Chances are your local supermarket carries a variety of cereals, snacks and desserts prominently labeled “gluten-free.” But despite being one of the latest (and more popular) trends in the health food industry, gluten-free is not synonymous with healthy. In fact, many gluten-free cakes, cookies and breads rely on extra sugar, fat and refined flours to make up for the changes in texture and taste. Instead of doing away with dessert forever just because you lead a gluten-free lifestyle, we scoured the web for some of the tastiest homemade dessert recipes — with a healthier twist.
1. Two-Bite Sweet Potato Ice Cream Sandwiches
Feeling nostalgic for a classic ice cream sandwich? This unique take on the summertime favorite draws on vitamin C-rich sweet potatoes for a moist, creamy texture and a simple vanilla bean ice cream filling. (Though, feel free to fill with a lighter option like vanilla frozen yogurt). Keep in mind: These little guys may warrant a fork and knife, or lots and lots of napkins. Photo and Recipe: Amy Green / Simply Sugar and Gluten Free
2. Paleo Marble Cake
This eye-catching cake uses almond flour (also called almond meal), a Paleo-friendly flour alternative that’s also a good source of manganese and vitamin E. The contrasting chocolate and vanilla batters are swirled with a knife before the low-carb cake heads to the oven. Add macadamia nuts and chocolate chips to top! Photo and Recipe: Adriana / Living Healthy With Chocolate
3. Mini Carrot Cupcakes
Like other recipes on this list, these carrot cupcakes use almond flour as a base. Loaded with carotenoid-rich carrots, this treat also gets a healthy boost of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger for spice. But not to fret, the frosting is the real deal, made with cream cheese and a little bit of butter (so spread with caution!). Photo and Recipe: Jen / Peanut Butter Runner
4. Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies have just about everything going for them: They’re sweet and salty, thick and chewy, and they’re moist from mashed up banana (known for high levels of B vitamins). A heaping portion of oats provides filling fiber and a hearty texture. Photo and Recipe: Maria and Josh / Two Peas And Their Pod
5. Coconut Flour Cake with Lemon Frosting
Frosting sounds sinful, but this version skips the butter and processed sugar in favor of plain Greek yogurt, coconut flour, honey and some lemon zest. The cake itself uses even more Greek yogurt (hello protein!) and gets its base from coconut flour, which is higher in fiber and lower in carbs than white and wheat flour. Photo and Recipe: Sunnie / Modern Girl Nutrition
6. Mango-Ginger Yogurt Popsicles
Cool down with these five-ingredient whole-food pops, made with mangoes, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey and ginger. All it takes is a whirl in the food processer, then the freezer does all the work. These pops provide more protein and fiber than the standard flavored ice pop, too! Photo and Recipe: Kelli / The Corner Kitchen Blog
7. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Cookie dough dips, bars and balls are all the rage these days. This version uses grain-free, dairy-free and vegan protein powder. Served on their own, or paired with frozen yogurt or light vanilla ice cream, this quick-to-whip-up dessert is sure to please. Photo and Recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by DailyBurn
8. Skinny Brownies
While oats, almonds and honey sound like the perfect start to a simple breakfast, they’re also the stars of this healthier brownie recipe. Applesauce and honey provide just enough sweetness, while a small amount of coconut oil binds the ingredients together with an extra kick of flavor. Expect a birthday cake-like consistency from these brownies (rather than a chewy, fudge-like texture). Photo and Recipe: Kylie / Yeah… immaeatthat
9. Plum and Poppy Seed Cheesecake
Finally, there’s a healthier alternative to the most decadent dessert at the diner. The fiber-filled crust gets its base from almonds and hazelnuts, while dates and coconut add a touch of sweetness. A mixture of cashews, coconut and plums make up the surprisingly creamy (and raw) filling. Topped with raw chocolate bits, almond flakes, hazelnuts and plum slices, this dessert makes for a truly picture-perfect treat. Photo and Recipe: Chris and Bogo / Tales of a Kitchen
10. Blueberry Bliss Krispy Treats
These no-bake bars use brown rice cereal and rolled oats instead of grain or nut flours, making them crispy and light. Bonus: Both the bar and the maple icing include vanilla protein powder to amp up this dessert’s nutritional stats. Bon appétit! Photo and Recipe: Jessica / Desserts With Benefits