Desserts with Spirulina: Three power-packed instant sweet recipes to try

Spirulina, usually available in green and blue varieties, is a type of algae that grows in both fresh and saltwater bodies. While it’s usually consumed for its health benefits like proteins, iron, amino acids, and antioxidants, it can be an interesting addition to desserts too. You can cook with spirulina, but it's usually recommended to use it in no-bake or heatless desserts. This is because spirulina’s nutritional properties may degrade upon coming in contact with heat. You can find spirulina online or in a specialty supermarket in the form of flakes, capsules, and powder. So, here are some dessert recipes, most of which are instant sweet recipes, that are tasty and will give you a nutritional boost.  

Blue Spirulina Nice Cream

Ingredients:

• 4 bananas (frozen, peeled, and sliced)
• 60 ml coconut milk
• ½ tsp blue spirulina powder
• Fresh fruits of choice for toppings

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until you achieve a thick and smooth texture.
• Serve in a big bowl with fresh fruits like blueberries, mangoes, pineapples, or any other fruit you fancy.

Green No-Bake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For cheesecake crust:

• 200 gm digestive biscuit (turn into fine crumbs)
• 50 gm sugar
• 100 gm melted butter

For the cheesecake:

• 60ml water
• 1 tbsp gelatin powder
• 600 gm cream cheese
• 200 gm powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp green or blue spirulina powder
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 360 ml heavy cream

 Instructions:

• First prepare the cheesecake crust by mixing the powdered digestive biscuits, butter, and sugar in a bowl.
• Press this mixture evenly to the bottom of a round cake tin. Ensure there are no empty spaces. Chill in the fridge.
• Dissolve the gelatin in 60 ml of warm water.
• Whisk the cream cheese until smooth, then add spirulina and powdered sugar to this, followed by vanilla, lemon juice, and the gelatin water.
• Using an electric or handheld whisk, whip the heavy cream until you get stiff peaks.
• Fold the spirulina cream cheese mix into this.
• Transfer this into the lined baking pan, cover with cling wrap and refrigerate until it’s time to serve.
• Decorate the cheesecake with some fresh fruit or even some lemon zest.

Spirulina Coconut Bliss Balls

Ingredients:

• 75 gm shredded coconut
• 30 gm almond flour
• 2 tbsp spirulina powder
• 60 ml maple syrup (adjust to taste; you can also use jaggery powder or honey)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Combine shredded coconut, almond flour, spirulina powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract in a blender and pulse.
• If the dough is dry, then you can add a little water to bring all the ingredients together.
• Use your hands to roll out the dough into small balls.
• Refrigerate once you’ve created all the bliss balls. You can consume them as is or even roll them in some more shredded coconut. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a snack on the go.