Are you a sweet tooth who’s also trying to follow a healthy diet? You’re in luck: The Mediterranean diet, known for its focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, also includes plenty of room for indulging in sweet treats. In fact, this diet encourages you to eat fresh fruits, nuts, and healthy fats, all of which you can use to create these delicious and nutritious Mediterranean diet dessert recipes.
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that’s based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. This diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil. It also includes moderate consumption of fish, poultry, and dairy, and limits red meat and sweets. This way of eating has been associated with numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, improved brain function, and better weight management.
Here are some delicious dessert recipes that fit into the Mediterranean diet.
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1. Dark Chocolate Covered Dates Stuffed with Orange Coconut Cream
Courtesy of Vegetarian Gastronomy
This recipe combines the richness of dark chocolate with naturally sweet dates and a creamy coconut filling. The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Dates are a great source of fiber and vitamins, while dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants.
Try this recipe from Vegetarian Gastronomy.
2. No-Bake Vegan Brownies with Chocolate Ganache
Courtesy of Minimalist Baker
These brownies are rich and chocolatey, and they’re also vegan and made with whole-food ingredients. The secret ingredient is sweet potato, which adds a natural sweetness and helps to bind everything together. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while the unsweetened cocoa powder used in the recipe is rich in flavanols, which can help improve heart health.
Try this recipe from Minimalist Baker.
3. Raspberry Streusel Bars
Courtesy of Craving Something Healthy
These bars are a great choice if you’re looking for a dessert that’s not too sweet. The raspberry filling is tart and tangy, and it’s balanced out by a crumbly streusel topping. Raspberries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while the almond flour used in the recipe is a good source of protein and healthy fats.
Try this recipe from Craving Something Healthy.
4. Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Honey
Courtesy of Hungry Healthy Happy
While you have the grill warmed up, toss these peaches on and get ready for a luscious yet simple and healthy dessert. Grilling the peaches caramelizes them, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding a touch of smokiness. Along with the cinnamon, we’d add the tiniest pinch of salt to brighten the flavors.
Try this recipe from Hungry Healthy Happy.
5. Healthy Lemon Bars
Courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen
Lemon bars are a classic dessert, but they’re often loaded with refined sugar and white flour. This recipe uses maple syrup and almond flour instead for a more nutrient-dense treat. Plus, the lemon filling is tangy and refreshing. The coconut oil in the recipe is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, which can help boost metabolism.
Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
6. Cannoli Cream with Strawberries and Pistachios
Courtesy of Nourishing Plate
This dessert takes inspiration from the flavors of a classic Italian cannoli, but in a lighter, healthier form. The creamy cannoli filling is made with ricotta cheese, honey, and vanilla extract, and it’s served with fresh strawberries and crunchy pistachios. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Try this recipe from Nourishing Plate.
7. Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Courtesy of Hungry Happens
We often associate Mediterranean diet staple olive oil with savory dishes, but it’s so good in desserts, too. It adds a hint of a savory edge, along with its abundant heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits. This luscious lemony cake is also grain- and gluten-free, and sweetened with maple syrup.
Try this recipe from Hungry Happens.
8. No-Bake Energy Balls
Courtesy of Well Plated
These energy balls are a great snack or dessert option when you want something sweet but still healthy. They’re made with nuts, dates, and other whole foods, and they’re easy to customize with different flavors. Dates are a great source of fiber and vitamins, while nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Try this recipe from Well Plated.
9. Sicilian Strawberry Pudding
Courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish
“Pudding” may not be the best description of this recipe, which is essentially thickened-up pureed strawberries, no dairy (except for the optional creme fraiche on top). Made with just a touch of turbinado sugar, this dessert really highlights the taste of fresh berries. We would add a small pinch of salt, too. The fresh basil garnish is a pretty and sophisticated touch.
Try this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.
10. Easy Yogurt Bark
Courtesy of A Couple Cooks
This dessert is so healthy, you could even eat it for breakfast — but that doesn’t make it any less fun. Combine protein-rich Greek yogurt, a little honey, and vanilla, and spread into a thin layer on a baking sheet. Top it with anything you like — fresh or freeze-dried berries, nuts, shaved chocolate, granola, coconut — then freeze. Break it up into shards and enjoy.
Try this recipe from A Couple Cooks.
Read next:8 Healthy Greek Yogurt-Based Desserts That Don’t Use Refined Sugar
