Here’s to enjoying dessert on a regular basis while staying on track with your nutrient needs and goals! Of course it’s totally okay to treat yourself to your favorite sweets every now and then, but eating highly processed junk food too often can lead to all kinds of problems. Now don’t get me wrong- you can still enjoy plenty of delicious, sweet treats while also giving your body the nutrients it needs. Fruit is one of the best ways to satisfy any cravings for sweets you may have. There are even tons of upgraded chocolatey desserts that are so much more nutritious than their highly processed alternatives! That’s why breaking down desserts and sharing 6 of my favorite upgraded recipes with you.

Don’t be fooled by sugar bombs in disguise!

Highly processed desserts like the strawberry milkshake on the left may seem like an okay choice because they’re fruit flavored, but the truth is that you’d be much better off eating the fruit itself. Not only do processed desserts contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, and more, but they also come up short when it comes to giving your body nutrients. There are zero health benefits from consuming sweets like the highly processed milkshake on a regular basis. However, when you eat real fruit (even if you ate all 3 plates of strawberries), it provides your body with vitamins and minerals, natural sugars, and fiber which helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Additionally, it would be much more difficult to consume all three plates of strawberries than it would be to drink the milkshake with the same amount of sugar.
But that doesn’t mean that plain fruit is the only healthy dessert option out there! There are so many ways to satisfy a sweet tooth while staying on track with your goals. A few simple dessert options like fruit with chocolate, nuts, or nut butters are great for when you’re short on time or ingredients. However, if you’re looking to switch it up and add some new dessert recipes to your routine, I got you covered.  Weather you prefer tangy, fruit flavored sweets, classic combinations, or rich and chocolatey goodness, you will love these 6 Simple and Healthy Dessert Recipes!

Looking for something tarte and satisfying? These Vegan/Paleo Cheesecakes are perfect for you!

These delicious, mini cheesecakes won’t let you down. I love that they’re in pre-portioned sizes and you can customize them however you want! I used blueberries but feel free to substitute your favorite fruit like raspberries, blackberries, etc. This recipe makes about 10 servings. Thanks to minimalistbaker.com for her vegan cheesecake recipe that made it super easy to make this version! Full instructions below:

What you need for the crust:
1 cup raw pecans
1 cup packed pitted dates

For the filling:
1 1/2 cups quick soaked cashews (*boil a pot of water and pour the boiling water onto the cashews. Let soak for an hour)
1/3 cup coconut oil melted
2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 large lemon, squeezed
Blueberries (optional)

What to do:
1 – Add the pitted dates to food processor. Blend and set aside.
2 – Add the pecans. Process until smooth then add the dates back in and process to make the crust.
3 – Get out a muffin tin. Spray with oil and pack 1 tbsp of the curst into each tin ( 10 tins total)
4 – Add the cashews, coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut milk and lemon to the food processor. Blend until smooth.
5 – Evenly distribute into muffin tins.
6 – (optional) Add 1-2 cups blueberries to the food processor. Blend until smooth then add a layer to each cheesecake.
7 – Freeze for at least 2 hours up to 4 hours and then enjoy. (Note: helps if you let sit out for a few minutes then use a knife to cut around the rim and pop out)

Calories per mini cheesecake (doesn’t include blueberries): 360 cals, 5g protein, 30g carbs, 27g fat

Get creative with this refreshing and sweet treat!

I love colorful, fun snacks and this is perfect for hosting parties or just giving yourself a fun, healthy treat! Watermelon isn’t just delicious, it also has plenty of health benefits. Aside from being super hydrating (92% water), it also has 21% of your vitamin C, 18% of your vitamin A And 5% of your potassium. Watermelon is also full of antioxidants including Carotenoids, Lycopene & Cucurbitacin E. Instructions below:


What you need:
1 watermelon slice
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Handful of strawberries
Handful of raspberries
Handful of blueberries
1/2 tbsp of Mint

What to do:
Step 1: Cover the watermelon slice with Greek yogurt.
Step 2: Add the berries.
Step 3: Add the mint.
Step 4: Cut into slices.
Repeat for however many servings you want!

