Raksha Bandhan 2026: Skip ordering in and make these 4 easy treats for your siblings

If you're looking to surprise your siblings with your culinary skills, for better or worse, consider making these four homemade treats.

Raksha Bandhan 2026: A hearty feast does not always mean ordering in, despite it being the easiest option, especially when you and your sibling are partners in crime during late-night food deliveries. This time, resist the urge to order out and prepare something for each other instead. You have the options of making something delightfully sweet or sumptuous savoury snacks. There are many easy homemade Raksha Bandhan treats to try, proving that store-bought options are not your only choice. ALSO READ: Skip the bakery and try this classic Opera cake recipe at home for a truly indulgent treat: Step-by-step process

Whatever your palate suits, whether you are craving a traditional Indian sweet, an eggless tea-time cake, a no-bake fruit dessert or a quick savoury snack, there are plenty of options to prepare at home and enjoy with your sibling.

Here are a few easy, small-batch recipes that are perfect for an intimate Raksha Bandhan celebration. Whether you want a nutty dessert with a satisfying crunch, an eggless bake, a creamy fruit parfait, or a street-style chaat, there is something for every craving.

1. Pista Sukhdi

Recipe by Chef Meghna Kamdar on behalf of American Pistachio Growers

Ingredients

• 50–70 g blanched California pistachios, chopped
• 1 katori ghee + 2 tbsp extra for jaggery
• 1½ katori wheat flour (atta)
• 2 tbsp besan/chickpea flour (optional)
• 5–6 cardamoms, powdered
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 katori jaggery

Pista Sukhdi is a traditional mithai, perfect for the Rakhi-tying ceremony. Pecan and coffee cake goes well with a relaxed evening tea.

2. Pecan and Coffee Cake

Recipe by Shivesh BhatiaOn Behalf of American Pecans

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp instant coffee
• 1/2 cup yoghurt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 + 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup whole pecans, for garnish

Method:

• Mix the milk and instant coffee. Keep it aside.
• In another bowl, mix the yoghurt and baking soda till they are frothy and voluminous.
• To the yoghurt, add the milk and coffee mixture, sugar and oil. Whisk everything together.
• Add the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Whisk everything together to form a smooth batter.
• Transfer the batter to a lined and greased saucepan. Place the pecans on top and cover with a lid.
• Place it on a tawa and cook for 35-40 minutes on medium heat.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Cut into slices and enjoy.

3. Kiwi Clouds

Recipe by Chef Uma Raghuraman on behalf of Chilean Kiwifruit

Ingredients:

• 2–3 Chilean kiwifruits, peeled and sliced or chopped
• 250 ml whipping cream (chilled)
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• ¼ cup milk powder
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Chopped dry fruits, for garnish
• Dried rose petals, for garnish (optional)

Method:

• In a chilled mixing bowl, whisk the cold whipping cream using an electric whisk or hand whisk until it becomes light, soft, and fluffy.
• Gently fold in the cardamom powder, milk powder, and honey (if using) until well combined.
• Assemble the dessert by layering chopped or sliced kiwifruit at the bottom of a serving glass or bowl. Pipe or spoon a layer of the whipped cream mixture over it, then add another layer of kiwifruit. Repeat the layers as desired.
• Finish by garnishing with chopped dry fruits and dried.

Kiwi clouds is a creamy dessert, great for post-lunch celebrations, while masala corn chaat works as a casual evening snack for movie night.

4. Masala corn chaat

Recipe by Bharti Sanghi, Director of Life Artisanal Food

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn – 2 cobs
• Boiled potato – 1, chopped
• Onion – 1, finely chopped
• Tomato – 1, chopped
• Green chilli – 1, chopped
• Ginger – 1 tsp, chopped
• Oil – 1 tsp
• Bhujia – for garnish
• Fresh coriander – chopped, for garnish

Method:

• Boil the corn, remove the kernels from the cobs, and keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until soft and translucent, without browning.
• Add boiled potatoes, tomatoes, green chilli, and ginger. Mix well.
• Add the boiled corn and toss everything together.
• Garnish with bhujia and chopped coriander.
• Serve fresh.