17 Healthy Recipes for Baking Season

Life is what you bake of it and there’s no better time of year to embrace your inner pastry chef. So, grab your apron and get busy! These healthy baking recipes are nutritionist-approved and fit perfectly into your healthy diet. From chocolaty treats and fruity favorites to mini cheesecakes and homemade bread, we’re turning baking season into a diet-friendly affair. Check out these 17 healthy baked goods to whip up this season:

Healthy Hack: Looking to save more calories? Feel free to swap in some healthy baking substitutes for the butter, sugar, oil or flour in any of the recipes. Get creative and have some fun this baking season!

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies >

Because there’s no other cookie you crave more, we put this recipe at the top of our list. You’ll love the nutty flavor of the almond flour and coconut oil and you shouldn’t have trouble finding the erythritol-based sweetener or chocolate chips. If you can let your cookies cool for a whole 20 minutes, you’re a superstar. We couldn’t.

2. Chocolate Brownie Cookies >

The almond flour and sugar substitute you bought for the previous recipe will serve you well with these incredible cookies, too. Take the time to refrigerate the dough so the cookies don’t spread too much during baking. Plus, chilling allows the dry ingredients to absorb some of the moisture, concentrating the flavor.

3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies >

Wouldn’t it be nice to bring something new to the office potluck? Your colleagues won’t suspect these cookies are flourless or sugar-free. Use your favorite jam or jelly or use a variety—apricot, grape, raspberry, strawberry or even apple butter—to really dress up your plate.

4. Mini Cocoa Swirl Cheesecakes >

Cream cheese, ricotta and eggs come together to make these single-serve treats creamy, light and best of all, protein rich. If you’re hosting a party, double the recipe. Better yet, triple it and freeze a cheesecake or two for a rainy (or snowy!) day.

5. Dessert Chocolate Berry Cups >

Flaky and buttery with just a hint of salt, there’s something about crust that just tastes sinful. Definitely use a variety of berries for the robust flavor profile and pretty presentation.

6. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake >

Grandma’s homemade pumpkin pie may not be in the cards this year, but these mini cheesecakes are a darn good substitute. You can find sugar-free whipped cream alternatives in the supermarket but you can’t beat homemade. Plus, this homemade version is literally three ingredients. Take the time to make it before serving. Worth. It.

7. Easy Flourless Black Bean Brownies >

Yes, we said black beans. They make a terrific binder and they’re WAY healthier than flour. Yet they’re virtually tasteless when the brownies are finished. All you’ll taste is a fudgy chocolate brownie with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and just the right amount of salt.

8. Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting >

No, carrot cake is not considered a vegetable. And while even we can’t perform culinary miracles, we can, and did, make a better-for-you cupcake that will knock your socks off. The cream cheese frosting is our favorite part. Don’t buy low-fat cream cheese; dairy fat is good fat and you need the fat to make a terrific icing.

9. Almond Flour Bread >

Are you noticing a trend with these recipes? We found that almond flour is the best substitute for all-purpose flour, as is the case with this soft bread. There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread in your kitchen. And you’ll feel like a superstar when you tell your family you made this from scratch.

10. Lightened-Up Lemon Cake >

Close your eyes and take a bite of this zesty cake and you’ll be at a café in Rome or Tuscany. Olive oil is often used in Italian cakes and it gives this dessert a refreshing bite. We love the combination of lemon and blueberries, although raspberries would also be a delicious garnish.

11. Cinnamon Roll Muffins >

We used a muffin tin to make this recipe less labor intensive and we incorporated a few surprise ingredients (peanut butter and pumpkin puree) to add nutrition and a nice texture. These are not the sugary, gooey cinnamon rolls you’re used to but they’ll hit the spot when you want something sweet.

12. Blueberry Muffins >

The greatest blueberry muffin recipes—this one included—are simple. Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, oil, eggs, vanilla. Want to be sure your berries don’t sink to the bottom of the muffin tin? Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter and then add the berries. Cover with batter. If you’d like, feel free to dot the tops with one or two more berries.

13. Bran Muffins with Pear >

Fiber is a wonderful thing. It keeps you full. It keeps you regular. It can help lower cholesterol. And, because it does all of that, it can help you lose weight. The main ingredients in these muffins (whole grain pastry flour and wheat bran) are loaded with fiber. Start your day off right and you’ll set yourself up for success.

14. Almond Jam Bars >

Coffee, anyone? Or tea, if you prefer. Both beverages are zero calories and wholeheartedly approved here at South Beach. Want a snack with your mid-morning coffee? These sweet bars are perfect for dipping and are full of nut-rition.

15. Angel Meringue Pie >

Part pie, part cake, this light and refreshing dessert can help you channel your inner Julia Child. It’s not difficult; just read the directions carefully and make sure your eggs are room temperature. If you use cold eggs, the “pie” won’t rise properly.

16. Grain Free Granola >

Tis the season to give…but what do you give someone who has everything? Answer: Food. Double or triple this recipe, fill small mason jars and you’ve got gifts literally made with love. You might also put a jar in your own stocking so you have a healthy Christmas morning snack to munch on!

17. Apple and Almond Souffle >

Looking for an impressive company’s coming dessert? These sweet soufflés are perfect for the season and can be made in advance, allowing you time to visit with guests, not be tied to the stove. Some great baking apples include Granny Smith, Johnny Gold or Honeycrisp. Don’t use Red or Golden Delicious; they’ll become mush.