Category Archives: Dessert

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie (no bake)

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I wanted to share this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie, a healthier dessert blog. It is very easy to make, and quick because there is no baking involved. It tastes like a rich chocolate cream pie, but is made with a vegetable (pumpkin) instead of cream, making this recipe lower in saturated fat, higher in beneficial nutrients, and can also be made vegan/dairy-free! This recipe can be made gluten-free if you skip the pie crust, making it into more of a mousse, or making your own pie crust with a nut base. I found that the mixture has a stronger pumpkin taste at first, but tastes more just like a chocolate pie after chilling for one day.

If you’re highly motivated, you can make this pie with fresh, homemade pumpkin puree. If not, use canned. You may find that certain brands, especially organic brands, have a different taste from the canned pumpkin with which you are more familiar. That is because canned pumpkin can be made with different blends of pumpkin and other squash. This may be off-putting, but again, this pie seems to lose the strong pumpkin flavor after one day.

You may find pumpkin in an aseptic carton (brand name Tetra Pak) rather than a can. Please note that these cartons are not recyclable in all areas, so check here to find out if these shelf-stable cartons can be recycled where you live.

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Recipe – from ChocolateCoveredKatie.com

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie (no bake) | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, easy, dairy free, egg free, vegan, vegetarian, low carb, less sugar added, can be made gluten-free

Shown in a whole grain pie crust, which you may be lucky enough to find at your grocery store!

Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

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This compilation was originally assembled in 2015, but has been updated in 2018. Here are some delicious recipes for Thanksgiving sides, desserts, and ideas for leftovers. Everything is vegetarian and many recipes are completely plant-based. No recipes contain dairy, but if you need it to be dairy-free, be sure to double check the chocolate ingredients! Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup - 5 sides, 5 desserts, and 5 ways to use leftovers

Sides

Green bean casserole photo
Green Bean Casserole from scratch – plant-based
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Grapes and Balsamic Reduction – plant-based
Vegan broccoli salad
Vegan Bacon-Flavored Broccoli Salad – plant-based
Garlic Cauliflower Mash
Garlic Cauliflower Mash – plant-based
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Dill – plant-based

Desserts

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie (no bake) – plant-based
Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos
Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos – can be plant-based (depending on chocolate)
Chickpea Blondies
Chickpea Blondies – can be plant-based depending on chocolate
"Anyberry" Cobbler with Coconut Milk Ice Cream
“Anyberry” Cobbler with Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Pumpkin Streusel Pie - No Oven Required guesswhoscooking.com
Pumpkin Streusel Pie – No Oven Required

 

Ways to Use Leftovers

If you’re cooking pumpkin or any other kind of winter squash, save the seeds! Clean and dry them, then try one of the two recipes below.

2 Ingredient Sweet Potato Pancakes
2 Ingredient Sweet Potato Pancakes – vegetarian

Leftover baked sweet potatoes or sweet potato mash? Mix with eggs and super simple pancakes!

Easy Cauliflower Fried “Rice” – plant-based

You can also toss leftover veggies into cauliflower fried “rice.”

Egg Muffins
Egg Muffins or Frittata Muffins – can be vegetarian

Leftover veggies? Chop them up and use them in an omelet, or an omelet muffin!

Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds
Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds – plant-based and one of Guess Who’s Cooking’s most popular recipes!
Chex Mix Flavored Pumpkin Seeds
Chex Mix Flavored Pumpkin Seeds – plant-based

2 Ingredient Banana “Ice Cream”

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Banana Ice Cream | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, easy, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian, low carb, no sugar added, 2 ingredients

This unbelievably simple ice cream alternative mostly consists of one ingredient – bananas! You can also add a little vanilla extract for even better flavor. It tastes best when whipped up fresh because it will be smooth, creamy, and light.  Feel free to add other flavors as desired – peanut butter, chocolate, etc.

2 Ingredient Banana “Ice Cream”

Print recipe
Meal type Dessert
Make your own no-sugar-added, vegan, dairy-free "ice cream" with just bananas and vanilla extract.

Ingredients

  • 4-6 bananas
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or to taste)

Directions

Step 1
Peel the bananas and slice into 1/2 inch pieces. Freeze on a plate or cookie sheet in a single layer for at least 1 hour. You can also use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2
Allow banana slices to thaw a bit, about 15 minutes at room temperature. Puree in a food processor with vanilla extract, pulsing a few times to start, for several minutes, until smooth and whipped. Serve immediately as "soft serve" or freeze and scoop it out later.
Banana Ice Cream | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, easy, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian, low carb, no sugar added, 2 ingredients

Pear Sauce, Unsweetened

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Pear Sauce, Unsweetened | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, no sugar added, plant based, vegan, dairy free, gluten free

It’s like applesauce, but with pears! No added sugar necessary, especially if you use ripe to overly ripe pears. The ground ginger gives this recipe a little kick. You can mash/puree the pears using a variety of tools, including a whisk, potato masher, blender, food processor, or immersion blender. I used a whisk to make the chunky sauce pictured.

