Healthy, Easy Low Calorie Desserts: Recipes and Classes

Just because you’re following a healthy diet, doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite desserts. There are lots of ways to satisfy a sweet craving that won’t throw you off track. Read on to discover how to make healthy desserts and 20 easy dessert recipes that not only taste good, but are good for you, too! 

20 Healthy Desserts Perfect for Anyone in the Family

1. Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These oatmeal raisin cookies have no flour, butter, eggs, dairy, or refined sugar. Nutritious oats replace all-purpose flour, unsweetened applesauce makes the perfect substitute for butter, and maple syrup offers a natural sweetness.

2. Baked Peaches

Peaches are loaded with vitamins and minerals, so they’re a perfect option for healthy desserts. Simply bake peach halves with a sweet glaze to bring out their natural flavors, and serve them with a bit of vanilla ice cream, ricotta, or mascarpone cheese.  

3. Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds fuel your body with healthy carbs, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. Try making chia seed pudding with flavors like chai, green matcha and coconut, banana-strawberry, or chocolate for a delicious breakfast or snack.

4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

If you’re looking for easy healthy desserts, chocolate-covered strawberries should be your go-to. They require only two ingredients and come together in just a few minutes. Strawberries are naturally sweet, juicy, and loaded with good-for-you nutrients. And a little chocolate can be healthy too, especially if you use dark or sugar-free chocolate.

5. Skinny Banana Bread

Here’s a healthy twist on a classic banana bread recipe. Bananas add lots of natural sweetness to baked goods, so you can get away with just a few tablespoons of added sugar. This recipe also uses no oil and just two tablespoons of butter, making it the ultimate low-calorie snack. 

6. Healthy Apple Crisp

If you’re looking for healthy apple desserts, try this healthy version of the classic apple crisp. Naturally sweet apples are mixed with almond flour and warm spices to create the filling, while a mixture of oats, coconut chips, ground flaxseeds, and nuts make the perfect crispy topping.

7. Healthy Carrot Cake

Nothing says healthy like making dessert out of vegetables! This carrot cake is sugar-free, gluten-free, oil- and butter-free, and low-carb. The recipe uses coconut flour, a keto sweetener, Greek yogurt, and of course, carrots, to achieve the most tender and moist cake texture.

8. Healthy Pumpkin Pie

Looking to fill your Thanksgiving table with healthy pumpkin desserts? This healthy pumpkin pie is creamy and rich, full of warm pumpkin spices, and made with a healthy homemade pie crust. It also happens to be vegan! 

9. Chickpea Blondies

Did you know you could make easy desserts out of chickpeas? And no, you can’t taste them at all! The chickpeas help create a fudgy batter without using tons of flour, sugar, and oil. Use a keto sweetener and sugar-free chocolate chips to make these blondies even healthier! 

10. Black Bean Brownies

Make blondies with chickpeas and brownies with black beans. The result is the same—fudgy, chewy, irresistible treats that also happen to be high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Masked by the rich chocolate flavor and a touch of coffee, you’ll never be able to tell that beans are the main ingredient. 

11. Keto Fat Bombs

If you’re following a low carb or keto diet, fat bombs are an easy way to make sure you’re fueling your body with enough healthy fats. This particular recipe combines edible cookie dough and brownie dough, dipped in rich sugar-free chocolate. Just don’t eat them all at once! 

12. Dairy-Free Coconut Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is a traditional Italian dessert, made with heavy cream and lots of sugar. However, you can make this healthier version using yogurt and a sugar-free sweetener. Top it with your favorite fruit or berries for extra sweetness and flavor. It’s delicious and refreshing, and the probiotics in the yogurt are great for your gut health, too!

13. Avocado Chocolate Mousse 

This avocado chocolate mousse is one of the most heart-healthy desserts you can make. Avocados reduce cholesterol levels, while dark chocolate provides antioxidants, which can lower your risk of heart disease. Sweetened with a sugar-free sweetener, this is a dessert you can feel good about. 

14. Healthy Nice Cream

If you’ve never heard of “nice cream,” you’re in for a real treat. Blended in a food processor, frozen bananas take on a smooth, creamy texture that’s surprisingly similar to ice cream. Plus, bananas are naturally sweet, so there’s no need for added sweetener. Keep it plain or add in your favorite flavors like vanilla, peanut butter, chocolate, or strawberry. 

15. Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Here’s another dessert with a hidden serving of vegetables. This chocolate bread is low in sugar and gluten- and dairy-free, but still irresistibly rich and moist. It’s made with shredded zucchini, unsweetened applesauce, dairy-free milk, and a bit of coconut sugar. It can be made vegan, too! 

16. Frozen Yogurt Bark

You likely already know that frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative to ice cream. But have you ever tried to make it into bark? Simply pour yogurt onto a lined baking pan, sprinkle in your favorite toppings like berries, nuts, or coconut chips, and freeze until firm. Keep the bark pieces in the freezer and enjoy them on a hot summer day! 

17. Grilled Pineapple

Pineapple is great as it is, but grilling it takes it to the next level. Throw slices of pineapple on the grill and see for yourself. It gets a softer texture, a sweeter flavor, and a delicious caramelized crust. Top it with a scoop of ice cream and you’ve got yourself a warm, refreshing summer treat. 

18. Smoothie Popsicles

Popsicles are a classic summer treat. Make them healthier by swapping out fruit juice for a smoothie. Simply blend fruit with your choice of yogurt and a bit of honey, and pour into your popsicle molds. Try it with peaches, oranges, mango, or berries! 

19. Coconut Flour Muffins

These muffins are loaded with protein and fiber, thanks to the coconut flour. The mashed banana adds sweetness and moisture to the batter but doesn’t overpower the flavor. With simple and wholesome ingredients, these taste just as good as, if not better than, regular muffins! 

20. Healthy Cheesecake Bites

These bite-sized cheesecakes are made with ingredients you can feel good about, like Greek yogurt and almond flour. They’re low-fat, low-sugar, and gluten-free, but taste just as delicious as regular cheesecake! 

What Dessert Has the Least Calories?

Some of the desserts above, though healthy and nutritious, are a bit high in calories. If your goal is to reduce your calorie intake, look for healthy desserts that rely on fruit as the main ingredient. Peaches, grapefruit, strawberries, and watermelon are all great low-calorie options. Combine them with low-fat yogurt for a creamy taste, or add a bit of dark chocolate, or sugar-free sweetener to satisfy a sweet craving. 

No matter your health goal, all of these healthy desserts are great options, as long as they’re consumed in moderation. 

What Makes a Healthy Dessert?

A Beginners Guide to Healthy Desserts: Ingredients and Baking Recipes

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Written By

Sayana Lam

Sayana is a musician, writer and graphic designer based in Toronto, Canada.

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