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Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, is celebrated by fasting, devotion and offering bhog to Maa Durga. While sweets are an integral part of these bhog, many traditional desserts are loaded with sugar, which many people tend to avoid. Many look for a low-sugar dessert option to enjoy the festivities while keeping the taste intact. Using natural sweeteners such as jaggery, dates, honey, or stevia, these recipes get rich flavours, aromatic zest, and festive charm without overwhelming the sweetness.
From creamy makhana kheer and sabudana ladoos to aromatic apple halwa, lauki kheer, and coconut barfi, each dessert is prepared to energise, nourish, and satisfy the palate. Preparing these low-sugar desserts guarantees bhog remains wholesome, light, and fulfilling, while keeping the essence of celebration alive on this auspicious day.
Makhana Kheer With Jaggery
Instead of the regular refined sugar, this kheer is prepared by using jaggery for sweetness, giving it an earthy flavour. To prepare this kheer, roasted makhanas are slowly simmered in milk till they turn soft and tender and cardamom and a sprinkle of nuts are added to elevate the aroma and crunch. The natural sweetness of jaggery makes the kheer lighter and indulgent, perfect for Ashtami bhog. This makhana kheer is a wholesome, energy-rich dessert that feels festive without overwhelming the palate, and the best part - you do not have to worry about sugar intake.
Sabudana Dates Ladoo
These ladoos, also vrat-friendly, are prepared by roasting sabudana and mixing it with ghee, grated coconut, and some soft dates, which are used as a natural sweetener. Dates or khajoor provide a caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture that goes excellently with the crunch of sabudana. Rolled into bite-sized balls, these sabudana dates ladoo are easy to prepare and also keep energy levels high when you are fasting. Their mildly nutty and naturally sweet taste makes these ladoos a guilt-free option and a meaningful addition to Ashtami bhog.
Apple Halwa With Honey
This halwa is prepared by sautéing grated apples in ghee, slow-cooked until it gets caramelised and then sweetened with honey in place of sugar. The apples have a natural tart-sweet flavour, which melds beautifully with cardamom and a garnish of roasted nuts. Unlike the usual halwas, prepared with sugar, this version feels light and aromatic, which makes it ideal for Ashtami bhog. Apple halwa strikes a perfect balance when you have to indulge in festivities while being mindful.
Lauki Kheer With Stevia
Lauki or bottle gourd kheer is a light, sattvic dessert that is often included in the Navratri menus. Instead of the regular sugar, use a small amount of stevia or jaggery to keep it low in calories. The grated lauki absorbs the milk, while cardamom and saffron give warmth and fragrance to the kheer. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a soothing and wholesome dish for bhog. This kheer is ideal for those who are looking for a healthier sweet version, while still keeping the traditional Ashtami offerings intact.
Dates And Nuts Coconut Barfi
It is a sugar-free twist to the classic barfi that is prepared by combining grated coconut with dates, some cashews or almonds with a touch of ghee. Dates give the ladoos natural sweetness and a soft chewiness, while the nuts give a crunch. It is a festive sweet that is a light treat, prepared without refined sugar. Perfect for bhog thalis, coconut barfi with dates and nuts is both full of taste and custom in every bite.
