Healthy Desserts That Are Keeping Me Sane In The Lockdown

I have an insane sweet tooth – I need to eat something sweet every day else I feel like my day isn’t going well. With India being in a lockdown again, I have been binge eating and eating junk more than I do on a regular basis. So to ensure that I don’t go crazy eating unhealthy sweets every day, I have discovered a few healthy, quick to put together desserts that use the natural sweetness of fruits to satisfy my cravings. These recipes require minimal ingredients and are so easy to make that a novice to cooking can do it too. Additionally, they are all eggless and can be customized to be vegan as well. Here are my go-to recipes –

Eggless Goey Chocolate Mug Cake (Vegan)

The Easiest 2 Minute Mug Cake Ever · i am a food blog

This is my go to dessert these days. It takes less than 5 minutes to make and is so so decadent!

Ingredients –

1 banana

2 Tbsp peanut butter (sugar less)

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp vegan chocolate chips/1 tsp peanut butter (for topping) – optional

STEP 1: Mash the banana in a microwaveable mug using a fork till it is a nice goey consistency. Next add in the peanut butter and cocoa and give it a good mix. Lastly, add the baking powder and mix properly to ensure the baking powder is properly incorporated. This is important because if you dont incorporate the baking powder properly it will stay uncooked in your cake and taste horrible.

Optional: I usually top my cake with chocolate chips or more peanut butter depending on my mood. You can skip this step if you don’t want to add a topping. Adding chocolate chips makes it more goey.

STEP 2: Next put the mug in the microwave and microwave it for 1.5 minutes till the top is formed. The microwave time depends on the wattage of your microwave. Mine is 900W and it taken between 1.5minutes – 2minutes for me. You should check after 1 minute and then additionally cook it in periods of 20 seconds.

Mango and chia seed pudding

Mango Chia Pudding Recipe and Nutrition - Eat This Much

Honestly, this is the recipe that help me beat by sugar cravings and lose 35 kgs when I started losing weight a few years back. I’d eat a huge bowl of this for a meal and be good on my sugar cravings for the rest of the day.

INGREDIENTS –

4 tbsps of chia seeds

3/4th cup milk (vegan milk if you want to keep it vegan)

1 mango

Almonds, cranberries, pumpkin seeds – optional

STEP 1: in a bowl mix together the chia seeds and the milk. Mix it together with a fork till all the chia seeds seem incorporated in the milk. Leave this mixture overnight in the fridge. (If you don’t have the patience to leave it overnight – leave it in the fridge for atleast 1 hour)

STEP 2: Peel and cut the mango. Mash it lightly with a fork till you have a lumpy puree of the mango.

Optional: Cut some almonds, seeds, dried berries

STEP 3: Place half the puree in a bowl top it with the chia seed mixture and top that with the other half of the puree. Add nuts and berries on top for garnish.

Oatmeal cookies (Vegan)

Delicious and Healthy Oatmeal Banana Cookies

These aren’t like traditional cookies since there isn’t any raising agent in them – they are more dense. But these taste so good and rich and they are naturally sweetened.

INGREDIENTS-

2 Bananas (Should be medium-ripe to get the sweetness you need)

2 Cups Rolled Oats (I’ve used quick oats also and they worked but you’ll need to alter the quantity)

1/4 Cup Peanut Butter

1/4 tsp Cinnamon Powder (optional)

1/4 Cup Vegan Chocolate Chips or 1/4th cup raisins (Optional)

STEP 1: Pre-heat the oven to 180C

STEP 2: Mash the bananas properly to ensure there are no lumps. Mix in the peanut butter and cinnamon powder. Add in the oats and properly incorporate it ensuring all the oats are mixed in with the banana mixture.

Optional: Add in the chocolate chips/ raisins/nuts as per your taste

STEP 3: On a parchment paper lined baking tray, line the cookies. Size them as per your liking but ensure you leave adequate space between the cookies since they tend to spread a little.

STEP 4: Bake for around 15 minutes ( I start checking from the 12th minute to make sure they don’t overcook). Cool on a rack for 10 minutes and voila. Since it is pretty warm where I live, I store these in the fridge and enjoy them as a cool dessert.

These have been my go-to recipes in the past 2-3 weeks to keep myself entertained food wise. I did try some cake and cheesecake recipes too which turned out AMAZING which I’ll share in another blog. I am not a nutritionist so I don’t know the exact healthy quotient of these desserts – but I have deemed them healthy because they have no processed sugar or dairy butter or flour. Since I can’t cut off totally from sweet I prefer to get mine from fruits.

What is your go-to dessert? Do you enjoy baking? Share your recipes in the comments.

And if you are bored, go read my other latest posts –

76 Comments Add yours

  1. Sounds like great recipes. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

  2. akshita1776 says:

    You’re making me hungry after lunch. Desserts are my fav as well😋

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Hahah mine too

      Like

  3. Lokesh Sastya says:

    Wonderful presentation. I see, your blog has increased it’s worth because of diverse and quality content.

