20 Nutrient-Packed and Delicious Dessert Recipes
20 Nutrient-Packed and Delicious Dessert Recipes
Health-focused desserts that satisfy cravings and delight the whole family.
As a mom of four with a household that has an undeniable sweet tooth, finding the delicate balance between satisfying our cravings and nourishing our bodies has become a delightful culinary adventure.
In our pursuit of healthier alternatives, we've stumbled upon a treasure trove of nutrient-packed and delicious dessert recipes from the culinary artists at Rily. These recipes have become staples in our family kitchen and transformed our perception of indulgence.
I'm thrilled to share some of our absolute favourites that have stood the ultimate test - approval from my picky little ones and a husband with a penchant for all things sweet. From guilt-free chocolate indulgence to fruity delights that double as nutritious treats, each recipe incorporates the perfect fusion of flavour and wholesome goodness.
Navigating the world of healthy desserts can sometimes feel like a challenge, but with these tried-and-true creations, you'll discover that nourishing your family's sweet cravings can be both joyous and health-conscious.
Salted Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Made with almond flour, natural peanut butter, arrowroot starch, and a touch of baking powder, these vegan and gluten-free cookies embody foolproof simplicity in less than 20 minutes. Sweetened with maple syrup and seasoned with cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a dash of sea salt, they strike the ideal balance between salty and sweet, creating a chewy texture that lingers on the palate. Almond flour lends a delightful nuttiness and chewiness to these cookies, making them not only delicious but also a healthier, lower-sugar dessert option suitable for various dietary preferences and health conditions. Satisfy your sweet cravings with these Salted Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles - the perfect afternoon treat.
Raspberry Double Chocolate Brownies
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Rily's Raspberry Double Chocolate Brownies are a delightful dessert that captivates palates of all ages. This gluten- and dairy-free delight boasts a rich combination of flavours with a decadent twist. The recipe, featuring eggs, coconut sugar, and melted coconut oil, ensures a fudgy texture, while almond flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and sea salt provide the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Infused with the vibrant sweetness of frozen raspberries and the indulgence of chocolate chips, these brownies become a symphony of taste and texture. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply crave a delightful treat, these Raspberry Double Chocolate Brownies offer a mouthwatering experience that unites the whole family in a shared love for decadence and deliciousness.
Orange Olive Oil Cake
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This gluten-free, super-moist creation combines rich olive oil and citrus flavours for the perfect festive dessert. This cake is made with unsalted butter, coconut sugar, orange zest, eggs, and extra-virgin olive oil, which is a symphony of indulgent ingredients. Enhanced with vanilla extract, almond flour, baking powder, and a touch of sea salt, it achieves a delightful balance of texture and flavour. For a festive touch, the cake can be decorated with vibrant hues of blood oranges, adding a pop of red to the presentation. Finish it off with a dusting of icing sugar for a touch of sweetness. This delicious treat marries the richness of olive oil with the bright, citrusy notes of orange. Embrace dessert time with the warm, aromatic embrace of Rily's Olive Oil Orange Cake.
Air-Fryer Apple Crisp
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Featuring a lush Honeycrisp apple, this single-serve treat is a breeze to make in the air fryer. With just a hint of coconut oil, rolled oats, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, it captures the essence of a classic apple crisp without the hassle of making an entire batch. A touch of maple syrup adds sweetness, while the option to drizzle almond butter heightens the experience with a nutty richness. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavours of cinnamon-spiced oats and the natural sweetness of Honeycrisp apples in this perfectly portioned dessert that's as easy to make as it is delicious.
Dairy-Free Neapolitan Ice Cream
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Transport yourself back to the nostalgic joy of childhood desserts with Rily's Dairy-Free Neapolitan Ice Cream - a sugar-free twist on the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. This delightful treat is crafted from chilled coconut cream, providing richness without the need for dairy. Frozen bananas create the velvety texture of vanilla, while frozen strawberries add a burst of fruity freshness. Infused with the essence of natural vanilla extract and deepened with the richness of cacao powder, every scoop is a harmonious blend of flavours. This simple yet indulgent ice cream is free from added sugars and incorporates fresh strawberries - a refreshing and wholesome summertime luxury that captures the heart of the season in every delicious bite.
Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Made with dairy-free chocolate chips and a generous helping of coconut oil, these Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups are a decadent treat without the guilt. The star ingredient, cashew butter, adds a creamy richness that satisfies your sweet tooth while providing healthy fats for a filling indulgence. Topped with flaky sea salt, these cups perfectly balance sweetness and savoury notes. A far healthier alternative to store-bought peanut butter cups, these treats capture the essence of a beloved classic with a wholesome twist. Embrace the satisfaction of a delectable, family-approved dessert that combines indulgence with nourishing ingredients in every blissful bite.
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Rily's Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding is a nutritious delight that doubles as a quick, filling breakfast, snack, or dessert. This simple recipe combines almond milk, pumpkin puree, and chia seeds, offering a fibre-rich, iron-packed, and calcium-laden treat. Enhanced with the warmth of ground clove, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, it mirrors the comforting flavours of a classic pumpkin pie. Sweetened with maple syrup and finished with a touch of Greek yogurt and pecans, this chia pudding is ready to satisfy your cravings.
BBQ Peach, Apricot & Raspberry Crisp
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Delight in vibrant flavours with Rily's BBQ Peach, Apricot & Raspberry Crisp - a grilled dessert that's perfect for your BBQ get-togethers. Sliced peaches, apricots, and juicy raspberries create a burst of freshness, heightened with the zesty touch of lemon zest and juice. The crisp topping, a blend of almond flour, quick oats, and cold unsalted butter, transforms into golden perfection when grilled. Witness the crisp bubble and burst into a symphony of flavours as the grilled fruits and crisp topping marry in a delightful medley.
Fudgy Walnut Black Bean Brownies
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
These flourless, plant-based gems redefine the classic brownie, offering a nutritional boost. Packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts and prebiotics from black beans, they also harness cocoa's polyphenols for potential blood pressure management. Sweetened with maple syrup, blended with dairy-free chocolate chips, and enriched with vanilla extract, these brownies strike the perfect balance between decadence and nutrition. Simple to make in a blender, they provide a quick, wholesome dessert option that turns every bite into a celebration of flavour and well-being.
Strawberry Shortcakes
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Using Stellar Eats Biscuit + Scone Mix, this dessert combines simplicity with impressive flavour. Enhanced with egg whites, coconut oil, and water, the mix forms coconut sugar-speckled shortcakes, effortlessly elevating your summer treat. Trimmed and halved strawberries undergo a delightful transformation with a sweet, lemony maceration process. The pièce de résistance? A luscious coconut whipped cream, crafted from chilled canned coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Together, these elements create a dessert that looks impressive and delights the taste buds with the perfect balance of fruity freshness and creamy indulgence.
Dairy-Free Spiced Hot Chocolate
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Rily's Dairy-Free Spiced Hot Chocolate offers a decadent twist on the classic drink. Blending full-fat coconut milk and unsweetened almond milk, this dairy-free delight is a creamy and luscious experience. Cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and raw honey contribute to the depth of flavour, while ground cinnamon adds a warm, comforting touch. For those seeking an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper introduces a subtle heat that boosts the drink's complexity. Optional marshmallows provide a sweet, pillowy finish, and a generous addition of 85 per cent dark chocolate adds an indulgent richness. Embrace the warmth and sophistication of this spiced hot chocolate, a delightful departure from tradition that promises to tantalize your taste buds with every sip
Tahini Coconut Ice Cream Bars
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Featuring full-fat coconut milk, soaked raw cashews, and the star ingredient, tahini, these bars offer a luscious texture with a hint of nutty richness. Sweetened naturally with pitted Medjool dates and maple syrup, and seasoned with a touch of sea salt, these bars redefine the concept of a healthy fats party. To heighten the experience, semi-sweet vegan chocolate chunks and coconut oil add a satisfying crunch and indulgent coating. Tahini, derived from sesame seeds, not only enhances creaminess but also makes these bars a perfect choice for those seeking a nut-free alternative. Rily's Tahini Coconut Ice Cream Bars provide a wholesome blend of flavours and textures in every bite.
