14 Famous Sweets in Karnataka You Must Try

The sweets of Karnataka are just as delicious as their curries and snacks. After relishing foods like kori gassi, pandi curry and dosas, your next serving would be desserts. And what better way to compliment your main course than the sweets and desserts of Karnataka?

But are you aware of what to order? We have compiled a list of the tastiest popular sweets from Karnataka for you. Use it as your guide when you are visiting the state.

Traditional Sweets of Karnataka

1. Mysore Pak
2. Dharwad Peda
3. Kesari Bath
4. Belgaum Kunda
5. Besan Ladoo
6. Chiroti
7. Obbattu
8. Karjikai
9. Gasagase Payasa
10. Kajjaya
11. Karadantu
12. Rava Unde
13. Dumrot/Khasi Halwa
14. Avarebele Halwa

1. Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak is among the renowned traditional sweets of Karnataka that are enjoyed worldwide. Originating from Mysore, it is made from gram flour, ghee, sugar, and cardamom, giving it a dense cookie-like texture. Traditionally prepared for festivals and special occasions such as weddings and baby showers, Mysore Pak was created by the King of Mysore, a known food enthusiast. This sweet has quickly become one of Karnataka's most famous delicacies.

2. Dharwad Peda

Dharwad Peda is among the traditional sweets of Karnataka that originates from the city of Dharwad in Karnataka, India. It is made from milk that is slow-cooked and stirred continuously until it thickens and caramelizes, resulting in a rich, brown texture. Sugar and cardamom are then added to enhance its flavour. Dharwad Peda is known for its unique taste and texture, and it is a popular delicacy not only in Karnataka but also across India. It is often served during festivals and celebrations and as a special treat for guests.

3. Kesari Bath

Kesari is a delightful sweet from Karnataka, named for its lovely orange colour, which comes from a pinch of saffron. It's quite similar to the Sooji Ka Halwa, with semolina as its main ingredient. To whip up this treat, you'll need ghee, semolina, sugar, water, and saffron for that signature colour. This pudding is often garnished with dry fruits of your choice. A perfect sweet treat to brighten up any meal!

4. Belgaum Kunda

Kunda is one of the popular sweets from Karnataka. It is made from Khova, milk in thickened form. The milk is slowly heated and then boiled to reduce its water content, concentrating its flavours. As the Khova thickens, sugar is added to sweeten the mixture. The final touch comes with adding dry fruits and cardamom powder, giving Kunda its distinctive aroma and taste. Belgaum, known as the sugar bowl of Karnataka, is famous for its delightful sweets, and Kunda is a prime example of the region's rich culinary heritage.

5. Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo is one of the traditional sweets of Karnataka that is known across the nation. Its primary ingredient is besan or chickpea flour. This traditional Indian ladoo is enjoyed universally, made simply with just three ingredients: besan, ghee, and sugar. Sometimes, they are even garnished with dry fruits for an added touch. Often served as prasadam in temples, these delightful sweets are prepared for special occasions or simply as a post-dinner treat. The process involves roasting chickpea flour and mixing it with ghee and sugar to form small balls. Besan ladoos can be stored in an airtight container to extend their freshness.

6. Chiroti

In Karnataka, sweets go beyond the usual blend of rava, coconut flakes, and ghee, exemplified by Chiroti, a fascinating flaky pastry sweet. The core ingredients of this modest yet delightful delicacy are maida (all-purpose flour), sugar, and ghee. Some prefer to incorporate semolina to add an extra layer of crunchiness. This authentic and premium South Indian dish is typically reserved for special occasions such as weddings, Brahmopadesham feasts, and other significant events. Once fried to a golden brown, Chiroti is finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, adding to its allure.

7. Obbattu

You might be familiar with stuffed Parathas, but have you encountered its sweet version? Obbattu is among the beloved traditional sweets in Karnataka. This flatbread strikes a perfect balance between savoury and sweet flavours. Beyond Karnataka, it is enjoyed in states like Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Its main ingredients include semolina, all-purpose flour, chana dal, jaggery/sugar, and green cardamom. It is called Puran Poli throughout India. Obbattu is a treat for both everyday and special occasions, and it is especially delicious when accompanied by payasam.

