Everyone loves desserts, but unfortunately there are many desserts that do not love us back because they are usually high in fat and calories. Here are a few desserts that taste wonderful, yet do not necessarily add either inches or pounds to a person's physique.
Apple Brown Betty
Apple Brown Betty is a classic original American dessert. You can chop the bread into tiny pieces, but it is not necessary. The regular bread crumb topping can be made using whole-wheat bread. This is a delicious low fat dessert that is wonderful for all who love apples, and it only has 190 calories per serving.
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 5 slices whole wheat bread
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Make sure that the apples are thinly sliced and placed in a large bowl. Add the lemon juice and toss them. Stack bread slices and slice the stack into medium thin slices then turn them and cut again into smaller cubes. Next, combine the cinnamon and brown sugar in a separate small bowl.
- Coat an 8-inch baking dish (glass preferably) with either a very thin layer of cooking oil or use cooking spray. Cover the bottom of the pan with approximately one-third of the cinnamon/brown sugar mix, then sprinkle one-third of the bread cubes. Keep layering until all ingredients are used then pour the apple juice over the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes until bubbly.
Serves 6
Low Fat Chocolate Brownies
What? Chocolate brownies on a low-fat menu? Who cannot resist a square of hot brownie served on a plate with milk? Well these low fat brownies (and only 111 calories per serving) are just the thing to keep your mouth happy and your body slim. If you want to have a minty version then just add a teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or prune puree
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
- 1/4 cup fat-free milk
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Next coat an 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable oil or nonfat cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and the flour. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, lightly beat egg whites in bowl. Add sour cream, vanilla, applesauce, and milk. Whisk until well blended. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix until just moist.
- Empty the batter into pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. The center should still be slightly soft. Take a toothpick and insert it into the center of the brownies, if it comes out wet with batter then place back into the oven for about 5-6 more minutes. When the toothpick comes out clean or just slightly tacky (some like chewy type brownies) then place the pan on a drying rack and allow brownies to cool in the pan.
Try to resist the temptation to add your favorite nuts to the batter as this could add a significant amount of calories to each brownie. Enjoy this treat with a glass of non-fat milk.
Makes 16 brownies
You don't have to frown upon sweets while on a weight loss program. You just have to know how to cook healthy and substitute ingredients to make your favorite dessert weight loss friendly.
Denise Oliveri - Denise has been writing for Suite101 for many years, and enjoys sharing her experiences and knowledge with readers. Her main occupation at ...
