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If you struggle to eat your ‘five veggies’ a day, as experts recommend, why not sneak them into your desserts? Vegetables bring more than just flavour to the dessert table; they also introduce a myriad of textures. Grated carrots add a delightful crunch to cakes, while pureed sweet potatoes can create a velvety smoothness in pies and flaky pastries. Moreover, the use of seasonal vegetables in desserts is a great way to eat fresh.
From the earthy depths of beets to the refreshing crispness of cucumber, each dessert showcases the incredible diversity of flavours and textures that vegetables bring to the world of sweets. The next time you're craving a vegetable-based dessert and want to take a journey of flavours beyond the ordinary, consider these options:
Beetroot Chocolate Cake
Most people may not know this but beets are actually often favoured by bakers if they want an organic richness and a deep colour in their chocolate cake. The marriage of deep, earthy flavours and velvety chocolate, the beetroot chocolate cake is a testament to how well vegetables can work with dessert. The natural sweetness of beets not only complements the chocolate but also adds a moistness that elevates this cake to new heights. You can top it with a luscious cream cheese frosting or some basic whipped cream
Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Move over vanilla and chocolate because sweet potato ice cream is here to steal the limelight. Sweet potatoes have a natural creaminess that transforms a simple frozen treat into a decadent indulgence. Its vibrant orange hue is also visually striking. Paired with crunchy pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup, sweet potato ice cream can offer a refreshing departure from classic ice cream flavours
Zucchini Lemon Cupcakes
Though the humble zucchini is usually associated with savoury dishes, it can be a great ingredient in lemon cupcakes. Grated zucchini adds subtle moisture to the cupcakes, while the bright citrusy notes of lemon create a refreshing burst of flavour. Top it with a tangy lemon glaze or a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a sophisticated look
Avocado Lime Cheesecake
Avocado is usually celebrated for its creamy texture and an avocado lime cheesecake combines the richness of ripe avocados with the tartness of fresh lime, creating a velvety-smooth filling that melts in your mouth. The avocado not only adds a lusciousness to the texture but also imparts a beautiful green hue to the cheesecake, making it a visually stunning
Carrot Ginger Panna Cotta
Carrots, commonly associated with carrot cake, take on a new role in this elegant dessert. Carrot ginger panna cotta balances the sweetness of carrots with the subtle heat of ginger, creating a dessert that is simultaneously comforting and invigorating. The silky smooth texture of the panna cotta, combined with the aromatic blend of carrot and ginger, makes it a sophisticated finale to any meal.
Butternut Squash Tiramisu
Tiramisu, the classic Italian dessert, gets a seasonal makeover with the addition of butternut squash. The sweet, nutty flavour of roasted butternut squash complements the coffee-soaked ladyfingers and layers of mascarpone cheese. The result is a rich and indulgent tiramisu with a unique twist that adds warmth to the traditional cool, coffee-infused layers.
