When it comes to the holiday season, I can’t help but get excited about baking up festive treats, especially healthy Christmas desserts that everyone can enjoy! This recipe is a total game-changer—delicious, guilt-free, and packed with nourishing ingredients. I remember the first time I made these; the aroma of chocolate filled my kitchen, and my family couldn’t believe they were made with wholesome ingredients! Trust me, these little squares are perfect for those holiday gatherings where you want to indulge without the sugar crash. They’re not just a treat; they’re a celebration of health and flavor!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup almond flour – this gives our desserts a lovely nutty flavor and a gluten-free base.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar – a natural sweetener that adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for that rich chocolatey goodness without the extra sugar.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – this keeps our desserts moist and adds a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup almond milk – a creamy base that blends everything beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – because who doesn’t love that warm, aromatic essence?
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – to help our treats rise just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – it enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips – the best part! They add a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Prepare Healthy Christmas Desserts
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures even baking, so don’t skip this step! It’s like giving your treats a warm welcome right from the start.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your almond flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them together until they’re well blended. This step is crucial because it helps to distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring your desserts rise perfectly!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add the fun stuff! In a separate bowl, mix together the unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir them thoroughly until you get a smooth mixture. This is where the magic happens—your wet ingredients need to be well combined to infuse that delicious flavor throughout the batter!
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Here comes the best part! Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips to your batter. Use a spatula to lift the batter over the chips and rotate the bowl, being careful not to overmix. We want those chocolate chips to stay intact and create delightful pockets of chocolate in every bite!
Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re ready! Once baked, let your treats cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This way, they set perfectly and are easier to cut later!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each square of these healthy Christmas desserts has approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These values are estimates, of course, but they give you a great idea of how indulgent yet wholesome these treats are! Enjoying dessert doesn’t have to mean sacrificing health, right? Plus, they fit perfectly into your holiday festivities without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Flavorful and satisfying, you won’t miss the extra sugar!
- Vegan-friendly, so everyone can indulge without worry.
- Made with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body.
- Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying cozy nights in.
Tips for Success
To get the best results with these healthy Christmas desserts, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, if you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can use oat flour or even ground oats for a different flavor. Just keep an eye on the texture! Also, feel free to swap the coconut sugar for maple syrup—just reduce the almond milk slightly to compensate for the added liquid. And remember, every oven is different, so start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early. Trust me, you want them to be fudgy, not dry! Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting; this helps them hold their shape beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
These healthy Christmas desserts are absolutely delightful on their own, but if you want to take your serving game to the next level, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! Try dusting the top with a little powdered coconut sugar for a festive touch that looks beautiful and adds a hint of sweetness. You can also serve them warm with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream—trust me, it’s heavenly!
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider pairing these squares with a side of fresh berries or a vibrant fruit salad. The tartness of the fruit complements the rich chocolate beautifully! For a cozy night in, enjoy them with a warm cup of herbal tea or a spiced hot cocoa—perfect for snuggling up by the fire!
Feeling extra festive? You can create a dessert platter featuring these squares alongside other healthy treats, like energy balls or homemade granola bars. It’s a great way to offer variety while keeping things wholesome. No matter how you serve them, these healthy Christmas desserts are sure to be a hit! Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your healthy Christmas desserts fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up—this helps maintain their fudgy texture!
If you prefer to enjoy them warm, simply reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that delightful, gooey chocolate experience without drying them out. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour?
Absolutely! If almond flour isn’t your thing, you can try using oat flour or even a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How can I make these healthy Christmas desserts sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can increase the coconut sugar or add a splash of maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the almond milk slightly if you add more liquid sweetener!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These desserts are great for making ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!
Are these desserts suitable for kids?
Can I freeze these desserts?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the freezer for about two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture!
Print
Healthy Christmas Desserts: 7 Guilt-Free Treats to Indulge
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and healthy desserts for the Christmas season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These can be served warm or chilled.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy christmas desserts
