6 Mediterranean Diet Dessert Recipes For a Sweet Tooth

May 26, 2023

Courtesy of Nourishing Plate

Are you a sweet tooth who’s also trying to follow a healthy diet? You’re in luck! The Mediterranean diet, known for its focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, also includes plenty of room for indulging in sweet treats. In fact, this diet emphasizes the consumption of fresh fruits, nuts, and healthy fats, which can be used to create these delicious and nutritious Mediterranean diet dessert recipes.

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that is based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. This diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil. It also includes moderate consumption of fish, poultry, and dairy, and limits the consumption of red meat and sweets. This way of eating has been associated with numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, improved brain function, and better weight management.

Here are some delicious dessert recipes that fit into the Mediterranean diet.

1. Dark Chocolate Covered Dates Stuffed with Orange Coconut Cream

Courtesy of Vegetarian Gastronomy

This recipe combines the richness of dark chocolate with naturally sweet dates and a creamy coconut filling. The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Dates are a great source of fiber and vitamins, while dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants.

Try the recipe from Vegetarian Gastronomy.

2. No-Bake Vegan Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

These brownies are rich and chocolatey, but they’re also vegan and made with whole-food ingredients. The secret ingredient is sweet potato, which adds a natural sweetness and helps to bind everything together. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while the unsweetened cocoa powder used in the recipe is rich in flavanols, which can help improve heart health.

Try the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

3. Raspberry Streusel Bars

Courtesy of Craving Something Healthy

These bars are a great choice if you’re looking for a dessert that’s not too sweet. The raspberry filling is tart and tangy, and it’s balanced out by a crumbly streusel topping. Raspberries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while the almond flour used in the recipe is a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Try the recipe from Craving Something Healthy.

4. Healthy Lemon Bars

Courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen

Lemon bars are a classic dessert, but they’re often loaded with sugar and butter. This recipe lightens things up by using almond flour and coconut oil instead. Plus, the lemon filling is tangy and refreshing. Almond flour is a good source of protein and healthy fats, while coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, which can help boost metabolism.

Try the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

5. Cannoli Cream with Strawberries and Pistachios

Courtesy of Nourishing Plate

This dessert takes inspiration from the flavors of a classic Italian cannoli, but in a lighter, healthier form. The creamy cannoli filling is made with ricotta cheese, honey, and vanilla extract, and it’s served with fresh strawberries and crunchy pistachios. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Try the recipe from Nourishing Plate.

6. No-Bake Energy Balls

Courtesy of Well Plated

These energy balls are a great snack or dessert option when you want something sweet but still healthy. They’re made with nuts, dates, and other whole foods, and they’re easy to customize with different flavors. Dates are a great source of fiber and vitamins, while nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Try the recipe from Well Plated.