15 Healthy Desserts That Taste Way Too Good to Be Good for You

Eating well does not mean giving up dessert. These healthy desserts use fruit, yogurt, oats, nuts and dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you sluggish, and every slide includes an easy recipe. Want more ideas? Explore all of our dessert galleries..

Healthy Desserts You Will Actually Crave

If you think healthy desserts have to be boring, this kiwi chia pudding will change your mind. Tiny chia seeds soak up milk overnight and turn thick and creamy like tapioca, with fiber and omega 3 fats in every spoonful. Layers of yogurt, fresh kiwi and warm blueberry compote make it look like a café treat. Make a few jars on Sunday and dessert is ready all week..

You will need: 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup milk of your choice, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 kiwis and 1/2 cup blueberries.

How to make it: Stir the chia seeds, milk and maple syrup together, wait five minutes and stir again. Chill overnight until thick. Simmer the blueberries for five minutes until jammy. Press kiwi slices against the sides of two glasses, spoon in the chia pudding, add yogurt and top with blueberry compote.

Greek Yogurt Berry Parfait

A yogurt parfait is one of the easiest healthy desserts you can put together, and it looks beautiful in a glass. Thick Greek yogurt brings protein and creaminess, crunchy granola adds texture and fresh berries give natural sweetness. Layer it in a jar and it works as dessert, breakfast or an afternoon snack. A drizzle of honey on top is all the sugar it needs.

You will need: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup granola, 1 cup mixed berries, 1 tablespoon honey and a few mint leaves.

How to make it: Spoon a layer of yogurt into a glass or jar. Add a layer of berries, then a sprinkle of granola. Repeat the layers until the glass is full. Finish with a drizzle of honey and a mint leaf. Add the granola just before eating so it stays crunchy.

Dark Chocolate and Almonds

Sometimes the simplest treat is the best one. A few squares of dark chocolate with a handful of roasted almonds satisfy a sweet craving in seconds. Dark chocolate with 70 percent cocoa or more has less sugar than milk chocolate and a rich, deep flavor, while almonds add crunch and healthy fats. Keep a small portion in a bowl for a no fuss after dinner treat.

You will need: 2 ounces dark chocolate (70 percent or higher), 1/4 cup roasted almonds and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

How to make it: Break the chocolate into small squares. Toast the almonds in a dry pan for three to four minutes until fragrant, then let them cool. Arrange the chocolate and almonds on a small plate and sprinkle with a few flakes of sea salt. Enjoy slowly with a cup of tea or coffee.

Elegant Poached Pears

Poached pears look like a restaurant dessert, yet they are naturally light and simple to make. Whole pears simmer gently in spiced juice until they turn tender and take on a beautiful ruby color. The leftover liquid reduces into a glossy syrup to spoon over the top. Serve them warm or chilled with a spoonful of yogurt for a lighter finish.

You will need: 4 firm pears, 3 cups red grape juice or berry juice, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 whole cloves, 1 strip orange peel and 1 tablespoon honey.

How to make it: Peel the pears, leaving the stems on, and slice a little off the bottoms so they stand up. Bring the juice, spices, orange peel and honey to a simmer. Add the pears and cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning often, until tender. Remove the pears and boil the liquid until syrupy.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are a smarter choice when you want a real cookie. Rolled oats add fiber and a hearty, chewy texture, and a little cinnamon makes them taste warm and cozy. This version uses less sugar than most recipes and gets sweetness from raisins or chopped dates. They are perfect for lunch boxes and afternoon coffee breaks.

You will need: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/3 cup coconut oil, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 egg and 1/2 cup raisins.

How to make it: Mix the oats, flour, baking soda and cinnamon. In another bowl whisk the coconut oil, maple syrup and egg. Combine both and fold in the raisins. Scoop onto a lined tray, flatten slightly and bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden at the edges.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

It sounds strange, but ripe avocado blends into the silkiest chocolate mousse you will ever taste. You will not notice the avocado at all, only rich chocolate flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It needs no cream, no eggs and no cooking. This is one of those healthy desserts that surprises everyone at the table, so do not tell them the secret until they finish.

You will need: 2 ripe avocados, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup milk of your choice, 1 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt.

How to make it: Scoop the avocado flesh into a food processor. Add the cocoa, maple syrup, milk, vanilla and salt. Blend for two minutes, scraping down the sides, until completely smooth. Spoon into small jars and chill for at least 30 minutes. Top with fresh berries before serving.

Rainbow Fruit Salad

A big, colorful fruit salad is nature’s own dessert. Each color of fruit brings different vitamins and flavors, and the mix of sweet, juicy and tangy keeps every bite interesting. A light honey lime dressing makes the fruit shine and keeps it fresh longer. Serve it at brunch, barbecues or as a light finish after a heavy meal.

You will need: 2 cups strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, 2 kiwis, 1 mango, 2 oranges, 1 banana, 2 tablespoons honey and the juice of 1 lime.

How to make it: Wash and cut all the fruit into bite size pieces, adding the banana last so it does not brown. Whisk the honey and lime juice together. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently. Chill for 15 minutes before serving so the flavors come together.

