5 Homemade Millet Dessert Recipes To Make For Kids This Summer

For many, the word "millet" conjures images of bland, beige health food. However, these tiny powerhouses hold a secret: they are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into delicious and nutritious treats, especially for kids who might shy away from healthy options. There are several varieties of millet, including pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, and proso millet, each with its own unique nutritional profile and culinary uses.

Millets are whole grains that have been in existence for more than five thousand years and are rich in proteins and other nutrients like fibre, iron and calcium. Also, unlike refined flour, naturally gluten-free millet grains can be available to children who have food limitations. But the best part? If you are somewhat creative, each of these grains can be the main ingredient in several delicious kid-friendly desserts.

On the other hand, parents who desire their children to eat healthy foods in a world in which candy bars and Pepsi take the cake and in which children demand such unhealthy treats face a real dilemma. Millet is gluten-free, high fibre and mineral-packed, and well-known cereal is one of the ingredients that can be used to prepare some of the delightful desserts.

Parents are always on the lookout for healthier alternatives to traditional desserts. Let’s have a look at different recipes that can help their child grow healthy:  

1. Millet Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of millet flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 cup of coconut sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the millet flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar until well combined.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
9. Let the brownies cool before cutting them into squares.

2. Millet Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup millet
• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
• Fresh banana slices and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the millet under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, combine the millet and almond milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the millet is tender.
3. In a blender, combine the cooked millet, bananas, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the chia seeds if using.
5. Pour the pudding into individual serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
6. Garnish with fresh banana slices and mint leaves before serving.

Also Read: Millets One Must Include In One’s Diet 

3. Millet And Fruit Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked millet
• 1 cup Greek yoghourt or dairy-free yoghourt
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Granola for topping
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the Greek yoghurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. In serving glasses or bowls, layer the ingredients starting with a spoonful of cooked millet, followed by a layer of yoghurt, then a layer of mixed berries.
3. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, ending with a layer of yoghurt.
4. Top with granola and fresh mint leaves.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

4. Millet Apple Crumble

Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup cooked millet
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine the cooked millet, rolled oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the millet mixture over the apples.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

5. Millet Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:

For The Millet Cookies:

• 1 cup millet flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

For The Ice Cream:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

To Make The Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the millet flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the coconut oil and coconut sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.

B. To Make The Ice Cream:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Once the ice cream is ready, transfer it to a container and freeze until firm.

C. To Assemble The Ice Cream Sandwiches:

1. Place a scoop of ice cream between two millet cookies and gently press together.
2. Serve immediately or wrap in parchment paper and freeze for later.

So, next time you're looking for a dessert option that's both wholesome and tasty, give millet a try and watch your kids enjoy every bite.