Easy Dessert Recipes That Use Natural Sweeteners

 Carrot Cake Energy Bites

Perfect before or after a workout, these superfood-packed treats from Dawn Jackson Blatner, registered dietitian and FITNESS advisory board member, use Medjool dates for a sweet bite. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy a few—one has about 70 calories—each time you need a healthy dose of carbs to fuel your workouts, she says.

Makes 10 bites

    6 Natural Delights Medjool dates, pitted
    1 carrot, finely grated (1/2 cup plus extra for topping)
    1/4 cup raw walnuts
    1/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut (plus extra for topping)
    1 teaspoon nutmeg
    1/8 teaspoon sea salt

In a food processor, puree dates, 1/4 cup grated carrot, coconut, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pulse in remaining 1/4 cup carrots and walnuts, leaving mixture somewhat chunky.

With your hands, form 10 balls and roll each into extra coconut. Add extra carrot on top, if desired. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Cacao Nibs

Don't let avocado in a dessert surprise you—it adds a creamy richness to the mousse. Serve up this recipe from JJ Virgin, celebrity nutritionist and author of The Sugar Impact Diet, for your next girls' night in.

Makes 4 servings

    2 ounces 70% dark chocolate or higher, chopped
    1 avocado, peeled and pitted
    3/4 plain cultured coconut milk
    1 1/2 teaspoons monk fruit extract
    4 teaspoons cacoa nibs

Place 3/4 of the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each until just melted. Stir in the remaining chocolate until melted and smooth; cool 3 minutes.

Combine the avocado, coconut milk, and monk fruit extract in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on the highest setting until well combined; add the melted chocolate and beat in until the mixture is light and fluffy. Divide among 4 bowls and refrigerate at least 20 minutes.

Just before serving, sprinkle with cacao nibs.

 Baked Apples

Baking apples brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. This recipe from Leanne Ely, certified nutritionist and author of Part-Time Paleo, adds raisins and honey for more complex texture. She recommends taking it a step further by drizzling cold coconut milk for a tasty hot-and-cold dessert your whole family will love, no sugar required.

Makes 1

    1 Fuji apple
    Raisins, as desired
    Cinnamon, as desired
    Honey, as desired

Core a Fuji apple, stuff with raisins, cinnamon, and honey, as desired. Bake for about 20 minutes.



 Skillet Granola

Forget dropping too much cash on a bag of trail mix. This homemade skillet granola from Blatner keeps your sugar count in check and is perfect atop a cup of Greek yogurt. Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial.

Makes 3 1/2 cups

    6 Natural Delights Medjool dates, pitted
    1/4 cup almost-boiling water
    1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
    1 tablespoon cinnamon
    1/4 teaspoon sea salt
    2 cups rolled oats
    1 cup raw nuts and/or seeds (pick your favorites)

In a food processor, puree dates, water, oil, cinnamon and salt until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl and stir date mixture with oats, nuts, and seeds.

In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the mixture about 12 minutes, stirring regularly, until toasted and golden. Let cool and keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.