Looking for simple modak recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026? From traditional ukadiche modak to chocolate, mawa and dry-fruit varieties, these six homemade options can make your festive celebrations even sweeter.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India’s most loved festivals, celebrated with prayers, decorations and delicious festive food. Among all the traditional offerings prepared for Lord Ganesha, modak holds a special place.
While the classic ukadiche modak made with coconut and jaggery remains a favourite, you can also try several modern and easy variations at home. Here are six modak recipes that offer a mix of traditional flavours and contemporary twists.
1. Ukadiche Modak
Soft, steamed and filled with a fragrant coconut-jaggery mixture, ukadiche modak is one of the most traditional preparations associated with Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ingredients:
- Rice flour
- Grated coconut
- Jaggery
- Ghee
- Cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
How to make it:
Begin by cooking grated coconut and jaggery together until the mixture becomes thick. Add cardamom powder, mix well and set the filling aside.
For the outer covering, cook rice flour with hot water, a little ghee and salt to make a soft dough. Take a small portion, flatten it and shape it into a small cup. Place the coconut-jaggery filling inside and create neat pleats around the edges before sealing the top.
Steam the prepared modaks for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the outer layer is properly cooked.
2. Fried Modak
If you enjoy sweets with a crunchy exterior, fried modak is a delicious alternative to the steamed version. Its golden, crisp coating makes it particularly appealing for festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Wheat flour or maida
- Grated coconut
- Jaggery
- Sesame seeds
- Cardamom
- Ghee
How to make it:
Prepare a firm dough using flour, water and a small amount of ghee. For the filling, cook coconut, jaggery, sesame seeds and cardamom until the mixture becomes relatively dry.
Divide the dough into small portions and roll them out. Add the filling, seal the edges and give each piece a modak shape. Deep-fry the modaks over medium heat until they turn golden brown and crisp.
3. Chocolate Modak
For children and chocolate lovers, chocolate modak brings a fun modern flavour to the traditional festive sweet.
Ingredients:
- Milk powder
- Cocoa powder
- Condensed milk
- Chopped nuts
- Ghee
How to make it:
Heat a little ghee in a pan and add condensed milk and milk powder. Cook the mixture over low heat while stirring continuously.
Add cocoa powder and continue mixing until the mixture becomes thick and starts separating from the sides of the pan. Stir in chopped nuts and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Grease a modak mould, place the mixture inside and press it firmly. Once the modak has set, carefully remove it from the mould.
4. Dry Fruit Modak
Dry fruit modaks are packed with nuts and dates, making them a flavourful variation for those who want something different from traditional coconut-based sweets.
Ingredients:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Dates
- Raisins
- Cardamom powder
How to make it:
Finely grind the assorted nuts. Chop or blend the dates and raisins into a soft mixture.
Lightly roast the ground nuts in a pan and then add the dates and raisins. Mix everything until it comes together into a soft and slightly sticky mixture. Add cardamom powder for flavour.
Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, shape it into modaks using a lightly greased mould or shape them by hand.
5. Mawa Modak
Rich and creamy, mawa modak is another festive favourite that can be prepared without an elaborate cooking process.
Ingredients:
- Mawa or khoya
- Powdered sugar
- Cardamom powder
- Saffron
- Chopped pistachios
How to make it:
Crumble the mawa and cook it over low heat until it softens. Add powdered sugar and saffron, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
Switch off the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Mix in cardamom powder, then grease a modak mould and press the mixture into it.
Remove the modaks carefully and finish them with chopped pistachios for an attractive festive touch.
6. Coconut Modak
Coconut modak is a simple option that retains the familiar coconut flavour while requiring fewer preparation steps.
Ingredients:
- Freshly grated or desiccated coconut
- Condensed milk
- Cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts
How to make it:
Combine coconut and condensed milk in a non-stick pan. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring regularly to prevent it from sticking.
Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and begins pulling away from the sides of the pan. Add cardamom powder and chopped nuts, then allow it to cool until it is comfortable to handle.
Grease a modak mould, fill it with the coconut mixture and press it firmly. Carefully unmould the finished modaks.
Make Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Extra Special
Whether you love the traditional taste of ukadiche modak or want to experiment with chocolate, dry fruits, mawa or coconut, homemade modaks can add a special touch to your Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations.
For the best results, prepare the sweets fresh and use good-quality ingredients. Traditionally, modaks are offered as prasad to Lord Ganesha before being served to family and guests.
