10 Simple (and Healthy!) Dessert Recipes

Indulging in dessert doesn’t have to mean compromising your health goals. With a few clever ingredient swaps and a dash of creativity, you can enjoy sweet treats that nourish your body and satisfy your cravings. In this collection of simple and healthy dessert recipes from Thrive Market, you’ll discover guilt-free delights like vegan oatmeal raisin cookies, sugar-free chocolate mousse sweetened with dates, and antioxidant-rich quinoa crunch bars. Each recipe is crafted with wholesome ingredients to offer a delicious balance of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re seeking a quick snack or a special treat, these desserts prove that healthy eating can be both satisfying and sweet.

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The aroma of freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies has a timeless way of evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. This updated recipe from Thrive Market offers a modern twist on the classic treat, making it both vegan and gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and enriched with the subtle spices of cinnamon and cardamom, these cookies are a wholesome indulgence. The combination of almond flour and gluten-free oats provides a hearty base, while plump raisins add bursts of natural sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-sensitive, or simply seeking a healthier dessert option, these cookies deliver on both taste and nutrition. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a personal treat, they bring the comforting essence of homemade baking to your kitchen.

Double Chocolate Brownie Bites

How about a rich, fudgy chocolate treat that aligns with your dietary preferences? These Double Chocolate Brownie Bites from Thrive Market are the perfect solution. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe combines the indulgent taste of traditional brownies with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Made with Medjool dates, raw cacao powder, and chopped dark chocolate, these bites are naturally sweetened and free from refined sugars. Whether you’re following a vegan, grain-free, or Paleo diet, these brownie bites offer a decadent dessert option without compromising on flavor or texture. With a rich chocolate flavor and a satisfyingly fudgy consistency, they prove that healthier desserts can be just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.

Raw Matcha Ice Cream Cake

If you’re new to matcha—a finely ground green tea powder known for its earthy depth and vibrant green hue—this Raw Matcha Ice Cream Cake is the perfect introduction. This no-bake dessert features a rich coconut milk “ice cream” layer infused with matcha, set atop a sweet-salty almond crust. It’s a refreshing, dairy-free, and gluten-free treat that combines the bold flavors of matcha with the creamy texture of coconut milk, offering a delightful balance of taste and nutrition. Ideal for warm-weather gatherings or as a unique dessert to impress guests, this cake is both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. With its vibrant green color and delicate flavor, it’s a beautiful way to explore the world of matcha desserts.

Coconut Creme Brulee

Crème brûlée is a timeless dessert renowned for its silky custard base and the satisfying crack of its caramelized sugar top. Traditionally made with heavy cream and refined sugar, this classic French treat has been reimagined in a Paleo-friendly version that maintains its indulgent appeal while aligning with dietary preferences. In this refined recipe, coconut cream serves as a rich, dairy-free alternative to traditional cream, offering a luscious texture without compromising on flavor. The custard is naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, which not only enhances the taste but also provides a beautifully golden, crisp topping when torched. Infused with the aromatic essence of vanilla bean, this dessert delivers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re following a Paleo lifestyle or simply seeking a refined, gluten-free indulgence, this coconut crème brûlée offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic.

Homemade Crunch Bars

Craving a crunchy, chocolatey treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing? These homemade quinoa crunch bars offer a wholesome twist on the classic chocolate crunch bar by swapping out puffed rice for nutrient-rich quinoa and using antioxidant-packed dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Not only do they deliver a satisfying crunch, but they also provide a boost of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a great option for a healthy snack or dessert. With a simple preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, these bars are easy to make and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these quinoa crunch bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Decadent Chocolate Mousse

How does a rich, velvety dessert that’s both indulgent and nourishing sound? This Raw Chocolate Mousse from Thrive Market delivers just that—a luscious, dairy-free, and sugar-free treat that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. Sweetened naturally with plump Medjool dates, this mousse boasts a creamy texture thanks to the addition of cashew butter and almond milk. Infused with raw cacao powder and a hint of vanilla, it offers a deep, chocolatey flavor without any refined sugars. Whether you’re following a vegan, Paleo, or gluten-free lifestyle, this dessert fits seamlessly into your dietary preferences. Perfect for a quick treat or a special occasion, this mousse proves that healthy desserts can be both decadent and guilt-free.

Ginger Molasses Cookies

If you’re a fan of spiced cookies with a twist, these Triple Ginger Cookies with Pomegranate Molasses from Thrive Market are a must-try. Infused with the bold flavors of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, these gluten-free cookies offer a delightful depth of taste. The addition of pomegranate molasses introduces a subtle, fruity tang, enhancing the traditional molasses base and providing a unique, dark edge to each bite. Made with almond meal and sweetened naturally with honey and raw sugar, these cookies are both wholesome and indulgent. Chopped crystallized ginger adds a chewy texture, making every cookie a flavorful experience. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or simply seeking a deliciously spiced treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Chocolate Pear Smoothie

If you’re seeking a nourishing and delicious way to kickstart your day, this energizing Chocolate-Pear Smoothie from Thrive Market is the perfect choice. Combining the classic pairing of bittersweet cacao and sweet, fragrant pears, this smoothie offers a rich, creamy texture and a delightful balance of flavors. Enhanced with protein-packed almond butter and fiber-rich chia seeds, it provides sustained energy and keeps you feeling full longer. Naturally sweetened with a Medjool date, this smoothie is free from added sugars, making it a wholesome option for breakfast or a midday snack. Ready in just five minutes, it’s as convenient as it is satisfying.

Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re craving a nostalgic treat with a wholesome twist, these Sprouted Peanut Butter Cookies from Thrive Market are the perfect choice. Made with sprouted spelt flour, these cookies offer a doughy, cakey texture that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Sprouted spelt flour is lower in starch and higher in nutrients than conventional flour, making it a great option for those seeking a more nutritious dessert. The addition of raw sugar and maple syrup provides natural sweetness, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top accentuates the sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, these sprouted peanut butter cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Grilled Peaches

Elevate your summer dessert game with this Grilled Peaches with Yogurt and Granola recipe from Thrive Market. Grilling ripe peach halves caramelizes their natural sugars, infusing them with a subtle smokiness and a soft, pie-like texture. Topped with creamy Greek-style yogurt, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of raw honey, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for warm evenings or as a sweet finish to any meal. This recipe is featured in the Thrive Market cookbook, Healthy Living Made Easy.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont