A Dietitian’s Favorite Fruit-Based Sweet Treats

These recipes are perfect for when you want something sweet, but don’t want all of the added sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, try swapping the ice cream or cookies for one of these recipes at least once a week. 

Apple “Nachos”

Cut up your apples into ½ inch slices. Lay out on a tray or plate. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Drizzle with ~1 tablespoon of a nut butter of choice and ~2 tablespoons of granola. 

Watermelon Slushy

Pre-freeze about 1-2 cups of watermelon. Using an immersion blender or a standing blender, pulse the fruit until it reaches a slushy-like consistency. Adding lime adds a little zing for extra flavor. 

Banana Split

Slice up half of a banana. Drizzle with ~ 1 tablespoon of your favorite nut butter and ~2 tablespoons of whipped cream.

Strawberries and Cream

Slice up some strawberries and place in a bowl or on a plate. Dollop some greek yogurt on top. Can drizzle a little honey for some sweetness. 

Banana Boat

Cut one slice lengthwise into half of a banana with the peel still on. Within the crevice, sprinkle a few chocolate chips. Wrap in tin foil and place on the grill until the chocolate is melted.

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Add 2 cups of cold water, ⅔ cup of chia seeds, ½ cup cocoa powder, ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and ½ tsp pink salt to a blender or food processor. Place in the fridge to chill overnight.

Yogurt Clusters

Mix 2 cups of greek yogurt and 1 ½ cups of a fruit of choice. Scoop onto a sheet of parchment into 3” diameter circles. Once frozen, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate with 4 teaspoons of tahini or coconut oil. Cover the yogurt clusters with the melted chocolate and place back in the freezer until hardened. 

Banana Cottage Cheese Nice Cream

Add 16 oz cottage cheese, ½ tsp vanilla extract, ¼ cup of maple syrup, and 1 banana to a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour mixture into a freezer safe container. Fold in 1 sliced banana, cover, and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours. Top with some sprinkled vanilla wafers for some crunch.