Healthy Desserts Guide: 7 Sweet Treats That Are Actually Good For You
Everybody loves dessert, and it’s easy to indulge in rich chocolate or a decadent cheesecake. But if you’re following a healthy lifestyle, these treats can leave you feeling more guilty than satisfied. It’s no secret that desserts are often loaded with sugar, fat, and calories. But it doesn’t have to be this way! There are plenty of healthy desserts out there that are just as sweet and delicious as their unhealthy counterparts. Definitely, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet. And with the help of this guide, you’ll be able to try some delicious desserts that won’t pack on pounds.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
This mousse is sinfully delicious, yet it’s actually good for you! It’s made with avocado, which is an excellent source of healthy fats and fibre. The cocoa powder in this recipe also provides antioxidants and has been shown to improve heart health.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup almond milk or any other type of milk
Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Serve chilled.
Berry Crumble
This berry crumble is a healthy twist on a classic dessert. It’s made with fresh berries packed with antioxidants and fibre. The oats in the recipe provide heart-healthy soluble fibre, while the almond flour adds protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups frozen berries or fresh berries
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Pour mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Banana Ice Cream
This banana ice cream is a delicious and healthy treat that’s perfect for summertime. Bananas are a great source of potassium and fibre, while almond milk provides calcium and vitamin D. You can add any toppings you like, but we recommend keeping it healthy with some chopped nuts or fresh berries.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
- 1 cup almond milk (or any other type of milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Serve immediately or store in the freezer for later.
Fruit Popsicles
There’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in a sweet treat when you can make fruit popsicles at home with just a few simple ingredients. These refreshing snacks are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also getting a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
To make fruit popsicles, start by pureeing fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or mango in a blender. Then, pour the pureed fruit into popsicle moulds and freeze for at least four hours. Once frozen, enjoy your healthy and delicious fruit popsicles!
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These chocolate-covered strawberries are the perfect balance of sweet and healthy. Strawberries are a good source of vitamins C and K, while dark chocolate provides antioxidants. Simply dip your strawberries in melted dark chocolate, and let them cool.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place on the prepared baking sheet and let cool.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These oatmeal raisin cookies are a healthier take on a classic dessert. They’re made with whole wheat flour and oats, which provide heart-healthy soluble fibre. The raisins add sweetness and a boost of antioxidants. Enjoy one of these cookies with a glass of milk for a satisfying snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Get a bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, oats baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in raisins. Drop dough by the tablespoon onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Coconut Macaroons
These coconut macaroons are a delicious and healthy treat that’s perfect for any occasion! They’re made with shredded coconut, which is a good source of fibre and healthy fats. The honey adds sweetness without adding any refined sugar. Enjoy these macaroons as is, or dip them in dark chocolate for an extra special treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder (or tapioca flour)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Drop dough by the tablespoon onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until macaroons is golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
If you’re looking for some delicious, healthy desserts to enjoy, we hope this guide has given you some great ideas. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t feel guilty about indulging – your body will thank you for it.