How to make protein rich dessert recipes kid friendly
Written by deepali verma | October 1, 2024
Parents are often in a position where they have to decide between feeding their children the right nutrition and satisfying their sweet tooth. Protein-packed dessert recipes are the perfect solution to this problem. These recipes not only energize, contribute to growth, and keep the stomach full for a longer time, but also offer something sweet to look forward to.
In most Indian households, sweets are not only an integral part of festivals but also a very effective way of feeding kids without any trouble. For example, laddoos made deliciously with jaggery, halwa with ghee, or kheer on a lazy Sunday evening. Adding protein-rich ingredients to these dishes can easily give them a new look, and kids can use them as their favorite source of nutrition instead of eating off their plates.
Even then, the problem is in making a good transition to kid-friendly food. A child would not take a bowl of plain oats to the table or say yes to a boring protein bar. Turning the same thing into a creamy pudding, chocolaty laddoo, or nutty milkshake-inspired mithai, and you will see a reversal of the narrative completely. Your normal sweets can become a source of both nourishment and happiness with a little effort. Let’s talk about the easy and real ways to make protein-rich dessert recipes that kids will actually ask for.
1. Add Nut Butters to Traditional Sweets
Peanut, almond, or cashew butter is not only one of the most protein-rich sources of food, but it also adds to the creaminess of the product. Replace a portion of the ghee in ladoos with nut butter or mix it into a batch of homemade kheer. The kids will love the smooth, mildly nutty flavor, and you will be making them consume protein without their knowledge. Just like that, a spoon of peanut butter rolled inside dates is converted into a protein dessert bite that you can serve to your kids without their objection.
2. Use Yoghurt for Creamy Desserts
Greek yoghurt contains nearly twice the protein that regular curd contains. Prepare shrikhand, fruit parfaits, or frozen yoghurt bites at home using it. Combine it with seasonal fruits, a pinch of honey, and garnish with chopped dry fruits on top. The appearance itself invites children, and the creamy texture is ideal for those who enjoy cold sweets during summer. You may even freeze yoghurt in popsicle moulds for a cool experience.
3. Blend Protein Powders in Smooth Desserts
Kid-friendly protein powders are safe to consume in small amounts. Add a spoonful to chocolate pudding, fruit custard, or even homemade kulfi. The powder mixes well and does not alter the flavor much when blended with cocoa or fruits. This is a great hack for finicky eaters who don't take milk or pulses. Just make sure to mix the powder really well so no lumps reveal the secret.
4. Add Chickpea or Moong Dal Flour into Laddoos
Besan laddoos are a family favorite anyway. Using roasted chickpea flour or moong dal flour already increases the protein content. Dry roast the flour, bind it with jaggery or date paste, and top with ghee. Bite-sized laddoos that are convenient to pack in lunchboxes, provide slow-releasing energy. Children enjoy these because they have a familiar taste, but parents are aware that the protein content has silently increased.
5. Mix Paneer in Puddings
Paneer is rich in protein and can be mixed well when crumbled or pureed. You could fold it into rabri, mix it with chocolate mousse, or even layer a baked dessert. Cottage cheese comes together particularly well with cocoa or cardamom-based desserts, hiding its identity while adding depth to the dish. To make it more appealing to children, garnish the dessert with raisins, choco chips, or a drizzle of honey.
6. Prepare Nut and Seed Mix Bars
Rather than packaged chocolate bars, prepare your own in the comfort of your home with nuts and seeds held together with jaggery syrup. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and cashews all provide protein together with healthy fats. Press them into a tray, let them set, and cut them into little squares. Children regard them as candy-type sweets, but you can be sure they are consuming something healthy. To make them even more interesting, drizzle some dark chocolate over them.
7. Substitute Refined Sugar with Jaggery or Dates
Jaggery and dates not only naturally sweeten but also have a bit of protein along with iron and minerals. Date laddoos blended with nuts or jaggery chikkis are great examples. They are child friendly as the sweetness appears rich, and the chewy texture makes it fun. You could even fill dates with almonds or drizzle with a thin coating of chocolate to give them the appearance of mini sweets from a bakery.