Desert Recipes for a bit of Dopamine Surge

Indulging in sweet treats is not just a pleasure for the taste buds; it can also trigger the release of dopamine, the brain's feel-good neurotransmitter. If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while giving your mood a boost, here are some delightful recipes that are sure to elevate your spirits.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

~80-100 calories per cookie

Source: Toll House® Original Recipe by Nestlé USA 📖 Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.

3. Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs one at a time.

4. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

6. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until golden brown.

   
   

2. French Crème Brûlée

~350–450 kcal per serving

Source: Julia Child’s version, featured on PBS 📖 Julia Child Crème Brûlée

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 5 egg yolks

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Heat cream and vanilla until simmering.

3. Whisk yolks and sugar until pale.

4. Slowly whisk warm cream into yolk mixture.

5. Pour into ramekins, place in a baking pan, and fill pan with hot water halfway up sides.

6. Bake 35–40 minutes, chill for at least 2 hours.

7. Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a torch or broiler.

   
   

3. Oatmeal Banana Cake Recipe

~250–280 kcal per slice

Source: Adapted from Taste of Home

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quick-cooking oats

• 1 ½ cups boiling water

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. In a small bowl, combine oats with boiling water. Let sit for 20 minutes to soften.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

5. Mix in mashed bananas and softened oats.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

7. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in vanilla.

8. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.

9. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool completely. Optional: top with a cream cheese or brown sugar glaze.

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