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Diwali brings a sense of celebration that revolves around family gatherings, shared meals, and the comforting scent of sweets made at home. Many households now turn to their OTG ovens during this season, exploring recipes that blend Indian traditions with global dessert techniques. The OTG, like one from Usha, with its balanced heat and compact design, is well suited for small-batch desserts, allowing ingredients like jaggery, ghee, and nuts to merge with chocolate, pastry, and cream in a controlled way. This approach has given rise to fusion desserts that maintain the soul of traditional mithai while adding something distinctly contemporary to the festive spread. The charm of making such dishes at home lies in using familiar ingredients in unexpected combinations that still hold the essence of celebration.
1. Baked Gulab Jamun Cheesecake
The richness of gulab jamun pairs seamlessly with the creamy texture of a baked cheesecake. Crumbled biscuits can be used as a base, pressed firmly into a greased pan and baked lightly in the OTG to hold shape. A mixture of cream cheese, condensed milk, and a little cardamom powder brings sweetness and fragrance together. Once baked until firm and golden at the edges, the warm cheesecake can be topped with sliced gulab jamuns soaked in reduced syrup. This dessert blends the nostalgia of a mithai shop with the smoothness of a Western classic, making it a centrepiece for the festive table.
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2. Chocolate Barfi Tart
Barfi has long been part of Diwali gifting, but pairing it with chocolate and a crisp tart base creates a striking contrast in both texture and taste. A simple shortcrust pastry can be prepared with flour, butter, and a hint of sugar, then baked in an OTG until firm and lightly browned. Once cooled, a filling of khoya, cocoa powder, and melted dark chocolate can be spread inside, then baked again briefly for the flavours to combine. The surface can be dusted with crushed pistachios or a thin layer of edible silver leaf for a festive touch. Using an OTG ensures even browning and helps preserve the softness of the barfi filling while the crust remains crisp. The result is a dessert that carries familiar richness yet looks refined on the festive platter.
Image credit: Freepik
3. Rose And Cardamom Bread Pudding
This pudding brings together leftover sweet bread or milk bread, infused with the fragrance of rose and cardamom. Cubes of bread are layered in a baking dish, soaked in a custard made from milk, cream, eggs, and sugar, then topped with a drizzle of rose syrup. Baking in an OTG allows the custard to set gently while the surface develops a golden crust. Chopped almonds and pistachios can be added before baking for extra texture. Once done, the pudding rests for a few minutes to allow the flavours to blend. Served warm with a spoonful of malai or a light drizzle of condensed milk, this dessert feels familiar yet different enough to stand out during the festival.
Image credit: Freepik
4. Baked Rasmalai Cups
This modern version of rasmalai makes use of the OTG’s ability to caramelise sugar and set custard precisely. Flattened discs of paneer soaked in saffron milk are placed in individual ramekins, then covered with a lightly spiced custard mixture. The cups are baked in a water bath to retain moisture, allowing the surface to brown slightly while the interior stays soft. Once cooled, each cup can be garnished with strands of saffron and finely sliced nuts. This technique transforms the traditional rasmalai into a baked dessert that can be prepared in advance and chilled before serving.
Image credit: Freepik
5. Coconut Ladoo Cake
This cake brings together the texture of coconut ladoos and the lightness of a sponge cake. Grated coconut, condensed milk, and a small amount of semolina are combined with flour and baking powder to form the batter. Once poured into a greased tin, the mixture bakes evenly in an OTG until the surface turns golden. When cooled slightly, the cake can be brushed with coconut milk and topped with a thin layer of sweetened desiccated coconut. Each slice carries the comfort of homemade ladoos while offering the ease of serving a baked dessert. It pairs well with masala tea or coffee, adding a touch of sweetness to a Diwali evening.
Image credit: Freepik
