Whether you’re looking for a dessert with less sugar, fewer calories, or simply better-for-you ingredients, these healthy dessert recipes have something for every craving. From rich chocolate brownies and homemade cookies to no-bake treats and frozen favorites, there’s plenty to choose from without giving up dessert!
Healthy Sweet Treats That Don’t Feel Like a Compromise
I believe there’s room for dessert in a healthy diet, whether it’s a classic chocolate chip cookie or a version made with ingredients that better fit your goals. “Healthy” means something different to everyone, and you don’t have to give up the treats you enjoy to eat well.
I’ve spent years making desserts with simple ingredients, and I even wrote the Clean Treats Cookbook around that approach. Some days I want something chocolatey, other times something fruity or a little lighter. That’s why I’ve organized these recipes by what you’re looking for, whether it’s less sugar, fewer calories, or a dessert you don’t even have to bake.
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Low-Calorie Dessert Recipes
If you like to keep an eye on calories, these treats are listed at under 200 calories per serving in their recipe cards.
Low Fat Desserts
For a lighter option, these fruity, fun treats have 5 grams of fat or less per serving.
Clean Treats Cookbook
Healthy and wholesome dessert recipes you'll want to eat made with clean ingredients you already have on hand.
Grab your copy today!
Healthy Baked Dessert Recipes
When you’re in the mood to bake, these cakes, cookies, brownies, and fruit crisps are a great place to start.
High Fiber Desserts
These desserts get their fiber from ingredients like fruit, oats, nuts, and seeds, making them a little more filling than your typical sweet treat.
Low Sugar Desserts
When you want something sweet without a lot of added sugar, these recipes use everything from fruit to sugar alternatives to satisfy your cravings.
No-Bake Healthy Desserts
No oven needed! These no-bake treats use ingredients like nut butter, oats, seeds, and chocolate to make everything from chewy bites to dessert bars.
Healthy Chocolate Desserts
You don’t have to give up chocolate to make a healthier dessert! These brownies, chocolate bars, and creamy treats are for when nothing but chocolate will do.
Easy Healthy Frozen Desserts
I love having frozen treats ready to grab whenever a craving hits. From creamy frozen yogurt and fruity popsicles to homemade slushies, these are easy to make ahead and keep in the freezer.
50 Healthy Dessert Recipes
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup pecan pieces
- 2 pitted dates
Middle Layer
- 1 cup melted coconut butter
- 1 ¼ cups pitted dates
- ¼ cup hot water
Top Layer
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
Prep:
- Line a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. You'll need it to lift the bars out.
Make the first layer:
- To the bowl of a food processor, add the almonds, pecans, and dates. Cover and process until a thick dough forms. Transfer it into the lined baking dish and press down to form the crust.
- Melt the coconut butter and pour over the crust. Freeze for 1 hour or until firm.
Make the middle layer:
- Add the dates and hot water to the food processor and process until a thick paste forms. Spread the date mixture over the first layer and return to the freezer while you make the next layer.
Make the top layer:
- In a microwave-safe dish, combine the chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments until melted, stirring with a fork until smooth. You can also use a double boiler for this.
- Pour the chocolate over the first two layers and spread it evenly. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the chocolate and freeze until set, about 2 hours.
Serve and storage:
- Remove the dish from the freezer, let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes, then lift it out with the parchment paper. Slice it into 12 square bars.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Dhalia says
Loving these healthy desserts
Kelly says
Do you have an alternative flour for coconut that’s not almond flour?
Laura Fuentes says
Unfortunately, there is no substitute for coconut flour. I suggest you look for a similar recipe that was originally developed without it.
Kim says
All of these healthy desserts look amazing! I can hardly wait to cook my way down the list!