3 Guilt-Free Holiday Baking Recipes You’re Guaranteed to Love

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delicious food. But with all the festive treats and indulgent desserts, it can be hard to stay on track with your healthy eating goals. This year, ditch the guilt and embrace guilt-free holiday baking with these three delicious and nutritious recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your well-being.

1. Spiced Apple Crumble with Almond Flour Crust

This classic dessert gets a healthy makeover with a crispy almond flour crust and a naturally sweet apple filling. The almond flour provides a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, while the apples offer a burst of sweetness and fiber.

What You'll Need

• For the crust:
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon water
• For the filling:
  • 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger

How to Make It

1. Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, and salt. Add melted coconut oil and water, and mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into an even layer in a 9-inch pie plate.
2. Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, combine diced apples, water, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until apples are softened.
3. Assemble the crumble: Pour the apple filling over the crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

2. Chocolate Avocado Brownies

These decadent brownies are packed with healthy fats and fiber from avocado, making them a guilt-free indulgence. The rich chocolate flavor is enhanced by the addition of dark chocolate chips, while the avocado adds a creamy texture.

What You'll Need

• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed avocado, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in chocolate chips.
3. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool: Let brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

3. Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Syrup Glaze

These festive gingerbread cookies are made with whole wheat flour and maple syrup for a naturally sweet and satisfying treat. The addition of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg adds a warm and comforting flavor, perfect for the holiday season.

What You'll Need

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the glaze:
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup and melted coconut oil. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
6. Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
8. Glaze the cookies: Once cookies are cool, drizzle with maple syrup glaze.

These guilt-free holiday baking recipes are just a starting point. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique and healthy holiday treats. Remember, healthy eating is all about balance and moderation. Enjoy the festive season without sacrificing your well-being!