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    Home / Roundups

    31 Healthy Dessert Recipes That Make Skipping Sugar Way Too Easy

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Mar 23, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Cutting back on sugar doesn’t have to mean skipping dessert. These healthy dessert recipes prove you can keep things sweet without piling on the processed stuff. They use ingredients that bring plenty of flavor on their own, so you won’t even miss the usual sugar overload. Perfect for anyone who wants a treat that feels indulgent but actually leans on smarter choices. Once you try them, your regular desserts might start collecting dust.

    A bowl with peach crumble topped with three scoops of vanilla ice cream and a spoon. A striped cloth and a baking dish with more crumble are visible beside it.
    Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

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    Frozen Yogurt with Berries

    A close-up of a yogurt cup topped with blueberries and strawberry slices in a white silicone mold, placed on a white plate. A red and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the background.
    Frozen Yogurt with Berries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Frozen Yogurt with Berries is proof that dessert can be fun, festive, and actually good for you. This refreshing treat brings together creamy yogurt and juicy berries for a cool bite that screams summer. With all the flavor and none of the nonsense, it’s no wonder this one belongs on any list of healthy dessert recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt with Berries

    Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

    Two oatmeal cookies on a white plate, featuring a crumbly texture and visible oat flakes, set against a soft-focused gray background.
    Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies are the kind of snack that makes you forget they’re actually a better-for-you option. Soft, chewy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, these cookies bring oats, almond flour, and coconut oil together for a simple treat that works any day of the week. When you want healthy dessert recipes that don’t taste like cardboard, this is where you start.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

    Air Fryer Pineapples

    Sliced pinieapples sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
    Air Fryer Pineapples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air Fryer Pineapples take an already sweet fruit and turn it into something next-level. The air fryer caramelizes every bite, giving it a golden edge that makes it feel like dessert without overcomplicating things. Whether it’s a quick snack or part of your go-to healthy dessert recipes, this one’s a no-brainer.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

    3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies

    A stack of round cookies on a plate with one cookie partially eaten. A glass of milk is in the background.
    3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies prove that simple is always better. With no unnecessary extras, these cookies bring rich almond butter flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. If you’re hunting for healthy dessert recipes that require zero effort, these cookies are ready to step up.
    Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies

    Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

    A large chocolate chip cookie with a piece broken off, next to a glass of milk and a bowl of chocolate chips on a white surface.
    Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie is exactly what you need when you’re craving something warm and gooey—without the regret. It’s got all the melty chocolate goodness of a classic cookie, but in a portion that makes sense. Because when it comes to healthy dessert recipes, balance is everything.
    Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

    Almond Biscotti

    A plate of almond biscotti with a small bowl of chocolate sauce on a blue and white striped cloth. Almonds are scattered around.
    Almond Biscotti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Almond Biscotti brings all the crunch without the extra fluff. Dipped in coffee or eaten straight up, this lightly sweet, nutty cookie makes snack time feel a little more put-together. For anyone who loves healthy dessert recipes with a little snap, this one’s an easy win.
    Get the Recipe: Almond Biscotti

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

    Air-fried cinnamon apples on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are what happens when simple ingredients do all the heavy lifting. With warm cinnamon and natural sweetness, these apples taste like a shortcut to homemade pie filling—minus the work. If healthy dessert recipes had a comfort food category, this would be the star.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

    Coconut Flour Brownies

    Fork holding a slice of a chocolate brownie with chocolate chips on a white plate.
    Coconut Flour Brownies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Coconut Flour Brownies bring all the fudgy goodness without the extra baggage. Made with coconut flour, they’re dense, rich, and everything you want in a chocolate fix. Finding healthy dessert recipes that still feel indulgent isn’t always easy, but these brownies make it happen.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Flour Brownies

    Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Cookies

    A stack of chocolate chip cookies on a white plate, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside.
    Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Cookies are proof that a cookie can be both chewy and wholesome at the same time. The coconut flour gives them a soft texture while the chocolate chips bring just the right amount of sweetness. When you need healthy dessert recipes that actually feel like dessert, this one checks every box.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Cookies

    Gluten-Free Keto Pecan Pie Bars

    A piece of pecan pie on a white plate with a fork.
    Gluten-Free Keto Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Gluten-Free Keto Pecan Pie Bars bring all the buttery, nutty goodness of classic pecan pie, minus the sugar overload. The crunchy topping and rich filling make these bars a go-to for anyone who wants a treat that doesn’t wreck their goals. Because healthy dessert recipes shouldn’t mean giving up your favorites.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Keto Pecan Pie Bars

    Keto Coffee Shortbread Cookies

    Three chocolate chip cookies stacked on a white plate.
    Keto Coffee Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Keto Coffee Shortbread Cookies combine rich coffee flavor with the crumbly, buttery texture that makes shortbread a classic. These low-carb cookies are perfect for dunking, snacking, or pretending you’re fancier than you are. With healthy dessert recipes like this, cutting carbs doesn’t feel like a punishment.
    Get the Recipe: Keto Coffee Shortbread Cookies

    Avocado Brownies

    A brownie square topped with chocolate chips, surrounded by other brownies and scattered chocolate chips on brown parchment paper.
    Avocado Brownies. Photo credit: 100 Days Of Real Food.

