Delicious + Healthy Desserts!
As the fall season approaches, it's time to break out the cozy drinks and desserts that bring warmth and comfort to our lives. In this article, we'll explore three delicious recipes that are perfect for the season: a refreshing pumpkin coffee drink, a healthier apple crumble, and a decadent pumpkin chocolate chip loaf.
To start, let's talk about how to make the perfect pumpkin coffee drink. This is my go-to seasonal drink that I just can't get enough of. To make it, simply snip off the corner of an ice cube tray and pipe in some cold brew coffee, which I find at Trader Joe's for a super convenient option. Then, add one and a half cups of cold coffee, some almond milk or your preferred non-dairy milk alternative, and a tablespoon of sugar. For my sugar substitute, I use xylitol, which has a low glycemic index and is a great alternative to regular sugar.
I like mine extra thick, so I add a little bit more ice and blend everything together until smooth and creamy. This drink is perfect for sipping on a chilly fall morning or as a pick-me-up in the afternoon. The combination of cold brew coffee, almond milk, and xylitol creates a deliciously balanced flavor that's not too sweet or too pumpkin-y.
Next up, we have a healthier version of an apple crumble that's perfect for dessert lovers. To start, peel and chop four Gala apples into small even-sized chunks. While the apples are cooking, prepare the crumble topping by mixing together 1 cup of oats, 1 cup of flour (I use almond flour as a substitute), 1/4 cup of sugar (again, xylitol is my preferred option), 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. My secret ingredient is melted vegan cinnamon butter - it adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish.
To assemble the crumble, combine the apple chunks with the crumble topping mixture and top with additional oats if desired. Pop this into a 350-degree oven for about 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden brown. During the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning.
To take this dessert to the next level, I like to top it off with a scoop of coconut milk ice cream. This adds a creamy texture and a deliciously sweet flavor that complements the tartness of the apples perfectly.
Last but certainly not least, we have a decadent pumpkin chocolate chip loaf that's perfect for special occasions or just because. This recipe was given to me by a friend who claims it's one of her favorite desserts - and I can see why!
To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour (I use almond flour as a substitute), 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 3/4 cups of canola oil, 3/4 cups of sugar (again, xylitol is my preferred option), and 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Combine the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined - be careful not to overmix.
Fold in about 1/2 to 3/4 cups of chocolate chips (I like to use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for added flavor). Pour this batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be moist and tender, with a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
This loaf is perfect for snacking on throughout the day, or as a special treat every now and then. The combination of pumpkin puree, chocolate chips, and vegan cinnamon butter creates a flavor that's both comforting and indulgent.
Finally, let me take a moment to talk about some exciting new projects I'm working on. As you may know, I've recently started exploring the world of skincare - and I'm having so much fun sharing tips and tricks for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy during the dryer months. Be sure to check out my latest blog posts and videos for more information.
And that's it for today! I hope you enjoyed these three delicious recipes and will give them a try soon. As always, be sure to subscribe to my channel for new recipe videos every week - and thank you so much for being part of this community.