Nutritionist Kavita Devgan Shares Christmas Recipes

Christmas cooking usually leans towards butter-heavy desserts, sugar-loaded sweets, and dishes that feel rich from the first bite to the last. That is part of the season, but it does not mean every festive recipe has to follow the same path. Ingredients like avocado and pecans offer a different approach to holiday food, one that still feels indulgent while bringing some nutritional balance to the table. Avocados are known for their creamy texture and their naturally occurring monounsaturated fats, along with fibre and potassium, which help dishes feel filling without relying entirely on dairy or refined fats. Pecans, similarly, are rich in healthy fats, plant-based protein, and antioxidants, and they add both crunch and depth to desserts and baked goods. The recipes shared here by the World Avocado Organisation and American Pecans, developed by nutritionist Kavita Devgan, focus on familiar Christmas formats, such as desserts, centrepieces, and baked treats, while using ingredients that bring both flavour and nutritional value. They are meant to be enjoyed, shared, and remembered, with the added bonus of ingredients that do a little more than just taste good.

1. Coco Avocado Egg

A fun illusion dessert that looks like an avocado but surprises with a rich coconut-lime mousse inside.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 50 g coconut oil, melted
• 50 ml agave syrup
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• Zest and juice of ½ lime
• 60 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Microgreens or cress (optional, for garnish)

Image credit: World Avocado Organisation

Method

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and gently peel off the skins, keeping them intact. Fill the empty skins with water and freeze overnight.
2. Blend the avocado flesh, coconut oil, agave syrup, maple syrup, vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Place the frozen avocado shells ice-side down on parchment paper.
4. Melt the dark chocolate using a bain-marie and spoon it evenly over the avocado skins. Allow it to set.
5. Carefully remove the avocado skins and ice to reveal chocolate shells. Trim edges if needed.
6. Spoon the mousse into the shells and smooth the surface.
7. Use baking paper as a stencil and dust cocoa powder in the centre to resemble an avocado pit.
8. Garnish lightly and serve chilled.

Also read: Christmas 2025: Chef Meghna Kamdar Shares Healthy & Scrumptious Cherry Recipes

2. Quinoa Christmas Wreath

A vibrant and nutritious festive centrepiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 150 g quinoa (preferably tricolour)
• 3 ripe avocados
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Ginger Mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ginger syrup
• 2 tsp curry powder
• A pinch of turmeric

Image credit: World Avocado Organisation

Method

1. Cook the quinoa according to packet instructions and let it cool completely.
2. Mix all the ginger mayonnaise ingredients until smooth and refrigerate.
3. Mash 2 avocados until creamy, then add lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold the quinoa into the avocado mixture until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe wreath shapes onto serving plates.
6. Scoop balls from the remaining avocado using a melon baller or cut festive shapes.
7. Decorate the wreath with avocado shapes and chosen toppings.
8. Finish with small dots of ginger mayonnaise and serve.

3. Avocado And Lime Christmas Cake (No-Bake)

A refreshing no-bake dessert that balances zesty lime with smooth avocado and creamy indulgence.

Ingredients

• 300 g cream cheese
• 300 ml fresh cream
• 2 ripe avocados
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 200 g sugar
• 3 tsp gelatine powder
• 250 g plain biscuits
• 100 g butter, melted

For Topping

• Rosemary sprigs
• Redcurrants
• Christmas sprinkles

Image credit: World Avocado Organisation

Method

1. Crush the biscuits and mix with melted butter. Press into the base of a cake mould.
2. Hydrate the gelatine in water and set aside.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add avocado flesh, lime zest, and lime juice, then blend until creamy.
5. Heat the gelatine briefly until dissolved.
6. Whip the cream lightly and fold it into the avocado mixture along with the gelatine.
7. Pour the mixture over the biscuit base and smooth the top.
8. Refrigerate for several hours until set.
9. Remove from the mould and decorate before serving.

4. Pecan Peppermint Bark

A classic Christmas candy combining crunchy pecans, rich chocolate, and refreshing peppermint; perfect for gifting or party platters.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecan halves or pecan pieces
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
• 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Image credit: American Pecans

Method

1. Toast pecans in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
2. Add maple syrup, toss to coat, and cook until thickened (1 minute).
3. Spread pecans on a parchment-lined tray and cool completely.
4. Melt chocolate using a microwave or double boiler.
5. Spread melted chocolate on parchment to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Sprinkle candy canes and pecans evenly over the chocolate.
7. Let set at room temperature for at least 4 hours, then break into pieces.

5. Peach Pecan Crumble Muffins

Soft, fruity muffins topped with a crunchy pecan crumble; ideal for Christmas morning breakfasts or festive tea times.

Ingredients

For Muffins

• 3/4 cup pecan meal
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup applesauce (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup fresh peach, diced
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
• 1 1/4 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For Crumble

• 1 cup raw pecan pieces
• 3 tbsp vegan butter or melted coconut oil
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• White chocolate, melted (optional)

Image credit: American Pecans

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin.
2. Mix wet ingredients, then gently fold in dry ingredients and peaches.
3. Divide batter into liners.
4. Mix crumble ingredients and sprinkle over muffins, pressing lightly.
5. Bake for 18–22 minutes until set. Cool and drizzle with white chocolate if desired.

6. Chocolate Cream Pie With Pecan Crust

A rich and elegant Christmas dessert with a nutty pecan crust and silky chocolate filling.

Ingredients

Pecan Crust

• 3 oz pecan pieces (about 3/4 cup)
• 3 oz graham crackers (5 sheets)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Chocolate Filling

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp whole milk
• 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Whipped Topping

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Image credit: American Pecans

Method

1. Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F. Grind pecans, crackers, coconut, and sugar finely. Mix with butter, press into a pie dish, and bake for 12–15 minutes. Cool.
2. Filling: Cook sugar, cornstarch, coconut milk, and whole milk while whisking until thick. Remove from heat, stir in chocolates, butter, and vanilla. Pour into crust, cover, cool, then refrigerate for 6 hours.
3. Topping: Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over pie and garnish.