor Laddoo Parfait
Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen
Twisting this traditional Indian sweet in French style can be a great way to include it in an Indian dessert menu. Introducing layers of creamy Greek yoghurt will further tone down the sweetness of a Motichoor Laddoo, making it more palatable to the guests.
Shahi Tukda Gajar Halwa Shots With Rabri
Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen
Three brilliant Indian sweets come together to form one whole dish on the dessert menu: Shahi Tukda and Gajar Halwa Shots with Rabri. What’s fascinating about these three significant Indian desserts is that they complement each other very well, and the idea of serving them in shot glasses makes the savouring experience more fun and unique.
Assorted Chocolate Modak
Image Courtesy: Baked India
Modak is a famous Maharashtrian sweet known for its beautiful formation. To inspire weddings, chocolate experts are promoting assorted chocolate Modaks. These Modaks come with a variety of milky to dark chocolate and fillings that surprise every bite.
Gulkand Macaroons
Another famous French dessert that is known worldwide and considered gourmet on a wedding dessert menu is the Macaron. Amalgamating a regular Macaron with Indian flavours would be a brilliant idea. Gulkand Macarons decorated with dried rose petals and gold Vark will be an assorted addition to the wedding dessert menu!
Paan Ice Cream
Image Courtesy: Fingers Are For Burning
Be it plain, sweet, or chocolate, everyone loves munching on the betel leaf after a heavy wedding party meal. The flavours are distinct and refreshing, so blending the flavours with dairy and converting the traditional Paan into ice cream will be something kids and adults will heartily enjoy at the party.
Rainbow Rasgulla Bowl
Image Courtesy: Naturally Nidhi
Introduce something contemporary and gourmet to the dessert menu by having rainbow Rasgulla bowls served to the guests in the most artistically plated manner. This bowl consists of the traditional fluffy Rasgulla balls tucked at the base and topped with a thick layer of vanilla ice cream. An array of fruits and chocolate make this bowl look colourful and tempting.
Shrikhand In Turkish Kataifi Cones
Image Courtesy: Reciphoria
Speaking of yoghurt, Maharashtra is also known as the state of Shrikhand. Shrikhand is a creamy, lightly whipped yoghurt made of hung curd and infused with Saffron and Cardamom flavours. To give this soft dessert a unique texture, marry it to the crunchy and delicate Kataifi cones native to Turkey.
Ghewar Cheesecake
Image Courtesy: Savory and Sweet Food
Instead of a regular cheesecake, amalgamate the traditional flavours of Rajasthan with the creaminess of a cheesecake. Ghewar is a favourite dessert in Rajasthan and is relished by the locals on special occasions. Instead of the regular Khoya added to the thick pie crust of Ghewar, add light cream cheese to the centre with a garnishing of pistachio and sliced almond toppings for added flavours!
Jalebi Upside Down Cake With Rabri
Image Courtesy: The Table of Spice
When dressed with a layer of thick, creamy Rabri and decorated with a crunchy portion of Jalebi on top, a regular vanilla cupcake becomes gourmet and traditional for an Indian wedding. The presentation is unique and eye-catching, making it a sure-shot star-stopper of the party. Thinly sliced pistachios, dry rose petals, and Saffron strands ante up this dessert's flavours manifold!
Unique & International Wedding Dessert Ideas
Image Courtesy: Eat My Platter
While traditional Indian sweets are a must at weddings, adding a few unique and international desserts can elevate the experience. Imagine the richness of a gulab jamun paired with a creamy tiramisu or the decadence of a chocolate mousse alongside a saffron-infused kheer. Agreeing with us, Prasad said, "Indian weddings are grand, colourful, and full of emotions, and what better way to celebrate than with a dessert menu that blends cultures beautifully? While traditional Mithais hold a special place in every wedding, couples today are experimenting with global flavours, creating a sweet symphony of East meets West" If you're looking to wow your guests with global flavours, here are stunning international desserts that perfectly complement an Indian wedding menu.
1. Tiramisu Shots—This Italian classic, layered with coffee-soaked sponge and mascarpone cream, adds a touch of European elegance.
2. Baklava—A Middle Eastern favourite, baklava’s flaky pastry layers, crunchy nuts, and honey syrup are a perfect match for Indian palates.
3. Mango Panna Cotta—This silky Italian dessert, infused with India’s favourite fruit, mango, is refreshing and light.
4. Churros with Rabri Dip—Crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated Spanish churros take on an Indian twist when served with a thick, saffron-infused Rabri dip.
5. Japanese Matcha Cheesecake—This creamy, earthy green tea-flavoured cheesecake adds a sophisticated touch to the dessert table.
