4 Healthy (But Delicious!) Holiday Desserts to Keep You on Track

Don’t let the Holiday season ruin all your hard work in the gym. Try out these four healthy (but delicious!) holiday desserts to keep you on track!

No-Bake Pecan Pie

With this recipe, you can absolutely have your pie and eat it, too, without any feelings of guilt. Not only is it low in sugar, gluten-free, and vegan, it’s packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, It will nourish your body, boost your energy levels, and improve cell regeneration.

For the base:

• 2 cup pecans
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 8 pitted dates (previously soaked in water for at least 20 min)
• A pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1 1/2 cup cashews (previously soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight)
• 1/2 cup pitted dates (previously soaked in water for at least 1 hour, so they’re really soft)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Topping:

• Pecan pieces
• Coconut whipped cream (optional)

Place the base ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined. The ‘dough’ should be coarse and sticky. Line a pie or tart dish with parchment paper and press the mixture into the dish, evening out the surface. You can choose to fill up the edges as well, to get that classic tart shape, or leave them uncoated (especially if you choose to spice it up with your favorite icing). Place in the fridge to set while you make your filling.

For the filling, blend the dates into a paste and set aside. Blend the cashews and maple syrup until they form a smooth mixture, and then add the dates and the remaining ingredients until all is silky smooth. If the mixture starts to form clumps, add a splash of water and repeat until you reach the desired, silky consistency. Pour the filling into your cooled-down crust, top with pecan pieces, and put back in the fridge to set. Serve with coconut whipped cream, or coat with your favorite icing/frosting if you want! You can now enjoy this holiday favorite without any remorse.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

The smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies brings out a feeling of joy that’s hard to describe. By learning how to make them healthy—to help keep you on track to reach your fitness goals—is one of the best presents you can give yourself this year. Full of antioxidant-rich cacao, these mint chocolate chip cookies will help you fight free radicals, improve your digestion, and fight off any seasonal colds.

All you need is:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cacao powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
• 2 flax eggs (or regular eggs for non-vegan version)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract or 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix oat flour, cacao powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs), coconut oil, sweetener of choice, and peppermint extract. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk until you get a soft, sticky texture. Fold in the chocolate chips and cover the bowl, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Scoop the mixture using a cookie scoop onto the baking sheet and flatten as much as you like because they won’t spread much during baking. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking often to make sure they’re not burnt around the edges. Once done, lift with a spatula and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely and enjoy!

Chocolate Cinnamon Dipped Oranges

Chocolate and oranges are a match made in heaven, especially on cold winter nights when all you want to do is cozy up with a blanket, watch your favorite show, and snack on something sweet and delicious. Enjoy these immunity boosters and get your daily dose of Vitamin C in the best way possible!

All you need:

• 2 sliced oranges
• 1/2 cup cacao powder
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon

In a bowl, mix the cacao powder, cinnamon, coconut oil, and maple syrup until silky smooth. Dip the orange slices half-way into the mixture and place on top of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.   Transfer into the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes. Take out and serve immediately, so that the chocolate doesn’t start to melt.

A bonus tip: Pre-slice the oranges and place in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. This will firm them up so when you dip them in chocolate, it definitely stays on. Sometimes, if the oranges are too juicy, it can cause the chocolate to slip off.

Lime Pomegranate Muffins

Pomegranate is the ultimate winter fruit, and it’s packed with vitamins and minerals that will keep your skin glowing, boost your immune system, and lower your cholesterol levels. Pairing pomegranates  with any citrus fruit makes for a delicious combination. If you happen to have some limes on hand, do try this recipe and serve something unique at this year’s Christmas party.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3 eggs (or flax eggs)
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup coconut yoghurt (or greek yoghurt)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds and a bit more to sprinkle on top of each muffin
• the zest of one grated lime
• A pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line the muffin pan with muffin parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and slowly add in the coconut oil, maple syrup, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and yoghurt. Add the flour and baking soda; mix well and fold in the pomegranate seeds making sure not to crush them. Scoop the mixture and evenly fill out the muffin tin 3/4 to the top (because they will rise) and sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds on the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out dry.

And there you have it: Simple, healthy, and delicious desserts you can bring to any holiday party, indulge in completely guilt-free, and leave the stress at the door!