We all love to indulge in a sweet treat now and then, but often, desserts are laden with refined sugars and artificial ingredients. A great alternative is to opt for whole food desserts, which are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients and can satisfy your sweet tooth without the unhealthy side effects. The following desserts are easy to make, use whole food ingredients, and will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
One simple and classic whole food dessert is baked fruit. Apples and pears are particularly good options, as they become tender and sweet when baked. Simply core and slice your fruit of choice, place it in a baking dish, and sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup. Bake until soft and bubbly, and you have yourself a warm and comforting dessert. Serve it with some yogurt or a scoop of natural ice cream for an extra treat. This dessert is not only delicious but also provides you with a good serving of fruit and antioxidants.
For a refreshing and creamy dessert, try making your own banana ice cream. This dessert has only one ingredient – bananas! Simply peel and slice a few ripe bananas, then freeze them. Once frozen, blend the banana slices in a food processor until a smooth, creamy ice cream forms. You can add a touch of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. This dessert is naturally sweet, and the bananas provide potassium and fiber, making it a nutritious treat.
Avocado chocolate mousse is a rich and indulgent whole food dessert that is surprisingly easy to make. The main ingredients are avocado, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Simply blend these together until smooth and creamy, then chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This dessert is a great way to get your chocolate fix while also benefiting from the healthy fats and vitamins found in avocados. Top it with some fresh berries for a beautiful and tasty finish.
Parfaits are a wonderful whole food dessert as they are simple to assemble and can be customized to your taste. Start with a layer of your favorite yogurt – plain, vanilla, or a fruity flavor. Then, add a layer of granola for crunch, followed by a layer of fresh fruit. Repeat the layers until your parfait jar or glass is full, and finish with a final sprinkling of granola and a drizzle of honey. Parfaits provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fruit, making them a satisfying and nutritious dessert option.
Date energy balls are a fantastic whole food dessert option that doubles as a healthy snack. Simply blend together pitted dates, nuts of your choice, and a touch of cinnamon in a food processor. Once the mixture comes together, form it into small balls and roll them in shredded coconut. These energy balls are naturally sweet and provide a good boost of energy thanks to the dates and nuts. They can be stored in the fridge or freezer, so they’re always ready when you need a quick sweet treat.
Baked oatmeal is a comforting and hearty dessert that can also be enjoyed for breakfast. Simply mix together rolled oats, your choice of milk, eggs, and a touch of sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can add in cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chopped fruit or nuts for extra flavor. Bake it in the oven until set, and you’ll have a warm and satisfying dessert. Baked oatmeal is a great source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, making it a nourishing option that will keep you full and happy.
Lastly, a simple yet impressive whole food dessert is grilled fruit skewers. Thread chunks of your favorite fruit, such as pineapple, mango, or peaches, onto a skewer and grill them until slightly charred and caramelized. This cooking process brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, creating a delicious dessert. Grilled fruit skewers can be served on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for a truly special treat. They are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy option to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Conclusion:
There you have it – seven easy and delicious whole food dessert options that will satisfy your sweet tooth while providing essential nutrients. So, the next time your sweet tooth kicks in, give one of these desserts a try, and enjoy the best of both worlds – tasty treats and wholesome goodness! Your taste buds and body will thank you!