6. French Macarons with Indian Flavors—These delicate almond meringue cookies get an Indian wedding makeover with flavours like rose pistachio, cardamom, and kesar badam.
7. Tres Leches Cake—Infused with flavours like saffron, rose, or coconut, this cake blends seamlessly with Indian wedding aesthetics.
8. Chocolate Mousse with a Hint of Chai—A rich and velvety French-style chocolate mousse infused with Indian masala chai spices is a fusion dream.
9. Biscoff Cheesecake—The caramelised goodness of Biscoff cookies combined with a creamy cheesecake base makes this a crowd favourite.
10. Lemon Meringue Tartlets—These zesty, bite-sized French delights add a refreshing citrusy contrast to a heavily spiced wedding menu.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Dessert Ideas
Caterer: Brown Sugar India Catering Services
With wedding guests following diverse dietary lifestyles, offering vegan and gluten-free desserts is a thoughtful way to ensure everyone gets a sweet treat. Luckily, Indian cuisine is rich in naturally plant-based and gluten-free sweets that don’t compromise on flavour. "More and more couples today are prioritising dietary preferences and ensuring their wedding menu has something for everyone. For guests who may have gluten intolerance, dairy allergies, or prefer plant-based options, offering vegan and gluten-free desserts is not just a trend; it’s a thoughtful way to ensure everyone gets to indulge! The best part? Vegan and gluten-free desserts are no longer just "healthy alternatives"; they're just as delicious, rich, and indulgent as traditional sweets! Here’s how couples make them a delightful addition to their wedding menu," Mayank adds. Some vegan and gluten-free ideas for your dessert menu are:
1. Coconut & Jaggery Ladoo —Made with roasted coconut, jaggery, and a touch of cardamom, these Ladoos are naturally vegan and gluten-free.
2. Almond & Date Barfi—A rich, fudgy barfi made with ground almonds and dates, this dessert skips refined sugar while delivering a naturally sweet and nutty delight.
3. Sabudana Kheer—Tapioca pearls slow-cooked in coconut milk with a hint of saffron and cardamom create a creamy, dreamy dessert.
4. Chocolate Avocado Mousse—A luscious chocolate mousse made with ripe avocados and sweetened with maple syrup.
5. Pistachio & Rose Energy Bites—These bite-sized delights combine pistachios, dried rose petals, and dates for a fragrant, nutrient-packed treat.
6. Ragi Halwa—A wholesome halwa made with nutrient-rich finger millet, jaggery, and coconut milk.
7. Mango Coconut Panna Cotta—This tropical twist on panna cotta replaces dairy with creamy coconut milk and fresh mango puree.
8. Chia Seed & Saffron Pudding—This pudding combines health and tradition. It uses chia seeds soaked in almond milk with a saffron-infused twist.
9. Cashew & Cardamom Fudge—This dairy-free alternative to Kaju Katli uses soaked cashews blended with maple syrup and cardamom.
10. Banana & Walnut Bliss Balls—These no-bake treats combine mashed bananas, walnuts, and desiccated coconut for a naturally sweet, energy-boosting dessert.
Budget-Friendly Dessert Ideas
A grand wedding doesn’t have to come with an extravagant dessert bill! Indian cuisine offers plenty of delicious, budget-friendly sweets that are easy to prepare in large batches without compromising taste. Prasad agrees, saying, "Weddings are all about love, laughter, and delicious food! But let’s be real: wedding expenses can add up quickly, and the dessert table is no exception. You don’t have to break the bank to serve mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing sweets at your wedding! From classic Indian mithai to creative, budget-friendly twists, many delicious and affordable desserts will keep your guests and wallet happy." These cost-effective treats ensure your wedding dessert menu is just as indulgent without breaking the bank!
1. Suji Halwa - Simple yet soulful, this warm, ghee-laden dessert made with semolina, sugar, and cardamom is a crowd-pleaser.
2. Boondi Ladoo - These golden, syrup-soaked pearls bound into Ladoos are a wedding staple and a cost-effective sweet.
3. Rice Kheer - Made with rice, milk, and sugar, this slow-cooked delight is economical and comforting.
4. Jalebi—Crispy, deep-fried spirals dipped in fragrant sugar syrup are a classic that never fails to impress.
5. Nariyal Barfi - This coconut-based fudge, made with desiccated coconut, sugar, and a hint of cardamom, is an affordable yet delicious addition to the wedding dessert spread.
We are sure that this entire dessert menu will make all your guests fall in love with your choices, praising their uniqueness and will remember it for years later. Don’t forget to install a Kulhad Chai or coffee counter next to the desserts so your guests can wash the sweetness down by sipping on some soothing Desi drinks later.
