It's not secret Americans eat way too much sugar. All these refined and added sugars can do a number on our bodies and lead to serious health problems, like inflammation, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and increased risk for heart disease. That said, if you are looking for satisfying and healthy dessert options that don't compromise on taste, you've come to the right place. These five delicious and easy whole food plant-based desserts are the perfect solution! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these treats are not only delicious but also nutritious.
5 easy whole food plant-based desserts
1. Chia pudding with fresh berries
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Time to make: 5 minutes + 2 hours to set
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Grocery list: Chia seeds, almond milk, sweetener (such as maple syrup or honey), vanilla extract, fresh berries
Mix together 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, 1 cup of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of sweetener, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let sit in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or until the mixture has thickened into a pudding-like consistency. Top with fresh berries and enjoy!
Nutritional information (per serving, using 1 cup of almond milk and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup): Calories: 212, Fat: 11 g, Carbs: 27 g, Protein: 5 g, Fiber: 9 g
2. Baked sweet potato with cinnamon and pecans
- Time to make: 45 minutes
- Grocery list: Sweet potato, pecans, cinnamon, sweetener (such as maple syrup or honey)
Bake a sweet potato in the oven until tender (40-50 minutes if baking whole, 30 minutes if baking rounds). Top with chopped pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of sweetener. Serve hot.
Nutritional information (per serving, using 1 medium sweet potato and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup): Calories: 198, Fat: 4 g, Carbs: 42 g, Protein: 4 g, Fiber: 6 g
3. Banana ice cream
- Time to make: 5 minutes + freezing time
- Grocery list: Bananas, toppings (such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit)
Peel and freeze ripe bananas. Once frozen, blend in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately, or freeze for later, topped with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional information (per serving, using 2 bananas): Calories: 200, Fat: 2 g, Carbs: 52 g, Protein: 4 g, Fiber: 6 g
4. Fruit and nut bars
- Time to make: 20 minutes + cooling time
- Grocery list: Oats, almonds, dates, fruit (such as berries or cherries), nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter), sweetener (such as maple syrup or honey), salt
Process oats and almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Add in pitted dates, your desired amount of chopped fruit, and a scoop of nut butter. Process until the mixture sticks together, then press into a pan. Cut into bars and enjoy!
Nutritional information (per serving, using 1/2 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of almonds, and 1 tablespoon of almond butter): Calories: 310, Fat: 17 g, Carbs: 37 g, Protein: 9 g, Fiber: 8 g
5. Chocolate avocado pudding
- Time to make: 5 minutes
- Grocery list: Avocado, cocoa powder, sweetener (such as maple syrup or honey), vanilla extract, almond milk
Mash an avocado in a bowl until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of sweetener, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Thin with almond milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. Serve chilled.
Nutritional information (per serving, using 1 avocado, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
Need more ideas for easy whole food plant-based desserts?
We've got you covered! From blueberry crisp to peanut butter chocolate shakes, here are some of our all time favorite WFPB dessert recipes.