Low-Calorie Desserts That Still Feel Like a Treat

On a health kick but still craving something sweet? Good news—dessert doesn’t have to be off the menu, and it definitely shouldn’t feel like a sad, joyless afterthought. From rich chocolatey favourites to fresh, fruity finishes, these low-calorie Gousto recipes are proof that you can satisfy that after-dinner treat feeling with cleverly balanced, flavour-packed dishes.

From rich chocolatey favourites to fresh, fruity finishes, these recipes are all about big flavour, clever balance and feel-good indulgence. Explore more feel-good inspiration in our Healthy Eating hub, or find your next favourite dinner recipe for your upcoming Gousto box.

What Can Make Desserts Low in Calories?

Low-calorie desserts aren’t about cutting out the good stuff; they’re about making smarter ingredient swaps and balanced choices. Think naturally sweet ingredients like fruit, which add flavour and satisfaction without loads of added sugar, or lighter cooking methods that keep things feeling indulgent without going overboard.

It’s also about portion-aware recipes and using richness where it really counts. A little chocolate, cream or honey can go a long way when paired with fresh flavours, texture and spice. The result? Dishes that still feel like a treat, just lighter, more balanced and easier to enjoy as part of a healthy routine.

5 Healthy Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Every Craving

These healthy dessert recipes prove that satisfying your sweet tooth doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour. From fruity favourites to rich, chocolatey treats, each one is designed to feel indulgent while helping you stay on track with your health goals.

Peanut Butter Banana ‘Ice Cream’

A match made in heaven, this peanut butter and banana combo is naturally sweet, slightly salty and surprisingly satisfying. With just three ingredients, it’s blitzed and frozen into a creamy, soft-serve-style treat—perfect eaten straight away or left a little longer for scoopable indulgence.

What makes this a low-calorie dessert?

– Just three ingredients – keeping things simple helps avoid added sugars, oils or unnecessary extras.-

– Bananas – naturally sweet and a source of fibre and potassium, so you get flavour without added sugar.

– Peanut butter – nutrient-dense and rich in plant-based protein, meaning a small amount goes a long way for satiety.

Eton Mess

A lighter take on a British summer classic, this Eton Mess swaps cream for natural yoghurt, topped with juicy strawberries and crumbled meringue. It’s fresh, tangy and indulgent, so you get all the joy of the original, with a more balanced finish.

What makes this a low-calorie dessert?

– Natural live yoghurt – lower in fat than cream and provides protein for a more filling dessert. It also contains gut-friendly bacteria to support your digestive system.

– Strawberries – low in calories but big on sweetness, thanks to their high water content and natural sugars.

– Meringue – light and airy, adding sweetness and crunch without weighing the dish down.

Avocado, Raspberry Dark Chocolate Mousse with Banana Cream

This vegan-friendly mousse proves indulgence doesn’t have to be heavy. Ripe avocado creates a silky base, balanced with sharp raspberries, rich dark chocolate and a naturally sweet banana cream topping.

What makes this a low-calorie dessert?

– Avocado – adds creaminess and healthy fats without the need for cream or butter.

– Raspberries – naturally low in calories and high in fibre, helping balance richer ingredients.

– Dark chocolate – used in smaller amounts for intense flavour, so a little delivers plenty of indulgence.

Beetroot, Lemon & Tahini Marble Cake

Ideal for mid-afternoon treats, this marble cake uses cooked beetroot for natural sweetness and moisture, paired with zesty lemon and nutty tahini. It’s a clever bake that stays satisfying without relying on excess sugar or fat. 

What makes this a low-calorie dessert?

– Tahini – a little adds rich, toasted flavour, meaning less is needed overall.

– Beetroot – naturally sweet and high in water content, helping reduce the need for added sugar and fats.

– Black sesame seeds – used as a flavour boost and garnish, adding fibre and texture without many extra calories.

Banana Split

A childhood favourite with a healthier twist, this banana split swaps traditional ice cream for fro-yo and piles on mixed berries. Finished with crushed nuts and date syrup, it’s sweet, satisfying and easy to adapt.

