Did you know that essential oils can be your new best friend in the kitchen? Just a drop or two of the right essential oil can add depth of flavour and intensity to any dish, with added health benefits to boot.
One of our favourite ways to include essential oils through cooking is with yummy, healthy desserts that the whole family can enjoy (and actually feel good about!).
Which essential oils are best for desserts?
The most commonly used essential oils for healthy desserts include:
Cardamom
Cassia
Ginger
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lemon
Lime
Peppermint
Orange
One of the great parts about using essential oils for cooking is that they are available year round, when some herbs, fruits and spices might be out of season. Because they are extracted directly from the plant or fruit, it also means that the maximum amount of flavour and nutrients have been retained.
Don’t forget that essential oils are heavily concentrated and extremely potent, so a little goes a very long way. It’s also important to remember that not all essential oils are designed for internal use so be sure to double check that your chosen essential oil is safe for consumption!
Dessert Recipes With Essential Oils
There are SO many different ways to use essential oils in some amazing recipes, but we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites for you to try at home:
HEALTHY PEPPERMINT FUDGE
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups coconut oil
1 ¼ cups agave (or other sweetener)
1 cup organic cocoa powder
½ teaspoon sea salt or Himalayan salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 drops peppermint essential oil
Method:
Warm coconut oil until liquid. Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour into a baking dish and spread evenly. Place in fridge to set, then cut and enjoy!
*Recipe adapted from Modern Essentials, Eighth Edition
STRAWBERRY CITRUS ICE-CREAM
Ingredients:
¼ ripe avocado
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons plain yoghurt
1 tablespoon honey or agave
1 drop each of orange and lime essential oil.
Method:
Place all ingredients (except for the oils) into a food processor and puree on high. Remove from food processor and stir in the essential oils. Serve immediately!
*Recipe adapted from Modern Essentials, Eighth Edition
CITRUS & COCONUT POPSICLES
Ingredients:
1 can full-fat coconut milk
1 cup orange juice (try cold-pressed juicing for maximum health benefits)
⅓ cup agave or sweetener of choice
1–2 drops Lime essential oil (you could also use grapefruit or lemon!)
Method:
Blend the coconut milk, agave, and Lime (or your chosen citrus essential oil). Pour the blended mixture into a popsicle mould. Place in freezer for 10 minutes, then top with orange juice. Freeze again for 30 minutes. Insert Popsicle sticks. Continue freezing until firm, and then serve - perfect for the kiddies!
*Recipe adapted from doTERRA
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