Labor Day is a time for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and oh yes — desserts. If you’re hosting a summer soirée or just looking for a dish to bring over to your bestie’s, these 5 healthier dessert recipes won’t disappoint. Pick a party theme, turn up the music, and gather up your nearest and dearest.

It’s almost the unofficial end of summer and the whole neighbourhood seems to have started on their yearly mission to squeeze in as many outdoor parties before autumn sets in as humanly possible. To me that screams of opportunity to treat my friends and family to some of my most more-ish creations.

To some, Labor Day is the day we all gather around turkey sandwiches and give thanks to the corny one-liners on screen, but to me, what takes the cake (pun intended) are the sweet treats that finish off your meal and round everything out.

As we head into the home stretch of beach-going season, Labor Day is a great chance to enjoy some homemade goodies, and these 5 healthier desserts aren’t just delicious, they’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Peach Picnic Cake (Gluten Free)

In my house, peach season means peach salads, jams, cobbler, and cakes like this one. Peaches are one of my favorite fruits. this might be in part to their elusiveness. they are in season for a mere month or two up here in Connecticut, and that is the only time i eat them through the year. Unlike apples or pears, in-season peaches are miles away from out-of-season ones. So let’s just say that August is this recipe’s time to shine. 

Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Paleo)

I’m almost embarrassed to say how many times I’ve made these since this recipe was born.  Let’s just say it’s a lot, and I’m still not sick of them.

I was on a particularly strong tahini kick and in a moment of creativity, decided to throw the rules out the window on my Paleo Salted Blondies (which can do no wrong in my opinion). Get ready for rich, dense, dark chocolate-y goodness that is the perfect balance of gooey and chewy.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Ginger Crumb Topping (Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free)

When it comes to baked fruit desserts, I am firmly in the Team Crumble camp. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ll happily enjoy any fruit pie you put in front of me… so long as someone else made it (go on, bake one for me!). But back to this crumble: it’s a lighter take on the baked fruit desserts we all love. It’s so simple to make, can be assembled ahead of time, baked whenever you’re ready and is endlessly adaptable. Simple spices, juicy fruit and topped with the most delicious, crispy oat topping flecked with warm ginger. Frankly, I can’t be trusted around a whole pan of this.

Coconut Lime Sheet Cake with Lime Glaze (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

This delicious cake has a moist, dense crumb and the perfect hint of lime and coconut. It’s topped with a simple, bright glaze and toasted coconut. It feeds a lot of people and I promise everyone will want a slice (or two!).

Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Cookies

If banana bread and chocolate chip cookies had a baby, this would be it. They’re soft with loads of texture from the coconut, banana and oats, oh and the pools of melted dark chocolate certainly don’t hurt either. I have been known to reach for one of these for breakfast, but these are the perfect throw together cookie (especially with kids in tow), and are almost impossible to dislike!

If you make any of these 5 Healthier Dessert Recipes, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations! 

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