Recipe

5 Healthier, Low-Sugar Indian Sweets for Diwali :)

By Vriti Malik October 13, 2025

Recipe Collection

5 Healthier, Low-Sugar Indian Sweets

A curated selection of five classic Indian desserts reimagined for lower sugar and improved nutritional balance. Each recipe uses natural or reduced sweeteners, making them suitable for health-conscious eaters and those watching their sugar intake.

Compiled by Vriti Malik from multiple authority sources, 2025 | 15-40 minutes (varies by recipe) Prep 4-6 Servings Easy to Moderate

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Traditional Indian sweets are loved for their rich flavors and festive spirit, but they often contain high amounts of sugar. This collection presents five beloved desserts made with reduced or natural sweeteners—perfect for anyone seeking a healthy twist without compromising tradition or taste. These recipes are based on food authority guidance and balance flavor, texture, and healthfulness.

Ingredients

Jaggery-Sweetened Ragi Ladoo

1 cup ragi flour
1/2 cup grated jaggery
1/4 cup chopped mixed nuts
2 tbsp ghee
1/2 tsp cardamom powder

Low-Sugar Kesar Phirni

1/2 cup brown rice (soaked 30 min)
3 cups low-fat milk
1/4 cup honey
1/4 tsp saffron strands
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
2 tbsp chopped pistachios

Coconut Barfi (No Maida, Low-Carb)

2 cups grated coconut
1/2 cup jaggery
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp ghee

Sugar-Free Kalakand

2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4-1/3 cup powdered erythritol
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1 tsp rose water
2 tbsp chopped pistachios

Cherupayar (Moong Dal) Payasam

1/2 cup split yellow moong dal
2 cups water
1/4 cup dates paste
4-6 drops liquid stevia (optional)
1/3 cup thin coconut milk
1/2 cup thick coconut milk
1/8 tsp dry ginger powder
Pinch cardamom powder
5 cashews (broken)
1.5 tbsp thin coconut slices
1 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

Jaggery-Sweetened Ragi Ladoo:
1. Dry roast ragi flour in a ceramic frying pan until aromatic.
2. Add ghee and mix well.
3. Stir in cardamom, nuts, and grated jaggery; mix until combined.
4. Cool slightly, then shape into balls.
Low-Sugar Kesar Phirni:
1. Grind soaked brown rice into a coarse paste.
2. Heat milk in a ceramic pan; add saffron.
3. Add rice paste; stir on low until thickened.
4. Mix in honey and cardamom.
5. Garnish with pistachios, refrigerate before serving.
Coconut Barfi:
1. Heat ghee in ceramic pan, add grated coconut.
2. Stir in jaggery and coconut milk, cook until mixture thickens and leaves sides.
3. Add cardamom powder, mix.
4. Pour into greased tray, set, then cut into squares.
Sugar-Free Kalakand:
1. Combine ricotta cheese and cream in ceramic pan on medium heat.
2. Stir until mixture thickens (10-15 min).
3. Add erythritol, cardamom, rose water; mix well.
4. Spread in lined tray, top with pistachios, chill until set.
Cherupayar Payasam:
1. Cook moong dal in water until soft.
2. Add dates paste, stevia if using, and thin coconut milk; simmer.
3. Add thick coconut milk, ginger, and cardamom; heat gently (do not boil).
4. Fry cashews, coconut slices, raisins in coconut oil; add to payasam for garnish.

Notes

Natural sweeteners like jaggery, dates, and honey are used to reduce refined sugar content. Adjust sweetness as per personal preference and dietary needs. Ceramic cookware ensures even heating and reduces risk of sticking or burning, especially for milk-based sweets.

FAQs

Q: Can I substitute other sweeteners for jaggery, honey, or erythritol?
A: Yes, stevia, monk fruit, or agave syrup can be used; flavor and texture may vary. Always adjust amounts as each sweetener has different sweetness levels.
Q: Are these sweets suitable for diabetics?
A: Most use low-glycemic or natural sweeteners; consult a healthcare provider before consuming, especially if managing blood sugar.
Q: Can these recipes be made vegan?
A: Yes. Substitute plant-based milk for dairy (e.g., coconut or almond milk) and plant-based alternatives for ghee or cream where necessary.

Conclusion

These low-sugar, healthier Indian sweets offer all the comfort and festivity of traditional mithai with better nutrition. Enjoy them guilt-free for celebrations, health goals, or daily treats.