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20 Healthy Desserts To Serve For Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is such a great time to enjoy all of your favorite foods, but enjoying all of those goodies can lead to a lot of calories consumed by the end of the night. Here is how to lighten up the load a bit with these easy and healthy desserts to serve for Thanksgiving dinner.

Being health conscious is not the easiest thing to do on Thanksgiving. Usually there are tons of food options and everything looks so good that you want to eat it all! Trust me, I get it. However, maybe this year you want to be more health conscious for yourself and your family. 

There are so many options for amazing desserts on thanksgiving but there are also some desserts that are a bit lighter that taste JUST as good!

Over the years, I have realized that making small changes to a recipe doesn’t have to sacrifice the taste, but can make it a bit healthier. Simple things like removing the crust from pie, or substituting honey and applesauce for sugar, or even using fresh fruit in a dessert can be a big win!

I believe that you should have whatever you want on Thanksgiving, but if you or someone in your family is looking to stay on course with a specific diet, some of these recipes may fit the bill.

Healthy Desserts: A Sweet Twist to Your Thanksgiving Feast

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the indulgence in hearty dishes and sumptuous desserts is a tradition many of us look forward to all year long. However, with growing awareness of health and wellness, many are seeking a balance between holiday indulgence and nutritious choices. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health, especially when it comes to desserts. Here’s a guide on incorporating healthy desserts into your Thanksgiving menu without compromising on flavor.

Nutrient-Rich Ingredients

When crafting a healthy dessert menu, the first step is to look for ingredients that offer nutritional benefits. Think fiber-rich fruits like apples and berries, or nutrient-dense nuts and seeds. Incorporating these into your recipes not only adds a healthful kick but also brings an exciting range of textures and flavors.

Sugar Substitutes

Refined sugar is often the primary culprit in making desserts unhealthy. However, there are numerous natural sweeteners available that can effectively replace white sugar. From stevia to honey or maple syrup, these natural alternatives often possess a lower glycemic index and can offer additional nutrients.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Today, gluten-free and vegan desserts are more popular than ever, and they can be just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. Almond flour, coconut flour, and oat flour are excellent gluten-free alternatives for baking. For vegan desserts, coconut milk, almond milk, and flaxseeds can replace dairy and eggs.

Crowd-Pleasing Classics: Reinvented

Who says you can’t have pumpkin pie or apple crisp on Thanksgiving if you’re aiming for a healthier meal? The key is to reinvent these classics with healthier ingredients. Make a pumpkin pie with a nut-based crust and natural sweeteners, or try an apple crisp featuring oats and whole wheat flour topped with a sprinkle of nuts for added protein.

Fresh Fruit Delights

Sometimes, the simplest desserts can be the most satisfying. A fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits with a sprinkle of cinnamon can be incredibly refreshing. Baked apples or poached pears with a little honey and spice offer the comfort of traditional Thanksgiving desserts without the calorie overload.

Portion Control

Another aspect of serving healthier desserts is portion control. Mini-desserts like cupcakes, tarts, or small serving bowls for pudding can help guests enjoy a treat without overindulging. It’s a psychological trick that allows for variety and indulgence while keeping the health factor in check.

No-Bake Wonders

Some of the healthiest desserts are those that require no baking. Raw desserts often retain more of their nutritional value and can be easier to prepare. Think raw cheesecakes made with cashews, date bars, or chocolate avocado mousse.

Dark Chocolate Innovations

Dark chocolate is a healthful ingredient that can make for some decadently rich desserts. Chocolate-dipped strawberries, dark chocolate bark with nuts and dried fruit, or even a dark chocolate fondue can bring the joy of chocolate to the holiday table without the guilt.

Mindful Choices, Maximum Flavor

The trick to making healthy desserts is to prioritize both flavor and nutritional value. You don’t have to compromise one for the other. And let’s not forget, part of the joy of a holiday meal is the pleasure derived from delicious food, shared with loved ones.

In summary, healthy desserts are not only possible but can also be an exciting and fulfilling aspect of your Thanksgiving meal. By being mindful of ingredients and serving sizes, and by putting a creative spin on traditional favorites, you can offer a dessert menu that is both satisfying and in line with healthier eating goals. After all, Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better way to show gratitude to yourself and your loved ones than by serving food that is good for both body and soul?

Here are 20 Healthy Desserts For Thanksgiving Dinner

enjoy and let me know which one you liked the most!

20 Amazing Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts

Looking to lighten the load this thanksgiving? Here are some healthy alternative dessert recipes that are tasty and light on the calories!

If you like these healthy desserts you can serve for Thanksgiving be sure to check out these 15 Must Have Cooking Tools For Thanksgiving Dinner!