5 healthier classic desserts

Light and fruity classics

You’ve heard of a crisp and a crumble, and you’ve probably tasted a few cobblers. But how about a compote or a slump or a clafoutis? And how do you whip together a fool? It’s easy to make these old-school desserts-and they are even better thanks to the healthy makeover we’ve given them. These five recipes are loaded with juicy fruit and berries, bursting with flavour and packed with nutrients. We’ve cut back on fat and sugar while adding nutrition all-stars like oatmeal, whole-wheat flour, almonds and buttermilk, so the naughty factor is almost gone. But thanks to each dish’s comforting homemade goodness, no one will even notice. Plus, you don’t need to worry about presentation-they’re meant to look rustic and homey. Make them your new family classics!

Plum Cardamom Compote

Delicious warm, or very cold on a hot day, this compote is light-we’ve kept calories low-and so simple. The cardamom gives it an exotic, almost peppery taste without being overpowering. Serve warm with toast for breakfast, chilled as a snack, or along with some dark chocolate for dessert. It also makes a flavour­ful accompaniment to chicken, turkey or fish.

Get the full recipe: Plum Cardamom Compote

Sour Cherry Clafoutis

A clafoutis sounds fancy, but it’s just a big, baked fruit pancake. This version is loaded with antioxidant-rich sour cherries. The tart flavour is part of this dish’s character, but if you find it too sour, sprinkle with a little sugar or drizzle on some maple syrup.

Get the full recipe: Sour Cherry Clafoutis

Fruit Sorbets

These refreshing, fat-free desserts are easy to make with or without an ice cream maker. (If you don’t have one, you can make granita, which is icier, but still refreshing.) In our basic recipe, the liquor keeps the sorbet from becoming too hard and icy. We’ve cut the amount back to as little as possible. You can cut it out entirely if you like-the sorbet will work, but the texture won’t be as nice.

Get the full recipe: Fruit Sorbets

Light Raspberry-Ricotta Fool

A fool is usually made with fruit and whipping cream. We’ve lightened the original by using ricotta cheese, and added a burst of citrus flavour, while maintaining this dessert’s made-in-10-minutes appeal. You can use blueberries, blackberries or strawberries (or a mix), if you’d like. This recipe can easily be doubled.

Get the full recipe: Light Raspberry-Ricotta Fool

Summer-Fruit Slump

A slump-which is also called a grunt-is sort of like a cobbler, except you make it all on top of the stove, eliminating the need to heat up your oven on a warm day. To this one, we’ve added blueberries to the stone-fruit base, and bumped up the nutritional benefits of the dumpling topping with oats and whole-wheat flour. It’s a fun, nostalgic dessert everyone will love.

Get the full recipe: Summer-Fruit Slump

More healthy dessert ideas

From brownies and tiny tea cakes to tortes and delicate pastries, you’ll satisfy the sweet cravings of your family and friends every time with this wonderful treat. With easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll whip up yummy time-tested classics from cheesecakes, crisps, and strudels to more exotic delights such as mousses, madeleines, and sorbets. It even features 30 recipes that indicate dietary concerns such as diabetes, gluten-intolerance, low-carb, and more.

Available now in the Best Health Store.

Related:
• 10 healthy comfort food recipes
• Our best healthy dessert recipes
• Our best gluten-free dessert recipes