Pear Sauce

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It's like applesauce, but with pears!

Ingredients

  • 6 ripe pears (peeled, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 20-25 minutes. Let cool.
Step 2
Once cool, mash with a potato masher or whisk or puree with an immersion blender or food processor. Pour off excess liquid if necessary. Refrigerate until served.

Pear Sauce, Unsweetened | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, no sugar added, plant based, vegan, dairy free, gluten free

Watermelon “Cake”

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RDN Day

Today, March 11, 2015, is Registered Dietitian Day!

Happy RD Day to all the hardworking dietitians out there!

FYI, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Trust the credentialed experts!

Watermelon Cake - guesswhoscooking.com | healthy, vegan, low-carb, no-sugar-added, gluten-free, dairy-free.

This “cake” will be a pleasant surprise at a party! It requires 3 basic ingredients – watermelon, coconut milk, and vanilla! Decorate it as you wish with fresh fruit, toasted nuts, and/or toasted coconut flakes.

Watermelon “Cake”

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Serves 12
This stunning no-sugar-added "cake" is made from 3 ingredients - watermelon, coconut milk, and vanilla! It can be decorated with fresh fruit and toasted nuts or coconut.

Ingredients

  • 1 large seedless watermelon (refrigerated)
  • 2 cans full-fat coconut milk or cream (without guar gum as an ingredient, refrigerated for 24 hours)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or contents of 1 vanilla pod)

For decoration

  • 1 cup sliced almonds (toaster)
  • 1-2 cup berries, such as strawberries and blueberries

Directions

Step 1
For best results, place a glass or metal mixing bowl in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Carefully open the cans of coconut milk and spoon out the thick layer of cream that has separated from the liquid at the top of the can. Place into chilled mixing bowl. Discard the liquid, or save for another recipe such as a smoothie.
Step 2
Beat the cream on medium speed with a hand or stand mixer for 2-4 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy and soft peaks form. Add vanilla and beat until just mixed. Set aside. If it becomes too thin to frost the "cake," refrigerate to stiffen the frosting. If it becomes to stiff from refrigeration, beat with the mixer for a few seconds.
Step 3
Cut the ends off the watermelon, then place it on one of the flat ends. Use a large knife to cut vertically around the melon to remove the rind, creating a cylindrical form. As desired, shape the watermelon so it resembles a round cake, cutting off part of the tapered ends if desired.
Step 4
If not frosting the watermelon right away, keep it in the refrigerator until ready. Once ready, pat try the outside of the melon with a towel. Cover with frosting, then decorate with desired toppings.

Watermelon Cake - guesswhoscooking.com | healthy, vegan, low-carb, no-sugar-added, gluten-free, dairy-free.

Watermelon Cake - guesswhoscooking.com | healthy, vegan, low-carb, no-sugar-added, gluten-free, dairy-free.

Confession: The pictured cake was made using coconut milk with guar gum, so the frosting wasn’t as stiff as it should have been. However, if you also make this mistake, it will still turn out pretty well!

 

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Apple “Nachos”

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos - healthy dessert that is gluten free, low in added sugar, and can be made dairy free and vegan. Guess Who's Cooking

This guilt-free dessert or appetizer is easy, requires very little cooking (microwaving), and is low in added sugar, gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free and vegan (depending on the chocolate chips). It only takes a few minutes to prepare, but is sure to please!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos

Print recipe
Serves 4-5
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 1 minute
Total time 11 minutes
Meal type Appetizer, Dessert
Misc Child Friendly
This fun-looking and fun-tasting dish is a great dessert with very little added sugar.

Ingredients

  • 3 large apples
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (preferably organic and unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup mini dark or semisweet chocolate chips (divided. Look for vegan chips to make this a vegan recipe)

Directions

Step 1
Cut apples into thin slices, about 16 per apple. Place on a large plate.
Step 2
Microwave the peanut butter in a small bowl on high until it becomes melted enough to drizzle, 15 seconds at a time. You may be able to skip this step if using a fresh jar of natural peanut butter because it will already be somewhat thin. Drizzle over the apples.
Step 3
Microwave 2-3 tablespoons of the chocolate chips in a small bowl on high for about 30 seconds. Stir, then continue heating 15 seconds at a time until completely melted when stirred. Drizzle over the apples.
Step 4
Garnish with the remaining chocolate chips and serve immediately. The apples will start to brown, so don't wait to long to serve.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos - healthy dessert that is gluten free, low in added sugar, and can be made dairy free and vegan. Guess Who's Cooking

25 Healthy & Fun Game Day Recipes

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25 Healthy and Fun Game Day Recipes | Guess Who's Cooking | Recipes are mostly minimally processed, plant-based, and low in added sugar and refined flours. Perfect for the Super Bowl!

