The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it’s time to start planning showstopping Thanksgiving desserts. As much as I love the traditional pies and treats, sticking to healthy recipes is important too.
This year, I challenged myself to develop desserts that strike the perfect balance between delicious and nutritious. I’m so pleased with my collection of 25 incredible Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts. With options ranging from Lightened-Up Pumpkin Pie to Maple Roasted Pears, these recipes allow you to indulge without overdoing it on sugar and calories.
I focused on using wholesome ingredients, fresh fruit, and creative twists on classic desserts. The finished treats are satisfying and flavorful, yet far lighter than their traditional counterparts.
Full of cozy fall spices, seasonal fruit, and inspired substitutions, these desserts celebrate Thanksgiving in a healthier way, without sacrificing an ounce of taste. I can’t wait for my guests to enjoy these festive, yet feel-good sweets!
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or bringing a contribution to a potluck dinner, these recipes will not only impress your guests but also allow everyone to indulge in the sweet side of Thanksgiving without guilt.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
With its decadent chocolate-pecan filling tucked into a flaky crust, this Chocolate Pecan Pie is comfort food at its finest. Adding melted chocolate chips to the classic pecan pie filling gives it an extra hit of chocolatey richness.
The combination of crunchy toasted pecans and velvety chocolate enveloped in tender, buttery pie dough is sheer bliss. Despite its incredible flavor, this chocolate pecan pie comes together in just 20 minutes – making it the perfect make-ahead holiday dessert.
It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. The chocolate chips melt down into irresistible gooey bits throughout the pie. Each forkful delivers a duo of delicious textures – the crispy nuts and smooth chocolate.
Far superior to any store-bought version, this homemade chocolate pecan pie tastes as you slaved over it for hours. Yet it miraculously requires little effort while delivering maximum delight. Drizzled with chocolate sauce, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream!
No Bake Lemon Cream Pie
Satisfy your summer citrus craving with this refreshingly tart and creamy Easy Lemon Cream Pie. As a diehard lemon dessert fan, I knew a classic lemon icebox pie belonged on my list of cool treats for hot weather.
Starting with a crunchy graham cracker crust, I whipped up an ultra-simple lemon curd filling sweetened with condensed milk. The result is a sublime balance of flavors – the crispy crust plays off the smooth, velvety filling accented with bright lemon zest.
Each cool, creamy mouthful packs a refreshing punch of tangy citrus. Making this pie couldn’t be easier – just mix a few ingredients and chill before slicing. For convenience, a pre-made crust works great, but homemade takes it over the top. However you make it, this lemon cream pie is guaranteed to satisfy your summer sweet tooth.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Pie Crust
Baking for those with dietary restrictions just got easier with this luscious Gluten-Free Chocolate Pie Crust. Made from just a few simple ingredients like coconut flour and cocoa powder, this pastry offers a decadent chocolate base for dairy-free, low-carb, and gluten-free diets alike.
Don’t be intimidated by gluten-free crust – the method is similar to traditional pie dough, you simply swap the flours. This versatile crust rolls out beautifully and bakes up crisp with a hint of natural sweetness.
Fill it with your favorite vegan or keto-approved fillings for a showstopping pie even guests with restrictions can enjoy. Drizzled with melted chocolate, it makes the perfect vessel for everything from silky mousses to coconut cream fillings.
Best of all, its deep chocolate flavor means your pie requires less added sugar. This gluten-free chocolate crust opens up a world of possibilities for inclusive holiday baking.
Warm Caramel Apple Pie Bread
This Caramel Apple Pie Bread is the ultimate fall dessert, combining all the classic flavors – apples, cinnamon, walnuts, and caramel – in an easy quick bread. Rather than fussing with a pie crust, I stuffed chunks of sweet apple and crunchy walnuts into a simple almond flour batter spiced with cinnamon.
The resulting loaf bakes up incredibly moist and tender, swirled with apples and studded with nuts throughout. While the bread is fabulous on its own, the crowning touch is drizzling each slice with homemade salted caramel sauce. As you break into the warm, fluffy bread, the melty caramel envelops each bite in sweet, buttery decadence.
