No-bake desserts are simple to prepare and offer a healthier alternative to traditional baked sweets. Perfect snacks to prep ahead on a Sunday!
These desserts can easily adapt to gluten-free, vegan, and other dietary preferences using whole food ingredients and natural sweeteners.
Health benefits of no-bake desserts
These treats stand out with their nutritious ingredients like oats, nuts, and dates, which provide essential fibers, proteins, and healthy fats. The flexibility to incorporate natural sweeteners ensures that you can enjoy these desserts, and their whole food base supports sustained energy without the crash associated with refined sugars.
Why no-bake desserts are ideal for Summer
No-bake recipes are perfect for summer – keeping your kitchen cooler and conserving energy by eliminating the need to turn on the oven, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, the simplicity and speed of preparation mean you can whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen, allowing more time to enjoy the summer sun.
![](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.png)
Essential ingredients for no-bake desserts
I love keeping my pantry stocked with essential ingredients for no-bake treats. Common ingredients include oats, nuts, dates, spices, and nut butter. These components not only offer significant nutritional benefits but also help in achieving the perfect dessert texture. Nut butter add creaminess and flavor, while dates provide natural sweetness and texture.
Tips for perfecting no-bake desserts
Achieving the right texture and flavor balance is crucial in no-bake desserts. Proper mixing and measurement of ingredients ensure a consistent result each time. Additionally, proper storage is essential to maintain freshness and flavor, often requiring refrigeration or freezing to keep the desserts at their best.
Let’s dive into Eight No Bake Desserts For Healthy Alternatives To Your Favorite Treats
Portable & Protein-Packed Bites
No-Bake Brownie Bites
Have 20 minutes? Make some delicious brownie bites! Enjoy the rich, fudgy texture achieved with dates and cocoa. Customize with nuts or chocolate chips to enhance the flavor and texture. This snack is perfect for a quick energy boost for mid-day work slumps!
![](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.jpeg)
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup oat flour
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 2 Tbsp ground flax
- 3/4 cup almond butter, may sub any other nut or seed butter
- 2-4 Tbsp maple syrup, can sub honey, agave or date syrup. Depends on how sweet you want them.
- 1/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine oat flour, cacao powder, and ground flax.
- Then, add in almond butter and maple syrup. Mix with a spatula until ingredients are well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips last and mix once more.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop batter and roll into a ball with the palm of your hands.
- Place on a plate that’s lined with parchment paper, and store in the fridge to harden completely or enjoy on the spot.
No-Bake Cheesecake Bites
Indulge in the creamy texture of these bites made with almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese. This dairy free recipe allows for various flavors and toppings, making it incredibly versatile.
![cheesecake bites no bake desserts](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1714518046_11_8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.jpeg)
Ingredients:
- Cheesecake Crust
- 1 cup almond flour
- 5 graham crackers
- 3 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cheesecake Fillings
- 16oz non-dairy cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare your muffin tins by lining them with cupcake liners, or silicon reusable liners.
- Start by crushing the graham crackers down until they are a fine powder. You can do this in a blender or food processor if you have one, if not you can place them in a baggie and using a rolling pin crush until they are broken down.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine graham crackers, almond flour and melted non-dairy butter. Mix until ingredients are combined. You should be able to pick up the crust and it should hold it’s shape.
- Next, add about 1-1.5 tbsp of the crust to the prepared muffin tins. I used a cookie scoop for this. Then, using a spoon, press the crust into the liners until it is compacted and there is no space. Repeat until the crust is finished, I was able to get 11 liners filled.
- Set the muffin tin aside while you make the filling. In a large bowl or blender, combine non-dairy cream cheese, Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk, vanilla extract, and honey. Mix or blend until ingredients are well combined.
- Pour this mixture over the crust and then place the muffin tin directly in the freezer to set overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours.
- In the morning, remove the cheesecakes from the liners and top with a fresh strawberry slice. Enjoy immediately.
- Since these are a no-bake treat, they will melt pretty fast so I encourage you to remove them from the freezer when you’re ready to eat!
- These no bake dessert cheesecakes are best stored in the freezer in an airtight container and can be enjoyed up to one month.
No-Bake Carrot Cake Bites
These 5-ingredient bites feature fresh carrots and nutmeg for an authentic flavor, with options for mix-ins like walnuts or raisins to add texture and depth. They capture the essence of carrot cake in a bite-sized, snackable form!
![no-bake carrot cake bites](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1714518047_81_8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.jpeg)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all natural creamy almond butter, can sub any other nut or seed butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, can sub honey, agave or date syrup
- 1 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots, I prefer to use a cheese grater or microplane
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted with 1 tbsp coconut oil
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, almond butter, cinnamon, ground ginger and nutmeg. Use a spatula to mix until fully combined.
- Next, add in oat flour and carrots and mix until well incorporated.
- Then, use a cooke scoop or a tablespoon and roll dough into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and into the freezer while you melt the white chocolate.
- Melt white chocolate in a bowl with coconut oil in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring well in between each session.
- When ready, dip and coat the balls in white chocolate before placing them back on the lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1-3 minutes and then drizzle with more white chocolate before adding on walnuts and cinnamon for toppings.
- Place back in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up completely and enjoy!
No-Bake Sugar Cookie Protein Bites
These bites are boosted with protein powder, offering nutritional value with delicious flavor variations using different extracts or spices. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while fueling your body. Vegan and gluten-free as a bonus!
![no bake sugar cookie bites](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1714518047_146_8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.jpeg)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- pinch of sea salt
- 2 tbsp sprinkles
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine cashew butter, maple syrup and almond extract until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Next, mix in the vanilla protein powder until combined. Add in the almond flour, and salt next.
