Indulge your sweet tooth without compromising on taste or health with these 18 decadent dessert recipes that skip butter altogether! Whether you’re a vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for some creative alternatives to traditional baking, we’ve got you covered. From rich and creamy mousse to moist and flavorful cakes, these indulgent treats are sure to satisfy your cravings without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of innovative ingredients like avocado, olive oil, coconut milk, and more to bring you a collection of show-stopping desserts that just happen to be butter-free. So go ahead, indulge in that sweet tooth – guilt-free!
Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Rich, creamy, and decadent, this vegan chocolate avocado mousse is a game-changer for dessert lovers. Made with healthy fats from avocados and dark chocolate, it’s a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for hot summer nights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup melted vegan chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and salt to the blender.
3. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Pour the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This mousse is served chilled.
Enjoy your rich and indulgent vegan chocolate avocado mousse!
Olive Oil Orange Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful Olive Oil Orange Cake, infused with the warmth of olive oil and the zest of oranges.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, eggs, milk, orange juice, and zest.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Coconut Milk Panna Cotta
Transform the classic Italian dessert into a tropical treat by incorporating coconut milk into this creamy panna cotta. This rich and velvety dessert is perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a refreshing sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, unsweetened shredded coconut, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture reaches 180°F to 190°F (82°C to 88°C).
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Stir in full-fat coconut milk.
5. Pour into individual serving cups or a large baking dish.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These soft-baked cookies are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on-the-go. With the natural sweetness of bananas and the heartiness of oats, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Optional: walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, softened butter, and mix until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Applesauce Cinnamon Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. The addition of applesauce adds natural sweetness and a hint of autumnal flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup applesauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, applesauce, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Chia Seed Pudding with Berries
A nutritious and delicious breakfast or snack option, this chia seed pudding is packed with omega-3 rich chia seeds and sweetened with fresh berries. With only a few ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a quick and easy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– Optional: sliced almonds or shredded coconut for topping
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the chia seeds to absorb and gel.
3. Just before serving, stir in the mixed berries.
4. Serve chilled, topped with sliced almonds or shredded coconut if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours.
Almond Flour Lemon Bars
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet lemon bars, made with the nutty goodness of almond flour.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Date-Sweetened Energy Balls
These bite-sized energy balls are sweetened with dates and packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you going throughout the day. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and perfect for snacking on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped pitted dates
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, blend the oats and dates until well combined.
2. Add the almond butter, chia seeds, and honey. Process until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply store them in an airtight container and enjoy within 3-5 days.
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies
Warm up with a sweet and spicy treat that combines the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and oatmeal. Perfect for a fall morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
A creamy and tangy cheesecake infused with the richness of Greek yogurt, perfect for a unique dessert experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, separated
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until well combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
4. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cheesecake mixture.
5. Pour into prepared crust and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Raspberry Chia Jam Tart
This tart combines the natural sweetness of raspberries with the nutty flavor of chia seeds, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a summer dessert or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup almond milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together raspberries, chia seeds, sugar, and honey.
3. Add almond milk and vanilla extract; stir until combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Pour jam mixture into the crust.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Sweet Potato Brownies
Sweet Potato Brownies: A Twist on Classic Chocolate Treats
These moist and fudgy brownies get a boost of natural sweetness from cooked sweet potatoes, making them a unique and delicious dessert option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir every 30 seconds until smooth. Let cool slightly.
5. Fold melted chocolate into the sweet potato mixture.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Avocado Lime Pie
A refreshing twist on traditional pie, this Avocado Lime Pie combines the creaminess of avocados with the brightness of lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Zest of 1 lime, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until well combined.
3. Press crust mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together diced avocado, eggs, lime juice, and heavy cream until smooth.
5. Pour filling into prepared crust and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
6. Allow pie to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
7. Garnish with lime zest and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
A deliciously simple dessert that combines the richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of ripe bananas. This recipe yields a creamy and indulgent ice cream that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the peanut butter, heavy cream, sugar, and salt to the blender.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once frozen, scoop and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including churning time)
Dark Chocolate Coconut Truffles
Elevate your dessert game with these indulgent truffles that combine the deep flavors of dark chocolate and toasted coconut. Perfect for special occasions or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips.
2. Stir in the coconut, confectioners’ sugar, and butter until well combined.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
5. Use a melon baller or spoon to form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Roll each truffle between your hands to shape and coat with additional coconut if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (chilling time)
Carrot Cake with Cashew Frosting
This classic carrot cake recipe gets a creamy twist with the addition of cashew frosting, creating a sweet and satisfying treat. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 1 cup cashews
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, carrots, walnuts (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely. For the frosting, blend cashews, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a food processor until creamy. Add heavy cream/milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes for cake, 10-15 minutes for frosting preparation
Mango Coconut Sorbet
This tropical sorbet combines the sweetness of ripe mango with the creaminess of coconut milk, perfect for hot summer days or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups frozen mango chunks
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine mango chunks, coconut milk, sugar, honey, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Once set, scoop the sorbet into an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is perfect for your ice cream maker.
Black Bean Fudge Brownies
Elevate your brownie game with these unique and deliciously fudgy treats, infused with the subtle flavor of black beans. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a dessert to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups (250g) sugar
– 1/2 cup (60g) cooked black beans, mashed
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, mashed black beans, eggs, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Indulge in these 18 decadent dessert recipes without butter, perfect for health-conscious sweet lovers! From creamy vegan chocolate avocado mousse to moist olive oil orange cake, there’s something for everyone. Try coconut milk panna cotta, banana oatmeal cookies, and applesauce cinnamon muffins for a taste of comfort. For a fruity twist, go for chia seed pudding with berries or raspberry chia jam tart. And don’t forget sweet potato brownies, avocado lime pie, and peanut butter banana ice cream for a treat that’s both indulgent and healthy!
