Healthy Dessert Recipes

Whether baking for yourself, or preparing for a big event, having healthy desserts will please more people than you realize. The key to healthy baking is knowing how to use alternatives for the not-so-healthy ingredients. 

Here are a few healthy baked goods recipes a trained baker keeps in the ol’ back pocket.

 

Healthy Substitutes

Consider these substitutes when baking. But be warned – baking is a science and ingredients are portioned to ensure proper consistency, texture, and flavor. You should experiment to determine how to get the fluffy, crispy, or rich dessert you’re expecting. 

  • Butter, shortening or oil – substitute applesauce or fat-free yogurt for half the ingredient and it won’t be noticed. You can also completely replace with applesauce or yogurt, but it could affect the texture, so practice before you present it. 
  • Eggs – substitute two egg whites for every one egg. 
  • Whole milk – substitute with skim milk. You can also substitute with yogurt for a creamier dessert. Start with ¼ cup of yogurt instead of 1 cup of milk. Add water to thin the batter as needed. 
  • REDUCE Sugar – reduce by half and add vanilla or cinnamon for extra sweetness. 
  • REPLACE Sugar – For artificial sweeteners, sucralose can be used effectively in baking and can be substituted one for one. For a natural replacement, try ¾ cup of honey or maple syrup for 1 cup of sugar. 
  • White All Purpose Flour – There are many substitutes for white flour - bean flour, soy flour, almond meal, and gluten-free alternatives. But using these can be tricky and will require research and practice. 

Healthy Dessert Recipes

Everyone defines healthy differently. Some want to avoid gluten, while others are looking for reduced fat and calories. Most baked desserts are a healthy alternative to packaged desserts, simply because the ingredients are fresh. 

Here are a few dessert recipes you just have to try:

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

gluten-free peanut butter cookiesFlourless and simple. Make several batches because these cookies go quickly. 

Ingredients

1 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F 
  2. Combine peanut butter, sugar, vanilla and egg. Mix well.  
  3. Drop cookie mixture using a tablespoon onto cookie sheet, one-inch apart. Press with a fork to flatten and create a criss-cross pattern on the cookies. 
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, until golden around the edges, turning the cookie sheet halfway through baking.
  5. Transfer to racks to cool. 

Makes two dozen cookies. 

Heart Healthy Fruit Tart

healthy fruit tartWith a light crust and fresh fruit, this recipe is a low fat (6 grams per serving) crowd pleaser. Substitute other fruits as desired. 

Ingredients

2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon sugar AND
2 teaspoons sugar (for glaze)
3 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons ice water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup orange juice
1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
3/4 cup thinly sliced bananas
1 cup thinly sliced strawberries

Directions

  1. For crust, heat oven to 400°F. 
  2. Combine flour and 1 tablespoon sugar. Add margarine and mix until crumbly. 
  3. Sprinkle with ice water and form dough into a ball. Press dough between two pieces of waxed paper and roll into a 10 inch circle. Place on ungreased baking sheet and remove waxed paper. Use a fork to prick and crimp pastry edge. 
  4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or till lightly browned. Let cool. 
  5. For glaze, combine 2 teaspoons sugar, cornstarch and orange juice in a small sauce pan. Cook over medium heat and stir till thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. Let cool. 
  6. Place cooled crust on a serving plate. Arrange fruits with the kiwi in the center, surrounded by the bananas, and then the berries. Drizzle glaze over fruit. 
  7. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour. 

Makes 6 servings.

Light Chocolate-Chip Cheesecake

light cheesecakeUses low-fat ingredients for a guiltless cheesecake. 

Ingredients

2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine (melted)
3 8-ounce packages of non-fat cream cheese 
1 14-ounce can of non-fat sweetened condensed milk
3 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla 
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Combine crumbs and melted butter. Pat into bottom and 3/4 inch up the side of 8-inch pan.
  3. Beat cream cheese, milk, egg whites, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup chocolate chips.
  4. Scrape batter into pan. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips.
  5. Bake 30 minutes until cake jiggles slightly in center. 
  6. Run a thin-bladed knife between cake and pan rim. 
  7. Refrigerate uncovered at least 2 1/2 hours. 

Makes 8 servings.

Is Baking Your Passion? Make it Your Career!

Understanding the science of baking is just as important as applying your imagination when creating desserts. If you have a passion for baking, consider a program that will teach you the science, the artistry and the business. The Culinary Institute of Virginia (CIV), through ECPI University, offers a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts that lets you learn hands on from experienced chefs.  

Explore the website or simply contact us for more information. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Culinary Arts TODAY!

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