Many of us love dessert. Even after a healthy and filling dinner, you might still have a craving for something sweet. This can be annoying if you’re trying to eat healthily and find yourself reaching for things that are less-than-nutritious. Thankfully, there are ways to satisfy your cravings and still treat your body well—enter these healthy dessert ideas that take very little time (if any) to prepare.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Christmas, a birthday, or just a regular weekday, these healthy desserts can provide you with the sweetness you crave plus added nutrition. Try out a few of them when you find yourself wanting something decadent yet simple.

1. Chocolate Bark

Chocolate bark is one of the easiest things to make, and it rarely requires more than what you already have in your kitchen pantry. Some storebought chocolate bark will have high amounts of sugar in it, but you can make your own lower-sugar option in a snap.

All you need is some 60% cacao content or higher dark chocolate chips or chocolate bar plus healthy toppings like:

• Nuts and seeds
• Dried fruit, such as apricots, raisins, cherries, or ginger
• Pretzels
• Sea salt

You just melt the chocolate and spread it on a baking sheet, sprinkle on the toppings, and allow to harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator. When it’s hardened, break it into large pieces to enjoy.

If you don’t want to make your own, try some Bark Thins.

2. Keto Fat Bombs

Fat bombs are huge right now. Not only are they perfect for a low-carb, low-sugar diet, but they’re also high in healthy fats and very satisfying.

There are many different combinations you can use for your fat bombs, depending on what flavors you crave. Check out these keto fat bomb recipes for some inspiration.

3. Dark Chocolate

There are many health benefits to eating dark chocolate on a regular basis. Sometimes, when you need a little something sweet at the end of the day, a piece or two of dark chocolate hits the spot.

When it comes to chocolate, the higher the cacao content, the better. It’s best to do at least 60-70% so the sugar content isn’t too high. Or, you can enjoy some of Lily’s Sweets chocolate bars or chips, which are sweetened with stevia and naturally sugar-free.

4. Fruit and Whipped Cream

Have some of nature’s candy! Fruit alone can make a great quick and easy dessert, especially berries. To make it even more special, add a little dollop of whipped cream on top.

5. SmartSweets Gummies

SmartSweets are some of the best low-sugar gummy options out there. They allow you to enjoy the gummy bears and Swedish fish you’ve always loved without all of the sugar. SmartSweets are free of added sugars, sugar alcohols, or artificial sweeteners, and only contain three grams of sugar per bag. That’s a dessert option we can get behind.

6. Black Bean Brownies or Almond Butter

If you love brownies but don’t love the nutritional profile of them, you can easily make healthier versions. Try these no-flour black bean brownies or these almond butter paleo brownies. All you’ll need, besides the ingredients, is a food processor, a baking pan, and an oven.

7. Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

You can’t go wrong with cookies that are healthy enough to eat for breakfast. Try this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction that uses the same ingredients you’d have in your morning oatmeal. Breakfast cookies are great because you can grab-n-go for any time of day, including dessert.

8. “Nice Cream”

We’re always surprised at how much blended bananas mimic delicious ice cream. All you have to do is roughly slice some ripe bananas, freeze them in a bag in the freezer, and blend in a food processor once well-frozen.

You’ll want to blend until the bananas have a soft-serve consistency. You can enjoy right away or freeze the nice cream a little longer. To add different flavors, blend with other frozen fruits, such as cherries.

9. Dark Chocolate-Dipped Fruit

Using that dark chocolate we mentioned above, melt and dip pieces of fruit, then sit at room temperature or in the fridge until hardened. Bananas, oranges, tangerines, grapes, apples, and strawberries are all good options.

10. Ginger Chews

Although ginger chews typically have added sugar, ginger is amazing for your health and can make a great healthy dessert idea. Many people like Gin Gins from Ginger People for their chewiness and strong ginger flavors.

11. Rich and Nutritious Smoothies

You can’t go wrong with a smoothie for dessert! Grab a banana, some frozen berries, a handful of spinach, some almond milk, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a scoop of protein powder for a simple yet healthy drink. Look online for different smoothie combinations to fit the flavors you’re craving.

12. Smoothie Pops

Not a fan of dessert drinks? Turn your smoothie into a popsicle by pouring it into popsicle molds and freezing with sticks. This is a great healthy dessert idea for the summer time.

13. Nuts and Dried Fruit

Mix together your favorite nuts and seeds (preferably without added sugar) as a trail mix, or blend them together into energy bites or fruit and nut bars like Larabars.

14. Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Plus, chia pudding is really tasty and super fast to make. Try this three-ingredient chia seed pudding from Feel Good Foodie that uses chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and any fruits you want for topping.

15. Coconut Butter Cups

If you’ve always loved peanut butter cups, you can make them healthier with coconut butter cups from Eating Evolved. These are low-sugar and just as delicious.

For more healthy dessert ideas from trusted brands, check out these sections and more at Nature’s Ideal:

• Candy and Chewing Gum
• Chocolate
• Bread and Baked Goods
• Baking and Cake Decorating
• Fruit and Nut Bars
• Sweet Snacks