Want to have a healthy holiday? Start with healthy holiday dessert recipes! From Christmas healthy desserts to other healthy treats for the holidays, don’t miss out on the season's sweetest treats. 

Keep reading for healthy holiday treats, including seasonal flavors and favorites (pumpkin, apple, eggnog and more). 

Healthy Treats For The Holidays

Is Thanksgiving or Christmas your favorite holiday? Healthy Christmas treats may seem hard to come by. However, swapping a few ingredients for healthier ones can make classic confections better-for-you, too. 

Try the following 15 healthy desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season. 

1. Pumpkin Bread Pudding 

Ditch figgy pudding for this delectable sweet treat. Bread pudding was enjoyed as far back as the 11th and 12th centuries, and is still appreciated for its appetizing flavors today.

Pumpkin bread pudding can be made gluten free. Plus, ingredients like hemp milk and eggs add extra nutrition. 

2. Pumpkin Pie 

It’s hard to argue with a classic. Perfectly spiced vegan pumpkin pie is a consistent crowd pleaser and a great option for holiday parties. Without whipped topping or a side of ice cream, one slice of pie is about 250 calories with 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.

3. Pumpkin Pie Tartlets

Mini versions of anything are cute, and the same applies to mini pumpkin pies. Tartlets can be made gluten free, and are only 150 calories each.

Made with almond flour, pumpkin puree, and plenty of warm winter spices, pumpkin pie tartlets are perfect for everything from parties to an afternoon snack. 

4. Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake 

Craving something sweet and seasonal for breakfast? Free from refined sugar, a pumpkin pie protein shake makes for the perfect morning pick-me-up.

Adding chocolate flavored protein powder in place of vanilla protein powder will make it taste like dark chocolate pumpkin pie (yum). 

5. Cranberry Greek Yogurt Bark

White chocolate peppermint bark is a holiday favorite, but it can be full of unhealthy fats and excess sugar. Festive cranberry Greek yogurt bark is a healthy twist on the traditional favorite.

Full of protein-packed ingredients like Greek yogurt and pistachios, this holiday treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and help you feel full between festivities. 

6. Maple Cranberry Orange Yogurt Parfait

Craving even more cranberry? Layer homemade cranberry sauce in a parfait with two other seasonal flavors, orange and maple, for the perfect holiday parfait.

The best thing about this dessert is that it is healthy enough to enjoy as a breakfast or snack, too. 

7. Gingerbread Cookie 

Gingerbread is a classic Christmas dessert, but icing, brown sugar, and molasses can cause an increase of added sugars. A healthy gingerbread cookie cuts down on calories and keeps each cookie under 100 calories each.

Plus, the recipe calls for ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce to help add nutrients. 

8. Honey Drizzled Broiled Grapefruit

Did you know that peak season for grapefruit starts around Christmas? With just a drizzle of honey and a handful of spices, broiled grapefruit is an unexpectedly sweet snack. One half grapefruit (one serving) is only 70 calories! 

9. Apple Walnut Crisp 

Like grapefruits, apples peak during the holiday season. With only a ¼ cup of brown sugar, an apple walnut crisp keeps things sweet without too much sweetener.

Soft-baked apples and added nuts keep this seasonal favorite under 200 calories per serving. 

10. Spiced & Baked Cinnamon Apples 

Another apple dessert? Yes, please.

Since baking is considered a healthier method of cooking, cinnamon apples retain many vitamins and minerals. If you’re aiming for 100 calorie servings, this delicious treat takes the cake (no pun intended). 

11. Caramel Apple Bundt Cake 

Speaking of cake, a caramel apple bundt cake is about as classic as it gets. Made with whole wheat flour and sour cream, each slice is surprisingly nutritious.

Plus, pumpkin pie spice sneaks its way into this recipe, making it great for gatherings from fall to winter. Easily add some chocolate chips in for more of your favorite flavors. 

12. Golden Apple Drink

Craving some sippable sweetness? The Golden Apple Drink is a special seasonal beverage with less calories than your average latte.

Keep in mind, this drink does contain alcohol, so it is limited to adults over the age of 21. 

13. Eggnog 

Eggnog is an excellent addition to your holiday beverage bar. However, excess fat and sugar can cause a “sugar crash” quickly after consuming.

Don’t know where to start? Experiment with a variety of unique eggnog ideas. 

14. Hot Cocoa 

Hot cocoa can warm up any winter’s day. Homemade cocoa, often made with cocoa powder or cacao powder, can keep your drink on the healthier side.

Try tasteful variations of this common classic, like Mexican hot chocolate or gingerbread hot cocoa. 

15. Chocolate Mint Smoothie

Even in cold weather, a seasonal smoothie can fill your chocolate fix. Mint and chocolate are a classic winter combination, and are coupled together in many famous holiday desserts.

A chocolate mint smoothie can be a great way to start the day. Plus, it has a touch of peppermint to celebrate the season!

In Summary On Healthier Seasonal Sweets 

Fall and winter can be a tricky time when it comes to sticking to your health goals. However, there are plenty of seasonal sweets that can be made with a healthy twist.

Stick to warm spices, nutrient-dense ingredients, and homemade favorites for a healthier holiday.