You don't have to give up desserts to be heart-healthy
As we strive to reduce our risk for heart disease — and our waistlines — we often forego some of our most beloved foods, like dessert. While this is a good strategy to follow most of the time, you don’t have to exclude desserts entirely from your life. In fact, rich, decadent desserts can fit into a heart-healthy eating plan, especially when you use a little culinary know-how and portion control.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredient substitutions can result in mouthwatering masterpieces that will fool your biggest healthy-dessert skeptics. Although most of our desserts can’t be called low-fat, they certainly have less total fat, saturated fat and trans fat levels, which help promote a heart-healthy lifestyle and give a little oomph to your next mealtime or dinner party.
To cut the total fat and saturated fat in this dessert even further, try using regular — not light — Smart Balance trans-free tub spread in place of butter. You’ll drop the total fat to 6 grams per serving and saturated fat to 2 grams.
For the biscuits
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons Splenda Blend sugar substitute, plus extra for sprinkling on unbaked biscuits
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup (½ stick) chilled, unsalted butter, cut into half-inch cubes (or Smart Balance spread)
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons low fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
For the berries and cream
3 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup Splenda Blend sugar substitute
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint
½ teaspoon grated orange peel
1 cup low-fat frozen whipped topping
Make the shortcakes
Make the berries and cream
Calories 240
Total fat 8 g
Saturated fat 5 g
Trans fat 0 g
Cholesterol 5 mg
Sodium 330 mg
Carbohydrates 40 g
Dietary fiber 4 g
Protein 6 g
Learn more about our editorial process.
A fruity treat that’s easy to make, without any added sugar
Fresh fruit, classic spices and mini chocolate chips make for a sweet treat
A quick, delicious and naturally sweet treat
A healthier dessert, packed with distinct flavors
Whether as a main dish, a side or even a dessert, casseroles are the ultimate comfort food
A delicious, no-bake dessert ideal for people with diabetes
Only 130 calories per serving, this dessert deserves your attention
Small but oh-so satisfying seasonal treats
Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity
A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses