Healthy Desserts

For a satisfying treat that's made with all-natural ingredients, these chocolate hazelnut logs are difficult to top. They're abundant in calcium, magnesium, and healthy protein, making them excellent fuel to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. - Ben Kim

If you're doing your body good by avoiding pasteurized dairy products but you miss eating cheesecake, you'll want to give this delicious dairy-free, all-raw, blueberry cheesecake recipe a try.

The "cheese" in this cheesecake is made with raw, organic cashews, and the crust is made with a combination of macadamia nuts, dates, and dried coconut. This cheesecake requires some work, but it's definitely worth the effort!

What do you get when you combine macadamia nuts, coconut shreds, walnuts, avocados, fresh lime juice, dates, honey, and sea salt? Only the healthiest version of key lime pie that I've ever tried. The crust requires some patience and elbow grease, but it's completely worth the effort.

One sad reality that jumps out at me with every trip to the health food store is that the vast majority of energy bars on the market provide about the same nutritional value as most candy bars, but with some processed protein powder thrown into the mix and at twice the cost of a good old Snickers bar.

If pecan pie is on your mind, you and your guests will love this raw and healthy version. It's loaded with healthy protein, healthy fatty acids, fiber, and a number of bone-building minerals. Unlike most traditional pie recipes, this one is completely free of dairy, gluten, and processed sugar. Enjoy!

Sometimes called mignardises, these protein-rich cashew treats are typically served in high-end restaurants. With this recipe, you don't need a big wallet to enjoy the best mignardises around. Just a few balls goes a long way, so plan on making just a few balls per person. If you have leftovers, keep in mind that they freeze well; simply let them thaw out for about ten minutes before devouring.

A healthier version of Reese peanut butter cups, these chocolate cashew butter cups deliver plenty of heart-healthy flavonoids and healthy protein. If cashew butter isn't your thing, feel free to substitute with your preferred nut butter - almond butter and organic peanut butter work just as well, though both are less naturally sweet than cashew butter, so you may want to add a little more honey to the filling. - Ben Kim

How about a chocolate pudding that's good for your heart? This is exactly what you'll create by following Jason Mraz's recipe for chocomole, which calls for avocados, dates, chocolate powder, and a touch of vanilla.

Nutrient-dense? Abundant in healthy fiber? Gluten-free? Good enough to share with highly sensitive food critics among family and friends? Check, check, check, and check.

Thanks to Kristen, here's a step-by-step look at how to make healthy, gluten-free cookies that kids and adults in your life will love. - Ben Kim

Far healthier than almost any energy bar that you can buy in a store, these energy balls are full of vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds that are perfect for providing a quick boost of energy.

Because these energy balls are made out of fiber-rich whole foods, eating just one or two can be surprisingly filling - quite the contrast when you consider that most folks have no trouble eating half a dozen or more mini-donuts in one sitting.