8 QUICK & EASY DESSERT RECIPES TO SATISFY EVERY CRAVING

Pink scoop of protein powder, chopped chocolate, peanut butter, oats and chia seeds

Sticking to a healthy diet is no easy feat. What starts with a nutritious breakfast smoothie and a balanced, pre-prepared lunch, can easily unravel when work emergencies, family commitments and life stresses start to take over your day. For those currently working from home or self-isolating, the disruption to your daily routine, paired with high stress levels and your unusually close proximity to the kitchen, is likely not to be making it any easier to choose nutritious meals and wholesome snacks over eating ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner…

It’s always a tricky balance to strike between satisfying your cravings and eating well to fuel your body and mind, but we’re here to help you have your cake and eat it too with our favourite healthy dessert recipes that taste just like the real deal! Made with our whey and vegan protein blends, these 8 nourishing treats are sure to hit the spot, whether you’re in desperate need of chocolate during the dreaded ‘3pm slump’, or need a sweet-tooth satisfying pud to savour after dinner. They’re quick, easy and suitable for any lifestyle or culinary ability; so, there’s no need to worry if you’re not ready to enter the Great British Bake Off just yet!

1. Chocolate Protein Brownie Recipe

Free Soul chocolate brownies recipe

These chocolate protein brownies are a decadent treat that aren’t quite as indulgent as they may seem. Naturally gluten-free and made with only 6 ingredients, they’re a killer combination of cocoa and peanut butter… our kind of soul food! Perfect for some relaxing Sunday baking or to take round to a friend’s ready for your girl’s night in.

Find the full recipe, here.

2. Oat Protein Cookies Recipe

Your elusive idea of domestic perfection might include having a fresh batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven, but in reality, it’s something none of us have time for. This recipe, however, can be made in less than 30 minutes and is a great way to avoid reaching endlessly into the biscuit tin when that mid-afternoon lethargy kicks in. Containing plenty of slow-releasing carbohydrates from oats and a healthy dose of satiating vanilla protein from our nutritionist-approved blend, they’ll keep your energy levels stable whilst you power through the rest of your day.
Find the full recipe, here.

3. Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Bar Recipe

Vegan-friendly, gluten-free, high in protein and tastes like cookie dough – do we really need to say anymore?
These plant-based protein bars are made with creamy almond butter for a healthy source of mono-saturated fats and our vegan nutrition blend, which has been specifically formulated to provide you with a quality source of vitamins, minerals and gut-boosting fibre. Plus, they’re topped with antioxidant-packed dark chocolate and require zero cooking time. If you’ve got any sense, you’re already running to the kitchen to whip these beauties up!
Find the full recipe, here.

4. Chocolate Sea Salt Chia Pudding Recipe

Don’t be put off by chia pudding’s resemblance to frogspawn, it’s incredibly good for you and makes for a deceivingly tasty snack, dessert or healthy breakfast. Why are chia seeds so great? They deliver a huge amount of nutrients, such as healthy fats, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins too.
There’s also evidence to suggest that magnesium can positively benefit your sleep, so paired here with a scoop of our nutrition blend full of slow-releasing protein, this is a great recipe for those needing a late-night chocolate treat - helping you drift off peacefully rather than spiking your energy levels.
Simply combine all your ingredients and leave it in the fridge overnight to do its thing. In the morning it’ll have transformed itself into a delicious chocolate and sea salt pudding!
Find the full recipe, here.

 

5. Fruit & Nut Energy Ball Recipe

As the name would suggest, we love having a batch of energy balls at hand for whenever we’re in need of a little brain boost. Keep a couple on your desk for when you feel your energy levels flagging or need something to satisfy your sweet tooth whilst you smash out your to do list.
The best part? They’re hard to get wrong and are easily adaptable. So, if you don’t have a particular ingredient or just fancy something a little different, mix it up and get creative! And don’t forget to share your new recipe with us so we can try it for ourselves…
Find the full recipe, here.

Fruit nut energy ball recipe

6. Tropical Vegan Yogurt Bowl Recipe

The joy of a yogurt bowl is its endless versatility, whether you need a dessert bowl to enjoy with your favourite Netflix series or something you can throw quickly into a Tupperware for breakfast on the go. Here we’ve used our Free Soul vanilla whey protein blend with vanilla yogurt and tropical fruits, but you can adapt the flavours to suit your current cravings. So, if you’re in the mood to switch it up using a scoop of chocolate protein, a dollop of peanut butter and fresh berries, go wild!
Find the full recipe, here.

7. Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Free SoulBanana bread recipe
We don’t usually pick favourites, but we’d happily argue that this gooey walnut and banana bread is the best baking recipe going. Oh so simple to make, the smell wafting from your kitchen and the taste of that first slice still warm from the oven couldn’t be more comforting. It’s easy to ‘health-ify’ too; here we’ve switched white flour for a mixture of wholemeal and ground oats and have given it a natural sweetness from the bananas and maple syrup. 
Find the full recipe, here.

8. Chocolate and Coconut Bliss Ball Recipes

Another wonderful bliss ball recipe to provide you with a little pick me up when you need it most! Unlike many other versions, this sugar-free chocolate and coconut recipe can be made without a food processor or blender – all you need is 10 spare minutes, a mixing bowl and a spoon! They’ll give you serious bounty vibes, but thanks to our carefully formulated chocolate protein blend, they also come with a whole host of health benefits, from supporting your hormonal balance to aiding metabolic function…
Find the full recipe, here.

**At Free Soul, your wellbeing is our priority, and although we pride ourselves on our expertise in women's health and wellbeing, it is important to acknowledge the individuality of each person. Features published by Free Soul are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, or replace the advice of your GP. We always recommend consulting with a healthcare provider if you encounter any health concerns, and we’ll always be here to support you so you’re never alone on your journey.