This Oriental Dessert offers a naturally sweet and nutrient-packed treat, made entirely without added sugar or unhealthy fats. Perfect for those looking to replace conventional sweets with a wholesome option, this dessert combines a variety of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and oats to create a delicious, chewy treat full of flavor and energy. The natural sweetness of dates, prunes, and other dried fruits ensures that you won’t miss sugar, and the combination of textures—from crunchy nuts to tender fruits—makes every bite satisfying.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a guilt-free dessert or a healthy snack, this Oriental dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 100 g (3.5 oz) dates
- 70 g (2.5 oz) plums
- 45 g (1.6 oz) dried cranberries
- 50 g (1.8 oz) raisins
- 80 g (2.8 oz) dried apricots
- 50 g (1.8 oz) pumpkin seeds
- 70 g (2.5 oz) walnuts
- 75 g (2.6 oz) almonds
- 35 g (1.2 oz) sesame seeds
- 20 g (0.7 oz) oat flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Dried Fruits
Start by thoroughly washing all the dried fruits: dates, prunes, dried cranberries, raisins, and dried apricots. Once washed, place them in a bowl and cover with water. Let the dried fruits soak for about 20 minutes. This step helps soften the fruits, making them easier to blend into a smooth paste. Soaking also enhances the overall texture of the dessert.
2. Toast the Nuts and Seeds
While the dried fruits are soaking, it’s time to prepare the nuts and seeds. Begin by chopping the walnuts with a knife. Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly toast the almonds and sesame seeds for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. Toasting intensifies their nutty flavors, adding richness to the dessert. Be careful not to burn them; just a light toasting will do.
3. Combine the Nuts, Seeds, and Oats
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and oat flakes. This mixture of nuts, seeds, and oats will give the dessert its crunchy texture.
Next, cut the soaked dried apricots into small pieces and add them to the nut and seed mixture along with the soaked cranberries and raisins. Stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a blend of textures and flavors that complement one another.
4. Blend the Dried Fruits
Once the dried fruits (dates and prunes) have finished soaking, drain any excess water. Place the prunes and pitted dates in a blender or food processor. Blend until a smooth paste forms. This thick, sweet paste will act as the natural sweetener and binder for the dessert, holding all the ingredients together.
5. Create the Dessert Mixture
Now, combine the blended dried fruits with the nut, seed, and oat mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly. The sticky fruit paste should coat the nuts and seeds, forming a cohesive mixture. This step is crucial as it ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and well-integrated into a flavorful, chewy dessert.
6. Shape and Freeze
With the mixture ready, it’s time to shape your dessert. Take the mixture and form it into a sausage-like roll, or shape it into small, individual balls if you prefer. Roll the formed dessert in sesame seeds to add an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch to the outside.
Once shaped, place the dessert in the freezer for about 2 hours. Freezing helps firm up the dessert, making it easier to slice into portions.
7. Serve and Enjoy
After 2 hours in the freezer, remove the dessert and cut it into slices or individual portions. This delicious, no-sugar oriental dessert is now ready to be enjoyed!
Serve as a healthy dessert after meals, or enjoy it as a quick energy-boosting snack during the day. With its combination of natural sweetness, crunchy nuts, and chewy dried fruits, this dessert offers a delightful alternative to sugary treats.
Tips for Success
- Texture Control: If you prefer a slightly chewier texture, soak the dried fruits for a bit longer (up to 30 minutes).
- Customizations: Feel free to swap out ingredients or add others. For example, use dried figs or dates in place of prunes, or incorporate other seeds like flax or chia for added nutrition.
- Storage: Store the dessert in the fridge or freezer. In the fridge, it will last up to one week, and in the freezer, it can be stored for up to a month.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Servings: 10-12 portions
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
Conclusion
This Oriental No-Sugar Dessert is a perfect example of how you can create a sweet, satisfying treat using natural ingredients. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and oats, it’s not only flavorful but also rich in nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. Without a single gram of added sugar, this dessert provides a wholesome alternative to conventional sweets. Enjoy it guilt-free as a snack or dessert, and relish the blend of sweet, chewy, and crunchy textures.