Meal Prepping Desserts

Meal prepping desserts is a great addition to savory meal prep or an introduction into meal prepping. We often don’t think about dessert meal prep as a lot of people meal prep for nutritional reasons or because dessert tends to be a cookie, or ice cream, or candy. Something that is easy enough to grab. Desserts can be more than that though, they can be healthy and delicious and an excellent part of a meal routine. 

One of the main goals behind meal prepping is to stay on a routine and avoid unhealthy, quick food options. The same goes for dessert. Baking cookies is easy enough but meal prepping with them will help limit how many you eat in one sitting. It’s also a great way to wrap up lunch or dinner so you don’t feel unsatisfied and likely to break from your routine. That little treat can psychologically provide comfort and prevent burn out.

Meal prepping desserts also has the added benefit of avoiding packaged or restaurant desserts which have a lot of preservatives, sugar, corn syrup, and many more ingredients that aren’t healthy. Planning your desserts ahead of time means you can select quality desserts from the bakery section, make your own, or at least choose healthy dessert options. You will be amazed at how much dessert you can actually eat while staying on a healthy diet.

Meal prepping savory dishes often involves how well the food stores and reheats. The same goes for desserts but has added wrinkles. If it’s meant to be cold, can you keep it cold until it’s time to eat? If it’s meant to be room temperature or hot, will the consistency and texture last until it’s time to eat? These are questions you often have to answer with savory meal prep. Consider your situation, is there a fridge or freezer, and what recipes will work for you. 

A safe tip may be to start with desserts that can be stored at room temperature, last a few days, and don’t require heating up. This way you can leave it on your counter, grab it the day you need it and otherwise not worry about it. Baked goods are an excellent choice for this. They will start to dry out but they’ll last a few days. Opt for desserts that maintain or even enhance their flavors and textures over time. 

If you’re on a low or no sugar diet like keto, look for sugar free desserts. Be aware that many natural foods already have high sugar amounts. Some fruits and vegetables can actually be quite high in sugar naturally so just because it’s all natural doesn’t mean you can eat a ton of it. Balance out sweet fruits with yogurt or citrus. 

Consider options like energy bites, chia seed puddings, and fruit-based treats that are not only sweet but also offer nutritional benefits.

Just like meal prepping savory dishes, desserts can be prepared in large batches to save time and effort throughout the week. Choose recipes that lend themselves well to batch cooking, such as baked goods, bars, or no-bake treats. Once prepared, divide them into individual servings and store them in convenient, portion-controlled containers for easy access.

Desserts can also be frozen in parts either pre-cooked or post-cooked in portions. Cookie dough, muffins, or individually wrapped slices of cake can be frozen. When that sweet tooth strikes, you can simply thaw a portion and enjoy a freshly preserved treat without the need for excessive preparation.

To make your desserts even more meal prep-friendly, experiment with ingredient substitutions that align with your dietary needs. Explore natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia as alternatives to refined sugars. Swap traditional flours with whole grain or gluten-free options for a healthier take on classic desserts

Dessert meal prepping is a delightful and practical way to ensure that your sweet tooth is satisfied without compromising your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Experiment with various recipes, be adventurous with ingredient substitutions, and discover the joy of having a curated selection of wholesome desserts at your fingertips.