10 Healthy Dessert Recipes To Try on the Mediterranean Diet
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Satisfy your sweet tooth while still following the Mediterranean diet with these easy, delicious, and healthy dessert recipes.
In this blog post, I’m sharing my favorite healthy desserts that are perfect if you are following the Mediterranean diet or simply trying to eat a bit healthier.
I’ll be sharing:
My top tips for eating dessert while following the Mediterranean diet
My top 10 healthy dessert recipes
How you can reach your health goals by following the Mediterranean diet
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Guilt-Free Desserts: Over 100 easy gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and refined-sugar-free recipes for the health-conscious foodie
In a world where health and wellness often feel at odds with our sweet cravings, this cookbook is your ultimate guide to satisfying your dessert desires without compromising your well-being.
Here, we believe that desserts should be a source of joy, not guilt. Each recipe has been meticulously crafted using wholesome ingredients that nourish the body while delighting the palate. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie, managing dietary restrictions, or simply looking to incorporate more nutritious options into your dessert repertoire, you'll find an array of treats that are as good for you as they are delicious.
From rich chocolate cakes sweetened with natural alternatives to creamy frozen delights made from whole fruits, every recipe offers a guilt-free escape into the world of sweetness.
Top Tips for Eating Dessert While Following the Mediterranean Diet
The following are my top tips for enjoying dessert and still being successful on the Mediterranean diet:
Make fruit the star of the dish
Make the dish extra satisfying with healthy fats using whole Greek yogurt
Use real foods to add sweetness, such as dates, maple syrup, and honey
Use almond and coconut flour to decrease carbs and make the dish gluten-free
Use chia and flax seeds to add protein and fiber
Pantry Staples for Healthy Desserts
It is easier to avoid the temptation of eating high-sugar and highly processed foods by keeping healthier options on hand. I recommend stocking your pantry with the following items to ensure you have the necessary ingredients to create healthy and delicious desserts:
Flours:
Healthier Sweeteners:
Baking Additives:
10 Easy & Delicious Dessert Recipes to Make When Following the Mediterranean Diet
Healthy Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is a necessity in the summer and fall months. This recipe is lower in sugar and uses gluten-free flour and coconut sugar to decrease inflammation that is often caused by high-sugar, flour-filled desserts. For gluten-free recipes, I like to use either King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour or Cup 4 Cup’s Gluten Free Flour.
Ingredients for the base:
8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut
2 Tablespoons gluten-free flour
½ cup coconut sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon ginger
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 Tablespoons butter or ghee
Ingredients for the crisp:
¾ cup quick oats
½ cup gluten-free flour
½ cup butter, diced
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.
Core, peel, and cut the apples, then transfer them to a bowl.
Combine the apples with the remaining ingredients for the base and mix together until everything is evenly combined.
Pour into the 8x8 baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the quick oats, flour, and butter to make the crumb topping.
Pour the crumb topping over the apple mixture, then bake for 15 minutes.
Lower the oven’s temperature to 350 degrees F, then bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, until the apples are soft.
Secretly Healthy Black Bean Brownies
These incredibly delicious brownies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and consistently get rave reviews by both kids and adults alike. You’d have no idea the base of these brownies is black beans!
Ingredients:
1 - 15.5 oz can reduced-sodium black bean brownies, strained and rinsed
3 eggs
3 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup coconut sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly spray your 8x8 baking dish.
Drain the black beans into a colander and rinse thoroughly.
In a blender, combine all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the brownie mix into the baking dish, then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top..
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Chocolate Chia Pudding
This creamy chocolate chia pudding is ready to eat in under 30 minutes and makes the perfect high-protein dessert. Some people don’t enjoy the seedy consistency of typical chia seed puddings. In this recipe, we blend the chia seeds in a coffee grinder to make the pudding smooth and creamy so that you can still enjoy the benefits of this high-protein snack without the typical chia seed consistency.
Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
¼ cup chia seeds
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Using a coffee grinder, grind up the chia seeds until they become a fine powder.
In a mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, chia seeds, and cocoa powder and whisk until evenly combined.
Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract and whisk.
Let sit for a few minutes, then come back and whisk again (this step is key in preventing the chia seeds from clumping.)
Place the pudding in the fridge and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes.
Enjoy as is or top with berries, shredded unsweetened coconut flakes, or any other healthy topping that you enjoy.
Notes: Healthy topping ideas include peanut butter (no sugar added), shredded unsweetened coconut flakes, cinnamon, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, walnuts, pecans, and sliced bananas.
Mixed Berry Crisp
This berry crisp is easy to put together and is a great option for holidays, special occasions, or to satisfy that Tuesday evening sweet tooth! For gluten-free recipes, I like to use either King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour or Cup 4 Cup’s Gluten Free Flour.
Ingredients for the crisp:
¾ cup gluten-free flour
¾ cup rolled oats
⅓ cup honey
½ cup walnuts, chopped
⅓ cup olive oil
1 Tablespoon water
½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Ingredients for the fruit base:
4 cups berries (mix of blueberry, blackberries, and raspberries)
¼ cup water
1 Tablespoon gluten-free flour
1 lemon, juiced
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.
In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the crisp and set to the side.
In a second bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the fruit base. Pour the mixture into the 8x8 baking dish.
Top with the crisp mixture, then bake in the oven for 35 minutes.
Cinnamon Spiced Peaches with Honey & Greek Yogurt
This is the ultimate summer dessert. Peaches are roasted to perfection and served with Greek Yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a healthy dessert that is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
2 peaches
2 Tablespoons grass-fed butter or ghee, melted
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 Tablespoons honey
½ - ¾ cup whole, plain Greek Yogurt
Optional addition: chopped nuts
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease an 8x8 baking dish and set aside.