What makes this a low-calorie dessert?

– Variety of berries – low in calories and high in fibre and volume, adding sweetness and freshness without excess sugar.

– Crushed nuts – add texture and richness, so a small sprinkle delivers plenty of flavour.

– Date syrup – naturally sweet with a lower glycaemic impact than refined sugar syrups when used sparingly.

Low Calorie Doesn’t Mean Low on Taste

At Gousto, flavour always comes first. Every recipe is carefully created by our chefs and nutritionists working side by side, balancing big, bold taste with smart nutritional choices. That means dishes feel indulgent and satisfying, while still fitting comfortably into a healthier way of eating.

“It’s not about stripping recipes back, it’s about building flavour in smarter ways. By focusing on quality ingredients, balance and portion control, we can create meals that feel like a treat without piling on unnecessary calories.”— Sarah Fancourt, Lead Nutritionist.

Ready to enjoy feel-good food that doesn’t hold back on taste? Choose your box and check out our Healthy Choices ranges, including Double Protein and Nutrient Rich.

Why Choose Gousto for Healthy Eating?

Eating well shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavour, flexibility or value. Thankfully, Gousto makes healthy eating simple:

– Portion-controlled ingredients to support balanced, calorie-conscious meals

– Nutritionist-approved recipes designed for flavour, variety and everyday enjoyment

– 175+ recipes each week, including Health Hub Range options

– Great value per portion, with no wasted ingredients or impulse supermarket spend

Whether you’re eating lighter during the week or building healthier habits long term, Gousto helps you enjoy food that feels good and tastes even better. Learn more about how Gousto works or how we can help with your meal planning and prep this week.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Low-Calorie Desserts

What is the best low-calorie dessert?

The best low-calorie dessert is one that feels genuinely satisfying, not restrictive. Recipes made with fruit, yoghurt, or small amounts of chocolate tend to deliver sweetness with fewer calories. Gousto’s Healthy Choices recipes follow the same principles: balanced portions, bold flavour and no unnecessary extras.

What are high-protein low-calorie desserts?

High-protein, low-calorie desserts usually use ingredients like Greek-style yoghurt, quark or cottage cheese paired with fruit or cocoa for flavour. Protein helps you feel fuller for longer, which makes these options especially popular when you’re eating more health-conscious.

What are some low-calorie desserts?

Low-calorie desserts often include:

• Fresh or baked fruit (berries, baked apples, citrus)
• Yoghurts with spices or a drizzle of honey
• Small portions of chocolate paired with nuts or fresh fruit

Our recipes use many of these same principles—smart portions, balanced ingredients and bold flavour—to create meals that satisfy sweet cravings without a separate dessert course.

How do I satisfy my sweet tooth on a diet?

The key is balance, not restriction. Choosing recipes with natural sweetness, warming spices, or a hint of indulgence can help curb cravings without overdoing sugar. Eating enough protein and fibre throughout the day also helps reduce the urge to snack later. Gousto’s healthy options are designed to do exactly that – helping you feel satisfied, not deprived.

What desserts are filling and satisfying but low in calories?

Desserts that are high in protein, fibre or volume tend to be the most filling for fewer calories. Think yoghurt-based dishes, fruit paired with protein, or recipes that include oats, eggs or dairy.

What sweet treat can I have for 100 calories?

Sweet treats around 100 calories often include fresh fruit, yoghurt with spices, a small chocolate square, or a baked fruit dish. Portion size matters just as much as ingredients.

With Gousto, carefully measured ingredients and balanced recipes mean you can enjoy treat-worthy flavours without needing to track every calorie yourself.

Try Healthy Recipes with Gousto

Eating well doesn’t mean missing out—it just means choosing recipes that are balanced, flavour-packed and built for real life. With Gousto’s Healthy Hub range, flexible plans and hundreds of chef-created recipes to choose from each week, it’s easy to enjoy food that feels good and tastes even better. Ready to find your next favourite? Browse this week’s recipes and build a box that works for you.