Healthy no bake desserts just in time for the holidays.

It’s the holidays, which means more often than not, you’re pressed for time. In between social events and family gatherings, this isn’t really known as the season with a lot of downtime. Which means that if you’re looking for a good dessert recipe, you want it to be quick. And while you’re at it, what about a little healthy? Look no further. Here are 10 healthy no bake desserts, mostly gluten-free and vegan, to save you time in the kitchen this holiday season.

1. Healthy No-Bake Cookies

These are a simple, basic no-bake cookie recipe that happens to be gluten-free and vegan. Full of chocolate, you’ll want to have a few batches on hand for when your friends come over for an afternoon visit.

2. Pumpkin Tarts

Who said you had to bake pumpkin pie? These no-bake pumpkin tarts get the seasonal flavor of pumpkin with the ease of popping them in the refrigerator to set. Just pull them out when you’re ready to serve.

3. Açaí Berry Truffle

This Brazilian berry has become a popular superfood, and since it comes in powdered form it can easily be used to make a tasty round of truffles (yes, vegan and gluten-free).

4. Espresso Cookies

Who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate and coffee? The two come together in this simple, vegan recipe that can also be made gluten-free if you use gluten-free certified oats.

5. Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Need a fresh spin on a dessert for a holiday dinner? How about chocolate pudding made with a base of avocado? Thick, creamy and healthy.

6. Coconut Date Rolls

This recipe is as easy as putting shredded coconut, dates and almonds in the food processor then rolling the mixture into balls. The result is a a simple but tasty dessert that looks great on a holiday cookie platter.

7. Chocolate Tart with Almond Crust

Often we think of no-bake recipes as reserved for only cookies that you can drop onto parchment paper. Not so. This recipe proves that no-bake can not only be simple, but also classy, in the form of a glorious tart made with an almond base (gluten-free!) and creamy, dark chocolate filling (vegan!).

8. Sweet Potato Pie Doughnut Holes

Roasted sweet potato comes together with coconut milk and coconut flour to create a recipe that sounds like the ultimate comfort food dessert, but stays healthy.

9. Amaretto Snowballs

Dusted in powdered sugar, these are the perfect gluten-free cookies for the holidays. With a dash of amaretto, they’re the perfect ending to a long dinner party.

10. Raw Chewy Mint Brownies

Somewhere in between fudge and traditional brownies you have this recipe, made with a base of Medjool dates and raw cashews. You can eat a few without feeling the guilt.

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Images: Joana Slowdownik, Debbie Adler, smiteme, SweetonVeg

The post 10 Healthy, Decadent and Delicious No Bake Desserts appeared first on EcoSalon.

Caramel sauce is essentially sugar that has been melted down to a brown liquid. To make it more palatable and easy to work with, it is then traditionally mixed with butter and cream. Ultimately, the sauce is a recipe that does little for your health and more for your muffin top. The following healthy caramel sauce recipe utilizes only 3 ingredients to turn caramel’s story into something a bit more positive, without compromising taste.

The backbone of caramel – sugar — has become taboo in mainstream diets, picking up slack for many a health woe. A high consumption of sugar can put you at an increased risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. The other ingredients in caramel–milk and butter–contain saturated fats and are linked to heart disease. Needless to say, traditional caramel sauce needs a makeover.

This three-ingredient, vegan caramel sauce recipe tastes a lot like the original. Dates are the basis of the mix. Dates are naturally sweet and also have a deep, caramel-like flavor, which makes them perfect for this alternative recipe. The fruit also packs some serious health perks. In 100 grams of dates, there are 6.7 grams of fiber, nearly 700 milligrams of potassium, and 54 milligrams of magnesium. The same-sized serving also offers 18 percent of the recommended daily allowance of copper, 15 percent of manganese, and 12 percent of vitamin B6. Still, despite being a fruit, dates contain a lot of fruit sugar, so they shouldn’t be eaten in excess. Regardless, the following caramel sauce recipe is leaps and bounds above the traditional version in terms of health.

Healthy Caramel Sauce Recipe

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 cup BPA-free canned coconut milk
• 10 dates, pitted and diced finely
• Dash of sea salt

Directions

In a saucepan over medium heat, add all the ingredients. Stir constantly, waiting for the mixture to bubble. When it bubbles, turn the heat down a few notches, to medium-low. Continue to let bubble, allowing for the water from the coconut milk to be cooked off. The mixture will thicken. When you can run a spatula down the surface and a trail follows, this means the mixture is thick enough and can be removed from the stove. Serve cool or hot with ice cream, slices of apple, or as a glaze for baked goods.

Image Credit: Jeremy Brooks

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The post 3-Ingredient Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe appeared first on EcoSalon.

Does anything say “I love you” quite like a rich and creamy vegan chocolate fondue recipe?

What brings more eager eyes to the table than a pot of melted cheese or chocolate fondue? It’s the indoor version of fireside s’mores! Chocolate fondue is a fantastic way to introduce hands-on fun to Valentine’s Day dessert. Not only will you set the mood with a romantic gesture, but also get the love flowing with the consumption of chocolate, a known aphrodisiac. Chocolate fondue is even better for those without Valentine’s Day dates, because it is the ultimate communal experience. Grab a few friends and get dipping! This Valentine’s Day, plan to make your own chocolate fondue by following this simple recipe.

Fondue originated during the 18^th century in Switzerland, when families without access to fresh foods in the winter would attempt to use aged cheeses and stale breads. As cheese became nearly inedible and breads became stale, Swiss villagers realized that is they mixed the cheese with other ingredients, such as wine, garlic and herbs, they were able to douse and effectively soften the stale bread by dipping into the pot of melted goodness. Soon, cheese fondue became a Swiss tradition come winter months. Fondue comes from the French word fondre, which translates to “to melt.” Fondue has been adopted by different cultures and diversified: The French created the meat fondue, and the chocolate version of fondue originates in mid-20^th century America with no clear claim for its invention.

Today, fondue is a rare occasion and disappointingly so! Sure, it appears to be incredibly decadent and a hassle, but not when you make it vegan and in just a half hour. This recipe cuts corners and keeps things healthy and quick. It makes for the perfect date or party dish. Enjoy!

Vegan Chocolate Fondue

Ingredients

• 1 bag (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips (vegan)
• ¾ cup vegan milk (almond, soy, rice, coconut)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Dash of sea salt
• For dipping: Strawberries, bananas, kiwi, and/or bread

Directions

Place all ingredients (except for fruits and bread) in a slow cooker and mix until melted and creamy smooth. This will take about 25-30 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the fruit, bread or anything else you prefer for dipping. Serve in a fondue pot over low heat.

Photo Credit: Denis Dervisevic

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