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Everyday Health
4 Secretly Healthy Dessert Recipes With Surprise Ingredients
By By Kelly Kennedy, RDN. Medically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES,
2024-06-12
You'd never guess this decadent dessert contains chickpeas, which add protein and fiber. Getty Images
My kids are pretty good eaters and always taste a new (to them) food even if they end up deciding that it's not for them. That being said, I love to look for creative ways to fit more fruits and vegetables into their meals, whether it's a quick pasta dinner that gets a few sauteed veggies stirred into a jar of sauce on a busy weeknight or a favorite dessert that is unknowingly made with a can of beans and applesauce instead of butter.
Making little changes and additions is just another way that I try to feed them the healthiest diet possible. Now, don't get me wrong, we love full-fat ice cream and traditional chocolate chip cookies just as much as the next person, and those foods are absolutely served in my house. But moderation is the name of the game when it comes to healthy eating, so, while we enjoy dessert some nights, other times, a secretly veggie-packed dish is the name of the game.
The health benefits of eating more produce are undeniable. For example, eating more fruits and vegetables has been shown to improve heart health, decrease the risk of developing cancer, and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to the T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Americans simply don't eat enough fruits and vegetables to meet the recommended amount each day, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you count yourself (or someone you love) among them, sneaking an extra serving of fruits or veggies into foods you already enjoy may be a choice that makes sense. While I'm all for an unexpected fruit or veggie, it's incredibly important not to ever "surprise" anyone who may have a food allergy. So, if there is ever any doubt, air on the side of caution and disclose all ingredients. A prank that ends in a trip to the emergency room isn't fun for anyone.
Whether you want to trick your picky eater into trying something new or just get creative with adding more fruits and vegetables to your dishes, the following recipes will help you get started.
1 Getty Images
Gluten-Free Chickpea Blondies
These simple blondies call for blended chickpeas to add protein, fiber, and other valuable nutrients to this delicious dessert. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free and surprisingly easy to work with. Here, it lends additional protein and a rich texture to this healthy vegan dessert.
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed ¼ cup no sugar added applesauce 3 tbsp vegetable oil ⅓ cup granulated sugar ½ cup almond flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp kosher salt ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-by-9-inch baking dish.
2
In a blender, puree chickpeas until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in applesauce and oil. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3
Add wet ingredients to dry ones and stir until just combined. Mix in chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread until even. Bake until set, about 25 to 30 minutes.
No one will guess that the secret ingredient in these rich chocolate brownies is avocado, which replaces unhealthy saturated fat with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, per the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , without affecting the decadent flavor or texture. They're sweetened only with maple syrup, too.
1 medium-ripe avocado, peeled and pitted ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 3 large eggs, lightly beaten ⅓ cup pure maple syrup 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 2 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp kosher salt 1 tsp espresso powder (optional) ¼ cup nonfat milk or nondairy milk of your choice ¾ cup all-purpose flour
Directions
1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2
In a large bowl, add avocado and thoroughly mash it with a fork. Stir in cocoa powder, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder, if using.
3
Add milk and flour and stir just until moistened.
4
Bake until brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes.
5
Allow to cool completely. Once cool, slice into 12 even squares and serve. Cover and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Yes, really. Black beans may seem like a surprising ingredient in a dessert, but their mild taste blends right in and complements chocolate perfectly. (Try them in brownie mix, too.) Even better, they're a great way to bump up the protein and fiber in this summertime staple. Each pop delivers a total of 7 grams (g) of fiber per serving, and this filling nutrient has been linked with weight loss , so your ice cream may not be the only thing that melts away.
⅓ cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1 large avocado, ripe 1 large overripe banana 4 large Medjool dates, pitted ⅓ cup cocoa powder 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups 2 percent milk or vanilla soy milk 1 pinch kosher salt
Directions
1
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. Transfer melted chocolate to a blender or food processor with remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
2
Pour the mixture into ice pop molds or small paper cups and place a wooden craft stick into the center of each pop. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
There's nothing better than ending your day with a rich, delicious treat - except maybe knowing that the treat is actually good for you and your gut microbiome. Naturally gluten-free, this dark chocolate mousse is packed with healthy fats and fiber from the avocado, and it gets a boost of probiotics and protein from the Greek yogurt. But you'd never know any of that from its creamy texture and chocolaty goodness!
2 ripe avocados, pit and skin removed and discarded ½ cup plain low-fat (1 percent) Greek yogurt 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 6 tbsp pure maple syrup 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 pinch kosher salt ¼ cup plain unsweetened soy milk (plus more as needed)
Directions
1
Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides as needed. Add additional soy milk to reach your desired texture. Chill until served.
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
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