August 28, 2020
updated
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From soft, baked cookies to no-bake treats, there’s something for everyone in this post where I share 35 healthy dessert recipes.
There are delicious ideas for every occasion that taste indulgent and just because you want to eat better and make more mindful decisions doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your favorite desserts!
Healthy Desserts
I should add that the word healthy means something different for everybody. In the 80s, 90s, and into the 2000s, healthy meant low-fat recipes.
We know this because there were lots of fad diets and many companies introduced a low-fat and non-fat version of may products. Unfortunately, the fat became replaced by sugar and thickening agents; creating products that almost tasted like the original but with added ingredients.
Thankfully, today most of us have our own definition of “healthy” mostly tailored to our personal health goals. The recipes you’ll find in this post are made with clean and simple ingredients with nothing artificial so they can support your healthy lifestyle and eating goals.
From time to time, it’s ok to eat a baked brownie or a fresh chocolate chip cookie, whether it’s a clean recipe or not, but wanting to find a healthier version is hopefully why you’re here.
Balance is the key to a healthy relationship with food, which includes enjoying your favorite treats from time to time. They even have a place in the Family Kickstart, a clean eating meal plan for families.
The Kickstart Program swaps highly-processed, artificial foods for wholesome, nutritious meals made with REAL ingredients. And after many families going through the program, most have requested me to come up with healthy desserts like the Pineapple Whip and No-Bake Blondies, which are OK to eat even on a clean eating plan.
I even created an entire cookbook dedicated to healthy desserts made with clean ingredients, the Clean Treats Cookbook!
If you’re looking to reduce processed foods and eat cleaner with your family, download the start guide here. It gives you an idea of the recipes you can enjoy in the Family Kickstart Program, how to stock your pantry, and tips on how to achieve your clean eating goals with your family.
Low-Calorie Dessert Recipes
While I don’t keep calorie count, I know it can help others stick to their goals. The recipes below are all below 200 calories per serving- that’s pretty darn good for a dessert!
No-Bake Healthy Desserts
Ah, the no-bake section. Who doesn’t love biting into a chewy, delicious protein bite or no-bake bar? Here, you’ll find all those things but made with the quality ingredients like all-natural nut butter, oats, seeds, dark chocolate, and honey.
Healthy Chocolate Desserts
Chocolate lovers rejoice because this part is all about YOU! There’s no shortage of delicious ways to get your chocolate fix without the guilt, and these healthy chocolate desserts help you do just that!
Easy Healthy Desserts
These healthy desserts are the perfect easy, quick fix when you need something on the fly. Items like the muffins, frozen yogurt, and popsicles can be made ahead and readily available for an afternoon pick me up.
The smoothies can double as both breakfast or dessert. Imagine, something that’s good for you yet tastes irresistible.
Keto Desserts
It can be a challenge to find Keto desserts that taste good and will not mess up your macros but these two recipes and storebought treats are my go-to desserts whenever I’m doing Keto!
Paleo Desserts
Who said there’s no room for something sweet on paleo? I’m not talking about fresh fruit sweet but something, baked and delicious, kind of like chocolate cake!
Yes, you read that right, there is an actual chocolate cake that’s both out-of-this-world and paleo-approved so you can have your cake and eat. It. Too!
Whole30 Desserts
Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be any more, these Whole 30 friendly recipes are made with minimal ingredients and added natural sweeteners. The Pineapple Whip and 2 Ingredient Magic Cookies are still household favorites.
Some people think there is only one way to do a Whole30- hardcore and more power to them, but with a family that’s not always the best approach.
That’s the #1 reason I created the Family Kickstart. It organizes everything for you and breaks each week down with a completed shopping list, prep guide, and helpful tips so you can make clean eating no big deal!
While the focus is on eliminating processed and junk foods, it gives room for the kids to grow and learn how to enjoy fresh meals made with better ingredients. Desserts included!
35 Healthy Dessert Recipes
Ingredients
No-Bake Chocolate Chip Blondies
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut flour, sifted
- ½ cup mashed banana
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8×4 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the banana, add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. Once the mixture is cohesive and creamy, add in the coconut flour and combine well. The final step is to add in chocolate chips and combine.
- Spread mixture into a lined pan with your hands, pressing down and spreading evenly, to about ½ thick. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Picking up the parchment paper, remove from pan and cut into individual squares.
- You can wrap them individually or in an airtight container and refrigerate them for a week. They can also be wrapped individually and frozen for up to a month.
Dhalia
Loving these healthy desserts
Kelly
Do you have an alternative flour for coconut that’s not almond flour?
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately, there is no substitute for coconut flour. I suggest you look for a similar recipe that was originally developed without it.
Kim
All of these healthy desserts look amazing! I can hardly wait to cook my way down the list!