Recipes and Cooking Healthy Recipes Healthy Cooking Five Ways to Lighten Desserts By Sheena Chihak, RD Sheena Chihak, RD Instagram Sheena Chihak is a registered dietitian, former food editor and current edit lead for BHG with over 15 years of writing and editing experience for both print and digital. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 7, 2023 Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos If you love desserts, eating healthfully doesn't mean taking all your favorite sweet treats off the menu. Use these tips and tricks to give desserts a lighter spin. 01 of 05 Add Fiber Leave the peel on fruits such as apples and pears for pies and tarts. You'll add nutrients and fiber to your diet. 02 of 05 Cut the Fat Use light or fat-free dairy products—such as milk, cream cheese, and sour cream—instead of regular versions. If you often accompany dessert with ice cream, serve low-fat or fat-free ice cream or yogurt. And in place of whipped cream, top desserts with thawed light or fat-free frozen whipped dessert topping or pressurized whipped dessert topping. Fruit Parfaits 03 of 05 Include Whole Grains Increase the fiber and add some whole grains in a baked good by replacing one-fourth of the all-purpose flour in a recipe with whole wheat flour. 04 of 05 Add More Zing Boost the seasonings. Add a little extra citrus peel, spice, or flavoring extract when you lower the fat and calories in a recipe. They add flavor without fat. Raisin-Pumpkin Tart 05 of 05 Skip the Frosting Instead of frosting, top cakes or cookies with fresh fruit or low-fat vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit