Treat Yourself With These Naturally Sweet Recipes

As a child, I used to eat spoonfuls of sugar while my mom wasn’t looking. (In my defense, I got the idea from Mary Poppins.) Eventually, she realized the disappearing sugar wasn’t my dad sweetening his coffee, and moved the bowl to a higher, kid-proof shelf. I’ve come a long way since those spoonfuls, but still have an undeniable sweet tooth. As much as I’d love to call a fresh orange or pear dessert, it just doesn’t hit the same spot.

There's always a time and place for over-the-top desserts, but for more everyday treats I want an alternative to that familiar white stuff that isn’t just raw fruit. Ingredients like honey, maple syrup, dried fruits, or coconut sugar add both sweetness and flavor to cookies, puddings, and other treats. Here, we've gathered 13 of our favorite desserts, all sweetened with alternative sugars. They're still sweet, but slightly lighter ways to have my cake and eat it too.

What's your favorite naturally sweet bite? Are you a fruit salad fan? Share your dishes below!