Looking for a healthier recipe to share during the big game? Here are 25 recipes that are healthy, fun and delicious. For those with special needs or tastes, many recipes are:

  • Made with whole, real foods
  • Vegan
  • Lower-carb
  • No-sugar-added

Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks

Asian Cole Slaw

Baked Falafel

Bean & Corn Dip

Brussels Sprouts Chips

Chex Mix Pumpkin Seeds

Eggplant “Fries”

Mexican Zucchini Fritters

Pizza Hummus

Rosemary Sesame Pecans

Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds

Savory Roasted Chickpeas

Vegetarian Baked Beans (lower sugar)

 

Entrees

Cajun Meatloaf

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa

Fishy Nuggets

Mexican Taco Meatloaf

Personal Portabello Pizzas

Pizza Omelet

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

White Chicken Chili (dairy-free)

 

Desserts

Black Bean Brownies

Buckeyes

Chickpea Blondies

 

Chickpea Blondies

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These blondies are made with pureed chickpeas and contain no flour. They are vegan, dairy-free, grain-free, and gluten-free, assuming you don’t use honey or chocolate chips with dairy. These blondies are moist and delicious, and no one will know that they are made from chickpeas! They would make an excellent healthier holiday gift.
Chickpea Blondies - healthier, vegan, grain free, gluten free, dairy free. Guesswhoscooking.com

Chickpea Blondies

Print recipe
Serves 9
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes
Total time 40 minutes
Meal type Dessert, Snack
These chickpea blondies are flour-less, gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made 100% vegan.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon virgin coconut oil (for greasing)
  • 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave (or honey, if not vegan)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips (look for vegan chocolate if you want 100% vegan or dairy-free blondies)
  • coarse sea salt or Himalayan salt (for sprinkling)

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 8x8 baking pan with coconut oil.
Step 2
In a food processor, puree all remaining ingredients except for chocolate chips and salt. Blend until completely smooth. Stir in chocolate chips, then spoon batter into prepared baking pan.
Step 3
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let cool, then cut into squares and sprinkle lightly with salt.

Chickpea Blondies - healthier, vegan, grain free, gluten free, dairy free. Guesswhoscooking.com

Triple Sesame Cookies

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These lower-sugar cookies contain 3 types of sesame – white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and tahini, or ground sesame seeds. They have a strong sesame flavor and are slightly bitter, making them a delightfully unusual cookie! You can use only white sesame seeds if you can’t find black sesame seeds, which are often found in the international section of the grocery store.
Triple Sesame Cookies - lower-sugar, flourless & gluten free. guesswhoscooking.com

Triple Sesame Cookies

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These unique lower-sugar cookies use 3 types of sesame and are a delightfully unusual treat! These easy cookies are flourless, gluten-free, dairy-free, and lower-carb.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tahini
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg (whisked)
  • 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
  • 30 drops liquid stevia
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup black sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Combine tahini, sugar, egg, vanilla, white sesame seeds, and stevia. Stir well to combine.
Step 3
Place the black sesame seeds in a shallow dish. Scoop about 1/2-1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball, then roll in the black sesame seeds, or dip one side of the ball into the seeds. Place onto the cookie sheet and press down to flatten slightly. These cookies won't spread or rise, so they will maintain whatever shape you create now.
Step 4
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until bottom edges are light golden brown. Remove from oven, and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Triple Sesame Cookies - lower-sugar, flourless & gluten free. guesswhoscooking.com

Triple Sesame Cookies - lower-sugar, flourless & gluten free. guesswhoscooking.com

Triple Sesame Cookies - lower-sugar, flourless & gluten free. guesswhoscooking.com

Dairy-Free Indian Carrot Pudding (Gajar Halwa)

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Dairy-Free Indian Carrot Pudding (Gajar Halwa) - vegan dessert. guesswhoscooking.com

Carrots for dessert? Hey, don’t act like you’ve never had carrot cake! Although this recipe may sound strange, the light sweetness, intriguing blend of spices, and  tender carrots combine to become one extraordinary dessert! Traditional gajar halwa usually calls for milk and butter or ghee, clarified butter. This recipe contains neither, making it dairy-free and vegan.

Indian Carrot Pudding (Gajar Halwa)

Print recipe
Serves 4-5

Ingredients

  • 1lb carrots, peeled, shredded (about 6-8 carrots)
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins (or regular raisins)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 16 drops liquid stevia
  • 1/4 cup toasted nuts, such as cashews, pistachios, or almonds

Directions

Step 1
Heat almond milk in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add carrots and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2
When there is only a little liquid left, add coconut oil, sugar/honey, raisins, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, and salt. Stir and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the pudding has thickened and little to no liquid remains.. Stir in stevia.
Step 3
Scoop pudding into serving bowl or individual bowls and garnish with nuts and a few raisins. Serve warm or cold.