These sweet potato brownies are extremely decadent!

While is perfectly ok to treat yourself to the real deal every now and then, going for a healthy, homemade version on a regular basis will not only help your weight loss journey but will help also help your overall health. The homemade version is lower in sugar, higher in fiber and replaces white flour with coconut flour. Honestly I think this homemade version of these brownies are delicious AF.
What you need:
(To make 8 servings)
1 sweet potato
3 eggs, whisked
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup raw honey
3 tbsp coconut flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup dark cocoa chips
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
pinch of salt (optional)
What to do:
1- Bake sweet potato. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Poke holes with fork & bake for 25-35 minutes or until soft.
2- Once the sweet potato is soft, peel off the skin & mash it with a fork in a bowl. Turn your oven down to 350 degrees.
3- Add eggs, coconut oil, honey and stir together
4- Add dry ingredients: coconut flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and chocolate chips. Mix well.
5- Pour into an 8×8 glass baking dish
6- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
7- Let cool & enjoy!

If you like bananas, these banana popsicles are perfect for you:

These are not only hella delicious but also hella easy! Pretty much everyone I know can appreciate the classic banana & chocolate combo, so I thought I’d share these delicious way to take it to the next level. The best part about these is that you can have fun with the toppings and add whatever you like.
What you’ll need:⁠⠀
Popsicle sticks⁠⠀
6 bananas⁠⠀
1 bag chocolate chips ⁠⠀
½ tbsp coconut oil ⁠⠀
Toppings:⁠⠀
Coconut flakes ⁠⠀
Granola⁠⠀
Goji berries⁠⠀
Pistachios⁠⠀
Pomegranate seeds⁠⠀
Peanut butter ⁠⠀What to do:⁠⠀
1- Cut the bananas in half and insert 1 popsicle stick into each one. ⁠⠀
2- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl. ⁠⠀
3- Pour the chocolate into a mason jar. ⁠⠀
4- Dip each banana pop into the chocolate and set aside onto a plate with parchment paper. ⁠⠀
5- Add your desired toppings! ⁠⠀
6- Place in the freezer for at least an hour and a half.⁠⠀
7- Dig in! ⁠⠀

This upgraded version of the classic chocolate chip cookie is sure to impress:

Who doesn’t love a healthy dessert recipe?! I’m so happy that @itskitskitchen (check out her recipe page!) came up with this very innovative combination and allowed me to share it with you! It is such a satisfying combination and is made of all whole food ingredients! Full instructions below:⠀
Ingredients:⠀⠀⠀
1 cup packed blanched almond flour⠀⠀⠀
2 Tbsp full fat coconut milk⠀⠀⠀
2 Tbsp maple syrup⠀⠀⠀
1 tsp vanilla extract⠀⠀⠀
¼ cup chocolate chips⠀⠀⠀
*option to add some stevia too if you like it sweet⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀
What to do:⠀
1. Mix almond flour, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and stevia in a bowl.⠀⠀⠀
2. Mix in chocolate chips.⠀⠀⠀
3. Roll in 7 balls. ⠀⠀⠀
4. Enjoy right away or refrigerate for a thick cookie ball.⠀⠀⠀

Looking to switch it up? This avocado paleo pudding is so rich, creamy, and easy to make!

If you’re looking for a cleaner way to satisfy your sweet tooth, here’s a great option. Avocados are packed with fiber, potassium, vitamin k, folate & vitamin C and help give this treat its creamy texture. This also makes a great dip or mixture for fruit if you’re looking to keep your calories a little lower by not opting for a big serving size!

Note: Depending on how sweet you like it, you could add more or less honey or some stevia if you’re looking to keep sugar lower.

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2-4 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp water
Sea salt (optional)
Stevia (if you opt for less honey)Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor or high powered blender. Serve with fruit if desired.Makes about 2 bigger servings or 4 small servings that can be enjoyed with fruit.

These are just a few of my favorite dessert recipes but they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth! I’m always looking to try new recipes, so please share your favorites in the comments below!
xx,
Amanda