Desserts You Won’t Believe Are Actually Healthy

Overview

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!

1. Frozen Mango, Kiwi, Raspberry Fruit Pops

Frozen fruit treats like these pops from Skinny Taste are a great way to beat the summer heat. They have a little bit of sugar added, but you could just as easily leave it out if you like things a bit more tart. Not only are these pops refreshing, but the mango, kiwi, and raspberries each contribute a good amount of vitamin C.

2. 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.

3. Secret Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a classic healthy dessert, but this berry-based recipe from Rachel Schultz has a secret. Hint: It’s in the dressing.

4. 3 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.

5. 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.

6. Paleo Strawberry Crumble

Yes, you can eat a crumble dessert and stay paleo. This one from Stephie Cooks uses nutrient-rich almond flour to create a crunchy topping.

7. 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.

8. 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 them morning, noon, or night. An added bonus: They contain black beans, providing more fiber and modest amounts of protein and iron.

9. Guilt-Free 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 a 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.

10. Healthy 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. Try apple pie oatmeal cookies or chocolate chip zucchini bread oatmeal cookies.

11. Breakfast Cookies

Can you make cookies with just two ingredients? The answer is yes. Check out this base recipe from Cafe Delites and then get ready for some creative cookie-ing. Add dried fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts if you have them — feel free to make this batch your own!

12. Skinny Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (Whole Wheat)

We’ve all done it — risked a stomachache by eating raw cookie dough. With this recipe from The Skinny Fork, you don’t have to worry about getting sick, as there are no raw eggs. It also uses stevia in place of much of the sugar.

13. 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.

14. Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb and Yogurt Parfaits

This recipe from Cookie and Kate has a short ingredient list, which makes it quick and easy. Using fresh produce, including the winning combo of strawberries and rhubarb, this dessert includes Greek yogurt to boost your protein intake.

15. 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.

16. Roasted Honey and Cinnamon Peaches

Sweetened with honey, this dessert from The Skinny Fork is a great way to make use of farm-fresh peaches in the spring. Served over Greek yogurt, it’s a creamy, guilt-free indulgence.

17. Two-Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Two ingredients? Yes. Sweetened only by ripe bananas, this indulgent treat from Two Peas & Their Pod is as simple as it gets.

18. 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.

19. Homemade Fresh Mango Ice Cream

The tropical flavor of mangoes makes this sweet frozen treat a great summertime dessert. The recipe from Nisa Homey does include sugar, but you can keep it diet-friendly by watching your portion sizes.