We'll start by saying that "healthy" and "dessert" can absolutely be uttered in the same sentence, because there isn't a written rule that dessert can't be part of a balanced diet. The lightest desserts pare down on added sugar and dairy, and still taste downright delightful. No matter the reason you might be looking to cut back on sugar or carbs, you'll feel great treating yourself to these yummy desserts, many of which feature healthy fruits and veggies that can be naturally sweet all on their own.
Our favorite desserts taste decadent but are not loaded with excess sugar. For example, you can enjoy a frozen treat by using fun popsicle molds — it's a great way to create fun desserts for the whole family; but you can also simply grab a bowl and use your freezer to make DIY ice cream on the fly. How do you sneak veggies into dessert, you might wonder? In pies and cakes, of course, as fresh produce like beets can help add a nutritious punch to any batter.
Follow up your healthy weeknight dinner with one of these nourishing dessert recipes. Some of these dessert ideas are vegan-approved, nearly all are low in sugar (maybe even sugar free!), and a few are designed to fit into trendy diet plans like Whole30, paleo and the keto diet, if that's your thing.
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1
3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
Do you have dark chocolate, marshmallows, and a bit of heavy cream? In 10 minutes, you can whip up this delightfully simple fluffy treat.
Get the recipe for 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse »
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2
Easiest-Ever Fruit Ice Cream
First timers, don't fret! Making ice cream from scratch is super easy, as you'll choose your favorite fruit and blend it into condensed milk, honey, and a pinch of salt. Our approach is even vegan friendly if you pick up an alt condensed milk.
Get the recipe for Easiest-Ever Fruit and Coconut Ice Creams »
RELATED: 16 Best DIY Vegan Ice Creams
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3
Fudgy Beet Brownies
Selecting bittersweet chocolate and brown sugar in place of other alternatives, and doubling down on fresh beets makes these brownies velvety smooth.
Get the recipe for Fudgy Beet Brownies »
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4
Watermelon Granita
Introducing the easiest summer dessert: a sweet, refreshing slushie made with sugar, water and chopped watermelon. You can cut down on the sugar if you find an extra-sweet fruit!
Get the recipe for Watermelon Granita »
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5
Lemon Mascarpone Parfaits
Want to surprise dinner guests with a super cool dessert? This make-ahead dessert brings the "wow" factor when served in the right dish.
Get the recipe for Lemon Mascarpone Parfaits »
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6
Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumbles
Harvesting in-season ingredients from your garden or the farmer's market can make dessert so much more flavorful. This fresh spring rhubarb recipe eliminates the need for a full pie crust.
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumbles »
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7
Pecan-Stuffed "Baked" Apples
Take all the same ingredients from a decadent apple pie, but ditch the crust. Bonus: These apples are actually "baked" in your slow cooker, so you can just set and forget 'em.
Get the recipe for Pecan-Stuffed "Baked" Apples »
RELATED: 40 Apple Desserts That Are Delicious to the Core
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8
No-Churn Mango-Berry Ice Cream
To make this low-sugar ice cream, simply blitz your ingredients in a processor, then let it set to perfection in a loaf pan in the freezer.
Get the recipe for No-Churn Mango-Berry Ice Cream »
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9
Ruby Red Grapefruit Tartlets
Pie lovers understand that cravings for a crumbly crust must be satisfied.
Get the recipe for Ruby Red Grapefruit Tartlets »
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10
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mostly, these vegan treats stack up pretty similarly in nutrition compared to regular cookies — but the omission of butter reduces the saturated fat you'll be eating.
Get the recipe for Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies »
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11
Peach Galette
Raspberries and peaches are nature's candy — they reduce the need for ample cups of sugar in this dessert. Simply arrange and bake!
Get the recipe for Peach Galette »
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12
Grilled Pineapple
Dressed in ample coconut sugar and cinnamon, pineapple takes on a whole new flavor when caramelized on the grill. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect soft counterpart to its irresistible crunch.
Get the recipe for Grilled Pineapple »
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13
Lemon-Maple Icebox Cake
You'll cut a bunch of calories and sugar at the same time by swapping full dairy in this cake's filling for Greek yogurt. Plus, it's ready to serve after just 2 hours in the fridge.
Get the recipe for Lemon-Maple Icebox Cake »
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14
Fresh Fruit Cheesecake Pie
The addition of a medley of bright citrus and sweet blueberries and strawberries cuts the need for ample sugar in this gorgeous pie.
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15
Better-for-You Oatmeal Creme Pies
We love how Jamie Vespa, MS, RD, reimagined the classic candy aisle snack. You'll bring this lower-sugar pie to life with coconut sugar, plenty of walnuts, and whole grains.
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16
No-Bake Watermelon "Cake"
Even a baking novice can pull off this impressive dessert: Slice the ends and rinds off a watermelon, frost with frozen whipped topping and serve!
Get the recipe for No-Bake Watermelon "Cake" »
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17
Magic Mini Pavlovas
These crunchy meringue shells are vegan thanks to a simple swap — you whip the liquid from canned chickpeas (a.k.a. aquafaba) instead of the standard egg whites. Each treat clocks in at under 50 calories. Amazing!
Get the recipe for Magic Mini Pavlovas »
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18
Strawberry Coconut-Crust Cheesecake
A gluten-free cake? Sign us up! Plus, subbing coconut for graham crackers in the crust slashes sugar and carbs while preserving a proper crumbly texture.
Get the recipe for Strawberry Coconut-Crust Cheesecake »
RELATED: 25 Gluten-Free Desserts That Will Be the Hit of Any Party
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19
Cake Batter Fudge
If you're itching for a fudge fix, Gracie Gordon's super simple 4-ingredient make up for a DIY fudge contains less sugar overall. You'll need to use boxed cake mix, but unsalted butter and condensed milk help to create a quick fudge base.
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20
Keto Peanut Butter Cups
Everyone working their way through the keto diet know it's all about the fat bombs. This updated take on a treat made famous by Reese's incorporates coconut oil and sugar-free chocolate chips into a rich PB base.
