Delicious and Healthy Christmas Desserts With A Touch Of Fitness

Oats and Nuts Balls(Laddoo) with Honey

Oats and Nuts Balls (Laddoos) are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them a nutritious treat to enjoy during the holiday season!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rolled oats (dry-roasted and powdered)
  • ½ cup almond flour or ground almonds
  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios and cashews
  • ¼ cup desiccated coconut
  • 2 tbsp honey or date syrup
  • 1 tsp cardamom powder
• How To Make:
  • Dry roast the oats in a pan on low heat for 2-3 minutes, then blend them into a fine powder.
  • In a large bowl, combine the oats powder, almond flour, chopped pistachios, cashews, and desiccated coconut.
  • Add honey and cardamom powder to the mixture. Mix well until the dough comes together.
  • If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more honey or a splash of milk (almond or dairy milk).
  • Shape the mixture into small balls (laddoos) by rolling it in your hands.
  • Roll each ball (laddoo) in extra desiccated coconut for a nice coating.
  • Refrigerate the laddoos for 15-20 minutes to set before serving.

Ginger Bread Protein Pancakes

These Ginger Bread Protein Pancakes are a delicious and festive breakfast option that’s high in protein and perfect for fueling your day!

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup oats flour (or blend rolled oats into flour)
  • ½ cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works best)
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp cinnamon powder
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
  • 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
• How To Make:
  • In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: oats flour, protein powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: egg, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  • Mix the wet and dry ingredients until you get a smooth batter. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil or cooking spray.
  • Pour about ¼ cup of the batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Serve warm with your favorite toppings like Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or chopped nuts.

Steamed Choco-Rice Cake (Idli) Pudding

A fusion of Rice Cake (Idli) and chocolate, making for a light, healthy dessert. It is a healthier dessert option with the richness of chocolate, but without the heaviness of traditional cakes or puddings.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Rice Cake (idli) batter (you can use store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips (preferably 70% cocoa or higher)
  • 1 tbsp jaggery powder (or sweetener of choice)
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
• How To Make:
  • Prepare the rice cake (idli) batter: If you are using store-bought batter, ensure it’s well-fermented. Otherwise, prepare the batter from scratch using idli rice and urad dal, and let it ferment for 8–12 hours.
  • Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, sift the cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together.
  • Combine with rice cake (idli) batter: Add the cocoa powder mixture to the rice cake (idli) batter and mix well. Add jaggery powder or your preferred sweetener and vanilla essence. Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  • Prepare rice cake (idli) molds: Grease your rice cake (idli) molds or small cups with a little oil. Pour the chocolate batter into the molds.
  • Add chocolate chips: Place a few chocolate chips in the center of each batter-filled mold for an extra chocolatey bite.
  • Steam: Steam the rice cakes (idlis) for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. You can use a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack.
  • Serve: Once done, let the Steamed Choco-Rice Cake (Idli) Pudding cool slightly, and serve it warm. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

A healthier twist on classic cookies, using almond flour for a grain-free, gluten-free option. These cookies are soft, chewy, and rich in healthy fats and protein.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • ¼ cup coconut flour (optional for added structure)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (preferably 70% cocoa or higher)
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, for added crunch)
• How To Make:
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour (if using), baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix well.
  • Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The dough will be slightly soft but should hold together.
  • Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using).
  • Using a spoon, scoop dough and roll into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Flatten them slightly on the baking sheet, as they won’t spread much while baking.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Coconut and Saffron Kheer (Low-Calorie)

This Low-Calorie Coconut and Saffron Kheer is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants from saffron, making it a delicious yet nutritious dessert option!

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup foxtail millet or quinoa (washed and cooked)
  • 2 cups light coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp jaggery powder or stevia (for sweetness)
  • A pinch of saffron strands
  • 1 tsp cardamom powder
  • Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews) for garnish
  • A pinch of salt (optional)
• How To Make:
  • Cook the millet/quinoa: Rinse the millet (or quinoa) thoroughly and cook it in 1 cup of water until soft (around 15–20 minutes). Once cooked, set it aside.
  • Infuse saffron: In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm water or milk and let it steep for a few minutes.
  • Prepare the kheer: In a medium saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat. Add the cooked millet (or quinoa) and mix well.
  • Sweeten the kheer: Add jaggery powder (or your choice of sweetener) to the coconut milk mixture. Stir to dissolve.
  • Add saffron and cardamom: Pour in the saffron-infused liquid and cardamom powder. Stir gently to incorporate the flavors.
  • Simmer: Allow the kheer to simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more coconut milk or water.
  • Garnish: Once the kheer reaches the right consistency, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped nuts.
  • Serve: Serve warm or chilled. The kheer will thicken further as it cools.

Protein-Rich Christmas Fudge (Barfi)

A great protein-packed snack or treat for holiday gatherings! This recipe is a great way to enjoy a desert while keeping it nutritious with high protein content from Tofu and added protein powder.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1 cup protein powder (unflavored or vanilla)
  • ½ cup almond milk
  • ¼ cup jaggery syrup
  • 1 tsp ghee (for roasting)
  • A pinch of nutmeg
• How To Make:
  • Roast chickpea flour in ghee until aromatic.
  • Add almond milk, protein powder, and jaggery syrup, stirring until it forms a thick mass.
  • Spread onto a greased tray, let it cool, and cut into squares or diamond shapes.

HO! HO! HO! Enjoy these delicious Christmas treats in your own style and stay fit and active this holiday season.