5 Surprising Desserts You Can Bake in a Tandoor Oven

Baking desserts in a tandoor oven may seem unconventional, but this traditional clay oven can produce some surprisingly delightful sweet treats. The intense heat and unique cooking environment of a tandoor can enhance flavors and textures, making for an exciting culinary adventure. Here are five surprising desserts you can bake in a tandoor oven, along with tips and recipes to get you started.

1. Tandoori Ananas (Tandoor Pineapple)

One of the simplest yet most delicious desserts you can make in a tandoor is Tandoori Ananas. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, creating a sweet, smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe pineapple
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 star anise (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and slice the pineapple into rings or wedges.
2. In a bowl, mix honey and cinnamon. Brush this mixture over the pineapple slices.
3. If using, place the star anise in the center of the pineapple for added flavor.
4. Preheat the tandoor oven. Once hot, place the pineapple on skewers or directly on the tandoor grill.
5. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until caramelized and slightly charred.
6. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

2. Tandoori Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dessert made from milk solids and soaked in sugar syrup. Baking them in a tandoor adds a unique twist to this beloved treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup khoya (dried milk)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Ghee (for greasing)
• Sugar syrup (prepared with sugar, water, and cardamom)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix khoya, flour, and baking powder to form a dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little milk.
2. Shape the dough into small balls.
3. Preheat the tandoor. Grease a baking tray or skewer with ghee.
4. Place the balls on the tray or skewer and bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
5. Soak the baked gulab jamun in warm sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3. Tandoori Chocolate Cake

Yes, you can bake a rich chocolate cake in a tandoor! The high heat creates a moist and dense cake that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
2. In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Preheat the tandoor and grease a cake pan.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and place it in the tandoor. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
6. Let it cool before serving, optionally topped with chocolate ganache or whipped cream.

4. Tandoori Fruit Skewers

For a lighter dessert option, try tandoori fruit skewers. The tandoor enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits while adding a smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

• Assorted fruits (such as mango, banana, apple, and peach)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers.
2. In a small bowl, mix honey and cinnamon. Brush this mixture over the fruit skewers.
3. Preheat the tandoor. Place the skewers in the tandoor and bake for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Serve warm, drizzled with extra honey or yogurt.

5. Tandoori Cheesecake

For a truly unique dessert, try baking a cheesecake in a tandoor. The result is a creamy, smoky cheesecake that will surprise your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers (for the crust)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased cake pan to form the crust.
2. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the pan.
4. Preheat the tandoor and place the cheesecake in the tandoor. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until set.
5. Let it cool before serving, optionally topped with fresh fruit or a fruit compote.

Conclusion

Baking desserts in a tandoor oven opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From caramelized fruits to rich cheesecakes, the unique cooking environment of a tandoor can elevate your dessert game. Experiment with these recipes and enjoy the delightful flavors that emerge from this traditional cooking method. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these tandoor-baked desserts are sure to impress.