Healthy Winter Desserts

Forget apple! Caramel befriends pears in this skinny version of slow-cooked pudding cake. Ours is made with fat-free milk and a slew of flaxseeds -- chewy little nutrient powerhouses packed with fiber and essential omega-3s. 

Inspired by traditional ginger cookies but made with lighter ingredients, these thinned-out treats cut the molasses and brown sugar, and add a hint of citrus for a healthy wintry touch.

Apples, dates, and whole grain flakes meet in this cereal-based crisp that's perfect for blanketed snowy nights. Scoop yours into a cozy mug alongside low-fat yogurt for a warming treat. 

Go play in the snow. Your slow cooker's got you covered! Just toss in the ingredients -- whole grain rice, fruit, fiber-filled chia seeds, and spices -- turn onto low, and voila: A healthy dessert is just waiting to warm you up. 

Lip-smacking pomegranates have winter written all over them. Here, we drape the seasonal gems -- high in antioxidants and vitamin C -- over lush slices of creamy pumpkin cheesecake.

Brimming with flaky coconut, sweet dried cherries, fiber-filled oats, and dark chocolate, these crumbly oatmeal cookies are surprisingly only 94 calories apiece. For a delicious dose of protein, toss some chopped walnuts into the batter before baking. 

Thanks to light butter and reduced-fat cream cheese, this recipe delivers an indulgent dessert without overdoing the fat. Top the cooled cupcakes with a squeeze of fluffy marshmallow creme, then sprinkle with cinnamon. 

Swap wintry cinnamon for a hotter spice on the shelf: chipotle chile pepper. The trendy spice gives these 50-calorie chocolate apricots their sassy twist -- and for fewer than 2 grams of fat.

Spiked with a swig of brandy, our cherry-orange compote makes any bland pound cake instantly beautiful. Bonus: The naturally sweet compote not only supplies a sweet-tart flavor boost, but provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. 

A spoonful of espresso powder recharges classic custard alongside vanilla and a sprinkling of homey cinnamon in this low-fat coffee shop special. A piping of light whipped topping offers an indulgent finish.

Warm up your winter palate with a sophisticated slice of bourbon-soaked tiramisu. Fat-free, sugar-free chocolate pudding and light maple syrup help trim the treat of unwelcome calories and fat. 

You'll never guess the secret ingredient hiding in these banana bowls: tofu. The soybean-based ingredient is high in calcium and protein, and makes a silky base for this creamy banana pudding. 

Banana bread is so last fall. Use the soft, potassium-packed fruit to whip up a creamy pudding. Our slow-cooked version calls for whole wheat cinnamon-swirl bread, honey, and a bag of green tea. 

Aah, yes. Molten cakes. Because who wouldn't want silky goodness oozing out of a dark chocolate cake for less than 220 calories? Did we mention it's draped in coconut-vanilla cream? 

These bites were made for munching. Baked with fresh cranberries, dunked in dark chocolate, and topped with cool citrus slices (all high in antioxidants), these 50-calorie cookies are sure to please.