These desserts are sure to satisfy a sweet tooth! All of the recipes below are designed by Registered Dietitians. They’re packed with nutritious ingredients that support a healthy waistline and healthy aging!
Having some healthier versions of your favorite sweet treats can help you stay on track with your healthy eating efforts. These tasty options can replace processed packaged desserts that are typically loaded with added sugar.
While these desserts are on the healthier side, they do contain sugar and calories. Therefore, they should be consumed in moderation, just like any other dessert.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Stuffed Cookies
This recipe has the flavors of a yummy peanut butter and jelly sandwich in cookie form!
Elise Harlow, Registered Dietitian and owner of The Flourished Table, includes both traditional and gluten free instructions.
What makes this a healthier cookie?
- Peanut Butter is rich in a variety of nutrients including protein, vitamin E, and Iron. It also contains healthy fats that may reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Coconut Sugar is higher in minerals, vitamins C, B vitamins, and antioxidants than regular cane sugar. However, it is still sugar and therefore will increase your blood sugar.
Raspberry & White Chocolate Blondies– sure to satisfy a sweet tooth!
A blondie is a dessert bar that resembles a brownie. It is different from a brownie in that it substitutes vanilla for cocoa.
This Blondie recipe was created by Registered Dietitian Kate Reeder from Table Nutrition. These delicious treats contain white chocolate chips and freeze dried raspberries.
What makes this a healthier dessert?
The freeze dried raspberries pack a nutritional punch! Freeze-drying removes the water and keeps the nutrients, leaving behind a tart raspberry flavor that’s sure to satisfy a sweet tooth!
Raspberries are a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. They are also one of the lowest sugar fruits!
Peanut Butter, Banana, & Dark Chocolate Truffles
This truffle recipe was created by Registered Dietitian Lindsey Pine at Tasty Balance Nutrition.
Lindsey’s recipe is simple with just 4 ingredients – bananas, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and a little oil to thin out the chocolate for dipping.
These make for a tasty freezer treat when a sugar craving hits!
What makes these truffles a healthier option?
- Bananas contain fiber and are a good source of Potassium. The mineral Potassium lowers blood pressure and reduces your risk of heart disease.
- Peanut Butter, as discussed above in the PBJ cookies, is rich in a variety of nutrients including protein, vitamin E, and iron. It also contains healthy fats that may reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Dark chocolate also benefits the heart. It is high in inflammation-fighting antioxidants. It is also linked to a lower risk of diabetes and cognitive decline.
Triple Berry Nectarine Crisp to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth
This healthier version of a fruit crisp is brought to you by Registered Dietitian Melissa Traub from Plant-Based Nutrition.
What makes this fruit crisp a healthier option?
- Nectarines are rich in vitamin C & vitamin A, along with fiber and antioxidants. This summer fruit may improve immunity and promote longevity.
- Berries contain fiber, vitamins & minerals, and fiber. They are rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation, decreasing your risk of chronic diseases.
- Old fashioned oats have several health benefits including lowering cholesterol, improving digestive health, and promoting a healthy weight.
- Almond flour contains vitamin E & magnesium.It is lower in carbs than traditional flour, and may lower “bad” cholesterol.
Satisfy a Sweet Tooth with Vegan Blondies
This recipe was created by Registered Dietitian Leanne Ray from Healthy (ish) Appetite.
These vegan blondies are 100% whole grain with less sugar than traditional blondies.
What makes this a healthier dessert?
- Whole wheat flour is high in fiber and can help lower cholesterol.
- Almond flour contains vitamin E & magnesium.It is lower in carbs than traditional flour, and may lower “bad” cholesterol.
- Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, and is a common ingredient in hummus. It contains healthy fats along with vitamins and minerals. Tahini also contains antioxidants that can decrease your risk of chronic disease. It keeps baked items moist and allergy friendly.
Takeaways
Dessert is perfectly fine to have in moderation. If you crave sugar regularly, it can be helpful to have some healthier options available.
The recipes above contain a variety of wholesome ingredients that support overall wellness and healthy aging.
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Kathryn is a Registered Dietitian and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is also Certified through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Weight Management.
A delicious list of ideas! Thanks so much for including the blondies! 🙂
Thanks Kate! I am excited to make them soon!