No matter our age or situation, not many foods can unite us like a delicious dessert. Sharing a sweet treat with a loved one is one of life’s great pleasures, and it can be even more important when those moments are shared with the older adult in your life.
From rich chocolate to fresh fruit, these tasty recipes from a registered dietitian offer some easy dessert options that allow caregivers to create rich desserts that are also healthy additions to a balanced diet. Meeting all of your loved one’s nutritional and dietary needs can be challenging, so many of these recipes offer easy ways to incorporate additional vitamins and nutrients into sweet treats—without losing any of the flavor.
So, ditch the store-bought stuff and try one of these delicious dessert recipes at home!
Gooey blueberry oat bars
With the warmth of butter and brown sugar and the refreshing tang of fresh blueberries (plus a hint of coconut), this indulgent dessert is just begging for a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Chocolate covered strawberries
Not just for Valentine’s Day! (Although they’re perfect for that, too.) This classic yet simple pairing of chocolate and strawberries is perfect for an older adult living with diabetes, obesity or cholesterol issues (or who is gluten-free) who still wants to enjoy a sweet treat. Plus, they’re easy to make together!
Better-for-you peanut butter brownies
Ah, the classic brownie. This staple dessert is made a little better for you with some easy swaps of whole wheat flour and rich peanut butter—without sacrificing any of the rich flavor we expect from our brownies.
Creamy avocado pudding
Healthy desserts are not only possible, they’re delicious! Adding some avocado to this chocolate pudding delivers some much-needed vitamins and nutrients, while still satisfying that sweet tooth craving for sweet chocolate pudding.
Pistachio cranberry dark chocolate bark
Whether you need a dessert recipe for the holiday season or any other time of the year, this better-for-you, senior-friendly dessert option uses healthier dark chocolate chips made even better with cranberries and pistachios.
Cast iron mango and peach cobbler
Peaches and mangoes pair perfectly with a sweet, buttery crumble for a simple, sweet treat for the older adult in your life—as well as the whole family!
Vegan coconut cream ‘cheesecake’
Vegans and nonvegans alike will love indulging in this vegan coconut cream “cheesecake,” made not from cream cheese but from walnuts, oats, almonds and dates. Plus, the added protein offers some health benefits needed by many older adults.
