If you’re looking for healthy dessert alternatives to serve this Thanksgiving, here are three delicious recipes that can satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your commitment to health:

1. Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Nuts:

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
  • 1/4 cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • Greek yogurt or low-fat vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact, to create a well for the filling.
  3. In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and dried cranberries (if using).
  4. Stuff each apple with the nut mixture.
  5. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender.
  7. Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream.

2. Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice.
  2. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and then whisk again to prevent clumping.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight until the chia seeds absorb the liquid and the mixture thickens.
  4. Serve in individual cups or glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and a few pecan pieces.

3. Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing:

Ingredients:

  • A variety of fresh fruits (e.g., berries, melon, citrus segments, and grapes)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Wash, peel (if needed), and cut the fresh fruits into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice to create the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the fruit salad and gently toss to coat.
  4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

These healthy dessert alternatives offer a balance of sweet flavors and wholesome ingredients, making them a perfect ending to your Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy!