By: Mindful Menu
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in refreshing and delicious frozen desserts. However, traditional ice creams and frozen treats can be laden with sugar and unhealthy fats. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy frozen dessert recipes that are just as satisfying and refreshing. In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of these healthy frozen treats, including chocolate, strawberry, and mango delights. Let’s dive into the world of frozen dessert recipes for summer!
You can find all of these recipes below and in the FREE Mindful Menu app for Apple or Android.
Before we get into the recipes, it’s important to understand why choosing healthy frozen desserts can be beneficial. These treats often use natural sweeteners, fresh fruits, and yogurt instead of heavy creams and sugars. This means you can enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. They are perfect for cooling down on a hot day while also providing essential nutrients and fewer calories.
Serving frozen desserts can be just as enjoyable as making them, and there are countless creative ways to present these delightful treats! For example, you could use vibrant, colorful bowls or mason jars to showcase the layers and textures of your desserts. For a playful touch, serve popsicles on wooden sticks, and let guests customize their own toppings with a variety of options like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or fresh berries. You can also create dessert platters featuring an assortment of healthy frozen treats, beautifully arranged and garnished with mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant touch. For a whimsical twist, try stacking different flavors of sorbet or yogurt in a clear glass to create a visually stunning parfait. No matter how you choose to serve them, these fun presentation ideas will elevate your frozen desserts and make them a hit at any summer gathering!
Healthy frozen desserts typically use natural sweeteners, fresh fruits, and yogurt instead of heavy creams and sugars. Examples include fruit sorbets, yogurt popsicles, and dairy-free ice creams made with coconut milk.
For a healthier alternative to sugary desserts, try fruit-based treats like smoothie popsicles, frozen yogurt bark, or sorbets. Because these options use the natural sweetness of fruits and minimal added sugars, they provide a satisfying and nutritious dessert.
During the summer, the best desserts are those that are light, refreshing, and hydrating. Options like sorbets, fruit popsicles, and frozen yogurts are perfect for cooling down while enjoying delicious flavors.
One of the most popular summer treats is the popsicle. They come in various flavors and can be made with fresh fruits, juices, and yogurt, making them a versatile and refreshing option for all ages.
These smoothie popsicles are a hit with both kids and adults. They are packed with the natural sweetness of strawberries and bananas and the creaminess of Greek yogurt. We used these fun popsicle molds, but you can also use disposable cups and popsicle sticks!
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
1 ripe banana
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
Popsicle molds or disposable cups & popsicle sticks
Instructions:
1. Blend the strawberries, banana, Greek yogurt, and honey until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or paper cups.
3. Insert popsicle sticks or mold top and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
4. To serve, run the molds under warm water to release the popsicles.
Enjoy these Healthy Chocolate Avocado Popsicles as a creamy and delicious frozen treat that’s also packed with healthy fats and nutrients!
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Popsicle molds or disposable cups and popsicle sticks
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
2. Blend the Mixture: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Fill the Popsicle Molds: Spoon the avocado-chocolate mixture into popsicle molds (or disposable cups with popsicle sticks), tapping the molds gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Insert popsicle sticks or mold overs into the molds.
4. Place the popsicle molds in the freezer and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until fully frozen.
5. To release the popsicles from the molds, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds.
If you liked these recipes, here is some more popsicle inspiration!
This delightful treat checks all the boxes: it’s chocolaty, savory, zero-bake, and only requires 4 ingredients. Say hello to Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Cups! Perfect for a quick dessert fix on a hot day, these little bites are a breeze to make and even easier to enjoy. Not only are they ready in just over 2 hours but also they’re the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate.
Toppings Galore:
While peanut butter is a classic choice (and what we featured below), don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
Crushed Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a crunchy twist.
Shredded Coconut: Adds an extra layer of tropical flavor.
Mini Chocolate Chips: For those who can’t get enough chocolate.
Dried Fruit: Chopped cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast.
Sprinkles: For a fun and colorful touch.
Ingredients:
2 large bananas, sliced into 1-inch rounds
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Parchment paper
Silicone mini muffin pan (or use cupcake liners in a traditional pan)
Coarse sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the bananas into slices, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Add a dollop of peanut butter to each slice. Freeze for 20 minutes.