    I like, you introduce the products or recipes which you personally prefer. 👍

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Thank you for your kind words – as always. 😊😊

      Like

  4. https://tamarakulish.com/ says:

    Looks delicious! A lot more healthier than traditional high fat, high sugar baking! ☺️

    Liked by 3 people

  5. I love that mug cake! So easy to make too. Plus, it’s perfectly portioned 😉

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Right? It’s perfectly sized to satisfy your craving but not too heavy.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Hilary Tan says:

    I am a HUGE fan of mango chia seed pudding 🥭 The recipe is so photogenic too. I’ve been eating chia seed pudding for years but never thought to use it as a sugar replacement. It’s a very good idea!

    Also, have you tried chocolate fat bombs? They’re keto (I’m not keto) but I make them to bust sugar cravings. They’re made with coconut oil, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and peanut/almond butter. This recipe seriously does keep sugar cravings at bay and you only need a couple of pieces to feel satisfied. I got through a sugar detox of 21+ days while I was making these on a regular basis. Then Christmas happened…. and I relapsed 🤷‍♀️

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Ooooh! I’ve seen recipes for these fat bombs (didn’t know they’re called that) – I’m definitely going to try them! I’m not the biggest fan of maple syrup so I’ll probably replace that with date caramel.
      Wow, 21 day sugar detox – you’re inspiring me to do the same. I’m probably going to that soon!

      Like

  7. These are so fun! I 💯 struggle with sugar daily and need some every day also. Lately I’ve been sticking to pieces of dark chocolate after lunch and dinner. And I’ve also been enjoying these dairy free ice cream sandwiches from Whole Foods. I think they use almond milk and vanilla, they’re so good. But even that’s not enough and last night my partner and I went out to get ice cream cones, like real ice cream, just for the hell of it. So yeah, daily struggle! I try not to bake too much bc that’s what got me started with the weight gain. Once every few months I’ll bake and next week I’m doing an angel food cake for my partners birthday. Have you heard of that? It’s mostly egg whites and sugar. 🤤 I’m glad you’re finding some tricks to keep you from spiraling. Damn, when is this lockdown going to end for you?!?! Ugh! Still thinking of u 💖😘

    Liked by 4 people

    1. cathyishappy says:

      Love this! I’m definitely trying all of those recipes using plant based milk as I avoid dairy completely. Thank you!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Happy Panda says:

        I use dairy free options too for all these desserts. Infact the mango chia pudding with coconut milk makes it almost taste like Thai mango sticky rice. Definitely try that combination!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Happy Panda says:

      Same! We’ve been trying to stick to dark chocolate but it gets boring after a point – hence these desserts! Plus it’s mango season in India – which is the best season ever. 😬
      Oooh angel food cake sounds so good! Definitely share photos! 😊
      I think the lockdown might ease in my city but going out is still a while away. Maybe post vaccination. 🙈

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oy hang in there! Is a vaccination in sight for you or not yet?

        Like

      2. Happy Panda says:

        Yup! It’s available now! Just waiting to get a slot soon. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Ok good, you’re almost there! 💖

        Like

  8. Omg these look stunning!!♥️🤩

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      They taste so good too!! 😬❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  9. cheriewhite says:

    Mmmmyummm! Those look so scrumptious!!!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Thank you 😊😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. cheriewhite says:

        My pleasure!

        Like

  10. I’d never thought of healthy treats that could curb sugar cravings before, I always used to think that you could only eat usual healthy things like salads when you’re trying to lose weight. These are really clever [and look delicious]! I’ll definitely have to try that Mango and Chia Seed Pudding. I also didn’t know desserts like these could be made so quickly, only five minutes for the chocolate pudding one!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      I have a huge sweet tooth – I researched to find sugar free, flour free recipes so that I can eat desserts that are guilt free and easy to make. Hope you try these out. 😊❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Lebogang Shazzygal Malatji says:

    Oatmeal cookies for me
    I love baking but I cannot tell you how I bake my cookies🤣🤣🤣when it comes to nutritional foodies am the last person to go to.

    Am going to try out your recipes I hope they come out like yours 😆😆

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Haha! These recipes are super easy..I’ve been so lazy in this lockdown so I found these quick recipes to fix my sweet tooth! Hope you like them! 😊❤️

      Like

      1. Lebogang Shazzygal Malatji says:

        I’ll definitely try them out

        Like

  12. petespringerauthor says:

    It all looks and sounds good to me. My one vice is sugar, so I have to be careful about not overdoing it. I literally put peanut butter on everything, so I was happy to see that included.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Sameeee! I live for sugar! But with the lockdown and minal workouts every day – I have to keep a strict check on it. Hence these fun recipes that have sugar naturally. I love peanut butter too! Are you team creamy or team crunchy peanut butter?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. petespringerauthor says:

        I like them both with a slight lean to crunchy. Peanut butter with ice cream is the absolute best.

