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I have never been someone who’s content with a piece of fruit for dessert. Even as a wellness journalist and certified holistic health coach, I stock up on ripe strawberries and oversized oranges with the intention of savoring them after dinner. But then I think about the dairy-free pint of Ben & Jerry’s I have in the freezer or my dark chocolate Hu Kitchen bar (hey, it has antioxidants!), and, well, more often than not, that fruit ends up forgotten until breakfast.
If, like me, your best intentions of having fruit for dessert remain just that, intentions, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve scoured the Internet for the very best healthy fruit desserts that are so enticing you’ll actually crave them. Fruit for dessert? It’s happening.
Keep reading for 20 healthy fruit desserts.
1. Stewed apples with warming spices
One way to turn fruit into an instant comfort food: Warm them up—which is exactly what Well+Good Council member McKel Hill, RDN does with her recipe for spiced-up stewed apples. Instead of adding sugar, she blends flavorful spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. They’re delicious as is, or you can drizzle some nut butter on top for added protein.
2. Stuffed pear crisp
It turns out that pears pair (ha!) well with more than just goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. They serve as the centerpiece in this delish dessert from blogger Hummusapien, with oat flour, coconut sugar, vanilla, walnuts, and cinnamon. The secret ingredient that makes it truly special: a few shakes of pumpkin pie spice. So. Freaking. Genius.
3. Cherry-strawberry chia seed fool with vanilla bean coconut whipped cream
If you’re craving something tart, this grown-up fruit cup will really hit the spot. There’s scientific evidence linking cherries with better sleep, making this the perfect pre-bedtime snack. And the chia seeds in Oh She Glows’ recipe add more than just crunch—they’re a great source of protein, too.
4. Banana chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream
Ready for a little food magic? With Well+Good Wellness Council member Candice Kumai‘s recipe, you can turn bananas into vegan ice cream. The key is blending them with almond meal, almond milk, and coconut milk for maximum creaminess. Dark mini chocolate chips and vanilla really amp up the deliciousness.
5. Raw raspberry fudge pops
Fruit and chocolate are a match made in foodie heaven, and these fudge pops from Oh Lady Cakes will likely make you feel flat-out blessed. Raspberries and dates are the primary ingredients while cashew milk adds creaminess and protein. As for the fudge, you can thank cacao nibs for that (hello, antioxidants!).
6. Vegan strawberry (heart) beet gummies
Want to show yourself and the people you care about a little love? These gummies are the perfect way—and what is perhaps one of the most delicious ways to turn beets into one of the best vegan desserts. They’re paired in the mix with strawberries, which boost the color and the sweetness, no added sugar required.
7. Coconut mango blueberry crisp
This recipe has not one, not two, but three nutrient-loaded fruits. (Can you eat too much fruit? In this case, it’s just enough.) Fit Mitten Kitchen blogger Ashley Walterhouse was inspired to incorporate coconut and mango into dessert after a trip to Hawaii. While for most of us, Hawaii feels far away, at least this dessert delivers on bringing the tropical vibes home.
8. Raspberry rose coconut bars
Not only does this dessert from Unconventional Baker look like a delicious dream, it’s only made with clean, healthy ingredients. The blend of coconut flour, raspberry jam, and rose water mingle to form a complex flavor profile with both sweet and tart notes. If you want to get real fancy with it, garnish with rose petals on top.
9. 5-minute raw banana splits
This healthy take on the classic banana split from Minimalist Baker will satisfy your craving—sans the bedtime tummy ache. (Did you know bananas help promote a good night’s sleep?) Instead of a pint of ice cream, this recipe calls for nut butter and coconut yogurt. Major upgrade!
10. Blueberry salted caramel ice pops
If you already pop your bluebs in the freezer before eating them, you’re basically halfway to mastering this recipe from The Healthy Maven. The “caramel” sauce is made with dates, so you’re really getting fruits by the bite. Filling the molds with coconut milk helps hold everything together while adding a touch of extra sweetness.
11. No-bake raw berry cheesecake
Get ready to raid the fruit section at the supermarket. This cheesecake from Pure Ella calls for dates, raspberries, strawberries, *and* lemon. (You need coconut milk, too!) While the ingredients list reads like a fruit salad (psst—learn how to keep fruit salad fresh with these tips), when combined and blended with raw cashews, the ending result is this rich, satiating cheesecake. All vegan, all delicious.
12. Blood orange and coconut vegan mousse
This is how to win at getting your vitamin C; the blood oranges are basically bursting with it. Paired with coconut yogurt, the confection from Deliciously Ella is that perfect balance of decadence and nutrient-dense—not two things you ever thought you could get in a dessert, right?
13. 3-ingredient cherry watermelon sorbet
Watermelon is one of the most hydrating fruits there is (hence its name). True to its name, this recipe from Emilie Eats only calls for two other ingredients: cherries and water. (You can add a tablespoon of coconut sugar for extra sweetness if you want, but it’s totally optional.) It’s tough to find a more refreshing post-dinner treat.
14. Wine-ey peaches and cream
This genius Love and Lemons recipe is perfect for those nights when your self-care time calls for dessert *and* wine. The peaches are soaked in sangria—also made with fruit!—and a dollop of ice cream is added on top.
15. Grapefruit thyme ice pops
If you’re looking for an ice pop recipe that’s a little more unexpected, this is it. Grapefruit and thyme pair perfectly together and give a more complex, grown-up flavor profile. This dessert is high in vitamin C and has absolutely no added sugar.
16. Pear belle Josephine
Sometimes, simple really is best. (The key to making it look like such a show-stopper is carefully peeling the pears.) The pears are coated in an elderflower, lemon, honey, and vanilla sauce, with a bit of cream served on the side for dipping. Voilà!
17. Grilled fruit with pineapple sorbet
When weather permits, throwing fruit on the grill as The Foodie Dietitian does here is an easy way to play with their flavor. This recipe calls for pineapples and mango, cooking each side for just three to five minutes. The sorbet is made with coconut milk, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, vanilla, and a bit of sugar.
18. Date and walnut stuffed apples
Apple pie isn’t the only way to make the fruit the centerpiece of your dessert spread. The apples are cored and filled with a blend of dates, nutmeg, ginger, pink sea salt, and walnuts. After baking for about 45 minutes, they come out tender and golden. Add an optional spoonful of yogurt and you’ve got dessert for breakfast.
19. Blood orange and lemon curd
Honey-sweetened blood oranges and tart lemon curd make a refreshing and light combo. Besides the aforementioned fruit, this recipe from Cookie+Kate also calls for eggs and butter. Keto-eaters, this one’s for you!
20. Chocolate covered bananas
Talk about ending on a classic; chocolate covered bananas are an OG fruit-focused dessert. This recipe couldn’t be more simple, only requiring bananas (duh), coconut oil, cacao powder, and coconut sugar. Add chopped almonds for protein!
If you’re trying to watch your overall sugar intake, reach for one of these low-sugar fruits. And if you’re doing keto, these fruits are a-ok to fill up on.
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