    Avocado Brownies take fudginess to another level, thanks to creamy avocado sneaking in some extra goodness. Rich, chocolatey, and way better than they have any right to be, these brownies make every bite count. If you’re looking for healthy dessert recipes that don’t feel like a compromise, this is the one to try.
    Get the Recipe: Avocado Brownies

    Cottage Cheese Brownies

    Close-up of several chocolate brownies topped with chocolate chips, showcasing their rich, moist texture.
    Cottage Cheese Brownies. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Cottage Cheese Brownies bring the kind of fudgy texture you’d never expect from something packed with protein. The cottage cheese blends right in, leaving behind nothing but a ridiculously rich and chewy bite. When it comes to healthy dessert recipes, this one makes sneaking in extra protein feel effortless.
    Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Brownies

    Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

    Plate with a biscuit topped with whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Another biscuit half is on the side. A bowl of strawberries is in the background.
    Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Gluten Free Supper.

    Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake proves that the classics can still be a part of the plan. With soft, golden biscuits, fresh strawberries, and a dollop of cream, this dessert feels just as nostalgic as the original. For those who need healthy dessert recipes that still feel like a treat, this is an easy choice.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

    Black Bean Chocolate Cake

    A chocolate tart on a white plate with a slice being lifted by a server. The tart is topped with a whole strawberry and surrounded by sliced strawberries on a wooden surface.
    Black Bean Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    Black Bean Chocolate Cake is the kind of dessert that makes you do a double take. It’s rich, chocolatey, and so good that no one will believe black beans are behind the magic. If healthy dessert recipes had a secret weapon, this would be it.
    Get the Recipe: Black Bean Chocolate Cake

    Chocolate Cherry Granola Cups

    A bowl of chocolate-covered treats topped with granola and dried cranberries on a dark surface.
    Chocolate Cherry Granola Cups. Photo credit: Pumpkin 'N Spice.

    Chocolate Cherry Granola Cups pack everything good into one bite—crunchy granola, chewy dried cherries, and smooth chocolate. No baking required, just quick assembly and instant enjoyment. That’s why these little cups fit perfectly into the world of healthy dessert recipes when you need something sweet without the fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Granola Cups

    Southern Vegan Banana Pudding

    Banana pudding desserts with whipped cream, banana slices, and crumbled cookies in a rectangular dish and two smaller bowls.
    Southern Vegan Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

    Southern Vegan Banana Pudding layers smooth vanilla pudding, soft banana slices, and crunchy wafers with a creamy topping. It’s proof that you don’t need dairy or extra sugar to enjoy a classic, just a little creativity. This is one of those healthy dessert recipes that delivers the nostalgia without the usual heaviness.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Vegan Banana Pudding

    Sweet Potato Brownies

    Sliced chocolate brownies with visible chocolate chips and a gooey texture, placed on parchment paper.
    Sweet Potato Brownies. Photo credit: 100 Days Of Real Food.

    Sweet Potato Brownies bring the rich, fudgy texture you expect but with an unexpected boost from naturally sweet potatoes. They blend wholesome ingredients with deep chocolate flavor, so there’s no need to compromise on dessert. No surprise these belong in the lineup of healthy dessert recipes that actually feel like a treat.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Brownies

    Homemade Chocolate Hummus

    A plate with strawberries and apple slices beside a bowl of chocolate dip topped with nuts. A spoon rests on the bowl's edge; pretzels are scattered around.
    Homemade Chocolate Hummus. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

    Homemade Chocolate Hummus might sound unusual, but one spoonful of this creamy, cocoa-packed dip proves otherwise. Chickpeas, tahini, and maple syrup come together for a smooth, chocolatey spread that works with fruit, crackers, or just a spoon. It’s one of those healthy dessert recipes that feels indulgent but is packed with better-for-you ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Hummus

    Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

    Chocolate-covered nut and cereal bars in foil cups, topped with drizzled chocolate and nut pieces, on a light surface.
    Healthy Peanut Butter Cups. Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    Healthy Peanut Butter Cups bring all the classic flavors of the store-bought kind but with a crunchier, cleaner ingredient list. A crispy cereal base, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate create the perfect bite-sized treat. With simple ingredients and no mystery fillers, these belong on any list of healthy dessert recipes worth making again.
    Get the Recipe: Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

    Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries

    White yogurt bark with scattered blueberries and sliced strawberries on a plate, next to a small bowl of the same fruits, on a striped cloth background.
    Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries. Photo credit: Fox Farm Home.

    Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries is what happens when creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, and a bit of crunch come together in the freezer. Break it into pieces for an easy, refreshing snack that’s light but full of flavor. It’s a no-fuss way to enjoy healthy dessert recipes that actually feel like dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries

    Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

    Close-up of oat cookies with pumpkin seeds, dried berries, and visible oats on a light surface. A single red raspberry is scattered among the cookies.
    Healthy Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: The Yummy Bowl.