        Like

  13. bosssybabe says:

    Omg! The mug cake and Mango chia pudding looks delightful!! And I have Bananas that are going brown, woohoo!! Thanks for the recipes and yummy ideas 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      The mug cake is keeping me sane these days. I’ve baked it atleast 10 times in this lockdown. It’s so easy and such simple ingredients!
      But since mango is in season in India – I’ve been going crazy over them too! 😬
      Hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I dom 😊❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Will definitely be giving the chocolate cake in a mug a try.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      That’s my favourite recipe of the three – its low effort and so rewarding in it’s taste!! 😬

      Like

  15. Shreya Sinha says:

    I would love mug cake and oatmeal cookies! 😍😍

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      The mug cake is SO easy to make. It takes less than 5 minutes. Definitely give it a try! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Shreya Sinha says:

        It made me hungry. I’ll definitely give it a try!

        Like

      2. Shreya Sinha says:

        Update: I tried your mug cake recipe and…. it was delicious!! Thank you. 😍

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Happy Panda says:

        Omg! Yayayy! Thanks for trying and thanks for updating. 😊
        Have you started with your job? Good luck with it!! 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Shreya Sinha says:

        Nope, not yet. I’m waiting for the lockdown to be lifted because training has to happen in the office only (one of the company’s policies) :/
        Thank you so much. 💖

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Mango-chia pudding for the win! No going wrong with mango, is there?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Truly!!! I love mango season in India especially since it comes right at the heels of strawberry season!! I love strawberry and blueberries with chia too.

      Like

  17. I love making mug cakes too! The one I make is a lot less healthy than this one though. I’ll give your recipe a try.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Mug cakes are so easy and fun! I hope you like this recipe too. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  18. nushhe says:

    will definitely try making!! I love baking but my mom doesn’t allow me to use the kitchen 😉😉😀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Hahah since these don’t involve using the gas – hopefully your mum will let you try them out. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. nushhe says:

        😅😂😉 I hope soo too

        Like

  19. Shelly DS says:

    The oatmeal cookies are also pretty cool if you add raisins, apples and some nuts. As for the chia pudding, I have heard so much about it but never tried it! And the funny thing is that I have lots of chia seeds in my pantry 😅

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Chia pudding is such a good dessert or just a whole meal. I usually do a big bowl of it with a whole mango and make a meal of it. 😬 Definitely try it out with whatever fruits you like. I usually use berries or mangoes or bananas since they add their natural sweetness to the pudding without the need for any other sweetner. 😬

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Kate says:

    I’m so happy I came across this post as I’ve been looking for some new recipes to try out! The mug cake looks delicious 🥰

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Happy Panda says:

      The mug cake is my favourite. It’s low effort and so rewarding. I top mine with a lot of chocolate chips and it tastes like a brownie. 😍

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Kate says:

        Sounds delicious!

        Like

  21. Kritika says:

    They all look yummy. Drooling for at least one of them to be in my mouth right now. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Happy Panda says:

    Hehe, if you were around I would have baked and sent you a pack of cookies. 😬

    Like

  23. Nivithasri says:

    Chocolate mug cake.😋 It looks delicious!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Happy Panda says:

      It is my favourite desserts these days. 😀

      Like

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  24. Jaba Paul says:

    Nice recipe if you don’t mind can you read also my blog please I’m new here

    Like

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Thanks! Sure will do 🙂

      Like

  25. Mug cake is a lifesaver for sure! ❤️

    Like

  26. Nice recipe, I definitely try it, but I don’t like cooking that’s why 🙂

    Like

  27. Diana says:

    What a great list! I, too, have an insane sweet tooth. My go to dessert snack when I’m craving sugar is 3 or 4 medjool dates!

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Juliette says:

    I am absolutely saving these! I am also a bi sweet tooth and I just can’t skip on my “something sweet” after each meal. Usually it is a piece of chocolate or a biscuit, but these are actual desserts, so I really have to try them out! 😋 Thanks for sharing!!

    Liked by 1 person

  29. I’m glad I came across your blog… your mug cake , mango pudding n oatmeal cookies..all of them look delicious n are worth trying 😊

    Like

  30. Nikhil Jaju says:

    I think this is awesome!

    Like

  31. samsahana says:

    I would have suggested Ghee and jaggery (it’s out of this world!), but since you are vegan, that doesn’t work.

    Like

  32. samsahana says:

    Such delightful recipes!

    Like

  33. These are such simple recipes..like all the ingredients I have in my kitchen…🦋 Keep up the good work😎

    Like

  34. Love these. Thank you!

    Like

  35. Reblogged this on sketchuniverse and commented:
    🐼 🍽️ HI BEAUTIES, YOU CAN BE AN ARTIST AND A ALSO A ‘SWEET TOOTH’ TOO. SO HERE ARE SOME TIPS BY PANDA.

    Like

  36. da-AL says:

    these look fantastic 🙂

    Like

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