Now that summer is in full swing; people often want to indulge in something light and sweet. A few treats every once in a while to satisfy your sweet tooth is fine, but over time, too many desserts can have undesirable effects. Saturated fat, sugar, and other additives found in many desserts can take a toll on your health. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. With these healthy dishes, you can enjoy delicious dessert without going overboard on all the sugar.

Chocolate-Mint Bars

For those who adore the traditional chocolate and mint combo, this recipe will surely satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooths. Dark chocolate – deep, creamy, and scrumptious – mixed with refreshing mint, makes for an unbeatable dessert. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, you can substitute it for low-fat milk chocolate. This dessert is best served in the afternoon on a hot summer day; that’s why after making the bars, it’s a good idea to refrigerate them. Serve cold and with a glass of milk. You can even get creative and coat the bars with nuts.

Texas Sheet Cake

Texas sheet cake is a delicious option that also happens to be healthier than many of its counterparts. This sweet, tasty, and filling cake can be served in a multitude of ways and for different occasions, including parties, weddings, and family reunions. But most importantly, it can be prepared and enjoyed right at home. When making the cake, use a mixture of butter and buttermilk to give it a light, airy, and moist texture.

Greek Yogurt Bowl

If you enjoy a refreshingly cold drink in the afternoon to help you cool down and unwind, then this dish is the perfect healthy dessert for you. It uses Greek yogurt and fresh fruits to bring together tasty elements that satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way. To create this dish, measure out half of a cup of diced strawberries, half of a cup of diced kiwi, and one medium banana. Stir the fruit pieces into two cups of fresh Greek yogurt. A bit of honey can be added for sweetness.

Blackberry Slush

Berries of all kinds are known for their abundant amounts of antioxidants and vitamins, as well as their excellent and tangy taste. When combined with ice, blackberries can make for a healthy and soothing dessert, perfect to complement a heavy meal. Use ice chips as the base for this dish. Then, add fresh blackberries on top to create a beautiful and elegant dish. To add some sweetness, add a few drops of honey to the dish. Serve right away. As a variation, you can use other berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Sherbet

Try making sherbet as your next healthy dessert. This summer dish is perfect for an evening under the sun and can be done with a variety of fresh ingredients. Sherbet is also versatile, making it one of the best options for picky eaters. Don’t like mangos? Try strawberries or even more exotic fruit like passion fruit or dragon fruit. To make sherbet, just mix some frozen fruit (which you can freeze beforehand right at home) and some yogurt. The result is a refreshing and tangy dish that will please anyone’s palate. To avoid iciness, serve this dessert fresh.

Bread Puddings

Instead of making chocolate chip cookies, why not make bread pudding instead? Bread puddings are a classic for many families. This dish is both elegant and tasty, and it can be made using fresh and healthy ingredients. Bread pudding is made of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, including eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. The resulting flavor profile is sumptuous and satisfying. This dish can be served cold, making it a refreshing dessert on a warm summer evening, or hot, making it a great alternative to heavy and unhealthy winter desserts. As a variation, you can use Hawaiian bread for added sweetness.

Low-Fat Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate cream pie is a traditional dessert, but it is often laden with sugar and unhealthy fats. To make this dessert a bit healthier, use low-fat cream to cut down on saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol. You can also use dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients.

Stuffed Baked Apples

This recipe uses apples as a base for a wonderfully sweet and healthy dessert. To complete it, walnuts, dried fruits, cinnamon, and oats are used. First, remove the core of an apple, and then make a well inside of the apple. Fill it with the ingredients, and bake it in the oven. The result is a fragrant and healthy dish that can be enjoyed with low-fat vanilla ice cream. If you are using sour apples, add some honey to sweeten the mixture. You can also add your favorite nuts to add dimension and flavor.

Crepe Cake

Next on our list of healthy desserts is crepe cake. This is a yummy alternative to many cake dishes and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. This cake is made by combining layers of thin crepes with chocolate pudding, resulting in a stacked cake that is sweet but low-fat and low in calories. Make the cake by using dark chocolate pudding, and look for the low-fat variety. You can also make the crepes by using unsaturated fats, which will cut down on cholesterol and calories.

Kiwi Ice Pops

This dish is an excellent alternative to unhealthy ice creams. It uses fresh ingredients for a healthy and refreshing treat. Kiwi is a great choice because it is a vibrant, green fruit with a tangy and refreshing taste. Moreover, it is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, supporting the immune system. To make kiwi ice pops, simply mash some kiwis in a small bowl. Then, place some water in a popsicle mold, making sure to add layers of kiwi into the mold. Freeze the molds and serve the ice pop on a hot summer day. You can also add other fruits for more flavor and color.