Big props to you for giving up sweets for Lent. When your sweet tooth starts acting up, reach for these Lenten desserts, snacks and naturally sweet treats to keep yourself on track. You've got this!
25 Lenten Desserts for When You’re Giving Up or Limiting Sweets
1/25
Smoothie Bowl
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love smoothies but sometimes want to linger over breakfast instead of sipping it on the go, then this Jamba-inspired smoothie bowl is your answer. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
2/25
Apple-Almond Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to snack on apple slices slathered with almond butter. That's the flavor combo that inspired these muffins. Add a dash of almond extract to boost the nuttiness. —Kelly Alesso, Chicago, IL
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 168 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/25
Chunky Breakfast Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says cookies aren’t for breakfast? We devour these hearty oatmeal cookies, especially on the run. Add any dried fruits and nuts you have on hand. —Lea Langhoff, Round Lake, IL
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 291 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
4/25
Gluten- and Dairy-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After learning of gluten and dairy sensitivities in our family, I knew I had to re-create our favorite sweet bread. This gluten-free bread can be made using a premixed gluten-free flour or your own homemade blend. We use coconut milk to make it dairy-free, but any type of milk works! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
5/25
Breakfast Banana Splits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t brag enough about this recipe. It’s elegant enough for a formal brunch, yet simple and nutritious. With different fruits and cereals, there are endless potential variations. —Renee Lloyd, Pearl, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
6/25
Peanutty Strawberry Banana Smoothies
Total Time
5 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like that this strawberry banana smoothie recipe is fairly light, but the peanut butter gives it some protein to help keep me full. It's great for busy mornings when I need breakfast on the run. —Maria Hamre, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 167 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 fat-free milk.
7/25
Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Because of food allergies, I’ve learned to swap ingredients. There are no grains in this granola but loads of nuts and apples. Try it with yogurt or milk. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 204 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
8/25
Bee My Honey Fruit Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Orange, cinnamon and nutmeg round out this creamy spiced dip. I serve it with apples, pineapple and strawberries. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 95 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/25
Glazed Fruit Medley
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The homemade orange dressing on this salad complements the fresh fruit flavors beautifully. It’s perfect for a spring or summer brunch. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
10/25
Apple Yogurt Parfaits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get the morning started right with this super simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for an easy variation. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 158 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
11/25
Fruit & Almond Bites
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of no-bake treats you can take anywhere. —Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
12/25
Fruit Salad Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 cups salsa (80 chips)
From the Recipe Creator:
Salsa with strawberries, blueberries and nectarines makes a refreshing side dish. We scoop it up using tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup salsa with 3 chips: 122 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
13/25
Mocha Pumpkin Seeds
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a classic fall snack. Kick them up a notch with instant coffee and cocoa powder for a mix that’s mocha genius at any time of year. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 142 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/25
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/25
Crunchy Apple Side Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With fiber-rich fruit, light dressing and crunchy walnuts, this is a great side dish or snack. Try it with low-fat granola. —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 109 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/25
Rhubarb Compote with Yogurt & Almonds
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Grandma Dot used to make rhubarb compote and always had some in the freezer when I came to visit. This breakfast is a tribute to her. No two stalks of rhubarb are exactly alike, so make sure to taste the compote before you chill it. It should be tart, but sometimes it needs a little extra sugar. —Michael Hoffman, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup yogurt with about 2 tablespoons compote and 2 tablespoons almonds: 218 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 reduced-fat milk, 1 fat.
17/25
Peach Smoothie
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whip up this creamy peach smoothie as a refreshing and nutritious snack or a quick chilled breakfast. Because you can use frozen fruit, you don't have to wait until peaches are in season to enjoy this delicious smoothie. —Martha Polasek, Markham, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 68 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
18/25
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This gluten-free chocolate cake is a yummy treat that everyone can enjoy. Sometimes I stir in gluten-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variety. —Nichele McCague, Poway, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 310 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
19/25
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
20/25
Rise and Shine Parfait
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 259 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
21/25
Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
Use fresh or frozen fruits in this coconutty recipe. It's like a pina colada, but better for you and more versatile. —Gunjan Dudani, Bellevue, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 460 calories, 33g fat (33g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
22/25
Sparkling Oranges
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We were living in Texas when I found the recipe for this simple yet elegant salad. I was thrilled— we had a surplus of fresh oranges! All you do at the last minute is garnish and serve. —Janie Bush, Weskan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 234 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
23/25
Gran’s Granola Parfaits
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mother-in-law (Gran to our kids) had us over for brunch, I especially enjoyed her yogurt parfaits. They were refreshing, light and wholesome. I made a few changes to her recipe and came up with this sweet, crunchy and nutty variation. Yum! —Angela Keller, Newburgh, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 327 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
24/25
Sugar-and-Spice Candied Nuts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a wonderful snack to have on hand for entertaining, gift-giving or just munching anytime. With a sweet-spicy coating, the crunchy mixed nuts are hard to resist.—Tonya Burkhard, David, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 256 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
25/25
Frozen Citrus Fruit Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Add some sparkle to your next get-together or church supper with these sunny citrus treats. The refreshing cups burst with color and flavor, plus they look so cute served in shiny foil containers. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 48 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
