Sugarcane-based desserts you'll love
What's the story
Sugarcane, a staple in most tropical areas, is mostly linked to sugar. But, the humble cane is much more than just the sweetener of our drinks and food. Here are some delightful desserts made out of sugarcane, which are underrated, but are a treat to the taste buds. These desserts not only showcase the sweetness of sugarcane but also its potential. Here are five such desserts.
Pudding
Sugarcane pudding delight
Sugarcane pudding is a creamy dessert prepared by extracting juice from fresh sugarcane and mixing it with coconut milk and rice flour. The mixture is lightly cooked until it thickens into a smooth consistency. The final pudding is subtly sweet with hints of coconut, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. It makes for a great alternative to traditional puddings by incorporating the natural sweetness of sugarcane.
Rice cake
Jaggery rice cake treat
Jaggery rice cake makes use of jaggery, an unrefined variety of sugar made from sugarcane juice, as its main sweetener. Paired with glutinous rice flour, this dessert is steamed to perfection, yielding a chewy texture with rich caramel notes from the jaggery. Often topped with sesame seeds or shredded coconut, this cake offers a delightful contrast of its soft interior with slightly crunchy toppings.
Sorbet
Sugarcane sorbet refreshment
Sugarcane sorbet provides a refreshing way to savor the essence of this plant during summers. Prepared by freezing freshly extracted sugarcane juice with lime zest and mint leaves, this sorbet provides an invigorating burst of flavor without the overpowering sweetness. Its lightness makes it an ideal palate cleanser or a standalone treat on hot days.
Coconut balls
Panela coconut balls indulgence
Panela coconut balls are essentially small confections made using panela - a type of raw cane sugar - and grated coconut meat mixed together and shaped into bite-sized spheres. These treats boast of deep, molasses-like flavors with the nutty taste of coconut, while their chewy texture remains intact throughout each bite.
Jelly
Sugar cane jelly surprise
Sugar cane jelly has a simple recipe: boil down fresh cane juice until it becomes jelly-like after cooling down completely. Sometimes agar-agar powder might be added for extra firmness, if desired. This translucent delicacy captures the pure essence within every spoonful. It perfectly balances sweetness against the subtle tanginess found naturally occurring within the raw materials themselves.