Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

10 Healthy and Satisfying Desserts (With Hidden Veggies!)

Last updated on March 15, 2021 by Laura Grande

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

  • Gluten-Free Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies
     
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    Gluten-Free Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies

    <p> These may look like your average fudgy brownie with a crackly top, but this dessert is made with a super secret ingredient — <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/superfood-spotlight-best-sweet-potato-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sweet potato</a>! Not only this veggie undeniably delicious, it's also loaded with nutrients and is naturally gluten-free. Indulge your sweet tooth and find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/blog/tag/baking-therapy/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Baking Therapy</a> recipes to whip up this weekend. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/fudgy-sweet-potato-brownies-gluten-free/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gluten-Free Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies</a></strong> </p>
  • Carrot Cake Cheesecake Squares
     
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    Carrot Cake Cheesecake Squares

    <p> Combine two classic desserts – <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/35-most-decadent-cheesecake-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cheesecake</a> and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/crave-worthy-carrot-cake-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">carrot cake</a> – for the ultimate (veggie-forward) treat! We'd bet good money that you won't find a more delicious pairing. Looking for something a little more traditional? Try this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/secret-ingredient-carrot-cake/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">beautiful carrot cake recipe with a secret ingredient</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/carrot-cake-cheesecake-squares/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Carrot Cake Cheesecake Squares</a></strong> </p>
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert Empanadas
     
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    Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert Empanadas

    <p> Popular throughout Latin America, traditional empanadas are often meaty, cheesy and oh-so-savoury. But these portable pies also make for a bold and beautiful dessert, thanks to the addition of strawberry and our favourite underrated veggie: rhubarb. For those who like a tangy kick in their treats, there's nothing better than these "hot pockets." Find more ideas with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/fresh-rhubarb-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">rhubarb recipes that practically scream spring</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/blog/strawberry-rhubarb-dessert-empanadas-fruit-salsa/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert Empanadas</a></strong> </p>
  • DIY Cocktail Popsicles
     
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    DIY Cocktail Popsicles

    <p> Alright, so two of these three boozy ice pops are comprised of fruits (Strawberry-Aperol and Orange-Negroni), but the third is a refreshing Cucumber-Gin combo that will have you daydreaming of those hot summer nights. While you're at it, revel in bartending duties as you mix some of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/photos/classic-cocktail-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ina Garten's favourite classic cocktails</a>. <p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/wine-beer-spirits/blog/chill-out-with-delicious-diy-cocktail-popsicles/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">DIY Cocktail Popsicles</a></strong> </p>
  • Zucchini Bread Waffles
     
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    Zucchini Bread Waffles

    <p> Bring your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">garden</a> straight to your breakfast table with a scrumptious waffled version of your favourite veggie-filled bread. It's a sweet way to up your veggie intake for the day. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-waffle-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">waffle recipes that will make you jump right out of bed</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-bread-waffles/20524/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Zucchini Bread Waffles</a></strong> </p>
  • Rich Beet Chocolate Cake
     
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    Rich Beet Chocolate Cake

    <p> It may look a traditional chocolate cake through and through, but this amazing recipe from the Queen of Baking is actually loaded with beets! Two large ones, to be exact. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/spring-cake-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">beautiful cake recipes to bake on rainy spring days</a> or try this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/12-layer-chocolate-cake-single-cake-pan/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">impressive 12-layer chocolate cake</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rich-beet-chocolate-cake/12734/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Rich Beet Chocolate Cake</a></strong> </p>
  • Giant Skillet Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll
     
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    Giant Skillet Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll

    <p> Elevate your favourite homemade cinnamon rolls recipe by adding everyone's favourite gourd: <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/perfect-pumpkin-dessert-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">pumpkin</a>! Slice it like a cake and top with your favourite frosting and enjoy every last bite of this cinnamon-pumpkin winning combo. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/how-to-make-giant-skillet-pumpkin-cinnamon-roll/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Giant Skillet Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll</a></strong> </p>
  • Paleo Butternut Squash Tart
     
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    Paleo Butternut Squash Tart

    <p> This rustic paleo <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/the-ultimate-squash-guide-varieties-and-their-best-uses/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">butternut squash</a> tart, boasts a grain-free crust and a decadent buttery filling. It's an easy and delicious way to introduce this robust gourd into your diet. These <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/bake-with-anna-olson/photos/anna-olson-healthier-desserts/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">healthier Anna Olson desserts will also satisfy your sweet tooth</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/blog/paleo-butternut-squash-tart/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Paleo Butternut Squash Tart</a></strong> </p>
  • Kale-Banana Breakfast Pops
     
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    Kale-Banana Breakfast Pops

    <p> At a mere 120 calories per serving, these kale smoothie-inspired pops are perfect for a morning snack or post-dinner dessert. Just grab and go! Feeling under the weather? These <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-smoothies-to-boost-your-immune-system/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">healthy smoothies will boost your immune system</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/kale-banana-breakfast-pops/22731/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kale-Banana Breakfast Pops</a></strong> </p>
  • Sweet Potato Blondies
     
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    Sweet Potato Blondies

    <p> Traditional blondies get a comforting twist with the addition of sweet potato. The addition of chopped pecans elevate this bite-sized treat, while promising a nice crunch and decadent vibe. Tip: if the weather outside is frightful, serve warm to keep you toasty. For more inspiration, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/coffee-flavoured-desserts/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">coffee-flavoured desserts</a> or try <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/cooking-with-tea-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cooking with tea</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/comforting-sweet-potato-blondies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Blondies</a></strong> </p>
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