After a glorious November and December holiday season filled with cheese platters, nuts, and cookies (so. many. cookies), some of us come into the new year promising to pull back on our sugar intake in hopes of giving both our gallbladders and our waistbands some time to recover.
It's always great to add more fruits and veggies onto our plates, but not everyone is perfect when it comes to sticking to those "no more sugar" resolutions. Swearing off sugar is easier said than done, especially for those of us with a sweet tooth.
But being a member of Team Sweets doesn't mean having to give up on health and fitness goals entirely. With a little time in the kitchen and a few creative ingredient swaps, it's totally possible to make healthier versions of the same desserts that cause midnight cravings on the regular.
Unsweetened applesauce or pureed cooked apples can swap in for oil in many recipes. Adding plain nonfat Greek yogurt to a dessert is a great way to add creaminess, cut calories, and bring a boost of protein to a healthified (and still totally delicious) baked good. And even simple fruit can transform into a satisfying treat when it's whipped, frozen, and served like ice cream.
From fast and easy cinnamon rolls that are perfect for brunch and won't undo all that hard work in yoga class to crowd-pleasing chocolate cake, cookies, and cheesecakes, we've gathered 20 healthy dessert recipes that are so good, we promise no one will miss the classic versions at all.
Low Carb Raspberry Cream Bombs
Anyone living that low-carb life needs to try these no-cook low-carb raspberry cream bombs ASAP. Don't love raspberry? Sub in any flavor of sugar-free Jello.
Healthy Key Lime Pie
With 10 grams of protein per slice thanks to Greek yogurt, this healthier key lime pie packs a protein punch.
Nutella Brownie Cookies
Nutella addicts will love these delicious Nutella brownie cookies that use unsweetened applesauce as a healthier alternative to oil.
Skinny Vanilla Bean Donuts
These skinny vanilla bean donuts are less than 120 calories each, so it's totally cool to have two.
Brown Sugar Baked Peaches
These brown sugar baked peaches are super easy and a yummy way to get in a serving of fruit!
Greek Yogurt Fudge Brownies
These Greek yogurt fudge brownies taste so rich, no one will suspect they're protein packed and grain-free.
Healthy Cinnamon Rolls
Weekends were made for warm pastry. These 45-minute healthy cinnamon rolls are a sweet treat that won't undo that effort in the gym.
Edible Cookie Dough Dip
A healthy cookie dough dip we can eat from the bowl? Pass the apple slices or just hand us a spoon!
Skinny Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Treats
Vanilla yogurt and whipped topping tag in for ice cream to make these skinny strawberry frozen yogurt treats that are perfect as a late-night snack.
Healthy Chocolate Mousse
Coconut cream is the secret ingredient behind this light and fluffy healthy chocolate mousse that makes a great dinner party dessert.
Chocolate Quinoa Crisps
A healthified version of a chocolate crunch bar, having these chocolate quinoa crisps in the kitchen makes it easier to get through the grocery store checkout line without grabbing an impulse candy bar.
Healthified Pineapple Whip
A healthier version of a Disney classic, this Pineapple whip brings with it sweet daydreams of sunny vacations.
Healthy Cinnamon Carrot Cookies
Gluten- and refined sugar-free, these healthy cinnamon carrot cookies are the perfect sweet bite to get out of an afternoon energy slump.
Easy Skinny Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Everyone will want to know how to make these easy skinny strawberry oatmeal bars, even if sugar intake isn't a problem. They're just that good!
Greek Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Greek yogurt chocolate cookies are big on protein and even bigger on chewy, chocolatey goodness!
Chocolate Beet Cake with Chocolate Avocado Frosting
This chocolate beet cake with chocolate avocado frosting tastes so rich and decadent that no one will believe there are veggies lurking inside.
Skinny Lemon Bars
Stevia and Greek yogurt help keep these skinny lemon bars light, tangy and tasty.
Low-Carb Brownie Cheesecake
Need a showstopper dessert that won't send everyone into sugar overload? This low-carb brownie cheesecake is it.
Healthy Peanut Butter Cups
Get a guilt-free peanut butter fix with this four-ingredient healthy homemade peanut butter cup recipe.
Low-Carb Cherry Pie Bars
This low-carb cherry pie bake tastes as like summer in a pan, and there's no struggling with a fussy crust.
Pin It!
Add this graphic to your Pinterest boards for healthy desserts to get a sugar fix