- Fold in the sprinkles last and mix until well incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll into a ball with the palm of your hands. place on a plate that’s lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer to harden completely, about 10 minutes.
- Remove and enjoy. these sugar cookie bites are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. please see notes above for more information.
Easy No Bake Desserts
Cheesecake in a Jar
Another 20 minute favorite! Savor the creamy texture of this dessert made with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, beautifully layered with fruit compotes or granola. It offers a luxurious taste experience that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
![cottage cheese cheesecake jars](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1714518047_45_8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.jpeg)
Ingredients:
- Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Graham Cracker Dust
- 3/4 cup crush graham crackers
Directions:
- Start by making the strawberry filling so it has time to cool before adding to the jars. In a saucepan, add in the frozen strawberries, coconut sugar and lemon juice. Heat on medium to low heat stirring occasionally.
- Once strawberries are soft, use a potato masher to smoosh them down then, remove from heat to let cool.
- Next, in a food processor add in the cottage cheese, greek yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Crush graham crackers on the side, I used my blender for this but you can also use a bag and rolling pin.
- Assemble the jars, add 1/4 cup of the graham cracker dust first, then 3/4 cup of the cheesecake filling and then finish it off with 1/4-1/2 cup of the strawberries.
Healthy Snickers Bar (Vegan and Gluten-Free)
Mimic the classic Snickers texture with this healthier 4-ingredient version using dates, nuts, and vegan chocolate. This no-bake dessert provide a guilt-free way to enjoy the decadent flavors of a Snickers bar.
![No bake desserts with snicker bars](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1714518048_316_8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.jpeg)
Ingredients:
- Date caramel
- 1 cup medjool dates, soaked in hot water
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Nougat layer
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 1.5 tbsp date caramel
- 4 Tbsp peanut butter
- Peanuts
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- Dark chocolate
- 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips
- 2-3 tsp coconut oil
Directions:
- To start, remove the pit from the dates and then soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, not quite boiling, but almost there. The key is to have a super soft date that can easily be blended. While the dates are soaking, prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- After the 10 minutes are up, drain the water from the dates and add the soaked dates to your food processor along with the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Blend for about 3-5 minutes, stopping and scraping down the sides a few times during the process. You will start to see a paste, caramel like texture start to form.
- Remove the date caramel from the food processor and set aside. Next, add in the almond flour, 1.5 tbsp of the date caramel and peanut butter. Blend once again for a few minutes or until you get a crumbly crust like dough. You should be able to pick it up and press firmly and it should hold it’s shape. If it does not, keep blending.
- Add the crust to the prepared loaf pan and firmly press down with a spatula until it molds to the loaf pan and there are no gaps on the edges.
- Next, pour the date caramel over the crust and spread until it is evenly dispersed. Top with roasted peanuts and slightly but firmly press them into the date caramel. Peanuts should cover the date caramel with little to no gaps.
- Place the loaf pan in the freezer and allow to harden for about 60-90 minutes. You may also leave it overnight.
- Next, melt the chocolate in the microwave or over a double broiler with a small amount of coconut oil. This is to ensure the chocolate is creamy and smooth. If using the microwave method, melt in 30 second increments until chocolate is almost melted. Stop and mix a few times in between.
- Remove the loaf pan from the freezer and remove the naked snickers bars by pulling on the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and cut the block into equal sized snickers bars.
- Moving quickly, dip and coat each snickers bar with the chocolate and place back on the cutting board that is lined with the parchment paper so the chocolate does not stick once hardened.
- Place the snickers bars back in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes to harden completely and enjoy!!
Fruit-Infused Treats
Yogurt Blueberry Clusters
Combine yogurt and fresh blueberries for a tangy, sweet no-bake frozen treat that is perfect for snacking. These clusters are easy to make and serve as a refreshing, nutritious snack or dessert option all week long!
![](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1714518048_863_8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.jpeg)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup yogurt of choice
- 1/4 cup creamy all natural peanut butter
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate, melted
Directions:
- In a bowl, add in fresh blueberries, yogurt and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper and then store in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
- When ready, melt chocolate and then remove the clusters from the freezer and dip and coat in the melted chocolate.
- Place back on the parchment paper and back in the freezer for another 10-15 minutes until fully firm and enjoy!
Frozen Banana Bites with Peanut Butter and Jelly
Use banana slices as a base for a nostalgic flavor pairing of peanut butter and jelly. This simple yet delightful recipe offers a new twist on classic flavors and is perfect for a quick, satisfying summer treat.
![no bake banana bite desserts](https://yakimotudongura.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1714518048_851_8-No-Bake-Desserts-Healthy-Alternatives-To-Your-Favorite-Treats.jpeg)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tsp oil, for melting chocolate
- 1/4 cup peanut butter, added to melted chocolate
- 1 ripe banana, cut into 15 slices
- 15 tsp peanut butter
- 15 tsp strawberry jelly
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Directions:
- Start by melting the chocolate in the microwave in 30 second increments with a touch of oil. Once melted, mix in the peanut butter.
- Add chocolate mixture to silicon liners. Then, add in a banana slice.
- Next, add in the peanut butter and jelly. Use a toothpick to swirl the two together.
- Sprinkle the top with chopped roasted peanuts and then finish it off with more melted chocolate before placing in the freezer to fully harden, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from liners and enjoy!
Need further instructions? Be sure to head to each recipe if you need more detailed information!
Did you make any of these no bake desserts? Don’t forget to tag @lovelydelites on Instagram or TikTok!
The post 8 No Bake Desserts: Healthy Alternatives To Your Favorite Treats appeared first on Lovely Delites.