As tradition dictates, the holidays are meant to be shared with family and friends; they are a time of celebration and there’s no better treat than a sweet dessert. If you’re trying to maintain or lose weight this Thanksgiving, eating desserts may seem like an impossible task but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be.
By making simple changes to traditional recipes or choosing new ones altogether, you can find ways to enjoy healthy Thanksgiving desserts without compromising your waistline.
This guide is perfect for anyone looking for healthier options this holiday season. From traditional pies to more modern approaches like salmon cheesecake, here are 13 waistline-friendly healthy Thanksgiving dessert recipes you will love. Whether you prefer something classic or adventurous, these recipes are sure to be a hit on your holiday table!
Applesauce Cake
Applesauce cake is a delicious way to enjoy the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving without compromising your waistline. It is a relatively easy recipe and serves as a great alternative to heavier, more caloric desserts. This moist and flavorful cake is made with applesauce, cinnamon, and spices that blend together to create a light yet satisfying treat.
Its healthier ingredients also make it suitable for those wanting to keep their sugar consumption in check. To top it off, this simple cake recipe is an affordable choice – allowing you to save money while also keeping your calorie consumption in check.
Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is a classic Thanksgiving dessert that can be quite healthy if prepared with the right ingredients. This no-fuss recipe is made with natural sugars like honey and utilizes whole-food ingredients like oats and apples. It’s also a great way to incorporate some extra fruits into your holiday meal!
To make this delicious, waistline-friendly dessert, you’ll need the following:* 4-6 apples (depending on size)* 1/4 cup of butter* 1/4 cup honey* 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon* dash of salt
Start by lining an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal once cooked. Then preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Next, peel and core your apples and then slice them moderately thinly. Place the slices in your baking dish*. In a separate bowl melt your butter together with the honey (This can be done quickly in the microwave).
Then add in the oats, cinnamon, and salt until they’re all well combined. Finally, spread your oat mixture on top of your apple slices in the baking dish creating an even layer – this will be your crisp topping!
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown – then let cool before digging in! Enjoy!
*Note: To make this recipe faster, use pre-sliced apples found in most grocery stores.
Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Milk
This pumpkin pie with coconut milk is a delicious, nutritious, and waistline-friendly alternative to traditional pumpkin pie recipes. It uses a combination of honey and coconut sugar to give you a light sweetness without being overly sugary.
This recipe is full of heart-healthy unsaturated fats from coconut milk, fiber from the pumpkin, and vitamins and minerals from cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. Enjoy this waistline-friendly dessert without any guilt!
To make this recipe you will need: 3/4 cup honey or coconut sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 can of full fat organic coconut milk; 2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin puree; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/8 tsp ground allspice; 1 tbsp molasses (optional); 9-inch unbaked deep dish pie crust.;
To make it: Preheat oven to 375°F. Beat eggs in a bowl until combined. Gradually add honey or coconut sugar while whisking quickly until fully incorporated. Then stir in canned coconut milk, pumpkin puree, spices, and molasses (if desired). Pour into prepared pie crust and bake for 45 minutes or until the knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cool before serving. Enjoy!
Pear and Cranberry Cobbler
Pear and Cranberry Cobbler is a waistline-friendly Thanksgiving dessert recipe that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters! This low-calorie guilt-free dessert is perfect for a light and refreshing finish to your holiday meal. Combine the naturally sweet flavors of ripe pears, fresh cranberries, and zesty oranges with a crunchy oat topping for an unforgettable seasonal treat.
The key to this delicious waistline-friendly festive dessert is to use light ingredients like honey, plums, or applesauce. Begin by replacing white flour with whole wheat flour, cutting back on sweeteners, or replacing them with natural substitutes such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
Use reduced-fat butter or oil instead of regular butter for the crunchy oat topping and limit the amount of sugar used in making the filling.
