Craving a quick and easy sweet to enjoy? We’ve rounded up 40+ single serving, healthy desserts for one! These mini desserts allow you to satisfy your sweet tooth without surrounding yourself with tempting sweets that stick around for days.
This post was first published on May 3, 2022 and was written by Cheerful Choices contributors, Corrin Coons and Sydney Coons. It was updated on February 1, 2024 to include new recipes and helpful tips.
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Is dessert healthy?
Ever felt like sweets were off limits because they weren’t “healthy”? What if I told you that was all wrong? In fact, enjoying the desserts you know and love in moderation is one of the best ways to develop a sustainable and enjoyable eating pattern.
Desserts are a key part of many cultures, holidays, and gatherings. It’s really just all about balance. So go ahead and enjoy a slice of grandma’s famous blueberry cobbler.
Simple swaps to try
While it’s completely okay to eat the desserts you already know and love in their full-fledged, original, fatty, and sugary goodness— there are many simple swaps you can make when preparing desserts to pump up the nutritional value while still satisfying your dessert cravings!
Here are some ways to modify dessert recipes to make more healthful alternatives:
Pump up the Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder or collagen peptides into baked goods like pancakes or banana bread.
Fill with Fiber: Replace all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or other fiber-rich flours like chickpea or almond flour.
Swap out the Saturated Fat: Swap butter for applesauce or a heart-healthy oil. Applesauce can replace butter in a 1:1 ratio and you can typically replace 1 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of oil.
Add Value through Vegetables: Add vitamins and minerals to your desserts by sneaking in shredded vegetables like zucchini or carrot into your favorite baked goods, You can also blend frozen cauliflower into flavorful smoothies without even knowing!
Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Single serve desserts are the perfect match for a healthy Valentine’s Day celebration, all while keeping the portions in check. These mini sweets allow you to treat yourself and your loved one to whatever you’re craving, without overdoing it. Make these mini desserts instantly festive by adding over a dash of mini heart sprinkles or a couple drops of red food coloring!
40+ healthy single serve desserts
Without further ado–let’s get into it! Here are single serve desserts to save and try this year.
Protein Mug Cake
This protein mug cake is just the sweet treat you’ve been looking for. It packs in 15 grams of protein–making it the perfect post workout snack, satisfying breakfast, or healthy dessert.
These Date "Snickers" are a fun spin on a classic candy. This recipe calls for just 5 ingredients–Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, coconut oil, and melted chocolate of your choice.
Want a moist and decadent chocolate chip cookie without having to wait for the oven? Try this chocolate chip mug cookie that can be made in the microwave in just a few minutes! Plus, this recipe is made without eggs or dairy, so it’s allergen friendly!
This chocolate mousse features avocado as the secret ingredient and is topped with pomegranates and passionfruit to combine both chocolatey and fruity together in one amazing experience!
Looking for a sweet dessert that comes together in less than five minutes? Try these healthy, vegan stuffed dates filled with any nut butter and topping of your choice!
There’s nothing better than a warm, comforting apple crisp on a chilly fall day! Sweet apples combine with crunchy oats and pecans to make a truly magical experience!
Enjoy the chocolatey, fudgey goodness that all brownie-lovers crave with the added benefit of some protein and fiber from the secret ingredient in these brownies: black beans!
Chocolate and orange are a match made in heaven! This recipe puts a lighter spin on pudding and is packed with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to promote bone health!
Breakfast meets dessert with these lemon blueberry overnight oats! This recipe is great to prepare the night before a busy morning and is super refreshing and satiating!
This recipe is perfect for those late-night brownie cravings and can be made in just six minutes! Plus, it’s rich, gooey, and chocolatey – everything you're looking for in a brownie!
Looking for the perfect pumpkin dessert? Look no further with this 5-ingredient pumpkin spice protein shake. Plus, this sweet shake packs in 25 grams of satisfying protein!
Salted caramel protein balls make the perfect quick dessert. They’re packed with plant-based protein to power your day. Plus, they’re gluten-free, vegan, and have no added sugars!
Want all of the cinnamon goodness from a snickerdoodle cookie baked up into a delicious single serve cake!? This simple yet delicious snickerdoodle mug cake won't disappoint!
Enjoy this warm, fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookie without being tempted by a whole dozen! Throw some ice-cream on top and you’ve got a match made in heaven!
This vegan chocolate bark is the perfect recipe for a lightly sweetened instant treat. Plus, there is no chocolate needed making this a quick and simple recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Craving dessert for breakfast? This high protein breakfast banana split features greek yogurt and delicious toasted coconut honey granola for a banana split like no other!
With a perfect graham cracker crust and a sweet chocolate and marshmallow center, this s’mores cake in a jar takes your classic campfire s’more to a whole new level!
Calling all pumpkin-spice lovers! This refreshing, simple nice-cream recipe combines all the flavors of fall and is naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup for a healthy-spin on a classic fall treat!
Looking for a healthy but delicious afternoon snack or dessert? This fruit dip is a great way to make a fruit snack more satiating and nutritious with added fat and protein from the peanut butter.
These dark chocolate avocado truffles are completely customizable and call for just 3 ingredients. Plus, they’re ready to go in just under 20 minutes with no baking involved!
This recipe puts a decadent twist on a go-to breakfast option. Overnight oats are super easy to make and can be prepped the night before for a hassle-free, delicious breakfast!
These coconut matcha energy bites are packed-full of nutritious ingredients like coconut, nut-butter, seeds, and matcha green tea powder to fuel your day!
Want layers upon layers of creamy and flavorful banana-goodness? Whip up this easy, no-bake, banana parfait that will impress your eyes and your taste buds!
Craving a snickers bar but want something more satiating and nutritious? Try this healthy, snickers-inspired smoothie that will satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds!
This recipe combines two delicious desserts into one! Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with fruit and takes just minutes to prepare! Perfect for a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day!
Looking for a way to enjoy some sweet, summer peaches? Whip up this easy, personal-sized peach cobbler topped with a crunchy crust and a dash of cinnamon.
For those who prefer the dough over the cookies, this one’s for you! Plus, this recipe stars nourishing ingredients like Medjool dates, protein powder, and add-ins of your choice.
Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?
In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.
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GuestContributorBio: Corrin and Sydney are both Registered-Dietitians-to-be from Westminster, Colorado who are passionate about helping others through food and nutrition. They are both currently Food Science and Human Nutrition majors at Colorado State University looking to graduate in 2023 and pursue their Masters in Dietetics. In their free time, Sydney and Corrin enjoy backpacking in the Colorado mountains, doing yoga, and cooking new recipes. They love sharing their passion for food with others and providing food inspiration on their Instagram page. You can connect with them on Instagram @nutri.liciouseats!
I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and recipe developer. I create simple recipes with customizable ingredients “of your choice.” I also help busy people gain kitchen confidence through my hands-on program.
In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen. Click here to learn more about this virtual program with a dietitian!
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