Last Updated:
From fudgy halwa-filled brownies to nostalgic no-bake cheesecake bites, these Raksha Bandhan recipes are sure to delight every sibling’s sweet tooth.
Try these indulgent, easy-to-make treats — from Bourbon barfi bites to halwa-stuffed brownies — because nothing says “I love you, bro” like a dessert with a surprise inside
Celebrate the sweetness of sibling love with these unique Rakhi treats that blend traditional flavours with playful twists.
Elanchi, A Malabar Sweet Delight By Chef Gaurav Mawari, Executive Chef, Novotel Pune
Elanchi is a beloved sweet snack from Kerala’s Malabar region. These delicate rolls are made with soft pancakes filled with a luscious, jaggery-sweetened coconut mixture.
Ingredients
For the Filling
Fresh grated coconut – 250 g
Jaggery – 80 g
Ghee – 1 tbsp
Cardamom powder – 5 g
Cashew nuts – 30 g
Raisins – 20 g
For the Pancake Batter
Refined flour – 250 g
Cornflour – 100 g
Turmeric powder – 10 g
Salt – a pinch
Water – as required
Method
Prepare the Filling
Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan. Sauté the cashew nuts and raisins until golden. Set aside.
In the same pan, melt the jaggery with a splash of water to make a syrup.
Add the grated coconut, cardamom powder, and the sautéed cashews and raisins.
Mix well and cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined. Set the filling aside to cool.
Make the Pancake Batter
In a bowl, combine refined flour, cornflour, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add water while whisking to make a smooth, pourable batter.
Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Pour a ladleful of batter and spread it gently to form a thin pancake.
Cook for about 2 minutes until done. Do not flip. Remove and keep aside.
Assemble the Elanchi
Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto each pancake and roll it up like a wrap.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Bourbon Halwa Brownie Bites
Surprise your sibling this Rakhi with these indulgent brownie bites, each hiding a gooey halwa centre the perfect fusion of tradition and comfort.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Cocoa powder – ½ cup
Baking soda – ½ tsp
Salt – a pinch
Unsalted butter – ½ cup (softened)
White sugar – ½ cup
Brown sugar – ½ cup
Eggs – 2
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Bourbon biscuits – 8–10, roughly chopped
Halwa (any variety – suji, moong dal or carrot) – for filling
Method
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grease a mini muffin tin.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, then gently mix in chopped Bourbon biscuits.
Spoon the batter into the muffin tin. Press an indent in the center of each and add a small spoonful of halwa.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until just set. Cool slightly.
Serve warm — each bite a little celebration!
No-Bake Bourbon Cheesecake Bites
These no-bake bites combine the richness of cheesecake with the classic crunch of Bourbon biscuits — a perfect chilled treat for festive bonding.
Ingredients
Bourbon biscuits – 15–18, crushed
Unsalted butter – ¼ cup, melted
Cream cheese – 1½ cups
Powdered sugar – ½ cup
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Heavy cream – ½ cup
Dark chocolate – for drizzling
Garnish – berries or edible flowers (optional)
Method
Mix crushed Bourbon biscuits with melted butter. Press the mixture into a lined 8-inch square pan to form the base. Chill for 30 minutes.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Whip the cream to soft peaks and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
Spread evenly over the biscuit base. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Once set, cut into squares, drizzle with melted dark chocolate, and garnish.
Serve chilled for a refreshing festive treat.
Microwave Bourbon Biscuit Lava Cake
This quick-fix dessert is ideal for last-minute cravings or a surprise Rakhi night sweet. Soft, gooey, chocolatey — and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Bourbon biscuits – 6–8
Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp, melted
Sugar – 1 tbsp
All-purpose flour – 2 tbsp
Cocoa powder – 1 tbsp
Baking powder – ¼ tsp
Milk – 3–4 tbsp
Vanilla extract – ¼ tsp
Chocolate chips – 2 tbsp
A pinch of salt
Optional topping – Ice cream or whipped cream
Method
Blitz Bourbon biscuits into a fine powder.
In a microwave-safe mug, mix biscuit crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and vanilla to make a smooth batter.
Combine both mixtures and fold in chocolate chips.
Microwave for 1–2 minutes until just set.
Top with ice cream or whipped cream and serve warm.
Bourbon Barfi Bites
These energy-packed barfi bites are chewy, nutty, and naturally sweet, perfect for gifting or indulging after a festive meal.
Ingredients
Bourbon biscuits – 12–14
Dried figs – ½ cup
Dates (seedless) – ½ cup
Mixed chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts) – ½ cup
Ghee – 2–3 tbsp (hot)
Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
Saffron strands – a few (optional)
Milk – as needed for binding
Silver leaf – for garnish (optional)
Method
Dry roast the chopped nuts and set aside.
Blend Bourbon biscuits into crumbs.
In a food processor, pulse dried figs, dates, and nuts until coarse.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Add cardamom and saffron if using.
Pour hot ghee over the mixture and stir well. Add a splash of milk if needed for binding.
Shape into small squares, rounds, or festive molds.
Chill for 30 minutes. Garnish with silver leaf before serving.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
view comments