The combination of tart cranberries, creamy pears, and bright citrus makes this cobbler recipe special. To get started, core and halve two firm pears then cut them into small wedges before adding them to a saucepan along with one cup of fresh cranberries and half a cup of orange juice.
Simmer until the fruit has softened before combining it with two tablespoons each of honey and cornstarch, stirring until smooth. Spread the filling into an ovenproof dish then make your crumb topping by combining ½ cup oats or ground almonds, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, one teaspoon baking powder, four tablespoons brown sugar, and one tablespoon melted butter until clumps form; sprinkle evenly on top of your filling then bake in a preheated oven until golden brown – about twenty minutes – you won’t be disappointed!
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
No-bake pumpkin cheesecake is an easy and delicious treat that adds a festive touch to any Thanksgiving meal. Unlike traditional baked cheesecake, this recipe requires minimal effort and is sure to satisfy all of your guests, from the health-conscious to the traditionalists.
Made with cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and honey for sweetness, this classic dessert has been tweaked for a healthier version. We’ve eliminated the high-calorie crust and used nuts and dates instead for added texture and crunch. And don’t forget the spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves which give an extra burst of flavor while adding numerous health benefits!
Once you have tried our No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes recipe you’ll never look back – it’s light, creamy and so smooth! Topping options include; fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries, coconut flakes, or crushed nuts to provide extra texture. It’s a great way to end your Thanksgiving dinner without overindulging in calories. Enjoy!
Apple-Cranberry Crumble
Apple-Cranberry Crumble is an excellent way to include the classic flavors of Thanksgiving in a healthier dessert. This delicious and easy-to-make recipe contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber from fresh apples and cranberries.
A crunchy oat-and-nut topping adds extra flavor and nutrition. Make this either Dairy Free or vegan depending on your dietary needs, yet either way, it will still come out delicious!
This hearty recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant food components like Vitamin C from cranberries, potassium from apples, and healthy fats from nuts. While this dish may not be as flashy as other desserts such as pies or cakes – its texture is so comforting you won’t even miss them.
Moreover, the taste of this crumble comes directly from the natural sweetness of apples and cranberries which pairs beautifully with oats; boosting its flavor without having to add any processed sweeteners or excess sugar. Additionally, this recipe requires minimal ingredients making it easy for cooks of any level to prepare quickly.
End your meal on a happy note with a portion of Apple Cranberry Crumble! With good ingredient choices come health benefits that make us feel whole inside – so eat up guiltless!
Baked Apples with Cinnamon
This simple and delicious holiday treat works perfectly as a dessert or as a snack to enjoy throughout the season. Baked apples are naturally sweet and filled with dietary fiber to help keep you feeling full. To make them, simply place your choice of apples – such as Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith – in an oven-safe dish.
Sprinkle the top with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, and some butter. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) for about 30 minutes, or until the apple is soft. Enjoy your healthy baked apples alone or topped with a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream for extra sweetness.
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is a classic Southern dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and butter plus spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. It is often served during the Thanksgiving holiday as an alternative to pumpkin pie. This tasty twist on the traditional holiday fare is sure to be a hit with everyone at your dinner table!
When making a sweet potato pie, it’s important to start by selecting the right sweet potatoes. Choose firm potatoes that are bright orange in color; they will make for a smoother consistency when you mash them up. Try baking your sweet potatoes in the oven or boiling them on the stovetop – both methods will produce delicious results!
Once you have your sweet potatoes prepped and ready to go, blend them with light brown sugar (or honey if desired), spiced butter, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a prepared pie shell that has been rolled out to fit an 8-inch glass or aluminum pie plate. Bake until golden brown and set – about 45 minutes to 1 hour should do it. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor!
Apple Pie with Streusel Topping
Apple Pie with Streusel Topping is the perfect way to keep your waistline trim while still enjoying a classic Thanksgiving dessert. This delicious, easy-to-make treat has only 230 calories per serving, and with its streusel topping it adds an extra layer of flavor that’s sure to be a hit on any Thanksgiving table.
