4 quick & easy festive treats

It’s that magical time of year! Cosy scents of burning wood, cinnamon and orange, hearty stews and roasts, twinkling lights and snuggling under a soft blanket with your favourite treat. To make the season even sweeter, I’ve put together a list of my favourite guilt-free, healthy treats that are quick and easy to whip up. Why not try one (or a few!) this holiday season?

1. Rich chocolate mousse

Ingredients (serves 4):

2 ripe avocados
1 ripe banana
4 tbsp cacao powder
2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

Method: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Top with berries, dark chocolate shavings, or crushed nuts.

2. Dark chocolate and orange truffles

Ingredients (makes ~12):

150g pitted dates (soak 10 minutes if dry) or also add some prunes for a deeper flavour!
75g nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
3 tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp Complete Prebiotic (optional)
1 tbsp fresh orange juice or water (optional)
Zest of 1 orange
1 tsp orange extract
pinch of salt
optional: melted dark chocolate for coating (at least 70%)

Method: Blend the nuts into fine crumbs, then add dates, cacao, orange zest, orange extract, salt and your optional ingredients. Blend until a sticky dough forms. Roll into small balls and dip in melted dark chocolate for a firmer shell (Add a splash of water or orange juice if too dry). Alternatively, roll them in cacao powder or grated dark chocolate. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

3. Spiced poached pears

Ingredients (serves 4)

4 ripe but firm pears
2 cups of water
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
4-5 cloves
A slice of fresh ginger
Optional: star anise

Method: Peel the pears, keeping stems attached. Combine water, orange juice, spices and maple syrup or honey in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and add the pears. Poach gently for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove pears, reduce the liquid to a syrup, and pour over to serve. Enjoy warm with Greek or coconut yoghurt, or even better, why not drizzle with some live probiotic kefir for a gut health boost!

4. Gingerbread energy bites

Ingredients (makes ~14):

100g oats
150g pitted dates
60g almond butter
1 tbsp Complete Prebiotic (optional)
1 tbsp almond milk or water (optional)
1tsp cinnamon
1tsp ginger
¼tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method: Blend oats into a coarse flour, add dates, almond butter, spices and salt. Blend until dough forms (add a splash of water or almond milk if needed). Roll into bite-sized balls. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.

These treats prove that you don’t have to compromise on flavour or festivity to keep things healthy this holiday season. From creamy chocolate mousse to zesty truffles, spiced poached pears, and gingerbread energy bites, there’s something for every craving and every moment of indulgence—without the guilt. So grab your blender, rolling pin, or saucepan, and make this season a little sweeter, a little cosier, and a lot more delicious. Merry Christmas and happy treating!

If you love mince pies but want a healthier twist, check out Daisy’s Mince Pie Energy Balls.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8am to 8pm.