5-Ingredient Fruit Desserts: SparkPeople SlideShow

5-Ingredient Fruit Desserts

Written by Bryn Mooth, SparkPeople Contributor, and Melinda Hershey, Staff Writer

Perhaps you want to add more fruit to your diet, bring a quick dish to a dinner party, or replace a sugary dessert with something a little healthier. No matter the reason, these warm-weather months are the perfect time to experiment with easy (and fruit filled!) desserts that require just five ingredients--or less!

Angel Food Layer Cake

This fluffy angel food cake gets its moist texture from crushed pineapple. For extra flavor and nutrients, add a layer of fresh berries. Perfect for a light dessert at your next barbecue!

Serves 12.
217 calories per serving.

Balsamic Berries

Top this pleasantly sweet and tangy berry mixture with ice cream or yogurt.

Toss 1 pint of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries (or a combination) with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes. Stir in a bit of chopped fresh mint.

Serves 2.
80 calories per serving.

Simple Apple Crisp

This fruit crisp is a healthy solution when you're craving something sweet and comforting.

Core 2 apples, and place each on a square of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Combine 2 tablespoons each of butter, rolled oats, flour and brown sugar (add a bit of cinnamon if you'd like). Mix until lumps form. Place half of the oat mixture into the center of each apple; fold the edges of the foil together to create a tightly-sealed packet. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. In place of apples, try peaches, nectarines, or plums.

Serves 2.
150 calories per serving.

Fruity Fondue

An easy fondue recipe that's equally perfect for a date night in or an outdoor get-together. The recipe can be easily doubled, or even quadrupled!

Serves 2.
94 calories per serving.

Banana Soft Serve

You won't believe that this banana soft serve only has one ingredient: bananas! Feel free to get creative and add your own mix-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts or berries.

Serves 4.
109 calories per serving.

Lower-Sugar Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

This fruit and yogurt parfait tastes just like the version from McDonald's, but uses unsweetened fruit and omits the sugary granola. You'll end up with the same taste and texture for a bigger (and healthier) parfait. Use plain yogurt and your favorite low-sugar cereal to slash the sugar content even more.

Serves 1.
150 calories per serving.

Grilled Strawberry Sandwich

This grilled strawberry sandwich makes a filling snack or dessert. Fill two halves of a whole-wheat pita with a mixture of strawberries and low-fat cream cheese, then grill like you would a grilled cheese.

Serves 2.
145 calories per serving.

Easy Frozen Fruit Bars

These frozen fruit bars are a cinch to make, and are a hit with kids and adults alike—especially on hot summer days! Make a batch in the morning and they'll be ready by the time the kids get home from school.

Serves 4.
36 calories per serving.

Roasted Strawberries

These strawberries are as delicious as they are versatile. Spoon them over shortcake or ice cream, or serve them warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top. They also taste great stirred into your morning oatmeal!

Toss 1 pint of fresh strawberries, cleaned, hulled and halved, with 1/4 cup light brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then pour into an oven-proof baking dish and broil for 5 minutes.

Serves 2.
150 calories per serving.

Grilled Fruit

You can use any seasonal fruit combination in this recipe, including nectarines, plums, blackberries, or pitted sweet cherries. The grilling really brings out the flavor of the fruit and adds a smoky-sweet dimension.

Tear off two squares of heavy-duty foil; on each one, arrange the following: 2 peeled sliced peaches, a handful of fresh blueberries, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons softened butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. Fold the edges of the foil together to create a tightly sealed packet; grill over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes.

See next slide for topping ideas!

Serves 2.
100 calories per serving.

Tasty Toppers

Need ideas for topping your grilled sweet treat? Take your pick from any of the following:

• Vanilla gelato (160 calories per 1/2 cup)
  
• Premium ice cream (230 calories per 1/2 cup)
  
• Light/slow-churned ice cream (100 calories per 1/2 cup)
  
• Honey (64 calories per Tablespoon)
  
• Plain low-fat yogurt (40 calories per 1/4 cup)
  
• Sweetened ricotta: 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese mixed with 1 Tablespoon of honey (150 calories)
  
• Two crumbled gingersnaps (60 calories), or one sheet of graham crackers (60 calories)
  
• Whipped cream (50 calories per Tablespoon)
  
• Dark chocolate shavings (75 calories per 1/2 ounce)
  
• Granola (150 calories per 1/4 cup)
  
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (190 calories per 1/4 cup)
  
• Chocolate syrup (100 calories per 2 Tablespoons)