In a world where sugary treats tempt us at every corner, finding healthier alternatives to satisfy our sweet tooth has become paramount. The rise of whole food plant based diet desserts offer a refreshing solution, providing not only delicious treats but also nourishing benefits for our bodies. Embracing these wholesome options can transform our relationship with dessert, promoting wellness without sacrificing taste.
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Redefining Sweetness: Refined Sugar vs. Natural Sugar
Before delving into the realm of whole food plant based diet desserts, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between refined sugar and natural sugar. Refined sugar, prevalent in most conventional desserts, undergoes extensive processing, stripping it of essential nutrients and fiber. Conversely, natural sugars found in fruits, dates, and other whole plant foods come packaged with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, offering a more balanced approach to sweetness that supports overall health.
Exclusions in Whole Food Plant Based Diet Desserts
While the possibilities for creating delectable whole food plant based diet desserts are endless, certain ingredients are typically omitted from these recipes. Common exclusions include refined sugars, dairy products, and processed flours. By eliminating these additives, plant-based desserts maintain their purity and maximize nutritional benefits, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
10 Whole Food Plant Based Diet Desserts to Try at Home
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Whole Food Plant Based Diet Breakfast Ideas
Whole Food Plant Based Diet List
1. Date and Nut Energy Balls
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients: Medjool dates, almonds, walnuts, cocoa powder, shredded coconut
Nutritional Information: Rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, these energy balls provide a sustained energy boost without the crash associated with traditional sweets as a super whole food plant based diet desserts example.
Preparation:
- Pit the dates and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
- In a food processor, combine the dates, almonds, walnuts, and cocoa powder. Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls and coat them in shredded coconut.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Banana Nice Cream
Time: 5 minutes (plus freezing time)
Ingredients: Ripe bananas, almond milk, vanilla extract, toppings of choice (e.g., berries, nuts, coconut flakes)
Nutritional Information: This creamy delight offers a guilt-free whole food plant based diet desserts alternative to ice cream, packed with potassium, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Preparation:
- Peel and slice ripe bananas. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the bananas to a blender or food processor.
- Add almond milk and vanilla extract, then blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately as soft-serve or transfer to a container and freeze for a firmer texture.
- Top with berries, nuts, or coconut flakes if desired.
3. Baked Apple Slices
Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, oats, maple syrup (optional)
Nutritional Information: A comforting dessert reminiscent of apple pie, baked apple slices are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core and slice the apples into thin rounds.
- In a bowl, toss the apple slices with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly golden.
- Serve warm as is or drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness.
4. Chia Seed Pudding
Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients: Chia seeds, plant-based milk, sweetener of choice (e.g., maple syrup, agave nectar), vanilla extract, toppings of choice (e.g., berries, nuts, coconut flakes)
Nutritional Information: This versatile pudding is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, perfect for satisfying cravings while supporting digestion and heart health as one of the best whole food plant based diet desserts.
Preparation:
- In a bowl, mix chia seeds, plant-based milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
- Stir well to combine, ensuring the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the mixture to thicken.
- Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. Add more milk if desired for a creamier consistency.
- Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
5. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients: Ripe avocados, cocoa powder, dates, almond milk, vanilla extract
Nutritional Information: Indulge in this decadent treat guilt-free, as avocados lend their creamy texture and healthy fats, while dates provide natural sweetness and antioxidants. Don’t miss one of the healthiest whole food plant based diet desserts.
Preparation:
- In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocados, cocoa powder, pitted dates, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more dates if necessary.
- Transfer the mousse to serving dishes and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh berries or shredded coconut before serving, if desired.
6. Mixed Berry Frozen Yogurt
Time: 10 minutes (plus freezing time)
Ingredients: Frozen mixed berries, plant-based yogurt, maple syrup (optional)
Nutritional Information: Bursting with antioxidants and probiotics, this refreshing treat offers a delightful blend of flavors while supporting gut health and immune function.
Preparation:
- In a blender or food processor, combine frozen mixed berries, plant-based yogurt, and maple syrup (if using).
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more yogurt or maple syrup as needed to reach desired sweetness and consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Once frozen, scoop the frozen yogurt into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with fresh berries if desired.
7. Coconut Almond Bliss Balls
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients: Almonds, shredded coconut, dates, almond butter, vanilla extract
Nutritional Information: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, these bliss balls provide a satisfying snack that boosts energy and promotes satiety.
Preparation:
- In a food processor, pulse almonds until finely ground.
- Add shredded coconut, pitted dates, almond butter, and vanilla extract to the ground almonds.
- Process until the mixture comes together and forms a sticky dough.
- Roll the dough into bite-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the bliss balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
8. Carrot Cake Muffins
Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, carrots, applesauce, maple syrup, walnuts, cinnamon
Nutritional Information: These moist and flavorful muffins are a nutritious twist on a classic dessert, brimming with vitamin A, fiber, and essential minerals. Consider it as one of the easy whole food plant based diet desserts to take on picnics.
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, grated carrots, applesauce, maple syrup, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients: Bananas, peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts (optional)
Nutritional Information: With a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these bite-sized treats provide potassium, protein, and heart-healthy fats to keep you satisfied when you are not sure which one of the whole food plant based diet desserts to pick.
Preparation:
- Slice bananas into rounds, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Spread peanut butter onto half of the banana slices.
- Top each peanut butter-coated banana slice with another banana slice to create sandwiches.
- Place the banana bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the banana bites or dip them halfway into the chocolate.
- Sprinkle crushed nuts over the chocolate-coated portion, if desired.
- Freeze the banana bites for at least 1 hour before serving.
10. Lemon Blueberry Chia Seed Bars
Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients: Blueberries, lemon juice, chia seeds, oats, almond flour, maple syrup
Nutritional Information: Tangy and sweet, these bars are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a wholesome choice for a satisfying snack or whole food plant based diet desserts option.
Preparation:
- In a blender or food processor, combine blueberries, lemon juice, maple syrup, and chia seeds. Blend until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blended mixture with oats, almond flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled. Enjoy the burst of lemony freshness with every bite!
Embracing the Sweetness of Whole Foods
Incorporating whole food plant based diet desserts into our lives isn’t just about satisfying our cravings—it’s a holistic approach to nourishing our bodies and minds. By choosing treats made from wholesome ingredients, we can indulge in the pleasures of dessert without compromising our health. Let’s embrace the sweetness of whole foods and embark on a journey towards a happier, healthier lifestyle, one delicious bite at a time.