By Emily Lesky – Gleaners Nutrition Education Team
Limiting added sugar intake is important for your health, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on dessert! There are many healthy dessert options, as well as ways to lighten up classic desserts.
To lighten up your favorite desserts, try one or more of the following tips:
- Reduce unhealthy fats by using low-fat milk in recipes that call for whole milk and using canola oil in place of butter when baking
- Reduce the amount of frosting used on top of cakes and cupcakes
- Use less sugar than the recipe calls for or use less of “add in” ingredients like chocolate chips
Many desserts incorporate fruit for natural sweetness and to decrease the amount of added sugar. Check out the options below for desserts with less added sugar.
- Fruit Tarts are a quick and easy dessert option. Bonus- kids can help too! Pick your favorite fresh, frozen, or canned fruit or whatever fruit is in-season or on sale.
- Banana Pudding in a Bag is another great option for kids and pairs well with Homemade Granola.
- Baked Apples are a great fall treat!
- Microwave Fruit Crisp is a quick and healthy dessert, with added protein from nuts and fiber from whole grain oats. No microwave? This recipe can also be made in the oven.
- Chocolate lovers will enjoy Black Bean Brownies. With only ½ cup added sugar, these brownies are a healthier, yet satisfying, dessert option.
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