How to Make Healthier Desserts
By Lana Bandoim
It is hard to break the habit of eating dessert after dinner. From childhood, many people learn to look forward to a treat after finishing their vegetables and rice. However, the calories and sugar in most desserts are impossible to ignore. How can you make desserts healthier without sacrificing taste? Consider these tips and continue to enjoy treats in moderation.
Change the Flour
One of the easiest ways to make healthier desserts is to change the flour. Most recipes require white flour, but you can switch to a mix of whole wheat and white flour that is better. Whole wheat flour is a healthier alternative. However, it can affect the texture and taste of some recipes, so experiment with it to find the right combination.
Focus on Fruit
If you can switch to eating whole fruit for dessert, then this is the best option. However, this is not always easy for picky eaters, and kids may refuse to give up brownies or cookies. Consider adding more fruit to traditional desserts and using it as a substitute for other ingredients.
Consider replacing some of the sugar in recipes with fruit such as bananas. They can be mashed or blended to make it easier to add them. Make your own fruit purees from bananas or strawberries and use them.
Change the Butter or Oil
Many desserts require butter or oil. However, applesauce can be a good substitute and can cut down on the total number of calories and fat in the recipe. Mashed white beans are another easy substitute. They will not affect the taste in a great way.
Use Raw Beets
Raw beets can be grated and added to desserts to cut down on the sugar. Consider substituting some of the white or brown sugar in a recipe with beets. The beets also add moisture, so they are a good addition to cakes. Try using grated beets in chocolate cake because the cocoa can hide the vegetables well.
Make Crusts Without Butter
Graham cracker crusts are a popular choice for cheesecakes and other desserts. You can make the crusts healthier by eliminating the butter. Instead, crush the graham crackers in a blender with a small amount of milk to make them sticky. Dairy-free milk may also work.
It is possible to eat healthier desserts without missing traditional cookies or cakes. Try these tips that allow desserts to stay on the menu without hurting your diet.
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