Searching for something sweet this summer? Easy healthy desserts are both satisfying and satiating!

Beat the heat this summer with the best healthy treats, including healthy sweet snacks for weight loss.

Read on to discover 15 dietitian-approved healthy sweet snacks for staying cool this summer.

What Are Healthy Treats?

Healthy treats are satisfying snacks that provide both flavor and vitamins and minerals. Healthy, cool summer treats do double duty in the summer to keep the body feeling full and hydrated when the weather gets warm.

When trying to lose weight in the summer, finding sweet snacks that are healthy can seem like a challenge. Super healthy snacks and treats and easy healthy dessert recipes make summertime weight management a breeze.

Healthy Treats When Dieting

Having healthy sweet treats doesn’t mean that every recipe has to be an easy healthy dessert with few ingredients. Weight loss should not focus on restriction but rather filling the gaps in nutrition.

For example, instead of searching for easy healthy desserts under 100 calories, try something sweet that also provides nutrients. While the recipe may exceed 100 calories, it may also provide much-needed nutrients that help the body better manage weight. Healthy treats without sugar, such as healthy treats with dates, are naturally sweet.

How To Make Healthy Treats

Healthy homemade summer treats are a great way to stay cool in the summer. Having a go-to “bank” of easy healthy desserts and treats to make at home can help one avoid the added sugars and artificial ingredients of store-bought brands.

Healthy Treats When Craving Sweets

The best healthy summer treats include protein and fiber to keep the body feeling full (but not bloated). There are three main components of a healthy sweet treat that satisfies:

• High in protein
• High in fiber
• Low in added sugars

These three components allow the snack to be appetizing yet capable of controlling calories. Healthy sweet snacks during the summer can satisfy hunger cues and minimize sugar cravings.

Easy summer desserts also play a vital role in hydrating the body. Hydration helps with many body functions and can contribute to helping the body feel balance.

The sweet snacks list below contains many ideas for curbing sugar cravings.

Healthy Sweet Snacks For Weight Loss

Easy healthy desserts for weight loss can also be sweet snacks to make! From easy healthy no-bake desserts to quick healthy treats to make, there’s something sweet for everyone.

Here’s a list of the best healthy treats to make, including healthy sweet recipes and healthy summer treats recipes.

1. Chocolate Banana High Protein Shake

For a healthy summer frozen treat, a protein-packed shake supports fun in the sun!

Created by dietitians and chefs, the chocolate banana high-protein shake has some serious power. The recipe is also easy to customize if whey protein or cow's milk is not well-tolerated.

2. No-Bake Protein Energy Balls

Cutting back on calories does not have to mean low energy! No-bake protein energy balls are the easy solution for a healthy yet energizing sweet snack.

Healthy treats using oats and sweets with seeds also supply the body with healthy fats and fiber.

3. Dessert Hummus Dip

A healthy hummus as a dessert? There must be a catch... 

Nope! Dessert hummus dip can be naturally sweetened and flavored using cocoa powder and maple syrup. It's got all the right components with protein from chickpeas and a sweet side with chocolate chips.

4. Silken Chocolate Pie with Raspberry Rhubarb Topping

Smooth as silk, silken chocolate pie is sweetened with just 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1.5 tablespoons of honey. Vanilla also adds a touch of sweetness.

The raspberry rhubarb topping is the cherry (or raspberry in this case) on top!

5. Homemade Trail Mix

Store-bought trail mixes often contain excessive sodium, added sugar, and high-calorie candy. Instead of resorting to prepackaged mixes, make a blend at home. 

Homemade trail mix can be customized to an individual's weight loss journey. Mix in items like shredded coconut, banana chips, and cocoa nibs for an added sweetness factor.

6. Frozen Grapes

On a hot day, frozen grapes are so refreshing and satisfying. Consume with string cheese for a protein-fueled snack that helps that "full" feeling last longer.

7. Greek Yogurt Dreamsicles

A nutritious Greek yogurt popsicle is just the treat to beat the heat! Flavorful without the fat, sugar, and calories of other options, homemade dreamsicles make for a delicious dessert.

8. Blueberry Cream Pie

Greek yogurt, blueberries, and low-fat cream cheese make blueberry cream pie delicious and nutritious. While the pie contains 1/2 cup sugar, it has plenty of refreshing and nutrient-rich ingredients to strike a healthy balance.

Remember, dessert can be part of a balanced diet, especially when ingredients are made healthier.

9. Healthy Apple Nachos

A 5-minute healthy apple nacho recipe might be simple, but it satisfies any sweet tooth. Full of protein and fiber, healthy treats with peanut butter, almond butter, or another nut butter curb cravings.

Plus, apples are seasonal starting mid- to late- summer, making this dessert as fresh as can be!

10. Homemade Applesauce

For healthy sweet snacks to make at home, try homemade applesauce three different ways. The possibilities are endless with this healthy sweet snack recipe.

11. Avocado Ice Cream

While bananas are not the star of avocado ice cream, they are essential for adding sweetness and creaminess. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian, this healthy treat using bananas is perfect for beating the heat - no added sugars or artificial ingredients necessary!

12. Healthy Ice Cream Cake

This chocolate, peanut butter, and banana-filled treat makes it easy to put "healthy" and "cake" in the same sentence.

The banana ice cream layer of the healthy cake is made of one ingredient, frozen bananas. The rest of the cake is sweetened naturally with fiber-fueled dates.

13. Guilt-Free Strawberry Gelato

Positively perfect for hot summer days, homemade strawberry gelato contains 65 percent of the recommended daily value for vitamin C!

Ice-cold strawberries and agave nectar make this a healthy, sweet treat with low levels of sugar. Greek yogurt also adds about 10 grams of protein to the creamy confection.

14. Watermelon and Yogurt Parfait

Is there anything better than fresh fruit in the summer? Add layers of Greek yogurt and cubed watermelon together for a tangy-flavored, protein-packed watermelon and yogurt parfait.

Being over 90 percent water, watermelon can also help the body stay healthy for summer activities.

15. Berries & Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Berries and cottage cheese make the summer's coolest couple. The berries provide powerful antioxidants and vitamins while the cottage cheese delivers protein.

Well-suited for weight loss, a 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese is only 80 calories.

Recapping Summer Sweet Snacks

Delicious summer desserts should both quench cravings and provide hydrating nutrients. Sweet snacks can do both by delivering flavor with natural sweeteners, fresh fruit, and protein-packed ingredients.

Refresh with 15 treats sure to beat the heat!

References:

Apples. Real Food Encyclopedia. https://foodprint.org/real-food/apples/.

Sharp A. Top 15 Best Healthy Desserts for Summer by Dietitians, Nutritionists & Food Bloggers. Abbey's Kitchen. Published June 3, 2015. https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/list-top-15-healthy-summer-dessert-recipes-dietitians-nutrit/.

Watson M. Summer Fruits and Vegetables. The Spruce Eats. Published September 14, 2020. https://www.thespruceeats.com/summer-fruits-and-vegetables-2217706.