With its medley of textures from soft bread to tart apples and crisp walnuts, this loaf truly mimics apple pie – yet requires only a fraction of the effort. The aroma of apples, nuts, and caramel baking away is surely the official scent of autumn.
Apple Chocolate Cake
By using wholesome ingredients, it’s possible to create a scrumptious cake without relying on conventional wheat flour and processed sugars/oils, which are known to cause inflammation. This year, I’m presenting my Apple Chocolate Cake at holiday gatherings as an example of how to add flavor and health to the festive season.
The center of the cake is juicy and velvety, with generous chunks of delicate apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and enveloped in an irresistible layer of melted dark chocolate. Each bite is a delectable mix of rich chocolate and velvety softness that dissolves in your mouth.
Plus, my home fills with an incredible aroma while I bake it.
Chocolate Marbled Pumpkin Bread
Utilizing pumpkin in baking is a fantastic way to achieve a lusciously moist and tender texture, accompanied by a delectable flavor. The Pumpkin Marble Loaf is no exception, boasting a perfect balance of both pumpkin and chocolate notes.
What distinguishes this recipe is its lack of processed ingredients, making it safe for consumption for individuals with allergies to grains, gluten, soy, and dairy. Instead of wheat flour, this recipe employs almond flour, raw unsweetened cocoa powder, organic flaxseed meal, coconut oil, and raw honey.
Its marbled appearance belies a simple and straightforward preparation process, rendering this chocolate pumpkin bread a quick and desirable addition to any table. Additionally, its delightful richness is heightened by generously proportioned chocolate chunks, while its modest sweetness is juxtaposed with the use of healthy ingredients. Note, that this recipe is suitable for followers of the Paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
Healthy Pumpkin Blondies
Crafted from hearty oat flour, unprocessed coconut sugar, and smooth pumpkin puree, these blondies are the quintessential fall baking delight that caters to gluten-free and dairy-free preferences. As autumn ushers in its baking season, these treats emerge as stars in your kitchen.
They’re a harmonious fusion of cookie and brownie elements, with the rich, comforting essence of pumpkin taking center stage instead of chocolate. These bars earn their health-conscious status by embracing oat flour, ground from wholesome oats, and eschewing refined sugar in favor of natural coconut sweetness.
They strike the perfect balance of sweetness, adorned with chocolate chip gems, and brimming with decadent flavors.
Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Sauce
Embrace the delightful essence of fall with this Pumpkin Cake featuring a golden cake mix base and a luscious caramel sauce drizzle. This moist and flavorful cake boasts the rich taste of pumpkin, accentuated by warm spices, and it’s elevated by a 10-minute homemade caramel sauce.
Whether it graces your Thanksgiving dessert spread or serves as a delightful companion to your daily coffee ritual, this pumpkin and yellow cake mix creation offers an effortless yet impressive treat.
With a one-bowl mixing method that comes together in mere minutes, this cake’s moist and full-bodied character will have your guests astounded that it all began with a simple cake mix. The charming Bundt cake shape adds an elegant touch without requiring any extra work.
As for the irresistible caramel sauce, it may sound complex, but rest assured, it’s a breeze to whip up in just 10 minutes, and no candy thermometer is needed. This dessert is destined to become your go-to treat throughout the entire pumpkin season.
Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
If you love chocolate and coconut, this simple coconut cookie recipe is for you. These cookies emerge soft, sweet, and delightfully chewy, offering a quick and kid-friendly snack option. What’s more, this recipe accommodates various dietary preferences, including keto, paleo, vegan, high-protein, and gluten-free.
To whip up these delectable chocolate coconut cookies, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, simply combine the ingredients, and either microwave or heat them on the stove until the mixture thickens enough to form cookie dough balls.