Using all-natural ingredients like apples, oatmeal, walnuts, and spices, you can be sure that you’re preparing a guilt-free sweet treat. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth while sticking to your healthy lifestyle this holiday season!
For this delicious apple pie, begin by preheating the oven to 375°F. Next, prepare the streusel topping by combining 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats and 1/4 cup walnut pieces in a small bowl and stirring together until combined. Then add in 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; mix until blended together evenly then set aside for later use as the topping.
Next prepare the apple mixture by peeling 6 medium apples (about 4 cups total) then place them in a large bowl along with 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; stir together until apples are evenly coated.
Prepare 9-inch old baked pie crust according to directions on the box then pour apple mixture into crust; spread out evenly then sprinkle prepared streusel topping over top of apples being sure to cover them completely.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling sets when jiggled slightly. Allow pie to cool before serving warm or at room temperature with optional fresh whipped cream or ice cream if desired!
Spiced Pumpkin Custard
This delicious spiced pumpkin custard is the perfect treat to enjoy at the end of a Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Made with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, unsweetened almond milk, and warm cinnamon spices, this egg-free pie has all the silky texture of a traditional custard without any of the work.
Topped with toasted walnuts and brown sugar for crunch and sweetness, it’s sure to be a hit. The best part? This dessert is sugar-free and packs in a host of nutritious ingredients like pumpkin, which is an excellent source of dietary fiber that helps promote healthy digestion.
Plus, its creamy texture makes it easy to enjoy even if you don’t have much time left on your clock after cooking dinner! So whip up this pumpkin custard for your next holiday gathering – you’ll be glad you did!
Baked Apple Dumplings
Baked Apple Dumplings are a light and tender dessert that is surprisingly easy to make. Apples are cored and stuffed with walnuts, dates, cinnamon, and nutmeg and wrapped in large dough envelopes. Then, these delectable parcels of sweetness are baked in a sweet syrup flavored with orange juice.
This unconventional Thanksgiving treat is sure to impress your friends and family! It’s also waistline-friendly due to the fact that it’s relatively low in fat and calories, yet still loaded with flavor.
To bring this recipe together, begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F. Peel the apples leaving the stems attached at the top. Core them using a spoon or melon baller and set aside while you prepare your stuffing mixture.
In a medium bowl combine chopped walnuts, dates, and sugar-free cinnamon sugar substitute (such as Stevia) into minced apple pulp from the cored apples. Arrange 4 large pieces of parchment paper on a baking sheet; cut each piece into 4 squares about 8 inches square for 16 total pouches for your 8 apples.
Divide the stuffing among your apple pieces; fill each core evenly with some mixture (do not stuff too tightly). Wrap each apple up snugly inside one parchment paper pouch till all of them have their own wrapping.
Place them on their parchment paper packets onto a baking sheet or dish; pour 1/2 cup water overtop of each dumpling along with 1/4 cup orange juice before baking for 25 minutes until soft yet cooked through (test this by poking an apple slice through a pouch). Serve warm or cool off near room temperature – either way, these dumplings make for an excellent Thanksgiving dessert!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Mousse
This tasty, waistline-friendly take on a fall classic comes in the form of a mousse. The pumpkin flavor is highlighted while a combination of natural sweetness from the pumpkin puree, creamy Greek yogurt, and honey combine to create an irresistible treat. With notes of espresso powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this mousse will quickly make its way to your list of favorite Thanksgiving desserts.
To make this lightened-up version even healthier, you can make it without sugar by omitting the espresso powder and adding some sweetener such as Stevia or agave nectar instead. All the ingredients needed for this scrumptious dessert can be found in almost any grocery store or market.
These ingredients include canned pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt (or use coconut cream for a vegan alternative), honey, espresso powder (optional), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Simply whisk together all ingredients until creamy before spooning them into glasses or ramekins to serve. Top with additional cinnamon and nutmeg for extra fall flavor! Enjoy!
