When looking for a healthy dessert, it’s important to note that what one person considers ‘healthy,’ another wouldn’t. For instance, someone who avoids gluten may not be too concerned about sugar content, and someone watching their carbs might still be pro-dairy.
Each dessert should be weighed against your own health goals. Still, there’s something on this list for everyone!
- Applesauce
Cookie and Kate’s homemade version of a childhood favorite uses maple syrup or honey as the sweetener. Cinnamon adds extra flavor as well as antioxidants.
Eat it on its own or use it as a topping for other foods. It’s best when made with local, in-season apples.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Avocado Pudding
Before you turn your nose up at using avocado in a pudding, think of the texture (not the color). Avocado is a great way to get a smooth pudding while contributing healthy fats.
This recipe from Minimalist Baker is vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free, making it a perfect choice for people with a variety of allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Ingredient Banana Cups
They may look like peanut butter cups, but inside is a banana surprise! These banana cups from My Whole Food Life are both easy to make and a great way to beat a chocolate craving.
- Chocolate Banana Bites
These frozen treats from Whole Food Bellies are dairy-free and made with unsweetened cocoa powder. Similar to the banana cups, the recipe requires very little work for a very sweet reward.
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
This is a vegan version of ice cream, using coconut milk sweetened with maple syrup. You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy it, though. Get the recipe from My Whole Food Life.
- No-Bake Energy Bites
You want dessert, but you also want to stay committed to wellness. This recipe from Gimme Some Oven allows you to do just that without even turning on the oven.
These bites are loaded with tasty ingredients such as shredded coconut, peanut butter, and semisweet chocolate chips.
- Flourless Nutella Blender Muffins
Is Nutella really healthy? Well, you certainly could do worse than these muffins from Chocolate Covered Katie, which can be made with a store-bought or homemade version of the hazelnut cocoa spread.
Enjoy the morning, noon, or night.
An added bonus: They contain black beans, providing more fiber and modest amounts of protein and iron.
- Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can actually fit into a healthy diet plan! These truffles from May I Have That Recipe? make use of darker chocolate, almond butter, Greek yogurt, and cocoa powder.
These ingredients are rolled into mouth-sized bites that can satisfy your craving without hitting your waistline.
- Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies
Of course, vitamin A-rich carrots are the main ingredient here. But these chewy cookies from Amy’s Healthy Baking also get texture and flavor from ingredients like instant oats, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
If you love this recipe, you can also find other twists on the oatmeal-cookie concept on the same site.
- Healthy Cookie Dough Blizzard
If you’re tempted to hit your favorite ice cream spot, freeze! Try this healthy hack from Nutrition in the Kitch instead.
Using frozen bananas for the dairy-free “ice cream” base, this option will do far less harm to your healthy efforts than the fast-food version.
