As an American woman with a major sweet tooth, I used to think that healthy and delicious desserts were an oxymoron. But over the years, I’ve discovered some amazing recipes that prove otherwise. These healthy desserts allow me to satisfy my cravings without derailing my healthy eating plan.
One of my top picks is a fruit crumble. I use a combination of fresh or frozen berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. I place the berries in a baking dish and top them with a mixture of rolled oats, almond flour, a little bit of coconut oil, honey, and cinnamon. I bake the crumble until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbly. The oats and almond flour give it a nice texture, the coconut oil and honey add a touch of sweetness and richness, and the cinnamon gives it a warm and inviting flavor. It’s a great dessert that’s full of antioxidants from the berries and is much healthier than a traditional crumble made with refined flour and a lot of sugar.
Another favorite is a chocolate avocado mousse. It sounds a bit strange, but trust me, it’s amazing. I blend together ripe avocados, cocoa powder, a little bit of maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a splash of almond milk until it’s smooth and creamy. The avocados give it a rich and silky texture, similar to traditional chocolate mousse. The cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor, and the maple syrup and vanilla sweeten it naturally. I serve it in small ramekins and sometimes top it with a few fresh berries or a sprinkle of shredded coconut. It’s a decadent yet healthy dessert that’s high in healthy fats and antioxidants.
A Greek yogurt parfait with a twist is also a delicious option. I start with a layer of Greek yogurt in a glass. Then, I add a layer of crushed graham crackers (I choose a low-sugar variety). Next, I spoon on some homemade fruit compote made from simmering fresh or frozen fruit like peaches or apples with a little bit of honey and lemon juice until it thickens. I repeat the layers until the glass is full and top it with a dollop of whipped cream (I use a light whipped cream made from skim milk). This parfait has a nice balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors and is a great way to end a meal.
For a no-bake dessert, I make energy balls. I combine dates, almonds, walnuts, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and a little bit of peanut butter in a food processor. I blend until the mixture sticks together and then roll it into small balls. These energy balls are a great source of energy from the nuts and dates. They are sweet and satisfying and can be stored in the fridge for a quick snack or a healthy dessert.
Finally, a baked apple is a simple and classic healthy dessert. I core an apple and stuff it with a mixture of oats, raisins, cinnamon, and a little bit of brown sugar. I bake the apple in the oven until it’s tender. The apple itself is full of fiber and vitamins, and the stuffing gives it a delicious flavor. It’s a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for a cold evening.
With these healthy dessert recipes, you can enjoy a sweet treat without feeling guilty. They are a great way to end a meal on a high note and still stay on track with your healthy lifestyle.