Holiday Happiness on a Plate: Wholesome Dessert Recipes with Oil

The festive season is upon us, ushering in a time of joy, togetherness, and, of course, the sweet indulgence of holiday desserts. This year, let's elevate our seasonal treats by delving into the world of wholesome oil-infused dessert recipes. In this blog, we'll guide you through the creation of delectable Xmas sweets using heart-healthy oils like sunflower, safflower, rice bran oil, soyabean oil and corn oil ensuring that your holiday desserts are not only delicious but also a celebration of well-being. Let the joy of the season extend beyond decorations and carols to your plate, with every wholesome bite of these oil-infused delights. 

Christmas Desserts

Whether you're planning a festive gathering or a cosy family celebration, these recipes are sure to spread holiday cheer.

1. Oven-Baked Vanilla Cake with Saffola Gold

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup Saffola Gold oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Time Taken: Approximately 1 hour (including baking and cooling time)
• Serves: 12 people

Instructions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and Saffola Gold oil until well combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

2. Chocolate Cake with Sprinkles (Stovetop Pressure Cooker Recipe)

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup Saffola Gold oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Colourful sprinkles for decoration
• Time Taken: Approximately 45 minutes (including cooking and cooling time)
• Serves: 8 people

Instructions: 

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, Saffola Gold oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth.
4. Grease the base and sides of a stovetop pressure cooker.
5. Pour the batter into the pressure cooker and smooth the top.
6. Cook on low heat with the lid on for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a plate.
8. Decorate with colourful sprinkles.

3. Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups low-fat or plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or skim milk)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia), adjust to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Time Taken: Approximately 10 minutes
• Serves: Makes 2 servings

Instructions: 

• In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling.
• In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder and sweetener. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences.
• Gradually whisk the cocoa mixture into the warm milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
• Continue to heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it's hot but not boiling.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and, if desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
• Serve immediately and savour the rich, comforting flavour of your less sugary hot chocolate. Adjust sweetness as per your preference.

4. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup Saffola Gold
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Time Taken: Approximately 20 minutes (excluding chilling time)
• Serves: Makes about 2 dozen cookies

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, Saffola Gold oil and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up.
8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Innovative Dessert Ideas for the Festive Season

Beyond the traditional, let's explore dessert ideas that will leave your guests impressed.

Safflower Oil Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients: 

• 200g dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup safflower oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for coating)
• Crushed nuts (optional, for coating)
• Time Taken: Approximately 3 hours (including cooling and setting time)
• Serves: About 15 truffles

Instructions: 

1. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate. You can do this by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water or by using short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between until smooth.
2. Once the chocolate is melted, add the safflower oil to the bowl and stir until well combined. The safflower oil will add a luxurious texture to the chocolate.
3. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until it's firm enough to handle.
4. Take small portions of the chocolate mixture and roll them into bite-sized truffle balls using your hands.
5. If desired, roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a classic finish. Alternatively, coat them in crushed nuts for added texture.
6. Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set.

Conclusion

This holiday season, let's not compromise on our sweet cravings but make smarter choices by incorporating healthy oils into our easy dessert recipes. Sunflower oil, safflower oil, and rice bran oil not only bring out rich flavours but also contribute to our overall well-being. As you embark on your holiday baking journey, consider making these delightful and health-conscious recipes. Consider using an oil that is heart-healthy, like Saffola Gold. With its dual seed technology, it offers a good balance of MUFA and PUFA, helping you maintain a healthy heart.  Spread joy and good health with every bite of your wholesome oil-based desserts. Happy holidays and happy baking!