Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
Desserts are delicious ways to enjoy tasty treats in moderation as a snack or after a healthy, hearty meal.
However, searching for the ideal dessert recipe or idea can be difficult for people who are single, live alone or wish to serve individual treats to guests. Furthermore, if you live alone, it may be easier to prepare an individual dessert for portion control versus having an entire cake or pie readily available to you.
Try a few of these top ten individual dessert ideas for when your next craving hits!
10. Individual cheesecakes
Cheesecake is a favourite dessert for most people, particularly those who enjoy a rich, decadent tasting treat. Made with butter, cream cheese and sugar, individual-sized servings can help you keep your daily caloric content in check by serving just the right amount. Try the a baking method that involves baking cheesecake in a mini muffin tin for single servings.
9. Yogurt and berries
Pairing yogurt with berries makes for an easy, tasty and healthy post lunch or dinner dessert. Try combining half a cup of high-protein Greek yogurt with half a cup of mixed berries, a handful of granola and a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
8. Individual nut cake
Bake your own individual nut cake by grinding 1/3 a cup of nuts such as almonds, cashews or pecans to start. Combine with one egg, a tablespoon of sugar, a tablespoon of oil or butter and two tablespoons of flour. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes in an individual-sized ramekin or muffin cup. Try this Individual Walnut Cake with Yogurt found at Epicurous.com for inspiration.
7. Individual baked apple
A baked apple combines nutrition with sweetness for a healthy dessert alternative for one. Simply core, peel and chop up an apple into cube-like pieces. Place the apple into an individual ramekin or on a small baking sheet. Combine one tablespoon each of raisins, chopped walnuts, brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon. Sprinkle over the cubed apple and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes or until apples are tender.
6. Grilled peaches
This individual dessert requires only five ingredients for a healthy treat that is sure to please your taste buds. Slice a peach in half and remove the pit; place on a thick foil wrap paper appropriate for grilling. Sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar, lemon juice and top with a pat of butter prior to sealing with foil. Grill over medium heat for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Microwaved s’mores
Make your own individual S’more by topping one graham cracker with a square of dark chocolate, a large marshmallow and another graham cracker. Microwave for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute or until chocolate has melted. Try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter for an extra nutty, decadent twist.
4. Grilled bananas with ice cream
Bananas are naturally sweet and grilling them helps bring out their sweetness for a pleasing and satisfying dessert. Bananas also come pre-portioned in their own peels so using one banana per person provides the ideal serving size. Simply cut bananas in half and grill with peels on. Brush with a simple mixture of honey and cinnamon and serve with ice cream or frozen yogurt as suggested by Taste Of Home.com.
3. Individual chocolate cakes
Chocolate cake batter can be divided into individual-sized ramekins or even a muffin tray for chocolate cupcakes for individual-sized servings. Try Martha Stewart.com for a decadent chocolate-filled treat that can be divided amongst four people.
2. Individual tarts
cUse pre-made puff pastry dough to prepare individual tarts. Combine sweet and vitamin-C rich strawberries with eggs and sugar for a Strawberry-Almond Tart found at DianaDesserts.com.
1. Chocolate lava cake for one
Chocolate lava cake conjures up images of rich and decadent melting chocolate oozing from a light and airy cake. Make an individual serving by simply dividing ingredients for a full cake into amounts appropriate for a single person versus the typical 6 to 10 servings in cakes. Allrecipes.com provides a recipe for a Ghirardelli Chocolate Lava Cake that can be calculated and prepared for one person.