From fresh takes on classics to light fall treats, these healthy Thanksgiving desserts are a sweet, satisfying way to finish your holiday meal.
1/28
Pumpkin Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate and pumpkin pair up to make a family-favorite fall dessert. These pumpkin brownies are fantastic for parties and picnics. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 189 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/28
Air-Fryer Apple Fritters
From the Recipe Creator:
These air-fryer apple fritters are healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They're a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 145 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/28
Spiced Tea Poached Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
Pears are among my favorite fall fruits. This lovely dessert makes them especially spectacular. Easy elegance at its best—and that's important around the holidays. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 poached pear with 2 teaspoons syrup and 2 teaspoons sauce: 175 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 5g fiber), 1g protein.
4/28
Almond-Pecan Date Truffles
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and I came across a date candy recipe when she was learning about ancient Egypt. We changed some of the spices and nuts to suit our tastes. My dad was a beekeeper and Mom always made a coconut date ball for Christmas. The truffles remind me of past Christmases and are ideal for something quick yet festive on a holiday tray. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 date ball: 109 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
5/28
Apple-Spice Angel Food Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 136 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
6/28
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This dessert is super easy to pull together, and the flavorful results will win you nothing but rave reviews. —Aimee Ransom, Hoschton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 139 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
7/28
Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt
From the Recipe Creator:
I always keep fat-free frozen yogurt on hand. By combining it with just four other ingredients, I can quickly whip up this great-tasting treat. —Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 161 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
8/28
Chocolate-Avocado Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
I have rheumatoid arthritis, and I follow a special diet to help manage the symptoms. This avocado mousse is simple to make and tastes heavenly. The avocados can help reduce inflammation. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 181 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein.
9/28
Cinnamon-Cranberry Oat Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a swim coach for kids, and I started making these bars for them as a snack. I wanted something that was easy to eat but would also give them energy. The kids loved them from the very first time I brought them. Now I bring them to every team event. —Sarah Riviere, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 211 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
10/28
Slow-Cooker Baked Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. —Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed apple: 203 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
11/28
Pumpkin Snack Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
The crunchy, sweet topping makes this simple pumpkin snack cake taste extra special. If you prefer a sweeter cake, omit the topping and spread with your favorite frosting instead. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 151 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
12/28
Swedish Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent Swedish apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 174 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
13/28
Caramel Whiskey Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Yogurt replaces part of the butter in this traditional cookie, but you would never know. I get a lot of requests for these and can’t make a cookie tray without them. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie (calculated without kosher salt): 93 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/28
Upside-Down Blood Orange Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Making blood orange cupcakes is my favorite way to use fresh blood oranges. I start with a cake mix and bump up the flavor with essential oil. No one knows these cupcakes are not from scratch. —Monica Chadha, Fremont, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 130 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
15/28
Cranberry Stuffed Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts add a homey autumn flavor to these stuffed apples, while the slow cooker does most of the work. —Graciela Sandvigen, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed apple: 136 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
16/28
Marzipan Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's grandmother made these lovely layered bars for us as our newlywed Christmas present. —Jeanne Koniuszy, Nome, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 79 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/28
Apple Pie Tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
Good-for-you things come in small packages when you make a batch of these tiny apple tartlets. Sweet and cinnamony, these mouthwatering tarts are a delightful addition to a dessert table or snack tray. —Mary Kelley, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/28
Mocha Meringue Sandwich Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These crisp, chewy cookies can be made any size you choose. They're also great with a variety of fillings—try making them with fruit preserves. —Marie Valdes, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 76 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/28
Rustic Nut Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends love crunching into the crust—so much like shortbread—and the wildly nutty topping of these chewy, gooey bars. —Barbara Driscoll, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 199 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
20/28
Dark Chocolate Espresso Tapioca Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been experimenting with espresso powder in different dishes. I really enjoy this chocolate tapioca pudding, and I hope you do, too! —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 156 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/28
Saucy Spiced Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these tangy, saucy pears over angel food cake, pound cake or with a little yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle with a favorite topping. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 192 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 5g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
22/28
Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesecake bars have four delectable layers: a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, chocolaty morsels and a crumbly topping. It’s sugar free—and guilt free. You’ll get nothing but compliments on this dessert. —Rachel Sanders, Salem, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 293 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
23/28
Frosted Pumpkin Cranberry Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
With tangy dried cranberries tucked inside and a creamy brown butter frosting, these mildly spiced pumpkin bars are doubly delightful. It's a good thing the recipe makes lots, because once you taste one, you won't be able to resist going back for more! —Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 130 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
24/28
Honey Pecan Triangles
From the Recipe Creator:
After stirring up batches of these tasty bar cookies for many years, I know to include plenty on cookie trays. They have all the goodness of pecan pie and are so easy to serve to a crowd. —Debbie Fogel, East Berne, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 159 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
25/28
Mini Apple Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in high school, my best friend's mother baked this mini apple pie recipe every year. I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult! —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pie: 162 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
26/28
Fruit & Almond Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of no-bake treats you can take anywhere. —Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
27/28
Orange Cranberry Cookie Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These cranberry cookie bars combine two beloved holiday flavors and top a delicious soft crust with cream cheese icing. We enjoy them during the holiday season. —Jennifer Blakely, Visalia, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 triangle: 89 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
28/28
Ginger Apple-Pear Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy autumn aromas—apples, cinnamon and spices—in this delicious recipe. It's even better with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream! Whipped cream is always an option. —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 295 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts FAQ
What are some healthy desserts for Thanksgiving that kids will enjoy?
If you want some healthy Thanksgiving desserts that kids will enjoy, pumpkin and chocolate treats will always be a winner. Whether it is pumpkin swirled brownies or soft pumpkin bars with chocolate chips, these desserts are festive, delicious and full of nutrient-dense ingredients. Cakes or mini tarts loaded with tender cinnamon-spiced apples are another option that will appeal to adults and kids.
How can I make traditional Thanksgiving desserts healthier?
Depending on your health goals, you can make a traditional Thanksgiving dessert healthier by using yogurt or applesauce to replace some of the oil or butter, topping a pie with frozen yogurt instead of ice cream or incorporating whole-wheat or whole-grain flour into a cake or cookie batter. Including fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, cranberries and apples, adds more nutrients and fiber to desserts.
What are some gluten-free, healthy Thanksgiving desserts?
Fruit-based desserts, like elegant poached pears or stuffed, baked apples, are healthy Thanksgiving dessert options that are often naturally gluten-free, or can easily be adapted to be gluten-free. You can also make no-bake desserts, like truffles sweetened with dates, a chilled mousse or homemade frozen yogurt. These rich and creamy desserts don’t require any flour or wheat products while still offering all the comfort of classic holiday treats.
