As the festive season begins, homes across India come alive with laughter, rituals, and the unmistakable aroma of sweets. Among them, modak holds a special place; it is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s most loved offering, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and devotion.

Whether it’s the soft, melt-in-the-mouth ukadiche modak, a playful chocolate modak for the modern sweet tooth, or a wholesome kesar modak, each variation carries a story of tradition, love, and creativity.

We bring you three delightful modak recipes, authentic yet simple to prepare, perfect for those who enjoy blending heritage with modern flavors. If you’ve ever wondered how to make modak at home, this guide will walk you through step-by-step. With the right modak maker or modak mould and plating, you’ll not only create picture-perfect sweets but also add beauty and charm to your festive table.

1. Traditional Ukadiche Modak Recipe (Steamed Modak)

A timeless classic, soft rice flour dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery, steamed to perfection. The fragrance alone feels like Ganesh Chaturthi at home.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Serving Size: 8–10 modaks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour

• 1 cup water

• 1 tsp ghee

• Pinch of salt

For Filling:

• 3/4 cup fresh grated coconut

• 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Boil water with ghee and salt. Gradually add rice flour, stirring continuously to form a soft, smooth dough. Cover and set aside.

2. For the filling, melt jaggery on low heat. Add grated coconut and cardamom powder; cook until it thickens.

3. Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball, place some filling in the center, and gently close it to form a modak shape.

4. Use a modak mould or shape with your hands.

5. Steam the modaks in a steamer or ukadiche modak cooker for 10–12 minutes.

6. Serve warm, drizzled with ghee.

Plated on a festive thali decorated with flowers, these ukadiche modaks are not just sweets; they are blessings shared with loved ones.

2. Chocolate Modak Recipe – A Festive Fusion

For kids and chocolate lovers, this twist on the classic modak adds indulgence to your celebrations. Perfect for gifting or making your puja table more exciting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Serving Size: 10–12 modaks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup khoya (mawa)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)

• 1/4 cup dark or milk chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Heat the khoya on a low flame until slightly soft. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mix well.

2. Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips; allow the mixture to cool.

3. Shape small portions into modaks using hands or a modak mould.

4. For extra indulgence, dip finished modaks in melted chocolate and refrigerate.

5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Arrange these glossy chocolate modaks on a ceramic platter from The Golden Theory with diyas; they look as divine as they taste.

3. Kesar Modak Recipe – Saffron Rich Delight

Fragrant, golden, and melt-in-the-mouth, this kesar modak brings a royal touch to your Ganesh Chaturthi offerings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Serving Size: 12–15 modaks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup khoya (mawa), crumbled

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 8–10 saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

• 1 tbsp ghee

• Chopped pistachios/almonds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add khoya, and stir for 3–4 minutes on low flame.

2. Mix in saffron milk, powdered sugar, and cardamom powder.

3. Cook till the mixture thickens slightly; let it cool.

4. Grease a modak mould or sancha modak, fill with the mixture, and shape into modaks.

5. Garnish with nuts and serve fresh.

Presented on festive platters, these kesar mo daks are as eye-catching as they are delicious.

Why Use a Modak Maker or Modak Mould?

Festivals are about joy, not stress. A modak maker or modak mould ensures your modaks look uniform and professional while saving time and effort. Imagine a tray of beautifully shaped sweets on your puja table; they instantly elevate the festive mood.

Modak for Ganesh – A Sweet Tradition

Making modak is not just about preparing a sweet; it’s an offering of devotion, a tradition passed through generations, and a way to bring families together. With these three recipes, traditional ukadiche modak, indulgent chocolate modak, and wholesome kesar sachamodak, you can celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with love, creativity, and flavor.

These are more than just Ganesh Chaturthi sweets; they are a way of honoring tradition while enjoying modern flavors. If you’re looking for an easy modak recipe that balances taste and tradition, these three variations are perfect to try.

👉 Explore more festive recipes, decor inspirations, and kitchen essentials at The Golden Theory

🎉 This Ganesh Chaturthi, let your home be filled with the fragrance of devotion and the sweetness of freshly made modaks, crafted with love, plated with beauty, and shared with joy.