Children love sweet treats. Instead of packaged foods, try out these simple recipes for homemade sweet treats which are healthy and nutritious

Parvathy Menon

Cinnamon Cake (4 servings)

Ingredients

• ½ cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour (maida)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup yoghurt
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 2 tbsp walnuts

 For the filling

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation guide

• Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Beat in one egg at a time.
• Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
• Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture followed by vanilla essence. Pour half into a greased pan.
• Mix remaining ingredients for the filling and sprinkle half on the mixture in the pan.
• Add the remaining creamed mixture and filling.
• Sprinkle chopped walnuts.
• Preheat the oven to 240C. Bake for 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the cake and check if it comes out clean. If not, bake for five minutes more.

Health benefits.

Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and Omega 3 acids and boost gut health and regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. Eggs are a good source of protein and several important vitamins and minerals such as folate, vitamins D, E and K, selenium and phosphorus. Homemade cakes are nutrient-rich and devoid of artificial flavouring, preservatives and colour.

Cocoa Delight Cake (4 servings)

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 6 tbsp cocoa
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup oil
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups cold water

Preparation guide

• Mix dry ingredients in an ungreased pan. Level off and punch three holes into the mixture. In the first hole, add oil. In the second, add vinegar. In the third, add vanilla.
• Pour water and mix thoroughly with a fork or blender.
• Pre-heat the oven to 240C. Bake for 30 minutes. Insert a wooden toothpick in the centre and check if it comes out clean. Otherwise bake for another 5 minutes.
• Optional: Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped walnuts on top before baking.

Health benefits. Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that lower blood pressure, improves blood flow and regulates sugar levels.

Ragi-dry fruit porridge (2 servings)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ragi
• 2 figs
• 5 almonds
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups water
• 1 pinch cardamom powder
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 banana

Preparation guide

• Mix ragi powder with milk, sugar and water.
• Boil the mixture, stirring all the while, to avoid it from becoming lumpy.
• Add cardamom powder and stir.
• Chop figs, almonds and banana into small pieces.
• Add the figs, almonds and banana chunks to the porridge before serving.

Health benefits. Ragi is rich in amino acids that improve hair and skin health, repair muscle tissue, fight anaemia and boost hearth health. It is also rich in protein, magnesium and calcium, which improve bone density.

Also read: Strawberries and cream recipe