7 Healthier Dessert Recipes That Are Easy As Pie January 12, 2018
A tad less indulgent, but equally as delicious. You can take our word for it.
These seven better-for-you desserts work double duty to satisfy your sweet tooth while also fueling your resolutions. For the most part, each recipe calls for unrefined sources of sugar (think honey, maple syrup, or dates) and features a hidden fruit, veggie, or legume.
Get excited for everything from seasonal fruit platters to chocolate “nice” cream, avocado tartlets, zucchini muffins, and even black bean brownies.
If these seven stunners are any indication, 2018 is going to be a very delicious year.
1. Lemon Avocado Tartlets
The no-bake, mini tart has arrived. It’s called a tartlet, and it comes together with the help of some usual baking suspects (coconut, almonds, dates, lemon, honey) and one unexpected but very welcome guest: avocados. Get the recipe here — we have a feeling you’re going to love it.
2. Berry, Matcha, or Chocolate Nice Cream
We know, sometimes you need a bowl of mint chip. We support you and the chocolate syrup that goes on top, too. But we’re excited to fill you in on nice cream: a super healthy, banana-based alternative that packs all the sweet and yummy you crave without any of the cavities — and we’ve got the super simple recipes to prove it.
3. Nutty Coconut Bars
Sweetened only with honey and bulked up with a mixture of protein-packed almonds and cashews, these bars are a perfect post-dinner treat or afternoon snack. Snag the recipe here, and be sure to tag your culinary masterpieces with #HelloFreshPics so we can cheer you on along the way.
4. Cinnamon Apple Crepes
When the natural sweetness of apples meets the warming, aromatic flavors of cinnamon, not much added sugar is necessary — which is why this crepe recipe has earned a well-deserved spot on our list of better-for-you desserts.
5. Black Bean Brownies
Even our dietitian, Rebecca, has a sweet tooth, which is why she developed this black bean brownie recipe. With the help of a few key ingredient swaps (whole wheat flour for white flour, applesauce for sugar), you’ll feel even better reaching for seconds. Because let’s be honest, one is never enough. Get the recipe here.
6. Fruit Platters
If you’re like us and freezing your tush off this winter, fear not. There’s still a way to brighten up your dessert spread with in-season citrus, like grapefruit, blood oranges, clementines, and ordinary oranges. Slice ’em thin and arrange into layers for a #HelloFreshPics worthy presentation to take your mind off the fact that you’re basically living in the North Pole.
And for the lucky ones in warmer climates, feel free to experiment with seasonal berries, pineapple, melon, grapes, and kiwi. Arrange in a circular pattern or separate by color for a rainbow platter that’ll get even the pickiest of eaters excited about fruit.
7. Zucchini Muffins
Zucchini, being the high water content food that it is, works wonders to add moisture to breads and muffins alike — which makes it our go-to veggie come dessert.
These treats are slightly sweet and incredibly flavorful thanks to the addition of cinnamon and ginger — two warming autumnal spices. If you’re in a bind, feel free to skip the butterfly decorations and just top with a slather of frosting. But if not, we highly recommend it. Plus, the kids will LOVE it. Get the recipe here.
And for those wondering if all sugars are the same, look no further. We’ve broken down the key differences between natural and added sources of the sweet stuff.