10 Healthy and Satisfying Desserts (With Hidden Veggies!)
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.
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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> -
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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> -
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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> -
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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> -
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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> -
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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> -
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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> -
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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> -
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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> -
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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>