Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most vibrant and loved festivals in India, and when it comes to festive delicacies, modak takes centre stage. Known as Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet, modaks are prepared in almost every household during the celebrations. Traditionally made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery, modaks have evolved over the years into countless flavours and styles, ranging from traditional steamed ones to modern chocolate, fusion, and even fruit-based variations.
If you’re looking to make your Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 even more special, here are 10 different types of modak recipes you can try. Each recipe is explained with complete ingredients and step-by-step preparation so you can recreate them at home easily.
10. Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak)
Why it’s special: The most authentic and traditional form of modak, steamed to perfection with a delicate rice flour shell and filled with sweet coconut and jaggery.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup grated jaggery
- 1 cup grated fresh coconut
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
Method:
- Heat water in a pan, add a pinch of salt and a few drops of ghee. Once it boils, slowly add rice flour and mix well. Cover and let it rest for a few minutes.
- For the filling, heat ghee in another pan, add grated coconut and jaggery. Cook until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens. Add cardamom powder and let it cool.
- Knead the rice dough until smooth. Take a portion, flatten it into a cup shape, and fill it with the coconut-jaggery mixture.
- Shape into a modak using hands or a mould.
- Steam in a steamer for 10-12 minutes.
Result: Soft, delicate, and melt-in-mouth, just the way Lord Ganesha loves it.
9. Fried Modak
Why it’s special: For those who prefer crunchy over soft, this deep-fried version is crispy on the outside while maintaining the sweet filling inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups wheat flour (or refined flour)
- 3 tablespoons ghee
- Water as required
- 1 cup grated jaggery
- 1 cup grated coconut
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- Oil for frying
Method:
- Make a stiff dough using wheat flour, ghee, and water. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
- For the stuffing, heat jaggery and coconut until blended, then add cardamom powder.
- Roll out small dough balls into circles, fill with the coconut-jaggery mixture, and fold into modak shapes.
- Heat oil and fry modaks until golden brown.
Result: Crunchy, aromatic, and perfect for those who love festive snacks.
8. Chocolate Modak
Why it’s special: A modern favorite among kids, blending the richness of chocolate with the traditional modak shape.
Ingredients:
- 200g dark or milk chocolate
- 2 tablespoons crushed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 2 tablespoons biscuit crumbs (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ghee
Method:
- Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
- Add nuts and biscuit crumbs, mix well.
- Grease a modak mould with ghee, pour the mixture inside, and set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Demould carefully.
Result: A sweet surprise for children and the young at heart.
7. Dry Fruit Modak
Why it’s special: A no-cook, healthy alternative that is naturally sweet and packed with energy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dates (pitted)
- ½ cup figs
- ¼ cup almonds
- ¼ cup cashews
- ¼ cup pistachios
- 1 tablespoon ghee
Method:
- Dry roast the nuts lightly and keep aside.
- Blend dates and figs into a sticky paste.
- Add roasted nuts and pulse again to get a coarse mixture.
- Apply ghee on hands or mould and shape into modaks.
Result: Nutritious, guilt-free, and a perfect offering to Bappa.
6. Mawa Modak (Khoya Modak)
Why it’s special: Rich, creamy, and decadent, this version uses khoya for an indulgent festive treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mawa (khoya)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- A few saffron strands (optional)
Method:
- Heat ghee in a pan and add grated khoya. Cook until it turns soft and aromatic.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder, stir continuously until combined.
- Allow mixture to cool slightly, then shape into modaks using moulds.
- Garnish with saffron strands if desired.
Result: Royal, rich, and heavenly modaks that melt in your mouth.
5. Rava (Semolina) Modak
Why it’s special: Simple and quick to prepare, this modak is soft, aromatic, and lightly sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
- ½ cup grated coconut
- ½ cup jaggery
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
Method:
- Dry roast semolina until fragrant, then add ghee.
- Separately, cook coconut and jaggery until it thickens. Mix with semolina.
- Add cardamom powder, let the mixture cool slightly.
- Shape into modaks while warm.
Result: Light, wholesome, and perfect for beginners.
4. Mango Modak
Why it’s special: A fruity twist that combines the flavour of mango pulp with the richness of khoya.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mango pulp (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup khoya
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ghee
Method:
- Heat ghee in a pan, add khoya and sauté until soft.
- Add mango pulp and sugar, cook until mixture thickens.
- Cool slightly, then shape into modaks.
Result: Fruity, refreshing, and ideal for summer festivities.
3. Red Velvet Modak
Why it’s special: Trendy, vibrant, and eye-catching, often made with natural beetroot coloring.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons beetroot juice (for natural colouring)
- 1 tablespoon ghee
Method:
- Blend cream cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, and beetroot juice into a smooth mixture.
- Chill for 20 minutes.
- Grease moulds with ghee, press the mixture inside, and refrigerate until set.
Result: A fusion dessert that stands out on the festive thali.
2. Rasmalai Modak
Why it’s special: A fusion delight combining the flavours of rasmalai and modak into one indulgent sweet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mawa
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup rasmalai essence or syrup
- Chopped pistachios for garnish
Method:
- Cook khoya in ghee until soft, add sugar and rasmalai essence.
- Mix well until combined, then let it cool slightly.
- Shape into modaks and garnish with pistachios.
Result: Creamy, fragrant, and luxurious, a modern fusion hit.
1. Kaju (Cashew) Modak
Why it’s special: A royal sweet made from cashew nuts, similar to kaju katli but shaped into modaks.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cashews (soaked in warm water for 1 hour)
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon ghee
Method:
- Grind soaked cashews into a fine paste.
- In a pan, boil sugar with water until a one-string consistency forms.
- Add cashew paste, stir continuously until it thickens.
- Add ghee, let it cool, then shape into modaks.
Result: Rich, fudge-like, and a perfect offering for celebrations.
Whether you prefer steamed, fried, fruity, or fusion modaks, there’s a recipe here for every taste bud. Try them out, share with loved ones, and celebrate Lord Ganesha with sweets that are as divine as the festival itself.
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Rituals, Puja Muhurat and Visarjan
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
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