Christmas is a time for festive indulgence, where the rich aromas of spices, sweet treats, and warming drinks fill the air. This year, why not bring a unique twist to your holiday table by incorporating Mycology Nutrition mushrooms into your desserts? You read that right—functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and mushroom coffee powders can elevate your Christmas desserts, offering not just a delectable flavour but also some potential wellness benefits.
Functional Mushrooms in Desserts
Functional mushrooms have long been celebrated for their adaptogenic properties and subtle, earthy flavours that complement both sweet and savoury dishes. When used in desserts, they add depth and complexity while potentially supporting stress relief, focus, or immunity. Our recipes below feature mushroom coffee, Lion’s Mane, and Reishi mushroom powders, perfect for your Christmas spread.
Without further ado, here are 3 recipes to enjoy over the Christmas holidays.
1. Mushroom Coffee Sticky Toffee Pudding
This festive take on a classic dessert combines warm spices and sticky sweetness with the unique touch of mushroom coffee.
Ingredients for the Pudding:
- 150g plain flour
- 3 tbsp any mushroom coffee powder (or 2 tbsp your choice of mushroom powder + 1 tbsp ground coffee)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g pitted dates, chopped
- 150 ml hot water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp molasses or dark treacle
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 100g brown sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150 ml double cream
- 2 tbsp mushroom coffee
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Soak chopped dates in hot water until softened, then mash into a purée.
- Make the batter: Mix dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, then combine wet and dry mixes with the dates.
- Bake: Pour batter into a greased tin and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 25–30 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Simmer butter, brown sugar, cream, and mushroom coffee for a rich, earthy toffee sauce.
- Serve: Drizzle sauce over warm pudding and enjoy with cream or custard.
Potential Benefits: May support focus and energy with the addition of mushroom coffee.
2. Reishi Gingerbread Men
Add a twist to traditional gingerbread biscuits with the goodness of functional mushrooms.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsps Reishi mushroom powder
- 250g plain flour
- 1 tsp each: ground ginger, cinnamon; ½ tsp ground cloves, nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp molasses or dark treacle
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, spices, baking soda, and mushroom powder.
- Prepare the Dough: Cream butter and sugar, mix in egg and molasses, then add dry mix. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Roll dough, cut shapes, and bake at 180°C for 10–12 minutes.
- Decorate: Optional icing or powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Potential Benefits: May promote cognitive function and relaxation with Lion’s Mane or Reishi mushroom powder.
3. Lion's Mane Banoffee Trifle
A layered delight with the subtle earthiness of mushrooms, perfect for impressing guests.
Ingredients for the Sponge Layer:
- 1 pack of sponge fingers or 150g plain sponge cake
- 2 tbsp Lion’s Mane mushroom powder
- 100 ml hot water
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 100g brown sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150 ml double cream
- 1 tbsp Lion’s Mane mushroom powder
For the Cream Layer:
- 300 ml double cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla
For the Fruit Layer:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Layers: Soak sponge in mushroom-infused water. Slice bananas and whip cream with vanilla and sugar.
- Make Toffee Sauce: Simmer butter, brown sugar, cream, and Lion’s Mane mushroom powder until thickened.
- Assemble: Layer sponge, toffee, bananas, and cream in a trifle dish. Repeat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 2–3 hours. Garnish with nuts or chocolate if desired.
Potential Benefits: Lion’s Mane mushroom powder may support gut health and brain function.
FAQs
Can I use any type of mushroom powder in these recipes?
Yes, you can substitute with your favourite functional mushroom powders, like Chaga, Cordyceps, or Turkey Tail, depending on your taste and needs.
Will these desserts taste/smell like mushrooms?
No, the earthy flavours are subtle and balanced by the sweet and spiced elements. In the same way you would eat dishes like carrot cake, mushrooms just enhance the delicious dessert and not take over it.
Where can I find mushroom powders?
Check health food stores or online at mycologynutrition.com for high-quality options.
A Festive Mushroom Farewell
This Christmas, embrace the unique flavours and potential benefits of functional mushrooms with these decadent desserts. From the caramel richness of Mushroom Coffee Sticky Toffee Pudding to the spiced perfection of Mushroom Powder Gingerbread Biscuits and the indulgent layers of Mushroom Powder Banoffee Trifle, there’s something for every festive table.
Merry Christmashroom! 🎄✨