Desi Bakes - by Hetal Vasavada (Hardcover)

About the Book

Desi Bakes offers a new world of over-the-top glamour and bling to home bakers and industry pros alike who wish to build on their knowledge of Indian flavours and traditions. Hetal's newest book brings decorating inspiration, and recipe adjustments for gluten-free, egg-free, and vegan treats to an audience looking to create eye-catching mithai, sweets, shared on special occasions, and explore traditional Indian holidays through a new lens.

Book Synopsis

Magical bakes that meld traditional Indian flavors with Western baking techniques to bring the wow factor to your home baking.

A new world of over-the-top glamour and bling awaits both home bakers and industry professionals alike in Desi Bakes. Acclaimed baker Hetal Vasavada shares 85 delicious and eye-catching recipes for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Indian flavors and traditions. With clear instructions and gorgeous photographs, these creations are perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Saffron Madeleines, Masala Chai Semifreddo, and Kesar Pista Cream Puffs are just a few of the treats sure to delight. .

Explore traditional Indian holidays through a fresh lens, discover what to bring to a friend's Diwali celebration, and learn how to mirror beautiful Indian textiles with cookie icing. The recipes also include adjustments for gluten-free, egg-free, and vegan diets, ensuring there is something for everyone. From cookies and cakes to puddings, frozen desserts, and drinks, Desi Bakes. brings vivid color and spice to all of life's sweet moments.

Review Quotes

"What a joy to bake from a book as beautiful as the recipes it contains. Hetal Vasavada is the rare cookbook author who manages to make eye-catching dessert decorations feel inviting instead of intimidating. Her precisely written recipes showcase a technical prowess that enables her to truly teach through the methods she shares. Her detailed notes hold your hand through techniques and visual cues, so you don't need a culinary school education to bake a beautiful cookie."--Kelsey Jane Youngman, Bon Appétit

"Vasavada makes decoration feel doable, mostly by creating cakes and tarts that feel so special you want to put in the effort to make them gorgeous."--Jaya Saxana, Eater

"Hetal Vasavada has the unique talent of harnessing the beauty and vibrancy of Indian flavors and colors into stunning and delicious desserts. I have been following Hetal's incredible journey and when they say you eat with your eyes first, they must be talking about Hetal's desserts. She can conjure the most sophisticated flavors and avant-garde techniques without losing the soul and essence of a dish. I am obsessed with Desi Bakes; not only with the flavors that she plays with but with the wit and whimsy of her recipes--it's a visual feast. From Gujju Bhai Toffee to Phulkari cookies, this book is a must add to any library."--Maneet Chauhan, chef, author of Chaat, and Chopped Judge

"I am obsessed with Hetal's approach to baking. Her ability to effortlessly combine both South Asian and Western techniques and flavors into desserts that not only look beautiful but actually taste great is unrivaled. This book is packed with so many delightful recipes that fuse the best parts of both of our upbringings as Indians raised in America, like Lemon Coriander Snickerdoodles, Puran Poli Swirl Bread, and a silky Kheer Tart. Desi Bakes is very quickly going to be my go-to book for all future birthdays, dinner parties, and anytime I want to bake something to make someone feel special."--Khushbu Shah, Food writer and author of Amrikan

"I think it's safe to say that Hetal has been the brightest light in the South Asian baking community for years now. Her cult classic gulab jamun bundt cake may have been the beginning, but this new book of colorful and spice-forward bakes is a whole new era! I can think of few bakers who can bring such playfulness, technical rigor, and creativity to everything they create. Crorepati jaggery caramel bars forever!"--Sana Javeri Kadri, Founder of Diaspora Co

"In Desi Bakes, Hetal innovatively weaves together South Asian flavors and techniques with classic Western treats. There are brilliant mash-ups that will thrill everyone, like Besan Ki Burfi Crispy Rice Treats and Gajar Ka Halwa Blondie. Each recipe is more vibrant and original than the last, perfect for blowing away the PTA at the next bake sale!"--Sohla El-Waylly, New York Times Bestselling author of Start Here

"This book is a triumph. It makes me proud to be Indian-American. Hetal Vasavada continues to push the envelope on innovation in Indian inspired desserts. While rooted in tradition and history, her recipes open a new door combining ingredients and technique in a way that is both inventive yet familiar. Her no nonsense directions make intricate recipes and designs feel approachable. I want to bake so many things in this book, and can't wait to gift it to many."--Preeti Mistry, Chef and Author of The Juhu Beach Club

About the Author

Hetal Vasavada grew up in New Jersey in a family of wonderful Gujarati home cooks who raised her on chai, cardamom-spiced shortbreads, and sweet puddings. After a cross-country move, Vasavada started to recreate the flavors of her childhood--this time in her own style--which eventually landed her a spot on Gordon Ramsay's MasterChef, where she was the show's first Hindu vegetarian contestant. Vasavada is the author of Milk and Cardamom, has a successful Instagram channel (@milkandcardamom), blog and online pop-up bakery, and is a contributor at Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Eater, Cherry Bombe, Food52, and more. Hetal is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.