In this post, we share 10 easy Mediterranean diet desserts. Perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth while sticking to your health goals.
The Mediterranean Diet is all about moderation, which means dessert is (thankfully) still on the table! The climate in the Mediterranean region lends itself well to agriculture which is why many of their recipes, including desserts, feature ingredients like citrus fruits, figs, dates, grapes, berries, olive oil, chestnuts, pistachios, and almonds.
It is not uncommon for Mediterranean diet desserts to simply be a piece of fresh fruit. That’s not to say cakes and pastries are not eaten; rather, they are saved for special celebrations and gatherings.
Common Questions About Mediterranean Diet Desserts
Here, we answer 4 common questions about Mediterranean diet desserts:
- How often can you have sweets on the Mediterranean diet?
- What desserts can you eat on the Mediterranean diet?
- Is chocolate allowed on the Mediterranean diet?
- Can you eat ice cream on the Mediterranean diet?
And we’re sharing 10 Easy Mediterranean Diet Desserts!
How Often Can You Have Sweets on the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean diet is a non-restrictive and balanced approach to eating. It emphasizes enjoying whole foods within every food group.
Fresh ingredients like fruit, olive oil, yogurt, honey, and herbs are often used in Mediterranean desserts. Enjoying a piece of fruit after a meal is a popular way to enjoy a little something sweet after a meal. If you are eating more indulgent sweets like cake, candy, cookies, etc., it is best to have them in smaller amounts and not daily.
What Desserts Can You Eat on the Mediterranean Diet?
Since the Mediterranean diet encourages balance and moderation, all desserts are on the table. However, many of the Mediterranean Diet desserts tend to be homemade and not highly processed.
Desserts are rarely complicated, often coming together with just a few ingredients. Roasted fruit with honey and nuts, Greek yogurt with balsamic berries, citrus, and olive oil cake, and gelato are all popular treats.
Is Chocolate Allowed on the Mediterranean Diet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate contains cocoa which is rich in plant chemicals called flavanols. These flavanols might even help protect the heart. It is included one of our top recommendations for simple Mediterranean diet desserts.
Healthy Chocolate Tips
- Choose 70% or greater dark chocolate to obtain the most flavanols.
- Try adding more “good nutrition” by enjoying chocolate with fruit, nuts, or seeds.
- Save the more decadent chocolate treats for special occasions.
Can you Eat Ice Cream on a Mediterranean Diet?
Certainly, the same rules apply to ice cream and chocolate. Gelato is a popular dessert served in many Mediterranean countries. The key is to enjoy it in small amounts and be mindful.
Healthy Ice Cream Tips
- Enjoy in a small serving.
- Top with fresh fruit and/ or nuts.
- Try making your own. This is a great way to reduce sugar and use more nourishing ingredients like yogurt and honey.
10 Healthy Desserts on Mediterranean Diet
Below are 10 Easy Mediterranean Diet Desserts. Let us know if you give any a try!
1. Olive Oil Yogurt Bundt Cake
We love the combination of olive oil and whole milk yogurt in this cake. It creates a delicate cake perfect for any time of the day – breakfast, snack, or dessert!
2. Greek Yogurt Bark with Berries
This is a simple dessert the whole family will love! It’s made with frozen full-fat Greek yogurt that has been lightly sweetened with maple syrup and mixed with fresh berries and mini chocolate chips. It can be kept in your freezer for up to 3 months for a grab-and-go healthy dessert.
3. Roasted Pear Crumble
Put a fun twist on the traditional apple crumble with these roasted pear crumbles. Greek yogurt adds a little tang while upping the protein content of this tasty dessert.
4. Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites
These energy bites are the perfect sweet treat or afternoon snack. Unlike many desserts, these bites contain protein and healthy fats (thanks to the almond butter and hazelnuts) and are sweetened naturally with dates- a great source of fiber. This combo of fiber, protein and healthy fats promotes balance and satiety.
Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites
5. Healthy Spiced Apple Zucchini Muffins
These tasty muffins are made with whole wheat flour, apple, zucchini, eggs, and wonderful spices. They can even be frozen for up to 1 month, so you can make a large batch ahead of time.
Spiced Apple & Zucchini Muffins
6. Peanut Butter Banana “Nice Cream”
This banana peanut butter “nice cream” recipe is the perfect refreshing treat! It tastes indulgent, yet it is made with just frozen bananas, peanut butter, and almond milk!
Peanut Butter Banana “Nice Cream”
7. Double Chocolate Strawberry Coconut Brownies
We love these strawberry chocolate coconut brownies for a special treat – Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or any special occasion!
Double Chocolate Strawberry Coconut Brownies
8. Fruit Crostata
This peach and blueberry crostata is one of our all-time favorite desserts. This is such a fantastic way to use up any extra blueberries or peaches you have on hand during the summer, but it can also be made with any seasonal fruit that you enjoy!
Summer Fruit Crostata
9. Chocolate Fig Bites
At only 56 calories a piece, this dessert is perfectly chewy, decadent, and sweet. Plus, this treat is made with figs- a great source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
Chocolate Fig Bites
10. Grab n’ Go Power Cookies
We named these cookies “power” cookies because they are full of nutrients that fuel your brain and body. Oat bran and shredded apples add fiber to keep you full and focused all morning long. Chia seeds and walnuts add an excellent dose of healthy fat too!
Looking for More Mediterranean Diet Resources?
Here are a few articles to show you what the Mediterranean Diet is all about!
0 Comments