Place these on a baking tray and bake them on the center rack for approximately 15 minutes. Once done, allow the cookies to cool completely on the tray. For an extra touch of decadence, consider dipping them in melted chocolate or sugar-free chocolate chips, if desired.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars
Savor the delectable gooeyness of these no-bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars. With layers that include a naturally sweetened oat crust, vegan salted caramel, and luscious dark chocolate, these treats are a delightful combination of flavors.
What’s even better is that they cater to various dietary preferences, being both gluten-free and vegan. Preparing these sweet delights is a breeze, making them an ideal make-ahead treat. Simply whip up a batch, then chill them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to indulge in the perfect fusion of chocolate and caramel flavors.
Coconut Tuiles with Fresh Strawberries and Chocolate Whipping Cream
Coconut Tuile Cookies offer a delightful treat, featuring thin, chewy, and sweet cookies that come together in just 15 minutes. These cookies are adorned with delectable homemade dairy-free chocolate whipped cream and fresh strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both visually impressive and scrumptious.
The recipe boasts a wonderful coconut flavor, achieved through a blend of ingredients, including unsweetened shredded coconut, coconut sugar, and coconut oil. Drawing inspiration from French cuisine, these tuile cookies pay homage to the delicate and thin nature of traditional tuiles, often filled with pastry cream, mousse, and berries.
Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
The irresistible goodness of vegan double chocolate chip cookies – they’re a chocolate lover’s dream! These cookies are wonderfully fudgy and gooey and boast a super soft and chewy texture. Packed with rich chocolate flavor, they’re not only easy to whip up with just one bowl but also completely dairy-free.
Plus, you can easily adapt the recipe to make them gluten-free, making them perfect for all dessert enthusiasts. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip variety, with the addition of cocoa powder for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness. They emerge from the oven fluffier, softer, and with minimal spread, ensuring that if you adore traditional chocolate chip cookies, you’ll fall head over heels for these treats too!
Carrot Cake Truffles (Vegan, Paleo)
These Vegan Carrot Cake Truffles offer not only irresistible flavors but also a healthy twist on a classic treat. They’re a gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free delight, making them a perfect addition to your Easter festivities or any time you crave a guilt-free indulgence.
To craft these truffles, a blend of shredded carrots, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners like dates and maple syrup is meticulously mixed. Once the mixture is expertly blended and shaped into bite-sized truffles, they are often adorned with toppings like shredded coconut or chopped nuts for an added layer of texture and flavor.
The recipe for these Paleo & Vegan Carrot Cake Truffles couldn’t be simpler – the most challenging part is grating the carrots, while the rest is pure food processor magic. Enjoy the health-conscious deliciousness!
Avocado Chocolate Mousse in Chocolate Cups
Prepare to be amazed by this 5-ingredient Avocado Chocolate Mousse recipe, destined to become your new favorite healthy dessert. Elevate your culinary game by serving it in delectable chocolate cups, and you’ll have everyone singing your praises after just one bite.
This delightful dessert harnesses the power of superfoods like avocado and chocolate to achieve a lusciously creamy texture and a rich, dark chocolate flavor. Elevate the taste and presentation by showcasing the mousse in adorable mini chocolate cups.
Crafting this avocado chocolate mousse recipe, along with the chocolate cups, is a breeze – the process involves just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time. Dive in and discover the simple steps to create this decadent treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to savor.
Healthy Salted Caramel Coconut Candy Bars
Beware in the sheer delight of these guilt-free Salted Caramel Coconut Candy Bars, where a symphony of sweet flavors comes together in perfect harmony. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also cater to a range of dietary needs, making them paleo, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.
This recipe is a wholesome fusion of health-conscious ingredients, resulting in a nutrient-packed dessert or snack that’s bound to impress. Creating these bars at home proved not only easy but also more economical. After a bit of experimentation and a few adjustments, including a luxurious chocolate coating,
I’m thrilled to share that these Healthy Salted Caramel Coconut Candy Bars are a resounding success! They embody the fantasies of candy bar enthusiasts everywhere, with a soft, cookie-dough-like center reminiscent of a Mounds bar. The chocolate layer melts in your mouth, while the essence of salted caramel elevates the overall flavor profile to pure bliss.
