Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

20 Satisfying Desserts (With Hidden Veggies!)

Posted by Allison Day on October 18, 2016

If your produce drawer is overflowing with vegetables, think outside the box; skip the salad and add them to your dessert! Hiding in cakes, candies, crumbles and more, even picky eaters will be keen to devour these veggie-packed recipes. Lending moisture, nutrition, texture and earthy-sweet flavour to treats, vegetables show their versatility in this roundup of mouth-watering sweets.

  • Zucchini Bread with Pecans
     
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    Zucchini Bread with Pecans

    <p>Zucchini adds moisture and a bit of sneaky nutrition in this classic quick bread, while chopped pecans add a crunchy twist. Make a double batch and stick a loaf in the freezer for when a craving strikes.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-bread-with-pecans/14345/" target="_blank"><strong>Zucchini Bread with Pecans</strong></a></p>
  • Pumpkin Pie Crunch
     
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    Pumpkin Pie Crunch

    <p>A filling of beta-carotene-rich pumpkin ups the ante in this shortcut fall dessert. If you need a break from pumpkin pie, give this treat a go — there’s no fussy pastry to deal with either.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-pie-crunch/10922/" target="_blank"><strong>Pumpkin Pie Crunch</strong></a></p>
  • Chocolate Pumpkin Truffle Pops
     
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    Chocolate Pumpkin Truffle Pops

    <p>These truffle pops are packed with good-for-you ingredients, like pumpkin, coconut and dates, so you avoid the sugar crash. Whip up a batch for a Halloween party or keep on hand for snacking.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/vegan-chocolate-pumpkin-truffle-pops/" target="_blank"><strong>Chocolate Pumpkin Truffle Pops</strong></a></p>
  • Waffled Carrot Cake
     
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    Waffled Carrot Cake

    <p>All of the sweet and spicy goodness of carrot cake, presented in a brand new way. Turn your waffle iron into a last-minute dessert maker — just don’t forget the cream cheese frosting.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/waffled-carrot-cake/18752/" target="_blank"><strong>Waffled Carrot Cake</strong></a></p>
  • Flourless Carrot Bundt Cake
     
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    Flourless Carrot Bundt Cake

    <p>You can have your Bundt cake, and eat it, too. Gluten-free and speckled with vitamin A-rich carrots, this cake is the answer to your healthier dessert cravings.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/flourless-carrot-bundt-cake/18037/" target="_blank"><strong>Flourless Carrot Bundt Cake</strong></a></p>
  • Carrot Cake Doughnuts
     
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    Carrot Cake Doughnuts

    <p>Doughnuts are appropriate for any time of day, especially when they’re hiding carrots. These carrot cake-inspired, elevated doughnuts will hook you at first bite.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/carrot-cake-doughnuts-with-cream-cheese-frosting/13376/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson's Carrot Cake Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Frosting</strong></a></p>
  • Carrot Pear Mini Loaves
     
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    Carrot Pear Mini Loaves

    <p>Carrots and pear add moisture, sweetness and fabulous flavour to this light and tasty dessert that can double as a fabulous fall breakfast.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/carrot-pear-mini-loaves/17140/" target="_blank">Carrot Pear Mini Loaves</a></strong></p>
  • Chocolate-Avocado Banana Bread
     
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    Chocolate-Avocado Banana Bread

    <p>Though technically a fruit, avocados are often bunched in with veggies. Here, they add healthy fats, fibre and moisture to classic banana bread — the addition of chocolate tames their green hue, keeping this bread’s healthy secret under wraps.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-avocado-banana-bread/18777/" target="_blank"><strong>Chocolate-Avocado Banana Bread</strong></a></p>
  • Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies
     
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    Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies

    <p>Pumpkin adds low-fat, high-fibre moisture to these tender, pillowy cookies. Perfectly spiced, they’re begging for a cup of tea sip alongside.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-spice-cake-cookies/16928/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson's Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies</strong></a></p>
  • Zucchini & Chocolate Cranberry Muffins
     
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    Zucchini & Chocolate Cranberry Muffins

