The fruit is often used in gelatin-based desserts, a popular lactose-free option.
Different types of lactose-free desserts can include fresh fruit, fruit compotes, and fruit-filled pastries. These types of desserts use natural fruits and spices to sweeten dishes in general, instead of dairy. Dairy-free foods can also be used in traditional recipes to replace milk, butter, and other common lactose-containing products.
Many people are allergic or sensitive to lactose found in dairy products.
Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and all dairy products. Those who are lactose intolerant do not naturally produce enough of the enzyme lactase in their bodies. Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose, which are then used to recycle nutrients through the bloodstream. A small percentage of the population cannot process galactose and these people cannot digest dairy either. For these sufferers, lactose-free desserts offer the sweetness of traditional desserts without incorporating potentially harmful dairy ingredients that should be avoided.
The fruit is the base of many lactose-free desserts. It can be served plain or in jelly form as a mixed fruit salad and topped with icing sugar to enhance its sweetness. A whipped cream topping substitute can be created by combining softened tofu, vanilla extract, sugar, and soy or almond milk. These ingredients can be combined and blended in an electric mixer until stiff. The finished product can be poured into fresh fruit, fruit compotes or fruit tarts.
Fruit compote combines several types of fruit in a syrupy baking dish. The fruits used should complement each other and can be fresh, frozen, canned or dried. Some recipes call for the use of several types of preservation methods to increase the flavor and texture varieties of the dessert. The fruit is layered on a baking sheet and drizzled with a brown sugar-based glaze that can incorporate other extracts and flavored liqueurs, depending on the chef’s preference. Then a broth of fruit juice, roasted spices and candied nuts is added, and it is roasted in a hot oven until firm.
Pies filled with different types of fruit can be used to create a wide variety of dairy-free desserts. The basic fruit filling combines fresh, chopped or frozen fruit, sugar, cooking spices, and a small amount of flour. These ingredients are baked inside a pastry shell to form a hot, bubbly, syrupy filling that is irresistible. The layer of dough, which lines the bottom of the mold and can also serve as a crust, can be made with flour, vegetable fat, salt and water.
Those who want lactose-free dairy desserts, such as cakes, cookies, muffins, and ice cream, can find many lactose-free varieties at local supermarkets. Consumers should carefully review the ingredient labels on any pre-made mix to ensure no milk-based products were used during manufacture. Some traditional recipes can also be changed by substituting vegan versions of common dairy products, such as almond milk instead of cow’s milk and vegan margarine instead of butter. Many of these products include consumer recommendations on packaging for replacement quantities.