Holi is more than just a festival; it is an experience of colours, joy, and togetherness. From young to old, everyone participates in this festival enthusiastically, and the atmosphere is filled with laughter and happiness. People smear each other with colourful powders and water, and the streets are transformed into a canvas of colours. While traditional sweets like gulab jamun, ras malai, and barfi are always on the menu, why not switch things up this year and try homemade baked treats instead?
Baking is a fun and creative way to celebrate Holi with your loved ones. Plus, it's a great way to involve your kids in the festivities and teach them some new baking skills. Here are some ideas for Holi Specials baked treats that will add some colour and flavour to your celebrations:
Gujiya
Gujiya is a traditional Indian sweet pastry that is usually made during Holi. It is a crescent-shaped pastry filled with khoya, coconut, and dry fruits. Gujiya is a delicious treat that is easy to make at home.
- To make Gujiya, you will need flour, ghee, khoya, sugar, cardamom powder, and dry fruits.
- Mix the flour and ghee to form a crumbly mixture. Add water to form a dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix khoya, sugar, cardamom powder, and dry fruits to form the filling. Roll out the dough and make small circles.
- Add the filling and fold the circles to form a crescent shape.
- Fry the Gujiyas until golden brown and crispy.
Thandai Cake
Thandai is a traditional Holi drink made with milk, nuts, and spices like cardamom, fennel, and saffron. Thandai is a delicious and refreshing drink, but have you ever tried it in cake form? Thandai Cake is a fusion of traditional Indian flavours with a Western-style cake.
- To make Thandai Cake, you will need flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, eggs, and thandai powder.
- Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately. Combine the two and mix well.
- Add the thandai powder and mix until smooth. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes.
You can also experiment with different icing and frosting options to complement the flavours of Thandai. Cream cheese frosting or saffron icing would be a great choice.
Besan Ladoo Blondies
Besan Ladoo is a famous Indian sweet made with roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar. It has a nutty and earthy flavour that pairs well with chocolate. Besan Ladoo Blondies are a fusion of Indian and Western flavours that are easy to make and delicious.
- To make Besan Ladoo Blondies, you will need flour, sugar, brown sugar, butter, eggs, besan laddoo, and chocolate chips.
- Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately. Combine the two and mix well.
- Add the besan laddoo and chocolate chips and mix until smooth. Bake the blondies for 20-25 minutes.
You can also experiment with variations and add-ons like nuts, dried fruits, or shredded coconut.
Tips and Tricks for Baking Holi Specials
- Baking Holi Specials can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are few tips and tricks to make it easier and more efficient:
- Use high-quality ingredients for better taste and texture.
- Measure ingredients accurately for consistent results.
- Use non-stick baking pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your oven before baking to ensure that even baking.
- Don't overmix the batter, resulting in tough or dense baked goods.
- Have all your ingredients and tools ready before you start baking to save time.
- Get creative with decorations, like using colourful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even Holi colours (make sure they're safe to eat)
Conclusion
Baking is a fun and creative way to celebrate Holi with your loved ones. There are many delicious options, from traditional Gujiyas to fusion Thandai Cake and Besan Ladoo Blondies. With some creativity and tips and tricks, you can make your Holi celebration even more special and memorable. So, put on your apron this Holi, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some colourful and delicious treats!
