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. 

When it comes to warm, oozing baked apples, it's all about picking the right kind. We'll show you which varieties of apples are best for baking. 

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. 

The secret to amazing bread pudding? Stale bread. Get our tips and tricks for getting the perfect cubes for your healthy dessert.