St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and we would be lying if we said we were not super amped to be celebrating the luck of the Irish! Next Tuesday, we’ll certainly be partaking in our fair share of fun and festivities, but it’s always important to balance it out. Having a few cocktails (maybe one of these St. Patty’s Day themed concoctions)? Make sure your treats won’t cause a dent in your nutritional bank. Instead of getting “bar food”, why not make one of these healthy St. Patrick’s Day desserts, instead? They will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but your belly as well.
1. Healthy Shamrock Shake via Peanut Butter and Peppers
We’ve all heard of a Shamrock Shake before, but they’re typically filled with excess sugar and ingredients that do more harm than good. Instead, opt for this recipe instead. The main ingredients are banana, coconut milk, greek yogurt and mint extract. Add a drop or two of green food coloring that will instantly transform this shake into something celebratory.
2. Chocolate Shamrocks via Slick Housewives
Not everything needs to be green – although it doesn’t hurt. Make chocolate shamrocks for you and your friends, just make sure to opt for all-natural, organic and fair-trade dark chocolate chips instead of any old sugar-laden variety. You’ll be surprised by how much richer and filling they are! You can also sub peanut butter for almond butter if you have allergies.
3. Healthy Mint Fudge via Whole New Mom
This vegan and sugar free mint fudge is “loaded with goodness” and we couldn’t agree more. It has a base of coconut oil and nut butter which lends to its richness and incredible flavor.
4. Mock Lime Cheesecake via One Creative Mommy
This one is only 4 ingredients not counting water) – and you might even have them lying around your fridge or pantry now!
5. St. Patty’s Pops via Cutting Tiny Bites
Frozen fruit is always a great option when simplicity of ingredients is what you’re after. The kiwi green will not only bring a fresh tartness, but also a festive twist to this healthy foodie standard.
6. Key Lime Pie Parfaits via Chocolate Covered Katie
This one is a little more complicated to make, but you can’t deny that it looks like it would be just a joy to indulge in.
7. Green Tea Shamrock Cookies via About A Mom
More shamrock cookies? You certainly can’t have enough on this special day. This matcha-infused recipe would be great to try. However, we would switch out the butter for coconut oil, the granulated sugar for coconut sugar, and the flour for another gluten-free flour option.
8. Naturally Green Pancakes via Plaid & Paleo
You might be surprised to know that pancakes can actually be healthy if they’re made with the right ingredients. We are still in awe over why exactly these turn “green” when removed from a skillet and placed in an oven, but we won’t question it. Try it out for yourselves and tell us how it turns out. For an extra green twist, mix in some spinach!
9. Match Truffles via My Whole Food Life
Mo’ matcha, NO problem! The filling for these are only 3 ingredients (coconut butter, matcha powder, maple syrup) and the chocolate coating only requires dark chocolate chips and almond milk. Super easy. We think you could make these even after a few beers in you…
10. Raw Chocolate & Pistachio Butter Cups via The Bojon Gourmet
Don’t be afraid to get back to basics with these raw chocolate and pistachio butter cups. While the sprinkling of pistachios does add a vibrant hue, one bite into this will reveal a decadent pistachio butter filling that will brighten anyone’s day.
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Which St. Patrick’s Day desserts are you excited to try?
Those matcha truffles sound amazing. i might make my Mint Chocolate Monster shake for the day:) https://scrumptiousgruel.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/everyone-else-is-doin-it/