Making healthy and snacky sweets is easier than you think! The most crucial step in making guilt-free sweet snacks is zeroing in on ingredients that can offer natural sugars so they can replace white sugars or sweeteners.
Be it jaggery, dry fruits, whole grains, or coconut, several ingredients can be used to make desserts and snacks that offer more than empty calories.
Opting for healthier fats such as coconut oil or ghee is a great way to add richness to the snacks while offering potential health benefits. If you’re looking to buy guilt-free and binge-able sweet snacks at home, take note.
Gur Chana Laddoo
Jaggery is a traditional sweetener derived from concentrated sugarcane juice or palm sap and serves as a cornerstone for healthier sweet snacks. Gur chana laddoo is a terrific combination of roasted gram flour and jaggery, offering a nutritious alternative to refined sugar-laden sweets. The earthy sweetness of jaggery not only enhances the flavour but also retains essential vitamins and minerals.
Tilgul
The classic Indian sweet snack showcases the simplicity and goodness of sesame seeds combined with jaggery. Tilgul is also a popular festive sweet, appreciated for its semi-crunchy texture. These bite-sized treats are a perfect blend of nutty sesame flavours and the natural sweetness of jaggery. Sesame seeds bring a crunchy texture while offering a dose of healthy fats, which makes Tilgul a guilt-free delight.
Dry Fruit Barfi
Using dry fruits is a great way to make sure your desserts are healthy as they can replace sugar quite easily. Dry fruit barfi presents a wholesome combination of almonds, walnuts, dates, and figs. This confection is a delicious treat and a concentrated source of energy, fibre, and essential nutrients. The natural sweetness of dates eliminates the need for excessive added sugars.
Date and Nut Laddoo
Date and Nut Ladoo combines the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of assorted nuts. These bite-sized orbs are not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Dates provide sustained energy, while nuts contribute healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. You can add some dal if you want your laddoos to be more filling.
Atta Laddoo
Whole grains take centre stage when it comes to crafting healthier sweet snacks, providing a hearty and nutritious foundation. Atta laddoo, made from whole wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery, exemplifies this approach. The nutty flavour of whole wheat complements the sweetness of jaggery, offering a satisfying treat that incorporates the goodness of whole grains.
Coconut-Chocolate Barfi
Coconut is a versatile ingredient in Indian sweets, bringing a unique flavour and texture while offering health benefits. Use desiccated coconut and jaggery to achieve the perfect blend of sweetness and coconut goodness. Mix in these two dry ingredients with some chopped dark chocolate and add some maple syrup. Rich in medium-chain fatty acids, coconut provides sustained energy and supports metabolic health. Dark chocolate on the other hand is a potent anti-oxidant
Multigrain Halwa
Embrace the nutritional power of multiple grains with “Multigrain Halwa.” This sweet snack is a blend of grains like oats, ragi, and barley, sweetened with jaggery for a health-conscious twist. The diverse textures and flavours of various grains make this halwa a delightful and wholesome choice.
