Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipes Without Pumpkin

Dec 7 2022
We love pumpkin treats, but let's face it—by this point in the season, we're looking for other flavor profiles. Here are some better-for-you holiday dessert recipes that have nothing to do with a certain round orange squash…



Gooey Gingerbread Cupcakes 1/12 of recipe (1 cupcake): 150 calories, 4.5g total fat (2.5g sat. fat), 234mg sodium, 25.5g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 15.5g sugars, 2.5g protein

Click for WW Points® value*

These cupcakes start with a spice cake mix and then we crank up the spice even higher! Applesauce makes the cupcakes nice and moist without being too heavy.

Like these? We’d bet good money you’ll also like these Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes.

Merry Cranberry Pear Tarts 1/12 of recipe (1 tart): 70 calories, 1g total fat (<0.5g sat. fat), 99mg sodium, 15.5g carbs, 2g fiber, 8g sugars, 0.5g protein

Click for WW Points® value*

Wonton wrappers are terrific ingredients for mini desserts. We love to make them into light 'n crispy pie shells—just press them into a muffin pan, and bake at 350ºF for 8 minutes. This cranberry-pear filling is seasonally scrumptious!

Like these? Just wait until you try these Very Cherry Pie Bites.

Candy Cane Cannoli Cones 1/4 of recipe (1 cone): 143 calories, 4g total fat (2.5g sat. fat), 117mg sodium, 19g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 11g sugars, 6.5g protein

Click for WW Points® value*

Ice cream cones aren't just for summer! Pipe them full of cannoli-style filling. This candy-cane-studded version is adorably delicious and requires no cooking whatsoever. For extra presentation points, snip a corner off a plastic baggie to make a piping bag and neatly add the filling!

Like these? Do yourself a favor by checking out these Samoas-Style Cannoli Cones.

Mini Caramel Apple Pies 1/5 of recipe (3 mini pies): 87 calories, 2g total fat (0g sat. fat), 72mg sodium, 16.5g carbs, 1g fiber, 6g sugars, 2g protein

Click for WW Points® value*

Sometimes after a big holiday meal, a mini dessert is all you need to finish the feast. These bite-sized pies are made in frozen phyllo crusts, which can be used in so many ways. (Click for proof.) Crunchy, fruity, gooey… perfect!

Like these? Then get a load of these Crispy Pecan Pie Bites!

Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip 1/6 of recipe (about 1/4 cup): 80 calories, 3.5g total fat (2g sat. fat), 75mg sodium, 10.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 6.5g sugars, 2g protein

Click for WW Points® value*

Making an informal dessert spread? Consider a dessert dip! Mix up a bowl of this nicely spiced cheesecake-inspired recipe, then lay out some graham crackers, cut fruit, and whatever else your heart desires.

Like this? Allow us to introduce you to our Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Dip.

Holiday Frozen Yogurt Bark 1/6 of recipe: 88 calories, 2.5g total fat (2.5g sat. fat), 53mg sodium, 14.5g carbs, <0.5g fiber, 10.5g sugars, 1.5g protein

Click for WW Points® value*

And now for something completely different! Change it up from the usual cookies & pies—this DIY frozen yogurt bark is refreshing and fun. Plus, look at how pretty it is! Sure, it melts quick, but once your friends and family get their hands on it, it'll disappear in no time…

Like this? Then this Cranberry Pistachio Fro-Yo Bark has your name written all over it.

Chew on this:

We weren't sure about celebrating National Cotton Candy Day (December 7th) this late in the year… until we saw this maple cotton candy. Now we're rethinking EVERYTHING.

Forward this email! Share these holiday dessert recipes that don’t involve pumpkin with your sweetest pals.

Social

We may receive affiliate compensation from some of these links. Prices and availability are subject to change.

We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.

*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.