Finishing up our series on healthy Easter and Passover foods, today we are sharing healthy options for Easter desserts. From no-bake fruit tarts that the kids can make themselves, to decadent (but healthy) lemon cake, there’s bound to be a dessert option that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Sugar Free Carrot Cake
You might be surprised to learn that this delicious carrot cake is sugar, oil, and butter free! Erythritol sweetener is used as a sugar substitute (read more here about different sugar substitutes), and Greek yogurt is used for moisture to help bind the batter.
No Bake Easter Egg Fruit Tarts
No-bake anything is a favorite dessert method of ours- who doesn’t love cutting out a step in the process? The crust is made with oatmeal and the topping is plain Greek yogurt, but could be switched to the vanilla variety for a little more flavor. This fruit-topped tart can be made by kids, allowing them to make their own combination.
Lemon Cream Pie Chia Pudding
Quinoa is an often overlooked superfood; loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it also works against inflammation and is full of antioxidants. The pudding is made with cashews and oat milk, making that layer a healthier alternative to ice cream. Like most nuts, cashews may also help improve your overall health. They’ve been linked to benefits like weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and a healthier heart.
Raspberry Peach “Nice” Cream
“Nice” cream is a healthy alternative to store- bought ice cream and only contains three ingredients. Blended, frozen bananas are used for the smooth texture, then frozen raspberries and peaches are added to taste. You can swap in any fruit you’d like and make unique flavors that your family will love!
Lemon Raspberry Bars
A graham cracker crust and fruit make this is a classic combination. This recipe uses sweetened, condensed milk which can be high in calories (depending on how much you use), and does have a good amount of sugar. You can make your own version using these ideas, and adjust what is included to cut back on the fat and sugar. Why use sweetened, condensed milk at all? It is still a milk product and has protein, vitamin B, and potassium, so it is still healthier than just regular added sugar. As with any food, monitor the portion size and limit how often you eat it- but enjoy it when you do! It’s all about balance.
Peanut Butter Mousse
With only six ingredients and only taking 15 minutes to prepare (then two hours to chill), this is a great option that you can make ahead and tuck in the fridge as you prepare other foods. Many peanut butters are loaded with added sugar and salt. This recipe uses a sugar-free option, helping your body maintain a more steady blood sugar level, and can also help you avoid inflammation and pain that can occur from consuming sugar.
Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Olive oil cakes use olive oil rather than butter, which helps lower the over all fat content and provides the benefits of olive oil (read about different dietary fats, here). This recipe also uses a little bit of apple sauce as a supplement to the oil, for moisture and as a binder. Typically less sweet than a traditional cake, olive oil cakes are a delicious addition to any delicious holiday meal.
Chocolate Quinoa Crisps
If you like the crunchy texture of rice crispy treats, you’ll really enjoy this treat. Made with puffed quinoa, a whole grain full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, it is a light dessert option that would pair beautifully with a scoop of “Nice cream”, or can be enjoyed alone.
We hope you have enjoyed reading through these meal ideas and that they have provided a starting point for creating a healthy Easter meal for you and your family. We wish you all a restful holiday.
