These healthy Christmas desserts are under 300 calories per serving and are made with real, wholesome ingredients. You'll find festive cookies, no-bake treats and make-ahead sweets to enjoy all season long.
1/30
Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 229 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
2/30
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty biscotti is studded with dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. It's delicious with tea or coffee. —Diane Gruber, Sioux City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 85 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Also, check out these Christmas cheesecake recipes, perfect for your upcoming festive get-togethers.
3/30
Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
There's more to pumpkin than pie, as this impressive trifle proves. It looks so elegant with alternating layers of gingerbread cake and pumpkin/butterscotch pudding. Try making it ahead of time for a fuss-free dessert when you're planning to entertain guests. —Lyla Lehenbauer, New London, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 220 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
4/30
Pecan Pie Bars with Cake Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always searching for fast and easy recipes to take to the teachers lounge. The staff goes nuts for these shortcut pecan pie bars. —Kathro Yoder, Defiance, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 223 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/30
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.
6/30
Eggnog Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will always find room for this light, fluffy, mouthwatering mousse. It makes an elegant, refreshing finish for heavier meals—and it’s also a great way to use up any extra eggnog in the fridge. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 165 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 reduced-fat milk.
7/30
Winter Fruit with Prosecco Sabayon
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is special to me because it allows me to treat my dinner guests to a special, unusual dessert. The bright, vivid colors are perfect for the holidays. Omit the Prosecco when serving to children. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sliced orange with 2 tablespoons sauce: 151 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
Is it snowing outside? Take this opportunity to make unique snow ice cream!
8/30
Gingerbread Meringue Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined my grandmother's gingerbread recipe with my aunt's special brown sugar meringue for the best of both worlds. The result? These lovable holiday-perfect bars that have become a new family tradition. —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 135 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
9/30
Chocolate Peppermint Log
From the Recipe Creator:
What a great make-ahead treat! This cake log is perfect for the holidays because you can make it when you have time, store it in the freezer and scratch dessert off of your to-do list. —Brenda Sinclair, Princeton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 286 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
You can also explore these unique peppermint desserts!
10/30
Molasses Crinkle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You can treat yourself to one or two of my crackle cookies without guilt. Most molasses cookies are loaded with butter and have way too much sugar, but not mine. You would never know these are so low in fat. —Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 77 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
11/30
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 1/2 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.
12/30
Poached Pears with Orange Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
End the meal with a flourish with this easy and elegant dessert. A hint of orange lends just enough sweetness to temper the wine’s bold taste. —Julianne Schnuck, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 239 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
13/30
Warm Chocolate Melting Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
These little cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They are always surprised that such a chocolaty dessert is so light—less than 200 calories apiece! —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 dessert: 197 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
14/30
Cranberry Pear Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
This homey tart looks and tastes like apple pie, except it uses pears! Each serving has half the calories of an average pie slice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 203 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
15/30
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.
16/30
Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
Tiramisu is Italian for “pick-me-up,” and this dessert is definitely true to its name! My version of the classic Tuscan trifle has both coffee and espresso for layers of java flavor. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 280 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
17/30
Soft Gingersnap Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Soft gingersnaps embody the tastes and smells of the Christmas season, but they are perfect for any fall or winter gathering. I enjoy the blend of cloves, ginger and cinnamon in this delicious cookie. —Lara Pennell, Mauldin, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 100 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/30
Sour Cream Bavarian
From the Recipe Creator:
Are you sweet on someone who’s counting calories? Show them you care with this light and refreshing dessert. It’s sinfully creamy and so pretty with the tart raspberry sauce. No one would ever guess that it’s fat-free! —Judi Janczewski, Berwyn, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 176 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
19/30
Cinnamon Nut Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic bar meets good-for-you ingredients in this updated recipe. If you have the patience, after the bars are cool, store them in a tin for a day to allow the flavors to meld. I think they taste even better the next day. —Heidi Lindsey, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 142 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
20/30
Coconut Christmas Mice
From the Recipe Creator:
Off-the-charts cuteness makes it nearly impossible for guests to resist these fluffy, coconutty treats. Luckily, they’re really easy to make—no oven needed. Merry Christ-mouse to you! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 79 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
21/30
Orange Ricotta Cake Roll
From the Recipe Creator:
I come from a big Italian family where my mom cooked and baked many delicious meals and desserts from scratch. Now I like to do the same for my family. This cake is my finale to our Italian Christmas Eve dinner. —Cathy Banks, Encinitas, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 169 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
22/30
Ginger Apple-Pear Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
Taste autumn aromas—apples, cinnamon and spices—in this delicious recipe. It’s even better with a scoop of vanilla or homemade 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.
23/30
Pumpkin Pie Custard
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of traditional pumpkin pie, try this flavorful light holiday dessert. My husband’s aunt shared the recipe after she brought this treat to a family party. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without whipped topping): 120 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
24/30
Meringue Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet little swirls are light as can be. They're all you need after a big, special dinner. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 10 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Free food.
25/30
Chewy Cranberry Pecan Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making these for several years, as I really enjoy the combination of flavors and the relative ease of preparation. They're not only great for the holidays but year-round if you have cranberries in your freezer. —Virginia Anthony, Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 119 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
26/30
Buttery Spritz Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender spritz cookie recipe is quite eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it's fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 43 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
27/30
Hot Cocoa Souffle
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend invited me to a church cooking demo years ago, and one of the recipes we prepared was this luscious souffle. It's decadent and delicious. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
28/30
Pear Bundt Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 149 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/30
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was extremely popular at the annual Christmas party sponsored by our homemakers club. The bars are a terrific dessert for fall. —Agnes Jasa, Malabar, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 228 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
30/30
Baked Pumpkin Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Even after your favorite turkey dinner, you'll find room for this perfect pudding dessert—a treat served hot or cold. Mildly spiced, it will leave you sweetly satisfied but not overly full. —Gerri Saylor, Graniteville, South Carolina.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 244 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
Healthy Christmas Desserts FAQ
How can I make Christmas desserts healthier?
Instead of making a “diet” dessert that relies on artificial ingredients and sweeteners, focus on real foods that boost nutrition and flavor. Fruit purees can help replace butter or oil in some recipes, while plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. Whole grain alternatives can stand in for refined flours, and you can reduce added sugars by relying on the natural sweetness of foods like dates, bananas and applesauce.
What is the healthiest dessert to eat during the holidays?
There is no one healthiest holiday dessert, but the best options include nutrient-dense ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Fruit-based desserts like baked apples or poached pears provide tons of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, and they offer natural sweetness. Dark chocolate, nuts, whole grains and yogurt can all help make a dessert more decadent and filling while boosting the antioxidant, fiber or protein content.
Are there any low-sugar Christmas desserts?
Many Christmas desserts can be made with minimal added sugar by relying on naturally sweet ingredients like fruit. Many recipes also have a lot of flexibility. For desserts like pies, crumbles, mousse and no-bake cookies, you can often reduce added sugar by 25 to 30 percent without affecting texture or flavor, and using flavorful or warming ingredients like dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla helps a dessert taste sweeter than it really is.
