If you're in the mood for a delicious and wholesome treat, look no further than these Vegan Gluten-Free Gingerbread Fig Puddings. A delightful twist on the classic sticky toffee pudding, these puddings are made with figs instead of dates, giving them a unique flavor. The use of wholesome ingredients like oats and tahini ensures that these puddings are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The natural sweetness and moisture from the dried figs eliminate the need for extra sweeteners or fats. Topped with candied walnuts and a simple drizzle made with tahini, agave syrup, and milk, these puddings are a true delight. Plus, they are vegan, gluten-free, and can be made nut-free to accommodate various dietary restrictions. Best of all, they can be easily made in under an hour and will keep fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Get ready to indulge guilt-free in these tantalizing gingerbread fig puddings!
Ingredients
To make these delicious gingerbread sticky fig puddings, you will need the following ingredients:
Dried figs
Dried figs are a key ingredient in this recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture to the puddings. Soak them in hot water to soften them before blending.
Oats
Oats are a wholesome grain that adds texture and fiber to the puddings. They are blended with the soaked figs to create a smooth and creamy base.
Tahini
Tahini, which is made from ground sesame seeds, is a rich and creamy ingredient that adds depth of flavor to the puddings. It also contributes healthy fats to the recipe.
Agave syrup
Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that complements the flavors of the figs and spices in the puddings. It is used both in the pudding mixture and in the drizzle.
Milk
Milk, whether plant-based or dairy, is used to create a smooth consistency in the pudding mixture. It helps to bind all the ingredients together.
Candied walnuts
Candied walnuts are a delicious and crunchy topping for the puddings. The sweetness of the candied coating balances the flavors of the puddings.
Ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt
These spices and leavening agents are used to enhance the gingerbread flavor of the puddings. Ground ginger and cinnamon add warmth and depth, while baking powder helps the puddings rise. Sea salt is added for a touch of savory flavor.
Instructions
To make these gingerbread sticky fig puddings, follow these simple instructions:
1. Soak dried figs in hot water
Begin by soaking the dried figs in hot water for about 10 minutes. This will soften them and make them easier to blend.
2. Prepare the pudding mixture
In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked figs and oats. Blend until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
3. Add tahini, agave syrup, spices, baking powder, and salt
To the fig and oat mixture, add the tahini, agave syrup, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the puddings.
4. Blend until smooth
Blend all the ingredients together until you have a smooth and well-combined mixture. Make sure that there are no lumps or chunks remaining.
5. Transfer the mixture to individual ramekins
Divide the pudding mixture evenly among individual ramekins. This will create single-serving portions that are perfect for presentation.
6. Bake in the oven until golden and firm
Place the ramekins in the oven and bake at a moderate temperature until the puddings are golden on top and firm in the center. This should take about 25-30 minutes.
7. Prepare the drizzle
While the puddings are baking, prepare the simple drizzle. In a small bowl, combine tahini, agave syrup, and milk. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
8. Candied walnuts
To make the candied walnuts, melt agave syrup in a pan. Add the walnuts and stir until they are coated in the syrup. Continue cooking until the walnuts are caramelized and fragrant.
9. Assembly
Once the puddings are baked and are golden and firm, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Then, top each pudding with the candied walnuts and drizzle with the tahini sauce.
Variations
You can easily customize these gingerbread sticky fig puddings by trying out some variations:
Nut-free option: use a different nut butter or omit nuts altogether
If you have a nut allergy or prefer to avoid nuts, you can easily make these puddings nut-free by using a different nut butter or simply omitting the nuts altogether. You can substitute the tahini with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter.
Flavor variations: add spices like nutmeg or allspice
To add more depth and complexity to the flavor profile of these puddings, you can experiment with different spices. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to enhance the gingerbread flavor.
Texture variations: add chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the pudding mixture
If you would like some additional texture in your puddings, you can add some chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the pudding mixture before baking. This will add a delightful crunch and a slight chewiness to each bite.
Storage and Serving
Once your gingerbread sticky fig puddings are ready, here's how you can store and serve them:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge
To keep your puddings fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy them as a convenient and satisfying dessert throughout the week.
Puddings can be enjoyed cold or warmed up before serving
These puddings can be enjoyed either cold or warm, depending on your preference. If you prefer them warm, simply heat them in the microwave or oven before serving to create a comforting and indulgent treat.
Serve with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or ice cream
For an extra touch of decadence, serve your gingerbread sticky fig puddings with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or dairy-free ice cream. The creamy and cool addition will complement the warm and spiced flavors of the puddings perfectly.
Health Benefits
These gingerbread sticky fig puddings offer several health benefits:
Gluten-free: suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease
One of the key benefits of these puddings is that they are gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. By using gluten-free oats and ensuring that all other ingredients are free from gluten contamination, these puddings can be enjoyed by anyone following a gluten-free diet.
Vegan: free from any animal products
These puddings are completely vegan, meaning that they are free from any animal products. This makes them suitable for individuals following a vegan or plant-based lifestyle.
Wholesome ingredients: made with oats, figs, and tahini
The ingredients used in these puddings are wholesome and nutrient-dense. Oats provide fiber, figs offer natural sweetness and moisture, and tahini contributes healthy fats and protein.
Good source of fiber from figs and oats
Fiber is an important nutrient for digestive health and helps to keep you feeling satisfied after eating. These puddings are a good source of fiber, thanks to the figs and oats.
Contains healthy fats from tahini and walnuts
Tahini and walnuts are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Preparation Time
With this recipe, you can enjoy these delicious puddings in under an hour:
Total time: under an hour
From soaking the figs to baking the puddings and preparing the drizzle, the total time required is under an hour. This makes it a quick and easy dessert to prepare, perfect for last-minute cravings or when you're short on time.
Most of the time is spent baking in the oven
The majority of the time required for this recipe is spent baking the puddings in the oven. This allows the flavors to develop and the puddings to become golden and firm.
Quick and easy recipe to prepare
Overall, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily whip up these gingerbread sticky fig puddings and impress your friends and family.
Make-Ahead Option
One of the great things about these gingerbread sticky fig puddings is that you can make them in advance:
Puddings can be made in advance
The puddings can be made ahead of time, allowing you to prepare them in advance for special occasions, busy days, or gatherings. This makes them a convenient dessert option and takes away the stress of last-minute preparation.
Store them in the fridge for up to a week
Once the puddings are baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This means that you can enjoy a ready-made dessert whenever you crave something sweet.
Convenient dessert for busy days or gatherings
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick and easy dessert on a busy day, these make-ahead puddings are a great option. They can be served cold or warmed up before serving, giving you flexibility and convenience.
Allergen Information
For individuals with specific dietary restrictions or allergies, here is the allergen information for these gingerbread sticky fig puddings:
Gluten-free: suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease
These puddings are gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. However, it is important to ensure that the oats used in the recipe are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Nut-free option available
If you have a nut allergy or prefer to avoid nuts, you can easily make these puddings nut-free. Simply use a different nut butter in place of tahini or omit the nuts altogether.
Potential allergens: oats (if not certified gluten-free)
The potential allergen in this recipe is oats. If you or someone you're serving has a gluten sensitivity or intolerance, it is important to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid any reactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these vegan gluten-free gingerbread fig puddings are a delicious and wholesome dessert option. By combining the flavors of gingerbread, figs, and tahini, these puddings offer a unique and satisfying treat for any occasion. They are easy to make, suitable for various dietary restrictions, and can be stored in the fridge for convenience. Whether you're enjoying them as a dessert or sharing them with loved ones, these gingerbread sticky fig puddings are sure to be a hit.