If you're like me, you always save room for dessert, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Whether you have a strong sweet tooth or not, ending a meal with a lil sugar just seems right. Speaking of sugar — if you're spending Turkey Day with your partner this year, consider trying some of these aphrodisiac dessert recipes for Thanksgiving! Who knows? Maybe instead of napping on the couch post-dinner, you'll be burning off some calories in the bedroom!
An aphrodisiac is a food that, when consumed, can increase your libido by releasing certain chemicals, increasing circulation, and heightening your sexual senses. When you think of desserts that function as aphrodisiacs, you probably think of chocolate-covered strawberries, sweet red wine, and more chocolate. Those are the classics, the greatest hits album of aphrodisiac sweets, but there are so many other ways to explore sex-boosting sweet treats.
While multitasking and cooking a yummy Thanksgiving dinner might stress you out, consider reframing it in your mind as an opportunity to spend time with your partner, create something together, and work as a team. And you can always indulge in a glass of red wine as you go, getting started on those aphrodisiac effects early.
Dark chocolate stimulates our pleasure centers by causing levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine to rise in the brain, according to Healthy Eating. If that wasn't enough, chocolate contains anandamide and phenylethylamine, chemicals which boost serotonin levels. Since serotonin is the "feel-good" hormone, chocolate is one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs out there.
This recipe from Food and Wine calls for sea salt, which helps cut the intense sweetness of the chocolate. Not only are these simple to make and delicious, the aroma of brownies baking is sure to start your engines, too.
Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are critical for a healthy heart. In terms of being an aphrodisiac, olive oil contains nutrients that help increase blood flow and hormone production, according to Honey Colony. Those elements are key to upping your libido and getting in the mood!
This fluffy and sweet cake recipe from Bon Appétit is easy to make and is so light, so you won't feel full and tired after enjoying so you're free to enjoy... other things!
Figs contain zinc and magnesium, which are both nutrients that increase sex hormone production, according to Heart Intelligence. Figs can be used in everything from smoothies to entrees to desserts and combining the flavors of cinnamon and honey to this fruit packs an extra punch.
Honey contains an abundance of enzymes and vitamins, and it also contains boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels.
This dessert recipe from Give Recipe is increidbly simple to make and majorly sweet to eat. The combination of the libido-boosting properties of honey and figs is likely to have you reaching for seconds and for your partner.
Thanksgiving is about being close to the ones we love and feeling gratitude for all the things we have. If you get to celebrate with your partner this year, making a libido-boosting dessert will definitely be something you'll be very thankful for.
