4 Healthy Desserts to Bake This Winter
By Brandi Goodman
Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean desserts are done for. You have plenty of warm dessert choices to enjoy throughout the remainder of the winter and on any cold night. There's even healthy options so you can remain guilt-free.
Fruit Crisp
Apple crisp is a popular dessert -- and a great choice any time of year. You don't have to stick with apple if you aren't a fan of the fruit, though. You can make a fruit crisp using any of your favorite fruit options -- or even mix a few together. Most crisp recipes call for sugar but the natural sweetness of your fruit is all you really need. If you like, organic maple syrup can be added to help increase the sweet factor even further.
Baked Pears
Pears pack lots of nutrients and make a great snack. They're similar in taste and texture to apples but different enough that you can feel like you're getting something unique if you're used to apples all the time. Cut your pears in half and bake them in the oven with honey, cinnamon, and granola. The hot dessert pairs well with Greek yogurt. You can also use a fat-free ice cream if you wish.
Fruit Compote With Ginger
You don't need a lot of extra ingredients for this recipe. No sugar or substitutes are required. Simply place cubed pears, pineapple chunks, dried apricots, tapioca, ginger, and orange juice in a slow cooker. Add pitted dark cherries to the mix at the end and place the hot fruit dessert in a cup before topping with flaked coconut. It will warm you up on a cold night easily while providing tons of vitamins and nutrients.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can't go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie. Some substitutes will be necessary if you're looking to make a healthier batch, however. A sugar substitute, for example, should be utilized. You can also use a healthier oil, unsalted butter, and almond flour instead of all-purpose. Use only egg whites instead of the full egg. Keep the chocolate chips, though. As long as you stick to one or two cookies and don't go overboard then this is a fine treat to have on occasion.
Finding healthier desserts helps you to enjoy a special treat without the guilt. Choose from one of these or find your own recipe for a healthy dessert this winter that hits the spot.
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