Cut the peaches in half and remove the seed.
Place the peaches cut side up on a greased 8x8 baking dish.
Brush butter (or ghee) onto the peaches and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven.
Serve with 2-3 Tablespoons of Greek Yogurt, a drizzle of honey (about 2 teaspoons), and chopped nuts (walnuts are a great choice!)
Gluten Free Zucchini Bread
This zucchini bread is easy to put together and is a great way to use up all that fresh summer zucchini. You can also freeze zucchini by first shredding it, then sealing it in bags (I like to use quart size). You can use the shredded zucchini to make this bread at a later time by simply allowing it to thaw and straining it through a colander.
For this zucchini bread recipe, I like to use either King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour or Cup 4 Cup’s Gluten Free Flour.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups shredded zucchini, strained in a colander
½ cup coconut sugar
⅓ cup olive oil
⅓ cup plain yogurt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cup gluten-free flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325° F (160° C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strained zucchini, coconut sugar, olive oil, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla. Mix together with a spatula until evenly mixed through.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then add to the wet batter and combine.
Add the chopped pecans or walnuts and mix.
Pour the batter into a greased bread loaf pan, and bake for 40-50 minutes. Start checking the bread at 40 minutes to see if it is done, and add time if needed. The bread is cooked through when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool for about 15 minutes, then serve.
Grilled Pineapple with Whipped Greek Yogurt and Rum Sauce
Grilling pineapple produces a uniquely delicious dessert that is ready in just a few minutes. Paired with our whipped Greek Yogurt and rum sauce, this dessert is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or slices
cinnamon to sprinkle
1 cup whole-fat Greek Yogurt
½ cup coconut cream (the thick part of canned coconut milk)
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon rum extract
Directions:
Prepare the pineapple and sprinkle it with cinnamon.
Cook the pineapple on the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer it to a plate.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek Yogurt, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and rum extract.
Mix in the mixing bowl for 3-4 minutes, gradually increasing the speed of the blender, until the mixture takes on a whipped consistency and forms peaks.
Serve the grilled pineapple with a dollop (or two!) of the whipped Greek Yogurt and enjoy!
Strawberry & Greek Yogurt Parfait
Fresh strawberries and Greek yogurt are topped with our easy muesli and a drizzle of honey to create a healthy high-protein, Mediterranean diet-approved dessert.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups plain, whole-milk Greek Yogurt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup strawberries, cut in halves
2 teaspoons local honey
½ cup easy muesli
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the Greek Yogurt and real vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Using two serving bowls, divide the Greek Yogurt, then top with 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup muesli, and a drizzle of honey in each bowl.
Serve immediately.
Note: If you will not be eating right away, keep the muesli separate and add it right before serving.
Dairy Free Banana Walnut Ice Cream
This healthier homemade version of ice cream is ready in about 30 minutes, uses maple syrup as a sweetener, and is dairy free.
Ingredients:
2 cups canned coconut milk (full fat, unsweetened)
¼ cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 bananas, mashed
½ cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Combine the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and bananas in a mixing bowl or by hand.
Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish and place in the freezer for about an hour to allow it to firm up a bit.
When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and serve using an ice cream scoop. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the ice cream before serving.
Baked Apple & Cinnamon Chips
Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and promote gut health. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and may also help regulate blood sugar levels. Baking the apple chips instead of frying them makes them a healthier alternative to regular potato chips or other processed snacks.
Ingredients:
1 medium apple
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).
Wash and slice the apple thinly, removing the seeds and core.
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Sprinkle cinnamon over the apple slices.
Bake for 1-2 hours, or until the chips are crispy and slightly browned, flipping them halfway through.
Let the apple chips cool down before serving.
BONUS: No Bake Peanut Butter Buckeyes
Peanut butter and chocolate… the perfect combination! These no-bake peanut butter buckeyes come together quickly, and the leftovers can be stored in the freezer, ready for that next peanut butter craving!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups almond flour
3 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
In a bowl, combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips and mix until well combined.
In a bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and melt them in the microwave.
Roll the dough into balls, then roll or dip it in the chocolate.
Place the balls on a plate or baking sheet and move them to the fridge.
Store the balls in the fridge until ready to serve. They can also be frozen for long-term storage.
Start Eating Healthy with the Mediterranean Diet
If the Mediterranean diet is very different from how you have been eating, I HIGHLY recommend you follow a meal plan that has already been designed to help you be successful and quickly see results. The 30-Day Mediterranean Meal Plan I created includes everything you need to get started on the Mediterranean diet. It includes over 80 easy and delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks that you can simply follow along to and enjoy all the delicious flavors that come with the Mediterranean diet.
Once I learned how to eat a balanced Mediterranean diet, I quickly saw great results! By having an understanding of what my own body needed each day, I was able to set myself up for success and have maintained this healthy lifestyle for almost 2 years.
I want this for you too! If you are ready to fully benefit from the Mediterranean diet, I urge you to get started with my 30-day meal plan now while it’s the lowest price it will ever be! Click here to get started.
Choosing the right foods makes all the difference in how you feel. Even if you’re not yet ready to go all in, I have something that will help you make a step towards eating healthy and reaping the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet. Download my Top 10 Must-Try Mediterranean Diet Recipes ebook by using the form below to get instant access to this valuable resource. I have also included a Mediterranean Diet Shopping List to help you get started.
Get Your FREE ebook: Top 10 Must-Try Mediterranean Diet Recipes + A Free Shopping List
I have also put together a resource library containing my top recommended books, kitchen must-haves, supplements to support your health, and more! Click here to check it out!
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