Question: If dinner has no dessert, is it really a meal? If you answered with, "Aw hell, no!" we're with you. But when you're following a Paleo diet, it can feel like there's a real lack of dessert options. Don't stress, sweet fiends, we've got you covered. Yes, certain foods aren't part of the Paleo plate, but that doesn't mean you're entering a time without treats.
We've rounded up some of the best Paleo-friendly desserts from around the web to satisfy your prehistoric sweet tooth. So stock up on staples like almond and coconut flours and coconut oil because these desserts are so tasty, you'll want to eat atleast one daily.
Bars and Brownies
1. Blueberry Espresso Brownies
These brownies will have you literally buzzing. Ground coffee lends extra depth to the brownie base, while fresh berries and pecans add a hit of sweetness and crunch.
2. Paleo Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are the quintessential springtime dessert, and this version is Paleo-approved. Start by making a simple almond-flour crust and, while it sets in the oven, beat eggs, lemon juice, maple syrup, and tapioca flour. Pour the mixture over the now-golden crust and bake. Easy peasy!
3. Flourless Zucchini Brownies
Don't shy away from this recipe because of the zucchini. You'll get an extra-moist brownie, a sneaky serving of vegetables, and zero "green" taste. No special equipment or ingredients are needed to whip up these beauties in five minutes flat.
4. French Silk Brownies
Chocolate mousse meets brownies in this light-and-lovely dessert. And it's easy enough for novice cooks to tackle. Hint: try grapeseed for the "neutral oil" in the brownie base.
5. No-Bake Coconut Crack Bars
No baking required, five ingredients, and totally addictive—these bars are pure genius.
6. Honey Nut Bars
These bars are sweet enough to work as an after-dinner treat, but healthy enough to replace your afternoon snack. Made with a medley of nuts and cacao, they're the perfect crunchy-sweet combo.
7. Raw Almond Joy Bars
Almond Joy fans, make some noise! Yes, it's possible to make a Paleo version of this classic candy bar. A layer of almond butter, vanilla bean paste, and a few other ingredients are topped with sweet coconut and agave nectar for a no-bake version of this childhood favorite.
Cakes and Cupcakes
8. Baked Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts
These perfectly spiced doughnuts skip the deep frying mess (and extra calories). Top with either a dark chocolate glaze or a maple vanilla one with bacon sprinkles. (We vote bacon!) Tip: while the recipe calls for a doughnut pan, a regular muffin pan will do.
9. Almond, Apple, and Blackberry Moist Skillet Cake
This cake (or crumble) screams autumn, but it's perfectly delicious year-round. Apples, blackberries, and spices make up the filling, and the entire dessert is cooked in one pan for speedy cleanup.
10. Avocado Lime Cheesecake
Fresh avocado combines with zesty lime juice to create this light, festively colored cheesecake. Use puréed fresh berries as a topping, or eat as is—either way, it's delicious.
11. Paleo Cardamom Cupcakes and Lemon Mousse Frosting
A handful of pantry staples and ground cardamom make up these cupcakes. The rich cardamom flavor is balanced with lemon mousse frosting, or you can eat 'em unadorned straight out of the oven.
12. Classic Chocolate Cake
Grains, dairy, soy, nuts, and refined sugar are left out, but this take on a classic still has that old-fashioned layer-cake flavor, including a double-decker dose of gooey, chocolate frosting. Don't skip the cinnamon; it adds an extra kick.
13. Incredible Edible Paleo Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bites
These two-bite minis may look—and taste—like something from the Cheesecake Factory, but they're packed with good-for-you ingredients like zucchini and cashews. Craving a caveman-sized slab instead of these dainty bites? No problem. Just add the crust to a pie pan and make one big cheesecake instead.
14. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars
A cheesecake that doesn't require baking? Awesome. A cheesecake that doesn't require baking and is dairy- and gluten-free? Yes please! Fresh strawberries and a (gluten-free) graham cracker crust in a jar make these treats both simple and gorgeous.
15. Snickerdoodle Paleo Cupcakes
If you're a fan of this iconic cinnamon cookie, these cupcakes will be your Paleo dream come true. Everything comes together using coconut and almond flours, and grass-fed buttercream frosting is the icing on the cake. (See what we did there?)
16. Quick and Easy Dark Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse sounds complicated, but once you learn how effortless it is to make, you'll start throwing it together just cuz. The same holds true for this avocado-and-date Paleo version. Toss a few common ingredients in a food processor and then whisk till fluffy. Fancy French restaurants have nothing on you.
17. Paleo Chocolate Lasagna
Just let the words "chocolate lasagna" wash over you. First, there's the layer of chocolate "oreo" cake, followed by Paleo chocolate pudding, and finally topped with whipped-cream frosting. Result: chocolate nirvana. The usual Paleo baking suspects like almond butter and coconut powder are here, but you'll also find zucchini,avocados, and dates for a bigger nutritional boon.
18. Paleo Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
If you're a chocolate lover, this gooey cake will hit all your chocoholic buttons. And, because the cakes are baked in ramekins, portion control is a snap. Drizzle optional caramel garnish on top to take these little beauties over the edge.
19. Paleo Raspberry Orange Coffee Cake with Orange Glaze
A blend of raspberries, lemon juice, and orange juice bring a deep fruity flavor to this homey dessert, perfect for slicing and sharing. Make sure to use fresh fruits and juices to get the best flavor.
20. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
This recipe will make you regret ever using a boxed mix. Since Paleo is all about real food, this is shortcake distilled down to its roots. Chunks of strawberries and lemon zest shine in this straightforward recipe.
Cookies
21. Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Life without classic chocolate chip cookies sounds bleak. Thank goodness almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup give the building blocks to reproduce a Paleo-approved version of Toll House's greatest hit.
22. Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Question: What could make chocolate chip cookies better? Answer: bacon. That's exactly why this Paleo recipe is so genius. Chopped bacon is folded into the dough along with chocolate chips to make the ultimate salty-sweet mix. Use good-quality bacon to maximize the meaty flavor.
23. Chocolate Chip Cranberry Noatmeal Cookies
How can you resist a cookie with such a clever name? Grain-free flours combine with shredded coconut and spices to create a "noatmeal" cookie base that rivals grandma's. Mixed with tart cranberries and sweet chocolate chips, you've got the perfect bedtime treat.
24. Gingerbread Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
These cookies are not only absolutely adorable, but, with spicy seasonings like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, they also scream, "It's holiday season!" (Note, we fully support making these year-round while singing carols at the top of your lungs.) And don't stress if you don't have cookie cutters to make gingerbread people; just drop spoonfuls on the tray and bake.
For a full list of 49 great Paleo desserts, go to Greatist.com.
