Introduction
When you indulge in something sweet, desserts have an undeniable allure that captivates people of all ages. Whether you celebrate a special occasion or simply treat yourself after a long day, the right dessert can make any moment feel special. But what if you could enjoy your favorite desserts without compromising your health? In this article, we’ll explore what are 5 common desserts that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but are also simple to make and adaptable to various dietary needs. From classic chocolate cake to versatile pudding, these common desserts are perfect for home cooks, busy parents, students, and anyone looking to enjoy a delicious treat without guilt.
Why Choose These 5 Common Desserts?
When considering what are 5 common desserts, it’s important to note that desserts often get a bad reputation for being unhealthy or difficult to make, but that doesn’t have to be the case. The five common desserts we focus on are not only popular and delicious, but they also offer a level of simplicity and flexibility that makes them accessible to everyone. Whether you’re following a vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar diet, you can easily customize these desserts to meet your needs.
- Chocolate Cake – A universal favorite, chocolate cake becomes healthier by using whole-grain flours, natural sweeteners, and even adding vegetables like zucchini or beetroot to increase the nutritional value without compromising taste.
- Ice Cream – Traditionally seen as a rich indulgence, ice cream transforms into a lighter treat when you use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk and sweeten it with natural ingredients like honey or agave syrup.
- Cookies – Whether you prefer them soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy, cookies are a versatile dessert that you can tailor to your dietary needs. Use almond flour for a gluten-free option, or swap out sugar for a healthier alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
- Pie – A dessert that spans seasons and occasions, pie becomes healthier when you focus on fruit-based fillings and use whole-grain or nut-based crusts. You can enjoy it fresh or freeze it for later.
- Pudding – Pudding transforms into a healthy dessert when you use ingredients like chia seeds, coconut milk, and natural sweeteners. It’s easy to prepare and offers endless flavor possibilities.
These common desserts stand out not only for their taste and popularity but also for their adaptability. They are easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and are perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a solo treat. For more inspiration on easy dessert options, check out our Easy Dessert Recipes that cater to various dietary needs.
Ingredients Overview
What You’ll Need for These 5 Common Desserts
For each dessert, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, which you can modify based on your dietary preferences:
- Chocolate Cake: 200g whole wheat flour, 50g cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 200g raw sugar, 100ml vegetable oil, 2 eggs or flaxseed substitute, 200ml almond milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Ice Cream: 400ml coconut milk, 100g honey or agave syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 200g fruit puree or chocolate chips.
- Cookies: 150g almond flour, 50g coconut sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 100g butter or coconut oil, 1 egg or chia egg, 100g dark chocolate chunks.
- Pie: 300g whole wheat or almond flour, 100g cold butter or coconut oil, 50ml cold water, 500g fruit filling of choice, 50g raw sugar or honey.
- Pudding: 400ml coconut milk, 50g chia seeds, 50g maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, fresh fruit for topping.
Substitutions to Customize These 5 Common Desserts
Understanding what are 5 common desserts and their adaptability is key to creating desserts that meet specific dietary needs. If you’re vegan, gluten-intolerant, or watching your sugar intake, consider these substitutions:
- For Chocolate Cake: Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement. Substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Replace sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
- For Ice Cream: Swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup. Use oat milk instead of coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- For Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use oat flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free option.
- For Pie: Opt for a nut-based crust if you need a gluten-free option. Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.
- For Pudding: Replace coconut milk with almond milk for a lighter version. Sweeten with dates or a small amount of stevia for a low-sugar option.
These substitutions make it easier to enjoy what are 5 common desserts without compromising your dietary needs. For more ideas on simple dessert variations, take a look at our guide on the Simplest Type of Dessert.
Step-by-Step Preparation of These 5 Common Desserts
Chocolate Cake
First Step: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a cake tin with parchment paper.
Second Step: Sift together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a large bowl. Add the raw sugar and stir to combine.
