10 Wholesome and Healthy Dessert Recipes

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
updated May 1, 2019
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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

My approach to food and cooking has always been “everything in moderation.” I value a healthy, active lifestyle with a meal plan full of wholesome, nutritious meals. But I also have a serious sweet tooth. And since I’m not one to ever say no to dessert, I like to stick with healthy-ish choices that rely on wholesome ingredient swaps and limited sugar. Here are 10 of my favorites.

The beauty of chia pudding is that it totally satisfies my craving for something sweet after dinner and it’s wholesome enough to eat for breakfast. I love topping mine with a fruit purée, fresh fruit, or cocoa nibs.

(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

Calling all chocolate-lovers! This sweet treat is as chocolatey and luscious as any other pudding. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and packed with all the good fat that comes with creamy avocado.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

These magical three-bite treats are basically a mash-up of banana bread and coconut macaroons dipped in dark chocolate. And with the right kind of chocolate, they’re even vegan-friendly.

(Image credit: Maria Siriano)

When I’m craving a cool, creamy dessert, I have zero reservations about reaching for one of these pops. They come together with yogurt, cashew butter, and honey for a satisfying treat with an extra punch of protein.

(Image credit: Brie Passano)

This wholesome take on chocolate peanut butter cookies comes with the added bonus of keeping the oven off.

(Image credit: Megan Gordon)

Yes, yogurt can be dessert, and here is all the proof you’ll ever need. A splash of cream and drizzle of honey make Greek yogurt even more rich and lush, while a mess of sautéed apples are just enough to satisfy that pie craving.

(Image credit: Laura Wright)

One sip of this sweet, citrusy, vanilla-flecked smoothie instantly calls to mind the fluorescent-colored Creamsicle pops I devoured as a kid. This version — packed with coconut milk, dates, orange segments, and sweet potato — is a more nourishing treat I’m happy to sip on for dessert.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Anytime I can stuff vegetables in a chocolate dessert, I am all in. No question. And I have no qualms about reaching for a third cookie.

(Image credit: Kelli Foster)

When the hankering for a milkshake hits, this subtly sweet lassi reliably delivers everything I’m after. Instead of ice cream and milk, protein-rich Greek yogurt leaves this drink with a thick, rich consistency. Feel free to swap the strawberries for any one of your favorite fruits.

(Image credit: Maria Siriano)

If you lust after Almond Joys the way I do, you’ll want to make this pudding. For extra coconut flavor, I like swapping the almond milk for unsweetened coconut milk. I also add some chopped almonds along with the coconut topping for good measure.