3. While bananas are freezing, line a mini cupcake mold with paper liners, or if you use a silicone mold, you don’t need any liners!
4. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in a bowl in the microwave. Heat on 30-second intervals until melted.
5. Drop about 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake mold.
6. Add 1 frozen banana slice to each circle.
7. Pour the remaining melted chocolate to mostly cover the bananas. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
8. Freeze until completely frozen, about 2 hours. Remove from the freezer and pop out of the cupcake pan. Eat and enjoy!
Storage recommendations: Store these chocolate peanut butter cups in a large airtight container or bag in your freezer.
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frozen Bites with Oats. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond butter, and coconut oil, these bites offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nutrition.
Moreover, they are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no baking and just a few simple steps. Whether you enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cold, cookie dough-like texture or let them thaw for a chewier bite, these frozen treats are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your healthy eating goals.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup almond butter or cashew butter
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they reach a coarse flour-like consistency.
2. In a large bowl, combine the processed oats, almond butter (or cashew butter), maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more melted coconut oil or a splash of milk.
4. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into small bite-sized balls.
6. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
8. Store the frozen bites in an airtight container in the freezer. Enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cold, cookie dough-like treat or allow them to thaw for a chewier consistency.
If you liked these chocolate recipes, check out this amazing frozen chocolate bark with pretzels by Lauren Fit Foodie!
Frozen yogurt is a fantastic choice for a healthy dessert because it combines the creamy, satisfying texture of ice cream with the nutritional benefits of yogurt. Packed with probiotics, protein, and calcium, frozen yogurt supports gut health and bone strength while satisfying your sweet tooth. If you love these recipes, be sure to also check out this Mango Frozen Yogurt recipe!
This recipe for Frozen Yogurt with Berries, Granola, and Chocolate Chips is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make and customize. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a refreshing and nutritious dessert that’s perfect for summer.
Additionally, it offers endless possibilities for personalization—swap out the berries, try different flavors of granola, or experiment with various types of chocolate chips to make it your own.
Ingredients:
2 cups Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract (if using plain yogurt)
1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup granola
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract (if using).
3. Spread the yogurt mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1/4-inch thick.
4. Scatter the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, granola, and mini chocolate chips over the yogurt, pressing them down slightly so they adhere.
5. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until the yogurt is firm.
6. Once frozen, break the bark into pieces.
7. Store the yogurt bark in an airtight container in the freezer.
Storage Recommendations: To keep your yogurt bark fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. This way, you’ll have a refreshing treat ready whenever you need a quick, healthy snack!
If you are an ice cream and peanut butter fan, you will love this recipe. You don’t need a fancy ice cream maker, and what’s more, your healthy dessert will be ready in less than 1 hour!
This recipe serves 2, so be sure to double or triple the recipe if you are feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
2 bananas (frozen)
4 oz vanilla Greek yogurt
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup milk (almond or your choice)
1/3 cup miniature semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Place bananas, yogurt, peanut butter, and milk in a blender and blend/pulse until smooth and no more frozen banana chunks remain.
2. Scoop into a plastic container and stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Cover and freeze for 30-45 minutes for soft-serve consistency.
4. Or, freeze solid and then uncover and heat in the microwave 45 seconds at a time on 50% power until ice cream is easy to scoop.
As summer heats up, there’s no better time to indulge in refreshing frozen desserts that are both delicious and nutritious. With the healthy recipes and creative serving ideas we’ve shared, you can enjoy guilt-free treats that satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your wellness goals in check. Whether you opt for popsicles, frozen chocolate desserts, or frozen yogurt, these delightful desserts are sure to become summer staples in your household. So gather your ingredients, get creative in the kitchen, and embrace the joy of making and sharing these wholesome frozen delights. Here’s to a summer filled with cool, tasty, and healthy indulgences!
I’d love to hear from you! Share your go-to healthy frozen dessert recipe in the comments below and let us know what makes it special. Whether it’s a family favorite or a creative twist you’ve come up with, your delicious ideas could inspire others to cool down this summer!
Your Friend & Pilates Expert,
Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla
Founder of PILATESBODY On-Demand
Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.