    <p>The addition of zucchini makes these muffins even healthier with a tender, chewy bite, while dried cranberries and chocolate chips make it feel more like dessert.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-and-chocolate-cranberry-muffins/14148/" target="_blank"><strong>Zucchini &amp; Chocolate Cranberry Muffins</strong></a></p>
  • Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
     
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    Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

    <p>Make life easy by creating a French toast casserole that serves a crowd. Warming spices and canned pumpkin add nutrition and flavour to this cozy harvest slice.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-spice-french-toast-casserole/19031/" target="_blank"><strong>Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole</strong></a></p>
  • Spinach Ice Cream
     
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    Spinach Ice Cream

    <p>Spinach is sneaked into this easy, verdant ice cream, adding iron, minerals, fibre and protein. To disguise the green, a scoop of cocoa powder will keep picky diners happy.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spinach-ice-cream/14452/" target="_blank"><strong>Spinach Ice Cream</strong></a></p>
  • Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Scones
     
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    Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Scones

    <p>With natural sweetness, beta-carotene, a myriad of minerals and fibre, sweet potatoes are a classic southern add-in to any dessert. Anna Olson bakes up seasonal scones with this power food, making them suitable for gluten-free diners who love all things sweet.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/gluten-free-sweet-potato-scones/13837/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson's Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Scones</strong></a></p>
  • Sweet Potato Crumble
     
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    Sweet Potato Crumble

    <p>Plain apple crumble will be a distant memory when this veggie-packed sweet potato variation is placed on the table. A dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream takes this to another level.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/gluten-free-sweet-potato-scones/13837/" target="_blank"><strong>Damaris Phillips’ Sweet Potato Crumble</strong></a></p>
  • Rich Beet Chocolate Cake
     
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    Rich Beet Chocolate Cake

    <p>Fudgy, dense and loaded with chocolate, beets add moisture and natural sweetness to this rich chocolate cake. Only a hint of magenta is left after baking, looking like a red velvet slice to unsuspecting eaters.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rich-beet-chocolate-cake/12734/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson’s Rich Beet Chocolate Cake</strong></a></p>
  • Carrot Cake Chewy Oatmeal Bars
     
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    Carrot Cake Chewy Oatmeal Bars

    <p>Healthy enough to eat for breakfast, but can be jazzed up with sweetened Greek yogurt or a scoop of ice cream. This new take on carrot cake is for fans of the classic cake who are looking to indulge more often, and with this recipe, you can!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/carrot-cake-chewy-oatmeal-bars/10792/" target="_blank"><strong>Carrot Cake Chewy Oatmeal Bars</strong></a></p>
  • Pumpkin Carrot Muffins with Vanilla Frosting
     
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    Pumpkin Carrot Muffins with Vanilla Frosting

    <p>Pumpkin purée is added to these cute muffins for natural sweetness, moisture and tons of flavour. Limit the amount of frosting (or skip altogether) for a healthy yet decadent-tasting breakfast.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-carrot-muffins-with-vanilla-frosting/10905/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson's Pumpkin Carrot Muffins with Vanilla Frosting</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze
     
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    Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze

    <p>The ubiquitous coffee house pumpkin scone can be made at home, all without dairy or eggs. These vegan pumpkin treats are a cinch to make, so you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for when only a healthier, veggie-packed dessert will do.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/vegan-pumpkin-maple-scones-with-maple-glaze/" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze</strong></a></p>
  • Raw Carrot Cake Balls
     
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    Raw Carrot Cake Balls

    <p>Made healthy with with shredded carrots, dates, hemp seeds and nuts, these carrot cake-spiced cookie balls taste just like the classic fall treat. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raw-carrot-cake-balls/15314/" target="_blank"><strong>Raw Carrot Cake Balls</strong></a></p>
  • Citrus Squash Tart
     
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    Citrus Squash Tart

    <p>Healthful butternut squash stands in for pumpkin in this chic French tart. A hint of refreshing citrus adds interest and personality to the seasonally-inspired treat.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-pie-cupcakes/19033/" target="_blank"><strong>Laura Calder’s Citrus Squash Tart</strong></a></p> <p><em>Allison Day is a cookbook author, nutritionist (RHN) and the creator of the award-winning food blog <a href="http://yummybeet.com/" target="_blank">Yummy Beet</a>.</em></p>
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