Enjoying dessert doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure! With a few smart ingredient swaps, you can indulge in sweet treats that are just as tasty as they are good for you. From apple crisp to sweet potato brownies, we’ve rounded up our favorite healthy dessert makeovers to keep your sweet tooth happy without derailing your health goals. It’s your favorite treats, remixed.
UTHH’s top picks for the healthiest desserts
Store-bought desserts are notorious for being loaded with sugar, unhealthy oils, and other additives that don’t contribute to good health. Since excessive sugar intake and industrial seed oils can lead to issues like diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain, we want to avoid them as much as possible.
If you love a good treat but don’t want to sacrifice your health, switching to healthier dessert options means you can still indulge without the guilt. It’s a win-win!
Here’s a rundown of our favorite healthy dessert swaps.
Black bean brownies
These black bean brownies are a perfect example of a healthy dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Swapping out the traditional white flour for black beans makes these brownies lower in carbs but higher in protein and fiber. They’re a more nutritious alternative to conventional brownies that don’t lack in flavor or texture. But a heads up—you may want to make extras; these are a real crowd-pleaser!
Pro tip: Can’t (or don’t want to) eat them all right now? Freeze them! These brownies can be frozen for up to three months.
Avocado chocolate pudding
Made with just five ingredients, this creamy chocolate avocado pudding uses avocado as its base. It packs a punch of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and a smooth chocolatey texture without heavy cream. It’s a decadent dessert that’s also packed with nutrients.
Greek yogurt berry parfait
Simple yet satisfying, this parfait layers Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. It’s the perfect combination of a protein-rich treat with sweet, antioxidant-rich berries. Perfect for dessert, breakfast, or even a snack.
Pro tip: Want an extra crunch? Top it with some homemade granola for extra fiber and healthy fats.
Chia seed pudding
There’s no limit to the variations you can make with this delicious, nutritious chia seed pudding. Made with chia seeds, a superfood known for their high fiber and omega-3 content, almond milk (or any other type of milk), a dash of maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of cinnamon, this pudding is easy to make. It can last in the fridge for up to five days—the perfect dessert or on-the-go breakfast.
Need a little flavor inspo? Try these combos!
- Chocolate chia pudding
- Latte chia puddings (vanilla, chai, and mint mocha)
- Eggnog chia pudding
- Pumpkin pie chia pudding mousse
Banana oat cookies
Looking for something to do with those ripe bananas? Made with just a few simple ingredients—oats, bananas, and walnuts—these cookies are easy to make, naturally sweet, and full of protein, good fats, fiber, and B vitamins.
Almond flour chocolate chip cookies
Slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these almond flour chocolate chip cookies use almond flour instead of regular flour, making them a gluten-free dessert option that’s also higher in protein. They’re a delicious, healthier take on a classic favorite.
Coconut macaroons
These coconut macaroons forgo condensed milk, opting for egg whites to bind them and honey for natural sweetness. Coconut provides a dose of healthy fats, and a touch of dark chocolate makes these gluten-free cookies extra-decadent.
Want to spice up your macaroons? Try these new and exciting flavors!
- Lemon coconut macaroons (GF/DF)
- Dark chocolate macaroons
- Chocolate orange macaroons
- Almond macaroon bars
No-bake pumpkin energy balls
Not handy around the kitchen, but looking for a quick sweet fix? These energy balls taste like pumpkin pie and are ready in less than 15 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these energy bites combine pumpkin puree, oatmeal, and chia seeds for a delicious, nutrient-dense treat.
If you’re not a fan of pumpkin, here are some other flavor combos to try:
- Coconut chocolate chip no-bake energy balls
- Ginger cookie energy balls
- Chocolate peanut butter protein balls
- Fig and date energy balls
- Birthday cake cookie dough energy bites
- Mint brownie energy bites
Apple crisp
A healthier version of the traditional apple crisp, this gluten and dairy-free recipe uses old-fashioned oats instead of refined flour for a crispy topping and healthy fats from coconut oil instead of butter.
If you’re really looking to indulge, top it with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.
Pro tip: Make these in individual ramekins, bake them, and freeze them for when the sweets craving sneaks up! Let them thaw out slightly before warming on low in the oven.
Matcha green tea ice cream
This vegan, gluten-free matcha green tea ice cream uses matcha powder, which is rich in antioxidants, and a base of coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free dessert. Matcha can taste bitter, so we recommend experimenting with a small bit and adding more to taste before churning.
Zucchini bread
Zucchini and a touch of applesauce add moisture and nutrients to this zucchini loaf, making it a healthier alternative to regular sweet bread. It’s also low in sugar, high in fiber, and freezes perfectly.
Add some dark chocolate chips for an extra kick of antioxidants and magnesium!
Carrot cake bars
These one-bowl carrot cake bars are made with plant-based sweeteners, whole wheat flour, and a reduced amount of butter. Plus, lots of freshly grated carrots! Greek yogurt ups the protein content and creates extra-moist batter.
Gluten-free? Swap out the whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Berry sorbet
Ready in minutes, this refreshing and simple no-churn berry sorbet uses fresh berries (any mix you want) and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness. It’s a low-calorie treat that’s full of vitamins and antioxidants.
If you’re not a berry fan, change it with peach, mango, or melon lime sorbet.
Dark chocolate avocado truffles
These decadent chocolate avocado truffles replace heavy cream with avocado, providing a good punch of heart-healthy fats without sacrificing the rich and creamy texture. The addition of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate chips creates a bittersweet, delicious treat.
Sweet potato brownies
Using sweet potatoes in these brownies adds natural sweetness, moisture, vitamins, and fiber. It’s a rich, fudgy, healthier twist on a classic dessert.
Wrap up
We all know that exploring healthier dessert options can lead to better overall health and well-being, but now we want to hear from you! Try out these recipes and let us know which is your favorite!
As a bonus, send us pictures for extra “brownie” points. Discover how satisfying and nutritious desserts can be.
