9 Healthy Frozen Dessert Recipes You Have to Try Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Diet & Nutrition 9 Frozen Dessert Recipes You Have to Try By Kelly Kennedy, RDNMedically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESReviewed: July 2, 2021Medically Reviewed Dessert can be a refreshing way to get more nutrients into your diet Marc Tran/StocksyThere’s nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a frozen dessert — except maybe a frozen dessert that’s actually good for you. While the freezer aisle of your local supermarket is packed with processed goodies, many of which are loaded with added sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial preservatives, making your own frozen treats allows you to use the freshest, healthiest ingredients, and it’s way easier than you’re probably imagining. Summer’s abundance of fresh produce is a great starting point for a cool sorbet or juicy ice pop, and packs all the goodness of fresh fruit into a naturally sweet treat. But you might be surprised by just how many other good-for-you foods can be used to satisfy your sweet tooth. These nine refreshing frozen dessert recipes will keep you cool when the mercury soars and deliver vitamins and nutrients you need. You can make them all without breaking a sweat! RELATED: 9 Healthier Ice Cream Brands, According to a Registered Dietitian290 Black Bean Fudge Pops Adobe StockYes, really. Black beans may seem like a surprising ingredient in a dessert, but their mild taste blends right in and complements chocolate perfectly (try them in brownie mix, too). Even better, they’re a great way to bump up the protein and fiber in this summertime staple. Each pop delivers a total of seven grams (g) of fiber per serving, and this filling nutrient has been linked with weight loss, so your ice cream may not be the only thing that melts away. Serves 8 Ingredients⅓ cup semisweet chocolate chips1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed1 large avocado, ripe1 large overripe banana4 large Medjool dates, pitted⅓ cup cocoa powder1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract2 cups 2 percent milk or vanilla soy milk1 pinch kosher salt DirectionsMelt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. Transfer melted chocolate to a blender or food processor with remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.Pour the mixture into ice pop molds or small paper cups and place a wooden craft stick into the center of each pop. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. Nutrition info (per pop): 206 calories, 32g carbohydrates, 19g total sugar, 4g added sugar, 7g fiber, 6g protein, 9g total fat, 3g saturated fat291 Grapefruit Granita Adobe StockGranita is a traditional Italian frozen fruit dessert that’s often used as a palate cleanser, much like sorbet. It’s made by repeatedly scraping the ice crystals as they form, which gives it a distinctive flaky texture. This three-ingredient version is made with citrus, which makes it a wonderful source of vitamin C and gives it a bright, tart taste. Leave the fiber-rich skin on the pears for an even more nutritious bang for your buck. Honey lends some natural sweetness to balance out the zing. Because pears get sweeter and juicier as they ripen, be sure to choose a nice ripe, slightly soft pear. Serves 10 Ingredients4 grapefruits, peel removed and sliced into sections2 large ripe pears, peeled and roughly chopped3 tablespoons honey DirectionsPlace all the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.Pour the grapefruit mixture into a rimmed sheet pan and place in the freezer. Freeze for 2 to 3 hours, scraping with a fork every half hour to create crystals. The granita is ready when the crystals look dry and fluffy. Nutrition info (per ½ cup): 71 calories, 19g carbohydrates, 16g total sugar, 5g added sugar, 2g fiber, 1g protein, 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat292 Spiced Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Kirsty Begg/StocksyRemember the frozen yogurt craze? Well, get ready for froyo 2.0. This thick and creamy frozen dessert is inspired by the blended yogurt drink called lassi, which originated in India, according to Britannica. Lassis can be savory or sweet, and this one is a bit of both. Even better, it’s made with probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, which helps populate your gut with beneficial bacteria that have been shown to have a host of health benefits, from aiding digestion to helping the body make certain vitamins and amino acids, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. A healthy dose of prebiotic fiber from the mangoes gives those bacteria a boost, too. A pear stands in for added sugar in this recipe, lending a delicious natural sweetness. Serves 6 Ingredients3 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced1 ripe pear, peeled and roughly choppedJuice of 2 limes1 pinch salt¾ tsp ground cinnamon¾ tsp ground ginger¼ tsp ground nutmeg1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt DirectionsAdd all the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.Place the mixture in an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer directions. Freeze until serving. Nutrition info (per 1 cup): 179 calories, 35g carbohydrates, 29g total sugar, 0g added sugar, 4g fiber, 9g protein, 2g total fat, 1g saturated fat RELATED: How to Eat More Probiotics Every Day293 Peanut Butter Banana Oh So Nice Cream Adobe StockLooking for a dairy-free frozen treat that’s just as creamy and satisfying as ice cream? This three-ingredient treat couldn’t be easier, plus you’ll find the texture of frozen bananas is just as smooth as traditional dairy ice cream, but without all the unhealthy saturated fat. Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse, containing both potassium (422 milligrams [mg] per medium fruit) and magnesium (32 mg per medium fruit), and the peanut butter adds a dose of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. But the result is a frozen dessert that still has 92 percent less saturated fat and 62 percent fewer calories than traditional cow’s milk ice cream (and the serving size is slightly larger!) without sacrificing taste. Serves 4 Ingredients3 large overripe bananas, sliced and frozen2 tbsp smooth natural peanut butter1 pinch of salt DirectionsCombine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, stopping and pushing the ingredients down toward the blades as needed. Enjoy immediately or freeze and serve later. Nutrition info (per ¾ cup): 125 calories, 22g carbohydrates, 11g sugar, 0g added sugar, 3g fiber, 3g protein, 4g total fat, 1g saturated fat294 Frozen Cherry Berry Bark Ina Peters/StocksyThis twist on chocolate bark uses yogurt as a base, so you get protein and probiotics, along with fresh fruit and pistachio crunch. It’s tasty, healthy, and so easy to make: Just stir together and freeze. The cherries and berries are packed with antioxidants, which the Mayo Clinic states provide protection from free radicals and decrease risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Likewise, the pistachios are a rich source of healthy unsaturated fats, according to an article published in May 2016 in Nutrition Today, making this dessert a well-balanced indulgence. Serves 8 Ingredients2 cups nonfat plain yogurt¼ cup pure maple syrup1 tsp pure vanilla extract½ tsp lemon juice1 pinch kosher salt¾ cup strawberries, sliced¾ cup blueberries¾ cup cherries, fresh or frozen, chopped⅔ pistachios, chopped DirectionsIn a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Pour the yogurt mixture onto the baking sheet.Top with all of the fruit and nuts and freeze for 2 to 3 hours. Cut into 8 pieces and enjoy. Nutrition info (per piece): 87 calories, 15g carbohydrates, 13g sugar, 6g added sugar, 1g fiber, 3g protein, 2g total fat, 1g saturated fat295 Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream Nadine Greeff/StocksyAvocados in ice cream?! That’s right! Because avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, they lend a rich and smooth texture to this frozen dessert while replacing the unhealthy saturated fats in traditional ice cream. According to MedlinePlus, monounsaturated fats are beneficial for lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and reducing risk of heart disease and stroke. Since avocados contain so much fiber (at 10 g per fruit), you’ll find this delicious summer treat extra satisfying! Serves 6 Ingredients1 large overripe banana, frozen2 medium avocados, sliced¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder½ cup vanilla soy milk¼ tsp salt1 tsp pure vanilla extract¼ cup pure maple syrup DirectionsAdd all the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.Place the mixture in an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer directions. Freeze until serving. Nutrition info (per ⅔ cup): 178 calories, 22g carbohydrates, 12g sugar, 8g added sugar, 6g fiber, 3g protein, 11g total fat, 2g saturated fat296 Watermelon Raspberry Slushie Kirsty Begg/StocksyThis super-hydrating thirst quencher tastes like summer in a glass, and with just three ingredients and one quick step, it couldn’t be easier to whip up on the spot. According to the USDA, watermelon is a rich source of the powerful antioxidant lycopene, meaning that the nutrients in this smoothie could contribute to improved heart health and even help prevent certain types of cancer, according to a meta-analysis published in May 2021 in Food Chemistry. As described in a review in Advances in Nutrition, raspberries are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties as well as helping to lower blood pressure levels and possibly reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease. And six grams of fiber in one serving — it doesn’t get any better! Serves 4 Ingredients8 cups cubed watermelon (4 cups frozen, 4 cups fresh)2 cups frozen raspberries2 limes, juiced DirectionsPlace the frozen and fresh watermelon, raspberries, and lime juice in a blender. Blend until smooth and serve immediately. Nutrition info (per 1 cup): 129 calories, 32g carbohydrates, 22g sugar, 0g added sugar, 6g fiber, 3g protein, 1g total fat, 0g saturated fat RELATED: 6 Smart Tips for Staying Hydrated Throughout the Day297 Berries and Cream Ice Pops Pixel Stories/StocksySummer’s berry bounty stars in these creamy pops, so you get antioxidants in every bite. The Greek yogurt base delivers a probiotic boost, and using honey to sweeten plain yogurt allows you to control the sugar content. Swirl the ingredients together or layer them, depending on your preference. Serves 6 Ingredients1½ cups strawberries, fresh or frozen1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen½ tsp lemon juice1 tsp pure vanilla extract, divided¾ cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt2 tbsp honey DirectionsPlace the strawberries, raspberries, lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth. Divide the berry mixture evenly between ice pop molds.In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, honey, and remaining vanilla and stir until completely combined. Divide the yogurt mixture evenly among the ice pop molds, placing the yogurt gently on top of the berry mixture.Place a stick into the center of each ice pop mold and freeze until solid, at least four hours. Nutrition info (per pop): 73 calories, 13g carbohydrates, 10g sugar, 6g added sugar, 2g fiber, 4g protein, 1g total fat, 1g saturated fat298 Dark-Chocolate-Covered Bananas Adobe StockIce cream bars have some healthy (literally!) competition in the frozen-treat-on-a-stick category. These banana pops are a great way to convince kids to eat more fruit, and they’ll love helping make them, too. Bananas contain potassium and magnesium, electrolytes you’ll need more of in the sweltering summer heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your body loses more fluid and electrolytes through sweat when it’s hot outside, and replenishing them is essential to keeping your body functioning properly. A sprinkling of chopped nuts balances out the carbo-load with some fiber and healthy fats to make these extra filling — with satisfying to munch. Serves 4 Ingredients2 large bananas4 craft sticks⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (70 percent cacao or more)2 tbsp desired topping (such as chopped walnuts, peanuts, or almonds, dried coconut, or cacao nibs) DirectionsLine a baking sheet with wax paper. Cut the bananas in half width-wise and insert a craft stick into each half.Fill a medium saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Lower the heat to low and place a second medium saucepan on top to create a double boiler. Heat the chocolate, stirring constantly, until it is fully melted.Remove the chocolate from the heat and carefully dip one banana in at a time covering as much as possible. Place the dipped bananas on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with your desired toppings.Place in the freezer until the chocolate is set. Nutrition info (per pop): 175 calories, 23g carbohydrates, 11g sugar, 4g added sugar, 4g fiber, 2g protein, 9g total fat, 4g saturated fat Most Recent in Diet & Nutrition Later Meals Increase Hunger Decrease Calories Burned 6 Bugs You Can Eat and Their Health Benefits 5 Cheap and Healthy Recipes to Make With Oats What Happens to Your Cholesterol When You Go on a Keto Diet NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Diet and Nutrition Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.