Desserts (yes, please!)

I divide my desserts into two categories: Healthy and Not-so-Healthy. The “healthy” desserts don’t have any processed sugars and are loaded with nutrients, protein and fiber from added nuts, fruits, etc. They also make great breakfasts and lunches. The “not-so-healthy” desserts are simply my instant pudding combinations. All of these recipes can be rehydrated hot or cold, so they make great options for hikers going stove-less. Enjoy!

Healthy Desserts (Your body will thank you.)

Mango Sweet Rice

Start with Chef Glen’s recipe for rice pudding: backpackingchef.com. Add a tablespoon each of almond flour and Nido whole milk, plus a large handful of dehydrated mangos and slivered almonds. Rehydrates great hot or cold. *You don’t have to add the almond floor or Nido milk, but I like the texture & added healthy calories.

Mango Sweet Rice

Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Pies

This great recipe also comes from Chef Glen’s website: backpackingchef.com. I add a generous amount of nuts, such as pecans for added nutrition & texture. Marshmallows are delicious with these pies. I toast them over my stove, then top them on the pie. Rehydrates great hot or cold.

PCT Section R Klamath National Forest Siskiyou Mountains trail hiker food pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie for lunch

Peanut Butter Apple Crisp

1/2 cup dried apples

~3 Tablespoons dried apple sauce

2 teaspoons of cinnamon

1 Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar, Peanut Butter flavor OR a cup of your favorite granola

1-2 small handfuls of pecans

Optional: 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal and 1 teaspoon almond meal for added protein, fat & texture

On the trail, smash up the granola bar into the ziplock baggie and add enough water to cover. Tastes great hot or cold!

Dried apples & granola bars

Peach-Berry Crisp

1/4 cup dried berries (I use Trader Joe’s Berry Medley which includes strawberries, cherries, & blueberries)

1/4 cup dried peaches

~3 Tablespoons dried peach leather (make by blending canned peaches & dehydrating)

1-2 small handfuls of pecans

1 Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar, either Oats ‘n Honey or Maple Brown Sugar flavor OR a cup of your favorite granola

1 Packet of jam (I use Bonne Maman Strawberry Jam purchased from minimusbiz.com. It doesn’t have any high fructose corn syrup.)

Optional: 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal and 1 teaspoon almond meal for added protein, fat & texture

On the trail, smash up the granola bar into the ziplock baggie, add the packet of jam, and enough water to cover. Tastes great hot or cold!

Bonne Maman’s Strawberry Preserves

Trader Joe’s Dried Berry Medley

Peaches & Raisins Almond Cobbler

1/4 cup mixed golden and dark raisins

1/4 cup dried peaches

~3 Tablespoons dried peach leather (make by blending canned peaches & dehydrating)

1 Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar, either Oats ‘n Honey or Maple Brown Sugar flavor OR a cup of your favorite granola

1-2 small handfuls of almonds

Optional: 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal and 1 teaspoon almond meal for added protein, fat & texture

On the trail, smash up the granola bar into the ziplock baggie and add enough water to cover. Tastes great hot or cold!

Not-so-Healthy (but oh, so delicious!)Instant Pudding

Grab your favorite flavor of instant pudding
Divide the powdered contents up into single or double servings and place in a ziplock baggie
Add 2 Tablespoons powdered milk per serving of pudding
Mix-Ins: nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips or cacao nibs, instant coffee packet, or serve with cookies on the side!
On the trail, add 1/2 cup cold water per serving in your baggie and allow to sit in a cool place for 5 minutes. If you have added dried fruit, you may want it to sit for longer so it can rehydrate.