Gluten-Free High-Protein Tiramisu
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert features high-protein ingredients like ricotta cheese and sheep's milk yogurt, providing a creamy texture without sacrificing nutrition. The almond flour base adds a dose of heart-healthy fats and fibre, while cacao powder delivers antioxidants and rich flavour. Sweetened naturally with coconut sugar and maple syrup, this dessert offers a more balanced treat option. With a hint of coffee to bring out bold flavours, this tiramisu is a delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed dessert that feels indulgent without compromise.
Ricotta Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These cheesecake bars are packed with protein from ricotta cheese and full-fat Greek yogurt, which offer a creamy, nutrient-rich twist on the traditional treat. Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness, antioxidants, and vitamin C, while coconut sugar lends a subtle caramel-like flavour with a lower glycemic impact than refined sugars. The gluten-free graham cracker crust ensures a crunchy, satisfying base. Ideal for any gathering, these bars combine wholesome ingredients for a dessert that delivers flavour alongside nutritional benefits.
High Protein Ice Cream Sandwiches
Recipe by Megan Horsley
These ice cream sandwiches are a sweet and satisfying way to beat the summer heat. The creamy ice cream center made from cottage cheese provides around 20 grams of protein per serving, while the almond flour and coconut sugar-based cookies offer healthy fats and fibre. Dark chocolate chips add a rich, antioxidant-packed finish. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and featuring gluten-free ingredients, this balanced treat is perfect for warm days when you crave something delicious with nutritional benefits.
Baked Pears with Vegan Protein Ice Cream
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Warm baked pears topped with a luscious vanilla vegan protein ice cream create the perfect harmony of comforting flavours and nutrition. Full-fat coconut milk and plant-based protein powder provide a creamy, satisfying dessert high in healthy fats and protein. Pears deliver natural sweetness along with fibre and essential vitamins, while cinnamon adds a cozy hint of spice with anti-inflammatory benefits. Dates are a natural sweetener for the ice cream, making this an ideal plant-based dessert for any season.
Gluten-Free Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts
Recipe by Julia Gibson
These baked doughnuts offer cozy fall flavours with a nutritional edge. Made with oat and almond flours, they are high in fibre and naturally gluten-free. Apple cider and applesauce provide natural sweetness and antioxidants, while spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth and health benefits, including aiding digestion. Coconut sugar keeps the sweetness balanced without refined sugars. Baked instead of fried, these moist doughnuts make for a wholesome treat perfect for cool-weather afternoons.
Red Velvet Beet Cupcakes
Recipe by Megan Horsley
These vibrant cupcakes blend the classic taste of red velvet with nutrient-packed ingredients. Almond flour provides protein and heart-healthy fats, while beets contribute a beautiful natural red hue and are rich in iron and antioxidants. The fibre from coconut sugar helps keep blood sugar levels steady, and cacao powder adds a hint of chocolate richness. Cashew cream cheese frosting offers a creamy, plant-based twist. Ideal for celebrations, these cupcakes are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Almond Angel Food Cake
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This light and airy gluten-free dessert offers a unique twist with the addition of almond extract. Packed with protein from a dozen whipped egg whites, it delivers a satisfying sweetness with less sugar than traditional cakes, thanks to monk fruit sweetener and coconut sugar. Paired with fresh strawberries rich in antioxidants and coconut whipped cream for healthy fats, this treat provides a nutritious option while maintaining the beloved spongey texture of classic angel food cake.
Buckwheat Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Recipe by Julia Gibson
These cookies combine the bold, nutty flavours of buckwheat flour and tahini with rich dark chocolate chunks for a dessert packed with nutrients. Buckwheat flour offers fibre and essential minerals, while tahini contributes plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats. Coconut sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness with a lower glycemic index, complemented by a touch of flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty balance. Perfectly crispy and satisfying, they make a wholesome, flavourful cookie choice.
