Healthier Dessert Recipes
Yes, you are on a baking website with lots of butter and sugar-filled treats! But while my site focuses mainly on traditional dessert recipes, I also have a good handful of healthier recipes, and they’re usually what I bake the most often. I’ve spent quite some time in the kitchen developing recipes that incorporate more wholesome ingredients—think oats, fruit, nuts, yogurt, and unrefined sugars. Obviously not the healthiest, but much less refined. Things like this are important for anyone trying to eat more whole foods, or anyone who may have allergies to gluten or dairy. The recipes on this page, while on the healthier side, still hit the spot when you’re looking for a bite of something sweet. Flavor and fun—two things I simply won’t skimp on! Keep this list of 20+ healthy dessert recipes handy for the next time you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s more wholesome than, say, a piece of chocolate cake. Instead, try my chocolate coconut almond tart. It’s naturally vegan and gluten free, and I promise you won’t be bothered by the absence of butter and flour. Or enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh fruit atop my no-bake Greek yogurt fruit tart. In addition to being a lighter dessert option, I love serving this at breakfast or brunch, too. I hope you find some wholesome inspiration below. For even more healthier recipe ideas, I have 30+ healthy breakfast ideas for you, too.
What Makes a Recipe “Healthy”?
When labeling a recipe as “healthy,” remember that the term is relative. Like my healthy berry streusel bars and no-bake chocolate fudge oat bars, many of these recipes are made with healthier alternatives to traditional baking ingredients but still include some sugar (refined or unrefined). When it comes to labeling recipes as healthy, use the best judgement for YOU.
22 Healthy Dessert Recipes
Healthier Dessert Recipe: Greek Yogurt Pineapple Bars
My lightened-up Greek yogurt lemon bars get a makeover with this tasty tropical pineapple version. Greek yogurt takes the place of some of the cream cheese in these cheesecake-style bars for a refreshing, ultra creamy treat. While I do use a scant 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, these aren’t overly sweet. The pineapple flavor is really front and center, and pairs beautifully with a crispy, buttery graham cracker crust. It’s the same crust I use when making these light raspberry swirl cheesecake bars, too. For a piña colada-inspired version, swap half the vanilla extract with coconut extract.
