The question is: can you still eat holiday treats and be a healthy person?
The answer is yes, especially if you choose to make or try desserts with ingredients that have health-supportive and nutrient-dense qualities. This includes recipes that contain fibre, good fats, protein, and healing spices. These recipes are also gluten-free and dairy-free, which are two conventional ingredients that can contribute to a wide range of health challenges.
In this recipe roundup, we found traditional Christmas dessert recipes with a healthy twist, making them inclusive to people that experience different allergies and health conditions.
Now, this doesn't mean eating an entire batch of cookies or a whole cake - that's not considered being healthy. Yes, indulge in a small quantity of desserts in moderation during the holiday season but remember to counterbalance that with plenty of hydration with fresh water, natural foods (like fruits, vegetables, and protein), exercise, mindfulness, and peaceful and cheerful celebrations.
Here are some of my favourite healthy holiday desserts. I hope you try at least one of them and share them with friends and family!
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BAKERITA
Using cashews to make this cheesecake, these bars are totally red-and-white festive desserts that are paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan!
JOYFUL HEALTHY EATS
I’m not sure how much easier this recipe can get. With only five ingredients, this is a quick and easy recipe that you can make with your kids (if you have kids). Know someone that has an almond allergy? Simply swap for cashews, hazelnuts, or pecans instead!
ROOT + REVEL
Sticking to a traditional recipe, this shortbread recipe calls for only five ingredients, swapping conventional butter or margarine for its healthier alternative, grass-fed ghee. Ghee is just clarified butter (with the whey removed), making it dairy-free while still lending the perfect buttery taste and texture.
RHIAN’S RECIPES
Snickerdoodles are a simple vanilla cookie, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Remaking a holiday favourite, this recipe is still soft, chewy, and fragrant, made with less than 10 ingredients!
BAKERITA
Gingerbread cookies are the perfect reason to use your blackstrap molasses! These paleo and vegan cookies can be baked to be soft or crispy, depending on how you like them.
RACHEL’S NOURISHING KITCHEN
With a really simple base and filling, this no-bake cheesecake recipe is vegan and paleo. It’s also the perfect twist on a classic holiday recipe.
SWEET LAUREL
Sometimes you have a craving for chocolate, and this rich chocolatey dessert looks quite impressive, especially if you’re having guests over. Oh, and it’s made with five ingredients, I kid you not!
BAKERITA
Can you tell I love Bakerita recipes? Hazelnuts and chocolate are reminiscent of Ferraro Rocher chocolates – but this is a much healthier version. Dark chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and flaky sea salt? They’re soft, rich in flavour, vegan, gluten-free, and paleo!
A SAUCY KITCHEN
Mincemeat pies are a traditional Christmas dessert, especially if you have family from England (like mine) – then it’s a must. This recipe is grain-free and vegan, and seems too easy to be true! But it is. Using fresh fruits and coconut flour, it’s also perfect for those with nut allergies.
SIDE CHEF
Here’s another pretty recipe that’s has a short ingredient list, and is perfect to make with kids. Why? They look like snowballs! Plus, who doesn’t love chocolate? They’re gluten-free and vegan, and these are sure to be a hit at Christmas.
Did you try any of these recipes?
Leave a comment and share with a friend or family member that needs to know!
Happy holiday baking!