Four decadent, guilt-free desserts to satisfy every sweet tooth

Ahh, summer…we love it but it is definitely the most testing of seasons when it comes to unhealthy temptations. As it turns out though, healthy no longer means compromising on fun or flavour. Looking for a nutritious spin on your favourite decadent desserts? Kerry Locatelli of Nuzest takes us through four wholesome gluten and dairy-free treats sure to impress guests this summer.

Red Velvet Chia Seed Pudding

This red velvet chia seed pudding packs all the flavour of a red velvet cake without the guilt. Chia seeds are creamy, satisfying and loaded with protein, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, so go on, indulge in this delicious dessert that won’t derail your diet.

Serves 2

Time: 15 minutes to prepare | 4+ hours to set

Ingredients

150ml coconut milk

100g frozen strawberries

250ml almond milk

1 serve Nuzest Smooth Vanilla Clean Lean Protein 

1 tbsp cocoa

1 tbsp beetroot powder

1 tbsp maple syrup 

6 tbsp chia seeds

Fresh strawberry slices

Chocolate shavings

Method

Blend all the ingredients (except the chia seeds) together. Add the chia seeds, mix well and allow to set in the fridge overnight or for at least four hours. Serve with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings.

Wild Strawberry and Blackcurrant Panna Cotta

A healthy iteration of the much-loved Italian dessert, this dairy-free Pana Cotta ticks all the boxes: flavour-filled, delicious and nutritious. Dress it up for guests and top with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of honey for that extra wow-factor.

Serves 6

Time: 15 minutes to prepare | 4+ hours to set

Ingredients

350ml coconut milk

25ml oat milk

1 serve Nuzest Wild Strawberry Kids Good Stuff

10g blackcurrant powder

Pinch of salt

2 tsp xylitol

125ml boiled water

3 tsp gelatin

Strawberry and Blackcurrant Coulis

100g frozen strawberries

50g frozen blackcurrants

1 lemon, juiced

3 tbsp xylitol

Method

Whisk the gelatin into the boiled water until completely dissolved.

Blend the coconut milk, oat milk, salt, xylitol, blackcurrant powder and Wild Strawberry Kids Good Stuff.

Add the gelatin mixture to the blended mixture and mix well until combined (don’t be tempted to blend again, just mix with the whisk or a fork). 

Pour the mixture into jelly moulds or a muffin tray. Place in the fridge- they need about four hours or overnight to set. 

Blend the frozen strawberries, blackcurrants, lemon and xylitol and add to a pot. Bring to the boil and simmer until the liquid has reduced. Strain through a sieve and place in the fridge to set (this is optional, it can be left at room temperature for serving).

Peanut Butter and Jelly Brownie

Perfectly chewy and rich in chocolatey goodness, these brownies are so good they rival the calorie-laden original. Tip: best eaten warm. We challenge you to resist going back for seconds. 

Serves 12

Time: 1 Hour to prepare | 2+ hours to set

Ingredients

Raspberry chia seed jam

200g frozen raspberries

2 tbsp xylitol (or sugar)

2 tbsp water

Rich chocolate brownie

1 serve Rich Chocolate Clean Lean Protein

1 cup almond flour 

2 tbsp cocoa

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

¼ cup almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/3 cup melted butter (use melted coconut oil for a vegan version)

2 eggs (or flax egg for a vegan version)

1 tsp vanilla

Peanut butter fudge layer

150g peanut butter

75g coconut oil

2 tbsp maple syrup (or xylitol for keto)

Method

Combine the raspberries, xylitol and water in a pot and simmer. Stir and mash the raspberries until they reach desired consistency. Remove from the heat and add the chia seeds. Mix well and allow to cool. Allow for it to set in the fridge for an hour.

While the chia jam is setting, mix the Clean Lean Protein, almond flour, cocoa and baking powder in a bowl. Blend the almond milk, melted butter (remember just melted, not hot), eggs and vanilla and add to the dry ingredients. Mix well and add to a baking dish.

Then, bake at 170 C for 20-30 minutes (keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t burn). A ceramic baking dish takes a little longer than a metal baking dish. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Melt all the peanut butter fudge layer ingredients in a bowl over boiling water and mix well. Once the brownie is baked and cooled, add the peanut butter fudge layer and place in the fridge for 15 mins. Now add the raspberry chia seed jam layer and put it back in the fridge for the whole brownie to set (at least an hour). Remove and slice the brownie into squares and serve. Best kept in the fridge.

Chilli Chocolate Chia Seed Mousse

Lighter in calories but not in flavour, this chocolate mousse has the perfect balance of nutrients and flavour, plus a little kick for those who crave a touch of spice.

Serves 2

Time: 15 minutes to prepare | 4+ hours to set

Ingredients

Chocolate mousse

350ml coconut milk

1 serve Rich Chocolate Clean Lean Protein

2 tbsp cocoa

2 tbsp maple syrup

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp chilli

4 tbsp white chia seeds

Chocolate Layer

100g chocolate chips 

2 tbsp coconut cream 

Method

Blend the coconut milk, cocoa, maple syrup, cinnamon and chilli together. Stir in the chia seeds and place in the fridge overnight (or at least four hours) to set. Once set, blend the mixture until it's smooth and mousse-like.

Melt the chocolate chips and coconut cream together (over boiling water) and mix well. Add vanilla and maple syrup if you desire. Add more coconut cream if the mixture is too thick.

Layer the mousse and chocolate in serving dishes or glasses and serve.

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