Healthier desserts may sound like an oxymoron, but we promise, they do exist! Whether you’re killing it with your ‘new year, new you’ health goals, or looking for not-so-naughty recipes to help you get back on track, we’ve got you covered. But first off, what does ‘healthier desserts’ even mean?
We selected these recipes based on two main criteria:
- Are they relatively low in kilojoules (about 628-1046kj per serve)?
- Do they feature nutrient-dense ingredients that support satiety and steady blood sugar levels?
So, in this curated list, we’ve got everything from chef Karen Martini’s chocolate chia pudding to comforting golden syrup pudding. Enjoy!
This chocolate chia pudding is a high-fibre treat that will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your afternoon hunger pangs! One thing to note is that this recipe uses chocolate hazelnut spread, which may be high in added sugar. To reduce the effects of this, reduce the portion size or swap the spread for a little extra syrup and a tablespoon of raw cacao powder.
What makes it healthier?
- Contains healthy fats from chia, coconut and hazelnuts
- High in fibre, with 8-10g per serve
Originally published by Diabetic Living, this recipe uses wholemeal flour, granulated sugar substitute, unsweetened apple puree and light margarine to create a lighter version of a classic pudding. Serve it with a dollop of natural or Greek yogurt and enjoy!
What makes it healthier?
- Option to make with or without sugar
- Made using wholemeal flour for added fibre
This delicious and no-guilt pancake recipe gets most of its sweetness from a sauce made from fresh raspberries! It doesn’t contain any added sugar, making it great for those looking for a sweet treat that won’t trigger a blood sugar spike.
What makes it healthier?
- About 235-250 calories (985-1070kj) per serve
- No added sugar
On a chilly night, nothing warms the soul quite like a crumble. While traditional crumbles use flour and butter to create the signature crunch, this recipe instead uses rolled oats, Special K cereal and pistachios.
What makes it healthier?
- Contains 179 calories (750kj) per serve
- Uses minimal added sugar (CSR LogiCane sugar is low-GI)
A fruit salad, but make it colour-themed. To make this dessert even healthier, skip the sugar syrup in step one and instead drizzle the salad with a sugar-free syrup of your choice.
What makes it healthier?
- Optional syrup, which can be substituted with a sugar-free version
- Made using fresh fruit, including watermelon and berries, which are high in fibre and relatively low in kilojoules.
This recipe ticks so many boxes. It features nutrient-dense ingredients such as mixed nuts, almond butter, chia seeds, shredded coconut, berries and contains only minimal added sugar. It’s also a no-bake recipe, making it convenient as well!
What makes it healthier?
- Portion-controlled servings. Each ball contains about 90-110 calories (375-460kj).
- Rich in healthy fats and minerals
Greek yoghurt and smooth ricotta make this a protein-rich dessert that you don’t have to feel guilty about. It features fresh peaches and raspberries, which are bursting with flavour, vitamins and fibre and includes only minimal sweeteners. You could further reduce the sugar in this dessert significantly by skipping the store-bought meringues, or using them sparingly.
What makes it healthier?
- Sweetness mainly comes from fresh fruit
- Rich in protein from smooth ricotta and Greek yoghurt
