Nutrisense Nutritionists Recommend: 6 Healthy Summer Desserts

Recommended by: Randi Yow, RDN, LDN

Randi says, “To me, nothing says summer like ice cream! I love making this "nice cream" at home with just a few simple ingredients. To make it more glucose friendly, you can blend your mixture with plain Greek yogurt or just top with a drizzle of peanut butter and nuts!”

This recipe is easily customizable and can even be made vegan by leaving out the optional Greek yogurt or swapping it out for a plant-based variety. You can also top this bowl with a handful of raspberries to give it a little extra tartness, along with some extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Ingredients

• 3 overripe bananas, frozen
• 4 tablespoons almond milk
• ½ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup chopped almonds
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)

Recommended by: Victoria Eaton, RDN, IFNCP

Victoria says, “I love a good Greek yogurt fruit dip for summertime! With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to whip together, and you can even add a sprinkle or two of Hu chocolate gems for an extra crunchy texture. It's a delicious dip - especially for strawberries!”

This recipe is full of protein and fiber from the Greek yogurt and peanut butter and is a fun way to add more fresh fruit to your diet. Get creative and try out a variety of different dippers with this tasty combination!

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Red and green apples sliced, for serving
• A handful of sliced strawberries (optional)
• Hu chocolate gems (optional)

Recommended by: Jordyn Wallerius, MS, RDN, CD

Jordyn says, “Summer is strawberry season, and for me, it‘s the best time to enjoy some homemade strawberry frozen yogurt. This recipe is low-fat, easy to make, and hits the spot on a warm summer day!”

 Making frozen yogurt at home can help you limit any extra added sugars you consume, and with just a few ingredients, it’s also cost-effective! You can blend these ingredients or even toss them into an ice cream maker at home for a quick summer snack.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh strawberries (frozen overnight)
• 3 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (non-fat or full-fat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Recommended by: Marie Funk, MS, RD, LDN

Marie says, “Brownies are a favorite at summer BBQs! This avocado brownie recipe swaps out a few more classic ingredients with healthier choices than an original brownie recipe. These brownies are not as sweet, so they're more glucose-friendly. And they‘re also gluten-free. I think they might just give you a new outlook on brownies!”  

These low-carb brownies are a great way to enjoy a sweet, baked treat containing healthy fats from the avocado. You can optionally add in some chopped walnuts to up the fiber content and for an extra crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 large avocado
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or swap for 1 large banana)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Recommended by: Andrew Sisisky, CNS, LDN

Andrew says, “A blueberry smoothie bowl is a perfect treat on a hot summer day. You can add any of your favorite ingredients to make this bowl to your liking, but adding nut butter and avocado with a scoop of protein powder is a great way to round this treat out with complex carbs, fiber, protein, and fats.”

 This smoothie bowl is not only refreshing, and it’s also packed with protein and fresh fruit. It's dairy-free, perfect for anyone who may be lactose intolerant. You can top this bowl with additions such as pistachios, fresh berries, a handful of nuts, and some coconut flakes for a tasty, balanced snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (or cinnamon)
• 1 tablespoon sunflower butter (or other nut butter)
• 3-4 ice cubes

Recommended by Amanda Donahue, CD, RDN

Amanda says, “I'm a sucker for the chocolate-peanut butter combo any time of the year! These no-bake sweet treats are quick and easy to make on busy summer days.

 I love that these truffles are lower in sugar, high in fiber and protein, and rich in antioxidants (choose dark chocolate that's at least 70 percent cacao)! You can sub almond butter for any natural nut butter and top them with crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of extra peanut butter!”

 With their combination of fiber, fats, and protein, these truffles are a glucose-friendly option, and the high-quality dark chocolate is also a great source of antioxidants.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted, creamy almond butter 
• 1/4 cup unsalted almonds 
• 1 cup rolled oats 
• 1 tablespoon honey 
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil 
• 4 ounce dark chocolate (70 to 85 percent cacao)