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8 Super-Easy, Healthy Dessert Ideas

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Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up dessert. With a little creativity, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with nutritious and delicious treats. 

That’s because many classic dessert ingredients like sugar, butter, cream, and white flour provide empty calories and very little nutritional value. The key is finding natural alternatives that provide fiber, protein, and other nutrients. 

The best part is that healthy desserts don’t require complicated recipes or hard-to-find ingredients. In fact, you can make many satisfying sweets with simple kitchen staples like fruit, nuts, yogurt, cocoa powder, and honey. 

Keep reading for 8 super easy and healthy dessert ideas that will become your new go-to treats. These nutritious sweets will satisfy your cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals.

1. Almond Bar Desserts

Almond bars are a super-easy and healthy dessert option. Made primarily from almonds, a nutritious source of vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, almond bars provide a dose of nutrients in each tasty bite.

Unlike traditional desserts loaded with butter, sugar, and unhealthy fats, almond bars rely on the natural flavor and crunch of almonds to create a satisfyingly sweet treat. 

Moreover, the almond bar recipe possibilities are endless for creating healthier desserts at home that don’t sacrifice any flavor. One delicious option is cinnamon almond bars. This cinnamon almond bar recipe combines the nutty flavor of almonds with fragrant cinnamon and a pop of lemon. 

That means with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe makes for a satisfying homemade treat. 

2. Baked Apples 

Baked apples are a classic fall dessert, but they’re tasty at any time of year. Core an apple and fill the center with raisins, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or dried fruit. 

For extra nutrition, try sunflower seeds, chia seeds, nut butter, or Greek yogurt. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice. Place in a baking dish, add about 1/4 cup water, and bake at 375°F until the apples are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes. The natural sweetness of the apples caramelizes while baking. 

Serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or low-fat vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

3. Nice Cream 

Nice cream is a healthy take on ice cream made by blending frozen bananas into a creamy, dreamy treat. Simply peel, slice, and freeze a few ripe bananas overnight. To make nice cream, blend the frozen banana slices in a food processor or high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. 

Bananas are naturally sweet, so no added sugar is needed, but you can add mix-ins like cocoa or nut butter to customize flavors. Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for extra goodness.

Nice cream is dairy-free, vegan, and packed with potassium. The calories and carbs depend on your mix-ins, but plain nice cream clocks in around 100 to 140 calories per serving. Enjoy this guilt-free frozen treat whenever ice cream cravings strike.

4. Chocolate Avocado Pudding 

Who knew healthy fat from avocado could transform into a rich, decadent chocolate pudding? This 4-ingredient treat comes together in just 5 minutes. Simply blend together the flesh of 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, and a dash of vanilla. 

Optional mix-ins include a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper. Chill the pudding in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow it to set before enjoying it. 

The avocado provides creaminess as well as over 20 vitamins and minerals. Cocoa powder delivers antioxidants and iron. 

Overall, this chocolatey pudding offers much more nutritional value than standard chocolate pudding. Serve with fresh berries or layer with granola for some added crunch.

5. Berry Greek Yogurt Bark 

Plain nonfat Greek yogurt provides protein for staying power. Mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries add a punch of flavor and fiber. Simply stir together 1 cup Greek yogurt and 1⁄2 cup mixed berries. 

Spread the mixture in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 3-4 hours until firm. Remove from the freezer and break into bite-sized pieces.

The yogurt provides calcium, while the berries supply vitamin C and antioxidants. For added crunch, top with slivered almonds before freezing. This nourishing bark satisfies sweet cravings for around 110 calories per serving.

6. Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake

Protein shakes make an easy, on-the-go breakfast or snack. Skip the pre-made shakes full of added sugars and whip up this healthy version.

In a blender, combine 1 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 cup of dairy or plant-based milk, and 1⁄2 cup of spinach or kale. Blend until smooth and creamy, then pour into a glass.

Use chocolate protein powder and cocoa powder for a peanut butter chocolate twist. This power-packed shake will keep you full all morning, or make a nutritious post-workout recovery drink.

7. No-Bake Energy Bites 

Energy bites are the perfect healthy snack to grab when afternoon hunger strikes. These no-bake treats come together in just 10 minutes. Simply mix together 1 cup rolled oats, 2/3 cup peanut butter, 1⁄2 cup honey or maple syrup, 1⁄2 cup mini chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Shape into balls and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. The oats supply whole grains, peanut butter provides protein, honey or maple syrup offers sweetness, and chocolate chips add a tasty crunch.

Swap in any add-ins you like, such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut, or nut butter. Energy bites will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week for a quick, nutrient-packed snack anytime. One or two bites will give you sustained energy to power through the rest of your day.

8. Greek Yogurt Parfaits 

Yogurt parfaits make for a fast, protein-packed breakfast or dessert. In a tall glass, alternate layers of nonfat plain Greek yogurt with your choice of healthy mix-ins. 

Try combinations like yogurt + granola + berries, yogurt + peanut butter + bananas, or yogurt + cocoa powder + nuts. The protein in the Greek yogurt will help keep you full and satisfied. 

Tailor the ingredients to your own tastes and dietary needs. For example, use dairy-free yogurt and make it vegan by omitting honey. Yogurt parfaits are endlessly adaptable for a quick and easy sweet treat any time of day.

Conclusion 

Indulge your sweet tooth with healthy homemade desserts. With smart swaps like fruit, yogurt, and natural sweeteners, you can transform traditional treats into nutritious options. These above-mentioned healthy desserts are just a few of the endless possibilities. Moreover, they are easy to make and provide lasting energy, not sugar crashes. So, ditch empty calories for wholesome recipes that let you enjoy dessert guilt-free.