Valentine’s Day is full of sweets toying at our taste buds. However, many of them are packed full of sugars, additives, and other ingredients that can derail even the strictest of health goals. If you want to still enjoy a bit of sweetness in February with some nutritional benefits, check out these six Valentine’s Day desserts that can stay on track with your diet.
6. Flourless Brownies
Starting our list of Valentine’s Day desserts is flourless brownies. Also useful for chocolate cake, replacing normal flour with gluten-free options like almond flour or tahini can improve a recipe. Plus, it’s perfect for those who must stay away from gluten. Another healthy option when adding your toppings is choosing nuts like almonds or walnuts, or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
5. Rosemary Citrus Sorbet
Fifth on our list of Valentine’s Day desserts is rosemary citrus sorbet. This pastel-colored dessert features grapefruit, lime, and rosemary flavors. It’s a light dessert for those who enjoy ice cream, and a great non-dairy alternative. You can make all types of sorbets with your favorite fruits, such as watermelon, strawberry, blood orange, etc.
4. Poached Pears
Next on our list of Valentine’s Day desserts is poached pears. Easy and elegant, you can end your meal on a high and low-fat note with your partner. Plus, you can dress the poached pears in different creams or sauces to add another flavor profile to the mix. This may be an orange cream or a cinnamon cream.
3. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Rounding out the top three Valentine’s Day desserts is avocado chocolate mousse. A spin on the traditional chocolate mousse, the avocado makes the texture even creamier. Plus, avocados are a great dairy-free substitute and provide a protein and nutrient-dense option. Another healthy replacement for sugar is maple syrup.
2. Mixed Berry Sundaes
Second on the list of Valentine’s Day desserts is mixed berry sundaes. Add a little bit of fruit and protein to your dessert by replacing ice cream with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey on top. Not only can this be a healthy dessert item, but it can also work as a sweet and healthy breakfast option.
1. Dark Chocolate Strawberries
Last but not least on our list of Valentine’s Day desserts is dark chocolate-covered strawberries. Simple and delicious, dark chocolate is a much healthier option than milk chocolate. When preparing your strawberries, make sure to use 70% or higher dark chocolate to reap all the heart-healthy benefits. If you don’t prefer strawberries, you can also make dark chocolate-covered almonds.