It’s the start of barbecue, grilling and picnic season. Who doesn’t love a refreshing dessert after a feast shared with friends and family? We’ve searched for some healthy spring desserts to bring to your spring supper or potluck, and get this: they are unbelievably easy. So, if you are looking for the perfect sweet spring dish to share, look no further. Here are four desserts that will wow any crowd.
1. Berry Pavlova
Pavlova is a wonderful alternative to a heavier dessert but still gives you the satisfaction and flavor of a fabulous piece of cake. This recipe is fruity and airy and can be topped with anything from edible flowers to herb sprigs. It makes for a stunning presentation at any dinner party.
Serves 10
Ingredients:
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups fresh blackberries
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
Place egg whites in a large bowl, and line a baking sheet with parchment. Draw a 10-inch circle on paper. Preheat the oven to 300°. Beat cream of tartar into egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Fold in cornstarch and lemon juice.
Spoon meringue onto the prepared pan and shape it with a spatula or the back of a spoon, forming a shallow well in the center. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the meringue is set and dry. When done, turn off the oven and leave the meringue in for another hour (don’t open the door).
Let the pavlova cool completely on the cooling rack. Right before serving, toss berries with 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl. In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken and add the remaining sugar, then beat until soft peaks form.
Remove the meringue from the parchment and place on a serving plate. Spoon whipped cream over the top, forming a slight well in the center. Top with berries.
2. Lemon Yogurt Cheesecake
Yes, cheesecake can be wonderfully rich and healthy. This recipe calls for Greek yogurt which is loaded with protein.
Serves 12
Ingredients:
1 cup + 2 tablespoons gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon water
½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1½ teaspoons plain gelatin
1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
½ cup sugar
2 packages Stevia
1 teaspoon graham cracker crumbs for topping
Crust:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Coat a 9-inch square or round pan with cooking spray or one tablespoon of melted coconut oil. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, coconut oil and water. Mix until all crumbs are coated and set aside about 1 teaspoon for topping. Press the rest of the crumbs into the bottom pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely.
Filling:
In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with gelatin and stir. Warm the remaining 6 tablespoons of lemon juice for 30 seconds in the microwave (to dissolve gelatin; don’t let it boil) and quickly mix well to dissolve the gelatin.
In a freestanding mixer or large bowl with a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, sugar and Stevia. Blend well. Mix in yogurt until completely blended. Stir in lemon juice and mix well. Pour into cooled graham cracker crust. Sprinkle the top with 1 teaspoon remaining graham cracker crumbs. Chill pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, before serving. This dessert freezes well too.
3. Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
These are not only a great dessert to take to your next party, but they also make a great breakfast. At only 100 calories per bar, they also make a good snack. For extra flavor and protein, top with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt.
Makes 9-12 bars
Ingredients:
1 cup of regular or gluten-free old-fashioned oats
¾ cup whole wheat flour (or nut flour such as almond flour)
⅓ cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted
2 cups diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar of choice, divided
½ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of your choice of milk
Preheat oven to 375℉ and line an 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper so it overhangs on two sides. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar and ginger. Pour in melted butter or oil and stir until small clumps form.
Set aside ½ cup of mixture and press the rest into the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Arrange half the berries evenly over the crust. Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the berries, then the lemon juice and sugar. Add the remaining berries and the remaining ½ tablespoon of sugar. Layer remaining crumb topping over the top.
Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbly and the topping is toasted. Remove the bars and cool completely while you make the glaze.
In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until it’s a smooth consistency. Add more milk or sugar as needed to get the desired consistency.
Pull the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper and drizzle the glaze on top.
4. Chocolate Avocado Cake
We can’t leave a luscious chocolate dessert out of the mix. This cake is so rich and delicious, you’d never know it was healthy.
Serves 16
Ingredients:
8 large dates, pitted and chopped
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
2 teaspoons canola oil or melted coconut oil
½ large avocado
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
½ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup almond milk
Frosting:
1 large avocado
¼ cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons maple syrup or agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Place dates in a saucepan with one cup of water and bring to a boil over low heat. Stir in bicarbonate of soda, and set aside in a bowl.
Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease an 8-inch round pan. Put date mixture, maple syrup, oil, avocado, eggs and vanilla in a food processor and mix until smooth.
Sift flour and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Add in avocado mixture and milk until combined and pour into pan. Bake for 50 minutes, then cool completely.
Frosting:
Add avocado, cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla to the food processor until smooth and spread over the cooled cake.
What's your favorite dessert to make? Let us know in the comments below.