    Healthy Oatmeal Cookies prove you don’t need a ton of sugar or butter for a cookie that’s crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. A mix of oats, nuts, and natural sweetness keeps things balanced without sacrificing taste. They’re a great way to keep healthy dessert recipes on hand for anytime snacking.
    Get the Recipe: Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

    Fruit Salad

    A bowl of mixed fruit containing blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, watermelon, mango, kiwi, grapes, and raspberries on a wooden board with a striped cloth underneath.
    Fruit Salad. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Fruit Salad is simple, fresh, and full of color, making it the easiest way to end a meal on a sweet note. A light citrus dressing ties everything together without drowning out the natural flavors. It’s one of those healthy dessert recipes that works for breakfast, dessert, or anything in between.
    Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad

    Edible Protein Cookie Dough

    A glass bowl filled with round, brown cookie dough balls with chocolate chips, sprinkled with coarse salt, set on a gray surface.
    Edible Protein Cookie Dough. Photo credit: Caked by Katie.

    Edible Protein Cookie Dough means never having to pretend you’re just "tasting" the dough before baking. Packed with protein and natural sweeteners, it’s safe to eat straight from the bowl. Since it skips all the usual extras, it’s a no-brainer for anyone searching for healthy dessert recipes that feel like an indulgence.
    Get the Recipe: Edible Protein Cookie Dough

    Homemade Applesauce

    Bowl of applesauce topped with cinnamon sticks and powder; surrounded by sliced and whole apples.
    Homemade Applesauce. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Homemade Applesauce is proof that simple ingredients make the best snacks. Apples, a little cinnamon, and a short simmer on the stove turn into a smooth, naturally sweet treat. Whether eaten warm or cold, it’s a classic that deserves a spot among healthy dessert recipes for any season.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Applesauce

    Banana Yogurt Popsicles

    Three frozen bananas on sticks are coated in white chocolate and sprinkled with colorful dots, placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    Banana Yogurt Popsicles. Photo credit: Fox Farm Home.

    Banana Yogurt Popsicles turn three simple ingredients into a fun, refreshing snack that both kids and adults love. Creamy yogurt, ripe bananas, and a touch of sweetness make these perfect for cooling off on a hot day. They’re a reminder that healthy dessert recipes can be as easy as blending and freezing.
    Get the Recipe: Banana Yogurt Popsicles

    Oatmeal Mug Cake

    A mug filled with oatmeal topped with chocolate chips, fresh raspberries, and a mint sprig, placed on a light surface.
    Oatmeal Mug Cake. Photo credit: Food Exit Recipes.

    Oatmeal Mug Cake is for those moments when a full batch of cake feels like too much, but skipping dessert isn’t an option. In just minutes, this fluffy, chocolate-studded treat is ready to enjoy straight from the mug. Since it’s made with wholesome ingredients, it’s one of those healthy dessert recipes you can actually feel good about eating on repeat.
    Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Mug Cake

    Healthy Banana Applesauce Snacking Cake

    Four square oat bars drizzled with chocolate, arranged on a decorated plate.
    Healthy Banana Applesauce Snacking Cake. Photo credit: Two Sisters Mix It Up.

    Healthy Banana Applesauce Snacking Cake delivers all the soft, banana-packed goodness of a traditional cake but with better ingredients. A drizzle of chocolate on top makes it just sweet enough without overdoing it. It’s a simple but satisfying pick for anyone looking for healthy dessert recipes that don’t feel overly complicated.
    Get the Recipe: Healthy Banana Applesauce Snacking Cake

    Peach Crisp

    A bowl with peach crumble topped with three scoops of vanilla ice cream and a spoon. A striped cloth and a baking dish with more crumble are visible beside it.
    Peach Crisp. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

    Peach Crisp takes juicy summer peaches and tops them with a golden, cinnamon-scented oat crumble. Baked until bubbling, it’s the kind of dessert that works just as well with breakfast the next day. This belongs in any collection of healthy dessert recipes that highlight fresh, seasonal fruit.
    Get the Recipe: Peach Crisp

    Chewy Carrot Cake Cookies

    A white plate with a stack of four oatmeal cookies, featuring visible raisins or chocolate chips, and an additional cookie with a bite taken out in front of the stack.
    Chewy Carrot Cake Cookies. Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    Chewy Carrot Cake Cookies pack all the warm, spiced flavors of carrot cake into a soft, naturally sweet cookie. With carrots, nuts, and a touch of maple syrup, they manage to taste like dessert while keeping things balanced. They’re a solid pick for those looking for healthy dessert recipes with a little texture and crunch.
    Get the Recipe: Chewy Carrot Cake Cookies

    Chocolate Covered Dates

    Chocolate-covered dates filled with a caramel-like center, topped with crushed almonds, on a white surface.
    Chocolate Covered Dates. Photo credit: Frozen Bananas.

    Chocolate Covered Dates are what happens when nature’s caramel meets a thick chocolate coating. A sprinkle of sea salt and crunchy almonds make them feel extra special while keeping things simple. As far as healthy dessert recipes go, these prove that a few ingredients are all you need for something sweet and satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Dates

    More Roundups

    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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