Creative Quinoa Dessert Ideas

When you think of quinoa, you may think of a healthy ingredient for a main course or side dish. But, you most likely don't consider how you can prepare quinoa in your dessert recipes. But, quinoa lends itself well to many desserts.  With its fluffy texture, nutty taste, and delightful “pop,” quinoa can take desserts to a new level by adding another complex layer to the taste and texture of your favorite treats. Let's see how we can take a different look at dessert with quinoa.

Pudding

Cooked quinoa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since quinoa can be a direct replacement for rice, why not have a quinoa variation on the classic rice pudding? Cooking quinoa this way brings out its nutty flavor, and the sweetness of raisins and apple juice will take over the rest of the recipe. Another pudding option to consider is simply adding to cooked quinoa, ripe, mashed bananas and a sprinkling of sugar and cinnamon.  How many tasty dessert recipes do you have with this sort of nutritional kick?

Cookies

You may not think to put quinoa in your cookies, but with its nutty crunch, this variation of the time-tested oatmeal raisin cookie has never been more delicious. There are also other applications where quinoa can make a debut, such as in your gingersnap cookies or even as a welcome addition to a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie. Of course, quinoa doesn't work well with the lighter cookies, like shortbread or Madeline, but a hearty cookie can stand up to the extra heft and texture of quinoa. Of course, using quinoa flour or meal is another way to incorporate quinoa, without changing the cookie as much as whole cooked quinoa would.

Cupcakes & Muffins

Not only does having quinoa in your cupcakes produce a pleasant appearance, but you just can't beat the texture.  The addition of cooked quinoa to the batter, filling, or frosting changes the texture and taste of the cupcake.  Once you get away from the thought of the cake texture of cupcakes, you can go wild with choices.  Grated vegetables, fruit, and all sorts of concoctions can be used in cupcakes and muffins. So why not quinoa?

Quinoa chocolate brownie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Brownies

If you didn't think brownies could get any better, think again. Adding cooked quinoa to your brownie mix will add a good deal of chewiness and a slight crunch as well.  Using a red quinoa will add even more crunch; maybe enough to eliminate the nuts in your brownie recipe.  That slightly bitter taste of quinoa is also a natural compliment to the sweetness of the fudge chocolate brownie.

Mousse

Yes, mousse is possible with quinoa and is also incredibly delicious. By adding hearty spices like cinnamon, cardamon, and cloves to the mouse, you mix the strong flavor with the delicateness of the mousse. Blend in a couple ripe bananas to firm up the texture and you have a great dessert. You can use your food processor to blend the quinoa or leave as is.  When you use extreme ends in a flavor or texture spectrum, the result is a culinary surprise, and delight.

Quinoa can make some of the best desserts you have ever tasted. Not only does the nutty flavor often come out and intensify the dessert, but the lightly crunchy texture also adds another level of texture. So next time you think about what to have for dessert, make sure quinoa is part of your recipe.

Be sure to check back here later this week for a couple of tasty quinoa dessert recipes!

Snack Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Pudding

One of the fastest and easiest desserts when you're looking for something sweet in the evening is pudding. (You do have to allow for chill-time though, so you may want to plan ahead on this one.) Pudding is also relatively healthy, without a lot of sugar or fat - it's really just mostly milk. Add some pumpkin puree and you've got yourself a healthy, fall-flavored snack!

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Ingredients:

2 cups organic milk
1 TB butter (optional)
4 TB light brown sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
3 TB cornstarch
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

•  Combine milk, 3 TB brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and butter (if using) in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until hot to the touch.
• Place cornstarch in a small bowl, pour in 1/2 the hot milk mixture, and whisk vigorously until cornstarch is dissolved.
• Pour mixture back into saucepan, and return to heat. 
• Let mixture come almost to a boil, whisking frequently. Then lower heat to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until it begins to turn thick and shiny (about 5 minutes).
• Remove from heat, and stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
• Pour into individual pudding cups or dessert bowls.  Put in refrigerator and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours. 
• Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired, and serve cold.

Recipe: Hawaiian Sunset Fruit Dip

This one's not 100% from scratch, but it's quick and easy. Making your own vanilla pudding is also quite simple, and will taste better! This makes a great, light and fruity dessert for your Memorial Day or beach picnic. Just bring along your choice of fruit, and enjoy the summer breezes!

Hawaiian Sunset Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: the_moment)

1 (3.4 oz) package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
1 1/4 cup cold milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1/3 cup shredded coconut
Fresh fruit for dipping – melon, apple, strawberries, kiwi, orange, peach, mango, papaya, etc.

Directions:

• In a large bowl, put the pudding mix and milk and whisk together until smooth, then add the sour cream and whisk to combine.  With a spoon, stir in the pineapple, with the juice, and the coconut.
• Cover and put in refrigerator for at least an hour.
• Serve cold alongside fresh fruit for dipping.