Avocado Cheesecake
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If you haven't tried adding avocado to cheesecake, now is the time. The unexpected ingredient makes this classic dessert creamier and—because of the cholesterol-reducing fats—healthier. It also happens to give this cheesecake its light-green hue.
Cacao and Roasted Almond Butter Bark
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Have you ever wondered why eating chocolate makes you feel happy? It's because it contains phenylethylamine, which encourages your brain to produce feel-good endorphins. This recipe combines cacao nibs (or chocolate chips made with at least 70 percent cacao) with the good-for-you-fats found in almond butter and coconut oil.
Figure-Friendly Fig Dessert Recipe
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Olive oil might not be the first fat you think of when you imagine a dessert. But this figgy dessert incorporates the heart-healthy oil.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter, Banana and Dark Chocolate Brownies
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Texturally, these gluten-free brownies are cakey and light. Flavor-wise, they're rich. That may come as a surprise considering there's not one bit of dairy-based butter in the recipe. The peanut butter provides the decadence, as well as the "good," monounsaturated fat and protein.
Pear Crumble
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This crumble features one of the season's most bountiful fruits: pears. Plus, it swaps butter for liquid oil and white flour for the whole-wheat version.
Raw Chocolate-Cherry Mini Tarts
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Crust without butter? You better believe it. Water-soaked dates, coconut and walnuts do just fine on their own. And the decadent mousse on top includes raw cacao powder, avocados, cinnamon and maple syrup.
Tiramisu
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This popular coffee-flavored Italian dessert is not only free of butter, it also doesn't require any baking. If you can simmer, whisk and layer, you can make this post-dinner delight.
Warm Ginger-Raisin Apples
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This sweet treat tastes like apple pie, but it won't go to your waistline like America's favorite dessert. The reason: There's no flour, butter or refined sugar in the recipe. If you want this dessert to taste a la mode but still keep its healthy status, serve it with a dollop of extra-cold, plain Greek yogurt.
A Healthy Makeover for Holiday Desserts
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Whether you want to axe butterfat or add a little protein, these tips will help you tweak your holiday desserts to your heart's desire.
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