Raw, No-bake BROWNIES (without dates) (Vegan & Paleo)
Tired of the often heavy and overly sweet vegan no-bake brownie recipes that rely heavily on dates, I set out to create a lighter yet equally delicious version without using dates. And I’m excited to say that I’ve succeeded!
These no-bake brownies not only exclude dates but also steer clear of eggs, oil, butter, dairy, grains, and gluten. The secret to their delightful flavor and texture lies in the use of raw cocoa powder, infusing them with a robust chocolate essence and a powerful dose of antioxidants.
Cashews and almonds step in to provide an extra punch of protein and healthy fats, resulting in brownies that are irresistibly chewy, fudgy, and moist. So, if you’re craving brownies, there’s no need to reach for the traditional ones. Instead, give this recipe a try, and you can whip up a batch in just a few minutes for yourself and your loved ones. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with these!
Chocolate Avocado Pudding (with Chia Seeds)
Attention all avocado enthusiasts, this recipe is tailor-made for you! What’s the secret to achieving a luxuriously thick pudding without resorting to eggs, as is typical in traditional pudding recipes? It’s all about introducing chia seeds into the mix.
These amazing seeds possess a natural gelatinous quality that magically transforms this pudding into a creamy delight, and the best part is, that there’s no need for any cooking whatsoever. This dessert recipe couldn’t be simpler or quicker to whip up.
All you have to do is blend all the ingredients together and serve. Even if you’re not typically a fan of avocados, fear not! This creation boasts a delightful chocolatey flavor (which might be the key to your newfound appreciation) and a wonderfully light and silky texture that’s bound to win you over.
Mini Chocolate Cheesecake
When only the richness of chocolate cheesecake will do, these decadent Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes are sure to satisfy. Made with high-quality ingredients, each bite of these petite treats delivers seriously creamy chocolate bliss.
The secret lies in taking the time to make them properly – using excellent dairy, chocolate, and eggs to achieve that superb silky texture. Portioning the cheesecake batter into mini tins makes for perfect individual desserts.
Topping each little cheesecake with a twirl of melted dark chocolate and a juicy raspberry balances the chocolate with a pop of fruit. At just a few bites each, these mini cheesecakes offer a taste of pure indulgence in a neatly packaged form.
Their ultra-creamy chocolate filling and crunchy cookie crumb crust offer the ultimate sweet treat experience in miniature. Gather some friends and enjoy them leisurely for a sophisticated dessert.
Mini Chocolate Almond Pie
These gorgeous Mini Fruit Tarts made the perfect light, yet decadent dessert when I recently served them to friends after dinner. The dazzling presentation of individual tarts wowed our guests. Biting into the tender, lightly sweetened crust revealed a smooth fruit curd filling made from wholesome ingredients.
Each component offered a delightful contrast – the crunchy crust against the lush fruit center. Though seemingly indulgent, these flaky crust tarts felt like a refreshed ending to our meal. I loved that everyone could enjoy their own personal handheld fruit pie.
The individual size made these tarts feel special yet not too heavy. Between the vibrant fruit flavors and textural pleasures in each bite, this dessert was a big hit! I was so pleased to finish our evening on such a flavorful yet healthful note.
Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt
Though I’d never tried that autumnal twist on a fro-yo before, the concept immediately appealed to my dessert-loving, pumpkin-obsessed self. Driven by my curiosity, I began experimenting to capture the richness of pumpkin in frozen form.
After much trial and error, the result is this luscious Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt. I aimed to highlight the natural sweetness of pumpkin while keeping the texture smooth and scoopable, not icy. Folding in velvety pumpkin puree creates a beautiful orange hue and cakey consistency even once frozen.
A touch of cinnamon enhances the warming spice flavors. The finished frozen yogurt tastes like pumpkin pie in each creamy, refreshing bite – minus the buttery crust. Served with homemade maple cinnamon whipped cream, this fro-yo is fall in a bowl! It makes for a fun twist on traditional holiday desserts.
