3 Delicious and Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipes That Will Satisfy Any Craving

By Lindsay Fuce, Contributing blogger

As the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas closes, the holiday parties start to ramp up and the anticipation for the holidays increase as well.

What’s your favorite thing about the holiday season? For me, aside from spending time with family, I look forward to all the flavorful foods and desserts that surface this time of year. From peppermint flavored drinks to classic gingerbread cookies, there are so many yummy desserts to choose from. 

But with the holidays comes an increase in sugar, and for some of us, it can lead to unwanted stress. Instead of being bombarded by sugar-packed recipes, I wanted to share three recipes that while delicious, contain a little less sugar than most. Some easy switches like dark chocolate for milk chocolate,  or maple syrup instead of cane sugar can make recipes just as delicious, but easier on your body. 

Whether you are a health nut, live with someone who is, or you’re simply trying to be conscious of your sugar intake, these desserts are great for just about anyone.

Recipe #1: Peppermint Bark

Source: lemonandzest

One of my favorite holiday recipes is a combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. If you love chocolate, but also love the salty combination that comes with pretzels, then this recipe is for you.

It’s easy to make, great to have on hand, and always a crowd pleaser. Growing up I used to make large batches of this peppermint bark and give it to friends around the holidays. If you’re in search of a unique and yummy gift, give this recipe a try!

Ingredients

1 cup of dark chocolate

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

1/2 cup of pretzels

1 tsp coconut oil

4 crushed candy canes (optional) 

Instructions:

1. In a pan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate, peppermint extract, and coconut oil together.
2. Place parchment paper on a tray, and crumble pretzels over.
3. Top pretzels with the chocolate mix, then the crushed candy canes, and place in the freezer for an hour.
4. Once the bars are frozen, break them up into pieces, and enjoy!

Recipe #2: Gluten-Free Gingerbread Loaf

What’s your favorite winter time flavor? Gingerbread seems to be a recurring theme in my household this year. From gingerbread cookies to gingerbread loaves to even trying out gingerbread lattes, it’s a fan favorite.

This bread is awesome for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast. It’s delicious plain, but adding butter to the top truly brings out the flavors. If you’re testing the waters and having it for breakfast, I love adding a dollop of yogurt, and sprinkling it with cinnamon. 

Ingredients:

2 cups almond flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp ginger

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 cup molasses

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 cup of applesauce

1 egg

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

1/2 cup almond milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line an 8x4 pan with parchment paper.
2. In one bowl mix together the dry ingredients (almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices).
3. In a separate bowl mix together the wet ingredients (molasses, maple syrup, applesauce, egg, almond milk, and coconut oil).
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet.
5. Pour your batter into the 8x4 loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe #3: Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Truffles

Looking for a bold tasting dessert? These chocolate truffles will satisfy any sweet tooth craving. Rich in flavor, and long-lasting in fulfillment, these truffles are my holiday go-to.

You can freeze them, keep them refrigerated, or enjoy them as is. Even better, pair them with the peppermint bark, wrap them up in cute holiday bags and give them to your friends and family.

While they are easy to make, they are decadent in flavor, and appear complex in appearance. They make the perfect addition to any dessert table, and are my go-to for my families Christmas Eve party.

Ingredients

3/4 cup of avocado

1 cup of dark chocolate

2 tbsp coconut sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Melt the dark chocolate over low heat, stirring in the coconut sugar and vanilla when melted.
2. Puree the avocado in a blender until smooth. Add in the chocolate mixture and combine.
3. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to cool.
4. Roll the batter into balls and then dip in the cocoa powder.
5. Keep these truffles refrigerated or frozen, and enjoy whenever!

HAVE YOU MADE THESE RECIPES?

Please let us know how these recipes turned out! Just leave a comment below!