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Active Cookbook: 8 Butter-Free Desserts
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Butter isn't the only fat that can flavor, bind, and add decadence to desserts. From avocados and cheeses to nuts and nut butters, there are plenty of other fats that are up to the task. These eight desserts get their fat from butter-free ingredients.
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.