I’ve always believed dessert belongs in a healthy life. The trick is making it with real ingredients so it’s something you feel good about sharing.
These healthy desserts include baked treats like brownies and apple crisp, easy frozen desserts and a few no-bake recipes that are perfect for the holidays.
What Makes These Desserts Healthier?
They’re made with whole-food ingredients like almond flour, fruit, nuts, olive oil, coconut milk and maple syrup. Many of them are gluten-free or dairy-free.
They’re still dessert, and that’s the point. Enjoy every bite.
14 Healthy Dessert Recipes
Lemon Olive Oil Cake (Gluten-Free)
A bright, tender gluten-free cake made with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon and olive oil.
Almond Flour Brownies (Fudgy & Gluten-Free)
Fudgy, chewy brownies made in one bowl with almond flour. Naturally gluten-free.
The Best Black Bean Brownies Recipe
Rich, fudgy brownies with a secret ingredient: black beans. Nobody will guess.
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe
Tart apples with lemon and orange zest under a crunchy gluten-free topping. One of my all-time favorites.
Amazing 1-Bowl Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe
A 1-bowl carrot cake loaf sweetened with maple syrup. Delicious on its own or with frosting.
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge (Made Healthy!)
Peanut butter, coconut oil and a little maple syrup. I keep these in the freezer for a quick treat.
Easy Banana Ice Cream Recipe (Dairy-Free, No Machine)
Just frozen bananas and a splash of almond milk. Creamy, dairy-free and no ice cream maker needed.
Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream with Coconut Milk
A blender chocolate ice cream made with coconut milk and cacao. No custard to cook.
No-Bake Raspberry Vegan Cheesecake
A no-bake raspberry cheesecake with a date and almond crust and a creamy coconut filling.
Perfect No-Bake Lemon Tart Dessert Recipe
About 15 minutes of prep, then it sets overnight in the freezer. A perfect make-ahead dessert.
Vegan Key Lime Pie Mousse Recipe
A silky key lime mousse made with avocado, soaked cashews and fresh lime juice.
Simple Dark Chocolate Vegan Truffle Recipe
Rich dark chocolate truffles with coconut oil, a splash of coffee and a dusting of cocoa.
Incredible Raw Vegan Mango Pie Recipe
A no-bake mango pie with a coconut and apple crust, fresh ginger and lemon zest.
Vanilla Cashew Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Creamy vanilla chia pudding made with homemade cashew milk and maple syrup.
FAQs About Healthy Desserts
What is the healthiest dessert?
Desserts built on fruit, like the banana ice cream and apple crisp, are some of the lightest. Chia pudding is another great choice with fiber and healthy fats.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes. The lemon olive oil cake, almond flour brownies, black bean brownies and apple crisp are all gluten-free. For cookies, see my gluten-free cookie recipes.
Which desserts can I make ahead?
The lemon tart, cheesecake, mango pie, fudge and truffles all set in the fridge or freezer, so make them a day ahead.
Bring the almond flour brownies to your next get-together and watch them disappear.
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