No Bake Energy Balls

Energy balls are bite size healthy desserts that double as a pre workout snack. Oats, nut butter and a touch of honey hold them together, while coconut and chocolate chips make them taste like cookie dough. They take ten minutes to make and keep in the fridge all week. Grab two after the gym or pack them for school and road trips.

You will need: 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed.

How to make it: Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Chill the mixture for 20 minutes so it is easier to handle. Roll into one inch balls and roll some in extra coconut. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Oat Topped Berry Crumble

Berry crumble is a warm, comforting dessert that does not need a lot of sugar. Juicy berries bubble into a sweet sauce under a crunchy oat topping made with a little butter and maple syrup. Frozen berries work perfectly, so you can make it any time of year. Serve it warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream.

You will need: 4 cups mixed berries, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup almond flour, 3 tablespoons melted butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

How to make it: Toss the berries with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon maple syrup and spread them in a baking dish. Mix the oats, almond flour, butter, cinnamon and remaining syrup until crumbly. Scatter over the berries and bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Berry Banana Smoothie Bowl

A smoothie bowl is thick enough to eat with a spoon and pretty enough to photograph. Frozen bananas and berries blend into a creamy base that tastes like soft serve. Top it with fresh fruit, seeds and a little granola for crunch. It is a refreshing dessert on hot days and a great way to refuel after a workout.

You will need: 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1/3 cup milk or yogurt, plus sliced banana, blueberries, chia seeds and granola for topping.

How to make it: Add the frozen bananas, berries and milk to a blender. Blend on low, stopping to stir, until thick and smooth. Use as little liquid as possible so it stays spoonable. Pour into a bowl and arrange the toppings in neat rows. Eat right away before it melts.

Two Ingredient Mango Sorbet

This bright mango sorbet tastes like summer vacation, and it needs no ice cream maker. Frozen mango chunks blend with a little lime and honey into a smooth, scoopable treat. It is dairy free, naturally sweet and full of tropical flavor. Keep a bag of frozen mango in the freezer and you can make healthy desserts like this in five minutes.

You will need: 3 cups frozen mango chunks, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 to 2 tablespoons honey and a splash of water if needed.

How to make it: Let the mango sit at room temperature for five minutes. Add it to a food processor with the lime juice and honey. Blend, scraping the sides often, until smooth and creamy. Serve right away as soft sorbet, or freeze for one hour for firmer scoops.

Cinnamon Baked Peaches

Baking brings out the natural sugar in peaches, turning them soft, juicy and caramelized. A spoonful of oat crumble on top adds a cozy crunch, like a mini peach cobbler without the heavy crust. They are ready in about 25 minutes. Serve them warm with a dollop of yogurt or a small scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt.

You will need: 4 ripe peaches, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons chopped pecans and 1 tablespoon melted butter.

How to make it: Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Place them cut side up in a baking dish. Mix the oats, pecans, butter, honey and cinnamon and spoon a little into each peach. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the peaches are tender and the tops are golden.

Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark

Chocolate bark is a simple treat you can make with no baking at all. Melted dark chocolate is spread thin, topped with pistachios and dried fruit, then chilled and broken into pieces. Every piece has a mix of rich chocolate, salty crunch and chewy sweetness. It also makes a lovely homemade gift wrapped in a small bag.

You will need: 8 ounces dark chocolate, 1/3 cup chopped pistachios, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds and a pinch of sea salt.

How to make it: Melt the chocolate gently in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring each time. Spread it thin on a parchment lined tray. Scatter the pistachios, cranberries and seeds over the top and press lightly. Sprinkle with salt and chill for 30 minutes, then break into pieces.

Chewy Oat and Date Bars

Store bought granola bars are often loaded with sugar, but homemade oat and date bars use dates for natural sweetness. They are chewy, filling and perfect for busy mornings or a post workout snack. Make a pan on Sunday and you will have healthy desserts and snacks ready all week. Wrap them one by one for easy grab and go treats.

You will need: 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup pitted dates, 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/4 cup honey, 1/2 cup chopped nuts and 1/4 cup dried cranberries.

How to make it: Blend the dates in a food processor until they form a sticky paste. Warm the almond butter and honey together. Mix the dates, oats, nuts and cranberries in a bowl and stir in the warm mixture. Press firmly into a lined 8 inch pan and chill for one hour before cutting into bars.

Cherry Yogurt Popsicles

Kids and adults both love these creamy cherry yogurt popsicles. They are made with real fruit and Greek yogurt, so they feel like a treat without a sugar crash. The swirls of cherry look gorgeous when you pull them from the mold. Keep a batch in the freezer for hot afternoons, and you will never miss the ice cream truck.

You will need: 2 cups Greek yogurt, 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries, 3 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How to make it: Blend half of the cherries with 1 tablespoon honey until smooth. Stir the yogurt with the remaining honey and vanilla. Chop the rest of the cherries and fold them into the yogurt. Layer the yogurt and cherry puree in popsicle molds, swirl with a stick and freeze for at least six hours.