I’m all about healthy dessert these days. Maybe it’s the knowledge that my nursing baby eats everything I eat. Or maybe it’s the fact I recently devoured three chocolate wedding drops on my birthday and immediately felt puffier than a marshmallow in a microwave.
In any case, healthy dessert is on my radar.
As are adorable little spoons.
Remember the Rhubarb Meter? My ode to beautifully tart tastes?
While there’s no rhubarb in this healthy dessert recipe, the hearty portion of fresh cranberry pudding (and lack of sugar) means my version of this healthy dessert is tart. Like, puckered-mouth-and-involuntary-shoulder-shimmy tart.
I would never subject you, dear reader, to a dessert that’s not sweet enough. That’s why I’ve included a range for the sweetener in this recipe. Adjust to your taste; however, I do suggest starting with a small amount of sugar and working your way up. You may be surprised how much you enjoy the tart flavor of nutrient- and antioxidant-rich cranberries.
Why am I starry-eyed at the thought of tart cranberries and sweet yogurt? This month’s Recipe Redux is all about healthy dessert.
The holiday baking season is upon us. Time to pull out all the stops. Show us the healthy holiday dessert you will be sharing with family and friends this season.
While this recipe isn’t baked, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a sweet baked good like this vegan pumpkin bread or these orange cardamom tea cakes. It’s also delicious on its own.
These parfaits are packed with protein-rich Greek yogurt and infused with the flavors of orange and cardamom. Try one as a snack on a busy day or as a sweet-tart dessert accompanying a heavy holiday meal. Important note: Do not give honey to a baby under one year of age. Leave out the honey–your baby won’t miss it.
We enjoyed these parfaits–yes, all three of us! Baby J’s portion was sans honey–while putting up our Christmas tree. It’s a little early, but with a healthy dessert like this, we couldn’t resist getting in the holiday spirit.
Cranberry and Yogurt Parfaits with Honey and Cardamom
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 16 ounces fresh cranberries, washed
- 1/4 to 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 4 cardamom pods, green
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, cardamom pods, and 1/2 cup water. Stir and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until cranberries begin to break down. Remove from heat and set aside. Once cool, remove cardamom pods and discard.
While cranberries cook, combine yogurt and honey in a small bowl and set aside. In tall glasses, layer yogurt and cranberry mixture. Serve warm or chilled.
Important note: Do not give honey to a baby under one year of age.
P.S. Enjoy more healthy holiday desserts below!
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Super simple. Super delicious. The perfect combination for a winning dessert during the busy holidays! Love it- thanks!
Thanks, Scott!
The tart-o-meter is something I can totally relate to…I NEVER add enough sugar to rhubarb! Cranberries: ditto. But this year I vow to. Especially when making this with CARDAMOM…my fave spice ever!
hahaha, I love that rhubarb meter! 😛 I haven’t had rhubarb in the longest time! I struggle with getting the sugar amount just right. x_x
These parfaits look like the perfect healthy holiday dessert! :]