10 Whole30 Dessert Recipes for When You Really Just Need Something Sweet
It's not * technically * allowed, but if you want to bend the rules...
Before we get started, let's make one thing clear: You're technically not supposed to eat dessert on Whole30—even if it's made from Whole30-compliant ingredients. But if you just need a little something to make it through those 30 days, we're here to help you stay as on-track as possible.
Since the Whole30 diet requires you to eliminate dairy, flour, and other things that typically go into dessert, your options may seem kind of limited in terms of creating classic “dessert” items.
However, with some creativity and thinking outside the box, you can easily enjoy sweets while on this 30-day diet. Here are 10 Whole30-friendly treats that can totally count for dessert.
Cantaloupe Nice Cream Bowls
You can’t eat regular ice cream on Whole30, but you can dig into a dairy-free "nice cream" without wrecking the diet. This recipe from Get Inspired Everyday is made in a cantaloupe, which is fun, and it blends fresh fruit for the base along with some vanilla extract for flavor.
Sautéed Apples & Pears with Coconut Butter
These drizzled apples and pears from Paleo Running Momma are naturally sweet for a delicious dessert, but also high in fiber so you won’t feel the need for seconds later in the night. This blogger uses Pink Lady apples for a nice crunch.
Grilled Plantains
Plantains taste great warmed up on the grill, and this recipe from Real Simple Good is super easy and flavorful. Just don’t use honey, as then it won’t be Whole30-approved.
3-Ingredient Brownies
So easy! Just three ingredients, and these soft fudgy brownies from Delightful Mom Food are ready in 25 minutes.
Whole30 Mango Pomelo Chia Pudding
This hearty chia pudding from Grits and Chopsticks has a wonderful fruity flavor. Feel free to swap for different fruits or add some spice, like cinnamon or vanilla, or nuts if you like.
Pumpkin Pie Butter
Put this pumpkin pie spread from Eat the Gains on some fresh fruit like apples or pears for a light dessert that’s naturally sweet and spicy. This blogger uses ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves for that kick. Just be sure to omit maple syrup for Whole30.
Roasted Strawberries and Coconut Cream
This light dessert from Brooklyn Supper is basically just fruit and coconut whip, which makes it a great treat on the Whole30 diet. Add some balsamic drizzle if you want a bit of a savory and sour punch.
Sweet Potato Apple Breakfast Bake
While this dish from Paleo Running Momma is technically meant for a sweet breakfast or a lazy Sunday brunch, it also makes for a mean dessert. It takes just 30 minutes to make, and you can create a huge batch to enjoy for dessert or breakfast every day of the week.
Whole30 Chocolate Coconut Bites
These coconut-crusted bites from The Clean Eating Couple are the perfect treat to satisfy that sugar craving after a meal. If you don’t like dates, you can sub for raisins or apricots instead.
Clean Chocolate Cupcakes
Chocolate on the Whole30 diet? It’s possible with this recipe from Monika Hibbs. Add some cinnamon for a little spice.
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com.
Everything You Can and Can’t Eat on Whole30
25 Tasty Snacks to Get You Through Whole30
16 Whole30 Steak Recipes to Sink Your Teeth Into
20 Chicken Recipes You Can Make on Whole30
