Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers around the table, sharing stories and laughter over a feast that warms the heart. But let’s be honest—after all that turkey and stuffing, the real excitement is the desserts! I used to wait all year for my grandma’s pumpkin pie, but now, I crave something a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. That’s where these *healthy Thanksgiving desserts* come in! They’re deliciously satisfying, guilt-free treats that let you enjoy the sweetness of the season while keeping things nutritious. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup almond flour: This gluten-free flour gives our dessert a lovely nutty flavor and a moist texture. It’s packed with healthy fats and protein, making it a fantastic base.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that adds a hint of caramel flavor without the refined sugars. It’s lower on the glycemic index, which is a bonus for balancing your sweet tooth!
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This rich cocoa powder brings a deep chocolate flavor to the mix. Make sure it’s unsweetened to keep our dessert on the healthier side.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a fantastic moisture booster while adding natural sweetness. Plus, it’s a great substitute for oil or butter in this recipe!
- 2 large eggs: These provide structure and help bind everything together. They also add a bit of protein to our delightful dessert.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors, making everything taste a bit more indulgent. I never skip this step—trust me!
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: This little powerhouse helps our dessert rise and become fluffy, so don’t leave it out!
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. It’s a must for any baked good!
How to Prepare Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts
Let’s dive into making these scrumptious healthy Thanksgiving desserts! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven means perfectly baked goodies. While the oven warms up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good stir so everything’s mixed well and ready to go.
Next, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in the unsweetened applesauce, crack those two large eggs, and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and luscious—don’t be afraid to get in there with a spatula! Now, grease a baking dish and pour your beautiful batter into it, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool for a bit before serving—this is crucial for the best texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth.
- Grease a baking dish and pour the batter in, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let the dessert cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation Time: Whip up this dessert in just about 15 minutes of prep—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and coconut sugar, you can indulge without the guilt.
- Delicious Flavor: Rich chocolatey goodness combined with a hint of sweetness makes every bite irresistible.
- Gluten-Free: This dessert fits right in for those avoiding gluten, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy it.
- Feel-Good Treat: You get to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things healthy—what’s not to love?
Tips for Success
To make sure your healthy Thanksgiving desserts turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, be sure to measure your almond flour accurately—too much can result in a dense texture. If you want a sweeter treat, feel free to add a bit more coconut sugar, but keep in mind that the applesauce already adds some natural sweetness. Also, let the dessert cool completely in the pan before slicing; this helps it hold together better. And don’t forget to check for doneness with a toothpick—sometimes, it needs a couple of extra minutes in the oven. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each piece of these healthy Thanksgiving desserts: about 150 calories, 8g of fat, 5g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. They also contain 5g of sugar and 3g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the almond flour? Yes, if you don’t have almond flour, you can try using oat flour or another gluten-free flour, but it may change the texture slightly.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake these healthy Thanksgiving desserts a day in advance and store them until you’re ready to serve.
What can I add for extra flavor? Consider adding some chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful twist!
Are these desserts suitable for kids? Yes! They’re a great healthier option for kids, and their chocolatey flavor is sure to win them over.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your healthy Thanksgiving desserts, place any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that lovely texture!
Print
Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts You’ll Cherish This Season
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and nutritious desserts perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These can be served with fresh fruit.
- Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: healthy thanksgiving desserts
