Baking healthy desserts at home is the best way out when you crave something sweet in a healthy way. It only takes a few ingredients to make these goodness sweets that would make you forget sweet and spoil your health. Better still, these desserts can be made under 30 minutes, making them very expedient on those busy days or last-minute gatherings. Below are seven easy and healthy dessert recipes that will wow your taste buds and be perfectly matched with your wellness journey.
Banana nice cream
Banana nice cream is that creamy, dairy-free version of traditional ice cream and yet remains healthy and delicious. It is made from just one major ingredient—frozen bananas—then it is naturally sweet, low in calories, as well as potassium-rich.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (frozen)
- Optional: 1 tsp each vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or a handful of berries
Instructions:
- Chop ripe bananas into shallow pieces and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Run frozen banana pieces through a food processor until smooth and creamy; if desired, add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or other flavorings.
- Serve immediately or freeze for an extra 15 minutes for a firmer texture.
Highly customizable: try adding a scoop or two of natural peanut butter for protein or top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Greek yogurt parfaits are as easy and fine an alternative for any dessert. Simply load it with some fruits and granola: what you will have is something rich in protein, probiotics, and tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tbsp granola
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional).
Directions:
Layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola all in a glass or bowl. Repeat same steps until the ingredients finish. Drizzle with honey or maple.
Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Dark chocolate avocado mousse is a truly decadent dessert bursting with nutrients from healthy fats and antioxidants. It has a lusciousness, and satisfying flavor while being ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Scoop out the flesh of the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
- Add cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon into small bowls and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
- This dessert pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Baked apples offer that warm reassurance, comfort food. They are naturally sweet and make just plain sense to prepare. Fiber- and antioxidant-wise, they are the ultimate guilt-free sweet.
Ingredients:
- 2 very large apples
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Optional: chopped nuts or raisins
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Core the apples and place them on a baking dish.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey or maple syrup over the apples.
Add chopped nuts or raisins if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the apples are tender.
Serve hot, and for a little extra, include a dollop of Greek yogurt or small scoop of banana nice cream on top.
Fresh Strawberries Wrapped in Chocolate
Chocolate-dipped strawberries are an age-old confection and delude into believing a real treat, but it’s actually a lean indulgence: these little guys are simple, sexy, and perfect for a romantic dinner or the best of kid treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional for smoother melting)
Directions:
- Wash strawberries thoroughly and dry them. Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave 20 seconds at a time and stir until melted, adding coconut oil before melting if desired, so it can mix seamlessly into the chocolate.
- Dip each strawberry in chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let refrigerate for about 10-15 mins until chocolate hardens. Drizzle over melted chocolate with white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts for the decoration, before the chocolate has set.
Peanut Butter Energy Bites
These No-Cook Energy-Jobbing Bites can be nothing other than tiny energy pockets of peanut goodness since they are packed with protein, high in fiber, and, let’s not forget – naturally sweet. These bites are immensely satisfying as quick dessert offerings or even as healthy snacks in your bag.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tb chia seeds (optional)
Directions:
- Mix up all ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Form into little bite-sized balls by rolling the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
- Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes after placing bites onto parchment-paper-lined baking sheets.
These energy bites are good to store in the fridge for up to a week, which offers great pre-prep convenience.
Pudding Chia
Chia pudding cream is a fiber-and omega-3-fatty-acid-rich creamy dessert that also contains antioxidants. It’s easy to customize with toppings and flavorings.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Optional toppings: fresh fruit, nuts or shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Mix chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup in a jar or bowl.
- Stir well to ensure chia seeds do not clump together.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until thick.
- Add your favorite toppings before serving.
- This pudding can be made in batches and stored in the fridge for several days, making it a great convenience dessert option.
How and why healthy desserts are important
When the burning desire for sugar makes its appearance, healthy desserts will have things sweet but will not be contrary to good health. This can be done by using natural sweeteners, nutrient-dense ingredients, portion control, and other things that allow you to indulge guilt-free in your favorite treats. These quick and easy recipes mean, at the end of a long day, when that sweet craving rears its head, the recipes will fill up the body and quench the desire of consuming something processed.
As nutritionist Ellie Krieger puts it:
“Desserts don’t have to be the enemy. When made with wholesome ingredients and enjoyed mindfully, they can be a joyful part of a healthy diet.”
Read also: Easy Healthy Breakfast Ideas with Eggs To Start Your Day Right