The holiday season is upon us, which means one thing and one thing only: dessert. Lots and lots of dessert.
That said, just because you have some sweet treats in front of you doesn’t mean all your health and nutrition goals need to go out the window. In fact, there are a slew of healthy(ish) dessert recipes out there that are just waiting to be discovered!
Here, we highlight 5 of our favorite go-to desserts for a healthy (not to mention, sweet!) holiday season.
Gingerbread Cookies
Ah, what’s Christmas without some soft, warm, and chewy gingerbread cookies? We particularly love this recipe from Physical Kitchness, as it’s paleo, vegan, and gluten-free. Pro tip: dunk your leftovers in your coffee for breakfast. Trust us: you won’t regret it.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Yes, you read that right. If you’re looking for a tasty slice of (healthy) pumpkin pie, opt for this recipe by The Clean Eating Couple. The bars taste just like classic pumpkin pie, while being totally paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, and grain-free. Best of all? You can swap out regular sugar for the Health Garden variety!
Caramel Apple Bites
Santa’s cheat-free desserts are just as good, and this Caramel Apple Bites recipe is proof of it. While we all know that apples are a nutritious source of key nutrients, we also realize that dipping them in caramel adds several notes of sweetness— and calories. So, while we are die-hard fans of this deliciously sweet recipe, we also must advise you to tread lightly…
Paleo Brownies
This year, paleo brownies are your BFF. And before you ask… Yes, they’re a thing! We particularly love this recipe from Delish, but kindly suggest you opt for our Health Garden sweeteners and honey *wink-wink* when gathering your ingredients.
Strawberry Santas
Strawberries, bananas, and ricotta cheese— that’s all you need to whip up a Strawberry Santa, according to My Kids Lick the Bowl. The easy-peasy recipe takes just minutes to make, and is totally yummy. Not to mention, it’s also great for getting the kids involved. Pro tip: If you’re not a fan of ricotta cheese, feel free to swap it out for cream cheese or any other spread of your choosing.
