Dessert doesn’t have to mean waving goodbye to a day of healthy eating. You can still have your sweet fix without diving headfirst into a triple-layer chocolate cake. These after-dinner treats are smart, simple, and perfect for wrapping up your night without feeling like you’ve overdone it. Think of them as the sweet spot between “I deserve a treat” and “I don’t want to regret this tomorrow.”
Apple Cinnamon Cookie Bites
Oats, cashew butter, and fresh apple chunks come together for a snack that’s just the right amount of sweet. These are great when you want a little something after dinner without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cookie Bites
Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas with maple syrup and cinnamon give you all the crunch of a cereal treat but in a healthier, guilt-free way. Perfect for when you need a quick bite after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas
Nutella Cookie Dough Balls
These no-bake bites deliver Nutella flavor without the extra junk. They’re a great option for chocolate cravings and can be made in no time.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bites
Think Reese’s, but made with simple ingredients like peanut butter and chocolate chips. These are perfect for an easy, sweet snack after dinner.
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Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Packed with dried cherries, cashews, and chocolate chips, these bars are a great dessert that feels indulgent while still keeping things balanced.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Chocolate Covered Oranges
Chocolate-dipped orange slices are simple, quick, and a great way to end your meal with a refreshing pop of flavor.
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Chocolate Covered Popcorn
Popcorn drizzled with melted chocolate hits the sweet and salty spot perfectly. With just four ingredients, it’s easy to whip up for a movie night or a quick dessert.
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These chewy cookies are packed with oats and raisins, making them a great option for a wholesome treat that doesn’t feel too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Chickpeas and chocolate chips make these blondies a surprisingly great way to sneak in something healthier without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Blondies
Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
Black bean cookies with a gooey peanut butter center bring a fun twist to dessert. They’re rich and satisfying without throwing off your day.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
Sweet Potato Cookies
Made with mashed sweet potatoes, oats, and almond flour, these cookies are soft, spiced, and just sweet enough to keep your evening snack on track.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cookies
Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas
Air-fried bananas are a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas
Microwave Apple Crisp
This single-serve apple crisp comes together in minutes in the microwave. Add a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ve got the perfect cozy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Apple Crisp
Brownie Bites
These raw brownie bites are a great way to get your chocolate fix without loading up on sugar. Small but mighty, they’re just right after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites
Cookie Dough Bites
Made with almond pulp or almond flour, these bites are easy to whip up and nothing goes to waste. Dip them in chocolate for an extra treat that’s both smart and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Dough Bites
Protein Mug Cake
A quick chocolate cake made in a mug that’s packed with protein? Yes, please. It’s the perfect single-serve dessert when you’re in the mood for something rich but smart.
Get the Recipe: Protein Mug Cake
Dark Chocolate Granola Bark
Crunchy and sweet, this granola bark with dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit is a great snack for when you want something light but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Granola Bark
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