Butternut Squash Pie
This gorgeous Butternut Squash Pie puts fresh garden squash to delicious use. After harvesting bountiful butternut squash from my backyard all summer long, I knew I wanted to capture that sweetness in a fall pie. Rather than resorting to canned pumpkin,
I simmered fresh butternut chunks until fork-tender and pureed them into a smooth, vivid orange filling. The result is a far superior alternative to basic pumpkin pie in both flavor and texture.
Butternut squash boasts a more delicate sweetness that shines through, especially when made from scratch. My garden-fresh puree bakes up incredibly smooth, creamy, and full of cozy roasted squash essence in each bite.
Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this butternut version makes for a seasonal treat that leans lighter and brighter compared to its denser pumpkin counterpart. Drizzled with maple whipped cream, it’s the ultimate way to preserve summer’s bounty for autumnal indulgence.
Homemade Ice Cream with Coconut Milk
Get ready for your new favorite vegan ice cream with this heavenly 3-ingredient Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Ice Cream. Made simply from canned coconut milk, vanilla beans, and a touch of maple syrup, its flavor is anything but plain.
Whipping up the base and churning it in an ice cream maker produces a superbly creamy, scoopable texture – no dairy required! The coconut milk creates a wonderfully rich mouthfeel while letting the heady vanilla notes shine.
Infusing the mixture with the seeds and pulp from fresh vanilla beans gives it an aromatic depth of flavor you can’t find in extracts alone. Sweetened lightly with pure maple syrup, each creamy spoonful has a subtle natural sweetness that complements the vanilla perfectly. Paleo-friendly and made in just minutes, even non-vegans will be coming back for seconds of this cool, luscious treat.
Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Calling all chocolate and peanut butter fanatics – this heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream hits the spot. As a sworn ice cream lover, I’m constantly seeking that perfect creamy fix, but in a lighter, healthier form.
This nice cream delivers a big flavor with a short ingredient list. Blending up frozen bananas with cocoa powder, peanut butter, and a splash of maple syrup produces a treat so luscious, that you’ll forget it’s dairy-free.
Each mouthful conjures the taste of a frosty peanut butter chocolate milkshake – velvety smooth and full of nutty, chocolatey richness. Though it tastes indulgent enough to be dessert, it’s packed with nutrients from protein to antioxidants that make it balanced enough for any meal.
I often enjoy this ice cream straight out of the blender for a satisfying chocolate peanut butter fix. Thanks to its wholesome ingredients, each creamy sweet spoonful gives me permission to enjoy ice cream any time!
Healthy High Protein Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
The velvety richness of this high-protein Greek yogurt cheesecake boasts a luscious custard-like consistency that satisfies without the need for cream cheese. Whether you opt for a store-bought or homemade crust or prefer to savor it straight from a bowl as an elegant cheesecake mousse, this homemade dessert is not only delectable but also remarkably wholesome.
Imagine a dessert that’s both irresistibly soft and guilt-free—a cheesecake lover’s fantasy fulfilled. Cheesecake holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite non-chocolate treat. I could easily enjoy it day after day, always craving more, reminiscent of that iconic Friends episode where they dropped an entire cheesecake on the floor and couldn’t resist.
Vegan No-Bake Coffee Cheesecakes
In these challenging times, we all deserve a delightful pick-me-up, and these irresistible no-bake vegan coffee cheesecakes are just the remedy for those long, taxing days. Personally, I’ve always held a fondness for coffee-infused desserts.
To me, coffee’s unique flavor often goes uncelebrated in the realm of sweet treats, so I’ve taken it upon myself to contribute to the coffee-inspired dessert repertoire, giving it the recognition it truly deserves! Allow me to introduce my rendition of a vegan no-bake cheesecake—exceptionally velvety and luxurious, yet entirely free from dairy and gluten.
The foundation of this creation carries a rich chocolatey essence, as I believe chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. Crafted from a harmonious blend of oats, cocoa powder, a touch of coconut oil for binding, and sweetened with maple syrup, the base sets the stage.
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