Lesser-known Coconut-based Desserts in India you Need to Try

Ready to explore some sweet secrets of Indian cuisine? While classic coconut treats like coconut laddoos and barfis are well-known, India has a treasure trove of lesser-known coconut-based desserts that are just waiting to tantalise your taste buds. From creamy coconut puddings to exotic coconut-infused sweets, these hidden gems offer a delightful twist on traditional favourites. On World Coconut Day, buckle up for a flavourful journey and discover these must-try coconut creations that you probably haven’t tasted yet!

Patoli, Konkan Coastline

Patoli is a traditional Konkani dessert from the coastal regions of Ratnagiri, Goa, and Mangalore. Made from steamed rice flour dough filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut, gud (jaggery), and spices, it’s wrapped in turmeric leaves and steamed to perfection. This fragrant and flavourful treat is cherished for its unique taste and cultural significance.

Baath Cake, Goa

Goan Baath Cake is a traditional semolina and coconut cake popular in Goa. This moist and dense cake is made with semolina, coconut, and a blend of spices, giving it a unique flavour and texture. Often enjoyed during festive occasions, it combines the richness of coconut with the lightness of semolina for a delightful treat.

Thengai Payasam, Tamil Nadu

Arisi Thengai Payasam is a traditional Tamil New Year dessert made from rice and coconut. This creamy, sweet pudding blends rice with grated coconut, jaggery, and aromatic spices, simmered to create a rich and comforting treat. It's a festive favourite that celebrates the joyous time with its delightful flavour and texture.

Shufta, Jammu & Kashmir

Kashmiri Shufta is a traditional dessert that includes a rich mix of dried fruits, nuts, and coconut simmered in a fragrant syrup. Combining ingredients like almonds, walnuts, raisins, and grated coconut with honey and cardamom, this sweet treat is often enjoyed during festive celebrations and special occasions.

Narali Bhaat, Maharashtra

Narali Bhat is a festive Maharashtrian rice dish made with coconut and jaggery. This sweet and savoury delicacy blends aromatic spices with rice, creating a rich, flavourful treat often served during celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi. Its unique combination of ingredients offers a delightful taste of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine.

Elai Adai, Kerala

Elai Ada is a traditional Kerala dessert made from a sweet rice flour dough, filled with a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. Wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, this treat is celebrated for its delicate flavour and aromatic aroma, making it a popular choice for festive occasions and special gatherings.

Sweet Appe or Sihi Goliyappam, Karnataka

Sihi Goliyappam, a Karnataka-style sweet treat, consists of round dumplings made from rice flour and jaggery, flavoured with coconut and cardamom. Cooked in a special pan, these sweet Appe have a crisp exterior and soft interior, making them a delightful snack or dessert, often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.