Third Step: Whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs (or flaxseed substitute), almond milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth.
Fourth Step: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin.
Fifth Step: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ice Cream
First Step: Combine the coconut milk, honey or agave syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
Second Step: Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool completely. Stir in the fruit puree or chocolate chips.
Third Step: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until the ice cream sets.
For a detailed guide on making foolproof ice cream, check out our How to Make Foolproof Fudge article, which shares similar tips that can apply to ice cream making.
Cookies
First Step: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Second Step: Mix together the almond flour, coconut sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl.
Third Step: Whisk together the butter (or coconut oil), egg (or chia egg), and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth.
Fourth Step: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chunks.
Fifth Step: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Pie
First Step: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Pulse together the flour and cold butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Second Step: Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Third Step: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a pie dish. Trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges if desired.
Fourth Step: Fill the pie with your chosen fruit filling and sprinkle with sugar or honey. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust turns golden and the filling bubbles.
Fifth Step: Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving.
For more pie ideas, explore our Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: Simple Delicious Dessert Recipe for a refreshing alternative.
Pudding
First Step: Whisk together the coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl.
Second Step: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until the mixture thickens.
Third Step: Stir the pudding before serving and top with fresh fruit if desired.
Enhancing These 5 Common Desserts: Tips and Variations
Understanding what are 5 common desserts is just the beginning. Here are some tips to elevate each dessert:
- For Chocolate Cake: Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. Top with a simple ganache made from dark chocolate and coconut milk for a richer dessert.
- For Ice Cream: Mix in chopped nuts or swirl in a fruit compote for added texture and flavor. Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey.
- For Cookies: Experiment with different add-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or white chocolate chips. Consider sprinkling a touch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- For Pie: Try different fillings depending on the season, such as apple in the fall or berry in the summer. Add a crumb topping for extra crunch.
- For Pudding: Layer the pudding with granola and fruit for a parfait-style dessert. Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
How to Store These 5 Common Desserts
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your desserts:
- Chocolate Cake: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Ice Cream: Store in a freezer-safe container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. Enjoy within 2 weeks for the best texture.
- Cookies: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Pie: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store for up to 3 months.
- Pudding: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Pudding doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Benefits of These 5 Common Desserts
Each of these common desserts offers more than just great taste—they also come with some nutritional perks:
- Chocolate Cake: Whole wheat flour provides fiber, and using almond milk adds a boost of vitamins D and E. By using a natural sweetener, you reduce refined sugar intake.
- Ice Cream: When you make ice cream with coconut milk and natural sweeteners, this dessert offers a dose of healthy fats and lower sugar content compared to traditional ice cream.
- Cookies: Almond flour is rich in protein and healthy fats, making these cookies a more nutritious option than those made with white flour.
- Pie: A fruit-filled pie provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, especially if you choose berries or apples as your filling.
- Pudding: Chia seeds are a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, making this pudding both satisfying and nutrient-rich.
Common Questions About These 5 Common Desserts
Q: Can I make these desserts ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make most of these common desserts ahead and store them until you’re ready to serve. The chocolate cake and cookies, in particular, freeze very well.
Q: What can I use as a sugar substitute in these recipes?
A: You can use a variety of sugar substitutes, such as coconut sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia, depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of the substitute.
Q: Are these desserts suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A: Yes, with a few simple substitutions, you can make all of these desserts gluten-free. Use almond or oat flour instead of wheat flour and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: How can I make these desserts vegan?
A: To make these common desserts vegan, replace any dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond or coconut milk, and use flax or chia seeds as egg replacements. Vegan butter or coconut oil can replace dairy butter.
Q: Can I reduce the fat content in these recipes?
A: Yes, you can reduce the fat content by using lower-fat alternatives where possible, such as replacing full-fat coconut milk with light coconut milk or reducing the amount of oil used in baking.
For more tips on creating delicious desserts, don’t forget to explore our Simplest Type of Dessert guide.