Whether you’re dieting or have an overactive sweet tooth, finding calorie-conscious desserts can be a challenge. Supermarket options rarely taste great and can cost a lot, which may drive you to make your own sweets. Finding good recipes requires lots of trial and error. Luckily we’ve put together a list of our favorite low-calorie treats to help guide you on your health journey. Here are 7 desserts under 100 calories that you can make in your own kitchen.
1. Banana Ice Cream
If you have a blender or food processor, you can make low-calorie banana ice cream with no added sugar. One medium banana has about 100 calories, making this a guilt-free treat. While you can add sugar-free syrups or mix-ins for extra flavor, you don’t have to if you’re keeping a close eye on what you eat.
To make this dessert under 100 calories, simply peel and freeze a banana and puree it for about 5 minutes. The frozen banana will turn into a smooth, surprisingly filling ice cream.
2. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Who doesn’t love chocolate, especially paired with strawberries? Depending on the type of chocolate used, chocolate covered strawberries can be a delicious dessert under 100 calories. According to Rochester Health, two strawberries dipped in 85% dark chocolate clocks in at just 80 calories. You may even be able to save a few extra calories by using sugar-free chocolate chips instead. Or consider adding sugar-free chocolate sauce to yogurt and using it as a high-protein dip for your strawberries.
3. Homemade Popsicles
There are few things more refreshing than a homemade fruit popsicle. They’re also easy to customize and tailor to your cravings. The calories in popsicles vary depending on their size and ingredients. For example, popsicles that contain dairy or added sugar typically have more calories than ice pops made with blended fruit. But by making healthy choices, you can enjoy popsicles for well under 100 calories. My favorite recipe is this 40-calorie watermelon popsicle with fresh mint and a touch of agave.
4. Milkshakes
Milkshakes are one of the most craveable desserts. However, they’re usually loaded with calories and fat. My trick to turn them into a dessert under 100 calories is to blend a protein shake with ice. It creates a drink that’s similar to a slushie. You can even add a half teaspoon of xanthan gum to your shake to help thicken it even more. My favorite protein shake to use in this recipe is half a bottle of Fairlife Core Power. However, you can use whichever protein shake or powder you prefer.
5. Pancakes
Did you know that a 4-inch pancake only contains about 95 calories? However, adding mix-ins or toppings can raise the calorie count significantly. So to make this a dessert under 100 calories, opt for light toppings like fruit and sugar-free syrup or whipped cream. Another hack I use to feel more satisfied is to turn my batter into mini pancakes. They fill up the plate visually and make me feel like I’m eating more volume than I actually am.
6. Peaches and Cream
If you’re looking for a fresh fruit option, look no further than peaches and cream. Depending on size, peaches can range from 50-70 calories. Chop the peach into bite-size pieces and add a tablespoon of whipped cream, and you have a fantastic dessert! Using canned whipped cream is convenient and not that bad in terms of calories. One tablespoon only contains about 36 calories. However, you can use a light or sugar-free version to cut down the calories even more. Or consider making your own whipped cream to control the amount of sugar and calories.
7. Energy Balls
You may be surprised to learn that there are low-calorie energy ball recipes. They usually contain fiber-rich oats, peanut butter powder, and low-sugar chocolate. Coming in at 50 or 60 calories per ball, these sweet treats will keep you satisfied until your next meal. Plus, you don’t have to bake them. Simply mix the ingredients together and stick them in the fridge. It doesn’t get easier than that!
Fill the Craving while Meeting Your Goals
While finding good treats that don’t break your diet can be a challenge, no matter your cravings, you should have some great options. Remember to use lower-calorie, lower-sugar substitutes to help keep things healthy and potentially enlarge the serving size. Sugar-free syrups, dark chocolate, and light whipped cream can sweeten your recipes without all the sugar. Plus, peanut butter powder brings all the flavor of regular Jif with less fat.