RECIPES
Father’s Day Desserts That Say ‘Thanks, Dad’ In The Sweetest Way Possible
Celebrate Father’s Day with heartfelt, homemade desserts that honour every kind of dad. From tropical Tender Coconut Entremets to nostalgic Aam Papad Kulfi, rich Chocolate Hazelnut Tart to comforting Pecan Caramel Brownies—these chef-curated treats offer love in every bite. Show your appreciation the sweetest way possible, with flavours and memories that say, “Thanks, Dad.”
Sweet Thanks: Desserts That Say ‘Happy Father’s Day’ from the Heart (Image: iStock)
Father’s Day is the perfect moment to show your appreciation—and what better way than with something handmade and heartfelt? These four exquisite desserts have been thoughtfully curated to reflect every dad’s unique flavour—whether he’s elegant and curious, warm and nostalgic, quietly strong, or your go-to source of comfort.
Each recipe, developed by some of India’s most innovative chefs and hotels, brings a distinct taste and personality to the table. This year, don’t just say "thank you"—bake it.
1. Tender Coconut and Passion Fruit Entremets
For the dad with refined taste and a love for tropical escapes
By Chef Velmurugan Paul Raj and R&D, CGH Earth Experience Hotels
Delicate, refreshing, and beautifully layered, this entremets is a tropical dream. Perfect for the father who enjoys subtle flavours and fine craftsmanship—this dessert is as thoughtful and multi-dimensional as he is.
Ingredients
300g whipping cream
300g pastry cream
75g passion fruit purée
75g tender coconut
10g cocoa nibs
40g tender coconut topping
6g gelatine
Step-by-Step Method
Soak the Gelatine
Place gelatine in cold water and allow it to bloom.
Prepare the Tender Coconut Cream
Gently warm the bloomed gelatine until melted.
Combine with tender coconut, then pipe into silicone moulds.
Freeze until firm.
Create the Passion Fruit Mousse
Whip the cream lightly. Fold in pastry cream and passion fruit purée.
Pipe into the moulds over the coconut layer, filling halfway. Freeze again.
Add Soaked Sponge Layer
Soak a piece of sponge in passion fruit purée and place it over the mousse.
Top with More Mousse
Fill remaining space in the moulds with the rest of the mousse and smooth the surface.
Finish with Vanilla Sponge
Seal the mould with a thin vanilla sponge disc.
Freeze and Demould
Freeze until completely set. Carefully demould before serving.
Garnish with cocoa nibs and tender coconut topping.
2. Aam Papad Kulfi Candy
For the dad who’s playful, nostalgic, and full of sweet memories
By Shivneet Pohoja, Executive Chef, ITC Maurya, New Delhi
This fun, Indian-style candy captures the spirit of summer holidays and homemade treats. A perfect blend of tradition and whimsy, it’s for the dad who loves a bit of fun and flavour from his youth.
Ingredients
For the Aam Papad:
1 litre fresh Ratnagiri mango purée
½ pinch salt
1 tsp amchur powder
A few drops of refined oil
1 tsp icing sugar
For the Kulfi:
1 litre full-fat milk
2 tbsp jaggery powder
A few strands of saffron
1 pinch cardamom (elaichi) powder
1 tsp rose water
1 tbsp each: chopped apple, cherry, and mango
1 tbsp chopped almonds
Step-by-Step Method
Aam Papad:
Reduce Mango Purée
Simmer mango purée in a non-stick pan on medium heat until reduced to one-third.
Flavour and Cool
Stir in salt and amchur powder. Cool completely.
Dry the Aam Papad
Lightly grease a ceramic platter with oil.
Spread the mango mixture evenly. Leave in a warm, dry place for 2–3 days.
Cut and Dust
Once set, cut into 3–4-inch squares. Dust with icing sugar to avoid sticking.
Kulfi:
Boil and Reduce Milk
Slowly boil milk until reduced by half. Add jaggery, saffron, and cardamom.
Cool and Add Flavour
Stir in rose water. Let cool.
Add Fruits and Nuts
Mix in chopped fruits and almonds. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze until set.
Assembly:
Wrap Like Candy
Place each frozen kulfi cube onto an aam papad square.
Roll up gently and twist the ends like wrapped sweets.
3. Baked Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
For the dad who’s strong, loving, and timeless
By Chef Saarthak Sharma, Head Chef – Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, Noida
This rich, elegant tart is more than a dessert—it’s an edible tribute. Deep, dark chocolate meets the warmth of roasted hazelnuts, just like a father's love: bold, comforting, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1½ cups crushed digestive biscuits
5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp icing sugar
For the filling:
200g dark chocolate (70%)
150ml fresh cream
2 tbsp hazelnut spread
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
½ cup roasted hazelnuts (roughly chopped)
Step-by-Step Method
Make the Crust
Mix biscuit crumbs, cocoa powder, sugar, and melted butter until sandy.
Press into a tart tin and chill for 20 minutes.
Create the Filling
Heat cream until simmering. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate.
Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
Fold in hazelnut spread, vanilla, and salt.
Assemble the Tart
Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until set.
Slice and serve chilled. Optional: a dusting of cocoa or a scoop of ice cream.
4. Pecan Nut Salted Caramel Brownie
For the dad who’s your safe place and comfort zone
These gooey, golden-topped brownies offer comfort in every bite. With crunchy pecans and swirls of buttery caramel, they’re the perfect tribute to the dad who always made you feel at home.
Ingredients
¼ cup dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp sugar
1 egg
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp chopped pecan nuts
1½ tbsp salted caramel sauce
Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).
Melt Chocolate and Butter
Gently melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl.
Mix the Batter
Stir in sugar, then whisk in the egg.
Add flour and salt; mix until just combined.
Add Pecans and Caramel
Fold in pecans. Pour the batter into a lined baking tin.
Drizzle caramel over the top and swirl lightly with a knife.
Bake
Bake for 20–22 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Serving suggestion: Serve warm with a drizzle of extra caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Let Your Dessert Say What Words Cannot
This Father’s Day, let your dad taste the gratitude you feel for all the roles he plays—mentor, protector, partner, friend. Whether you choose an elegant entremets or a nostalgic kulfi, a rich tart or a comforting brownie, your dessert becomes more than a sweet—it becomes a memory.
To the fathers who inspire us every day—Happy Father’s Day.