8. Karjikai

It is called Gujiya in North India. Karjikai is a cherished sweet snack in Karnataka. The dough, made from wheat or maida, is crafted into a crescent moon shape. The filling, a rich blend of dal, jaggery, and coconut, can be customized to suit your taste. Once deep-fried, it turns golden and crispy from the outside, while the inside remains warm and sweetly flavoured. Typically made for special events like pujas and festivals, Karjikai is often served as Prasadam.

9. Gasagase Payasa

It is an exotic and creamy dessert that hails from traditional cuisine, made with the richness of coconut milk and the unique flavour of poppy seeds. It is one of the sweets of Karnataka that is reserved for special occasions like festivals, setting it apart from the usual vermicelli kheer or rice puddings. Its distinct taste, a result of the poppy seeds, is unlike any other sweet treat you've experienced. To add a twist, some chefs sprinkle in powdered jaggery, casting a subtle brown shade over the dessert. The poppy seeds are finely ground and occasionally simmered in coconut milk, adding an extra layer of indulgence to this already luxurious treat.

10. Kajjaya

Kajjaya, also known as Anarsa, is one of the beloved sweet dishes of Karnataka found in nearly every home there. This traditional South Indian sweet is a deep-fried delight made from ground jaggery and rice. While it's often prepared for major festivals like Diwali, it's also a popular choice for an evening snack. Each South Indian state has its unique version of Kajjaya, varying in texture and taste. The process involves blending rice batter with jaggery paste and then frying it in hot oil until golden. Although it may seem challenging for beginners, mastering the art of making Kajjaya is truly rewarding.

11. Karadantu

It is a nutritious traditional dessert from Karnataka, particularly in the northern regions. This recipe features dry coconut, edible gum, and a variety of dry fruits, making it a wholesome treat. Initially created to help women cope with a post-pregnancy period. It is also prepared for special occasions. Often considered a healthy protein bar, Karadantu can be customized with your favourite dry fruits and is made without added sugar. It is among the sweets of Karnataka that have numerous health benefits, making it an excellent alternative to the typical sugar-laden sweets of Karnataka, with a guilt-free indulgence.

12. Rava Unde

Rava Unde/Ladoo is a classic and traditional sweet popular throughout South India, not just in Karnataka. Its main ingredients are semolina and coconut flakes. To make this sweet, the coconut flakes are evenly mixed with the semolina and left to rest for a few hours. The mixture is lightly toasted on a low flame before transforming into laddoos. Adding jaggery, ghee, and dry fruits infuses the ladoos with rich flavour and provides a delightful crunch.

13. Khasi/Dumrot Halwa

This sweet delicacy is among the most unique treats you might ever taste, showcasing Karnataka's knack for infusing healthful goodness into their culinary creations. This popular Udupi recipe, made from ash gourd and sugar, is a testament to the region's culinary innovation. The preparation is a labour of love, involving grating the ash gourd and slowly stirring it for an extended period until it caramelizes to a rich brown hue. This delightful confection pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or Gulab Jamun for an indulgent experience.

14. Avarebele Halwa

Avarebele is a distinctive sweet unique to Karnataka, showcasing the versatility of hyacinth beans, the star ingredient. These beans are celebrated for their ability to adapt to both sweet and savoury dishes. Avarebele Halwa is a crunchy, delectable, and wholesome treat enjoyed by people regardless of age, even as a breakfast dish. The preparation involves soaking the beans for a few hours and roasting and cooking them. If you ever travel to Karnataka, sampling this exquisite sweet dish is a must!

There you have it! 14 mouthwatering sweet dishes of Karnataka to make anyone weak in the knees. There are really talented chefs at Club Mahindra Resorts in Karnataka who can create these sweets easily. Please check with them to see if any of these are on the menu.