Easy 2-Minute Dessert Recipes to Make for the Holidays


 by Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN

Think it’s impossible to make a delectable dessert in minutes? Think again. Beyond being incredibly quick to prepare, these scrumptious treats burst with nutrients from fruits and whole grains.

Overview

Think it's impossible to make a delectable dessert in minutes? Think again. Beyond being incredibly quick to prepare, these scrumptious treats burst with nutrients from fruits and whole grains. You can enjoy them any time of the year, but they're especially suited to the winter season and are ideally served hot and toasty. So if you're hankering for something sweet, try making one of these recipes now. You'll be savoring it in minutes.

1. Flourless Chocolate-Chip Dessert Pancakes With Smashed Raspberries

Pancakes aren't just for breakfast: They also make a memorable dessert, especially when chock-full of chocolate chips. The batter consists of three main ingredients: banana, eggs and a pinch of sea salt. That's right -- no flour is required! This dessert makes an excellent choice, whether you're following a gluten-free eating plan or simply looking for a way to get more protein and fruit at dessert time.

Related: Flourless Chocolate-Chip Dessert Pancakes with Smashed Raspberries Recipe

2. Single-Serving Apple Cobbler

A home-style fruit cobbler can take an hour to make. But we're cutting that time way down. Begin by slicing and sauteing a Gala apple with cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt. Next, add the apple slices to a dish. Sprinkle your favorite granola cereal and a drizzle of pure maple syrup on top. And that's it! You'll be amazed by how you can get the fresh-baked taste of apples in two minutes.

Related: Single-Serving Apple Cobbler Recipe

3. Peppermint Brownie in a Mug

Craving a brownie? Here's a recipe to make a fun, single-serving brownie. Stir together the batter in a coffee cup, microwave for about 90 seconds -- and voila -- enjoy a warm brownie straight from the mug! It's a better-for-you brownie too. For a boost of nutrition, the batter is made with coconut sugar and whole-wheat pastry flour rather than highly processed white sugar and white flour. For holiday-inspired flavor, you'll add pure peppermint extract. And for festive flair, don't forget the mini candy cane garnish!

Related: Peppermint Brownie in a Mug Recipe

4. Sneaky Salted “Caramel” Popcorn

Popcorn starts as a good-for-you food that counts as a whole grain. But it's often doused with butter and excess salt, which isn't so great. This version is perfectly portioned. It does contain added sugar, but in the form of raw coconut nectar, which is considered a natural sugar with a low glycemic index. Simply plan this added sugar into your allotment for the day -- and then savor this dessert without worry.

Related: Sneaky Salted "Caramel" Popcorn Recipe

5. Fast Chocolate Fondue With Fruit

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can still make this dessert. All you need is a pot and a bowl in which to serve the fondue. Begin by stirring together semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk on the stovetop. If possible, choose milk from 100 percent grass-fed cows; it contains significantly more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than its conventional counterpart. CLAs may be associated with lower heart attack risk. Pair your fondue with fresh seasonal fruit, such as mandarins. It's a lip-smacking combination of delicious and nutritious!

Related: Fast Chocolate Fondue with Fruit Recipe

6. Grilled Pound Cake With Saucy Strawberries

This must-try dessert features grilled pound cake adorned with a warm strawberry topping. Strawberries provide fiber, an anti-inflammatory called quercetin and plenty of fruity sweetness. To make the topping, in a heated pot stir together strawberries with a little raw coconut nectar and a splash of balsamic vinegar. It's a unique treat that'll impress all your loved ones!

Related: Grilled Pound Cake with Saucy Strawberries Recipe

7. 2-Minute Banana-Nut Mug Muffin

You can have a fresh-baked muffin anytime you like. Just stir your muffin ingredients into a mug and microwave them for two minutes. It's doesn't get much quicker than that! The ingredients here are "clean" and include a free-range egg, mashed banana, flaxseed meal, walnuts, a little coconut sugar, a few splashes of pure vanilla and almond extracts and a pinch of sea salt. Flaxseed meal replaces flour to boost fiber and heart-friendly omega-3s. Serve the warm muffin in or out of the mug. Yum!

Related: 2-Minute Banana-Nut Mug Muffin Recipe

What Do YOU Think?

Do you eat dessert regularly, or do you prefer to save it for special occasions? What's your favorite healthy dessert? Would you try any of these recipes? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Related: 70 Healthy Holiday Gifts You'll Want to Give and Receive

Comments

Write a response