Macro-Friendly Desserts: 10 Sweet Treats Under 250 Calories

A macro-focused diet is a type of diet that emphasizes the consumption of specific quantities of macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates) in order to promote health and well-being. This type of diet generally includes foods that are high in nutrients and low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking to lose weight or improve their overall health. No matter what any diet entails, we all have a sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied from time to time. And while it may seem like an impossible feat to find desserts that fit into a macro-focused diet, there are actually plenty of delicious options out there. Here are 10 macro-friendly desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet.

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High Protein Salted Caramel Cheesecakes (6)

Trying to up your protein intake? These mini cheesecakes are a perfect way to do it. Each one has 9 grams of protein and just 160 calories.

Protein powder, greek yogurt, and cream cheese make up the delicious filling, and crushed salted caramel crackers make a tasty and gluten-free crust.

Ingredients:

Crust

• 2 cups of Airly Salted Caramel Crackers (150 grams)
• ¼ cup light butter, melted. I used Brummel and Brown (56 grams)
• Cheesecakes
• 2 scoops of Vanilla protein powder, I used vanilla PEscience (62 grams)
• 1 ½ cups vanilla greek yogurt (339 grams)
• 1 ½ cups whipped cream cheese (252 grams)
• ¼ cup Swerve confectioners sugar

Toppings

• Caramel
• Crushed Chocolate Airly Crackers
• Flaky Sea Salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (163 C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. Set aside.
2. To make the crust, add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until well combined. The mixture should be the consistency of wet sand.
3. Evenly distribute the crust mixture among the cupcake liners and press down. Then use a small spoon to press evenly into the bottom.
4. Bake the crusts for 10 minutes then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
5. To make the cheesecakes, add all ingredients to a large bowl or stand mixer and mix until smooth. If you’re using a stand mixer, mix on low at first to avoid making a mess.
6. Once the mixture is smooth, evenly distribute among the cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned and the center is set.
8. Allow to cool completely before topping with caramel, crushed chocolate crackers, and flaky sea salt.

Nutritional information for 1 cheesecake (recipe makes 12): Calories: 160, Total Fat: 9g, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein 9g

This recipe is courtesy of haleynicolefit.com

Read More: Healthy Pumpkin Desserts To See You Through Fall

Trail Mix Protein Cookies (10)

Hankering for something a little more cookie-like? These Trail Mix Protein Cookies are chewy, soft, and packed with protein. With no added oil or butter, they’re also relatively low in fat. Each cookie has 7 grams of protein and just 146 calories.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (160g) old-fashioned oats
• 1 ½ cups (338g) ripe mashed banana (about 3 medium or 4 small bananas)
• 2 scoops (62g) Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard vanilla whey protein
• ⅓ cup (28g) sliced almonds
• ⅓ cup (44g) “Craisins” original dried cranberries
• ¼ cup (16g) raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 3 tablespoons (42g) “Nestle Toll House” mini semi-sweet morsels
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until well combined.
3. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten with the back of a fork or spoon. You should have 12 cookies. 
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely

Nutritional information for 1 cookie (recipe makes 12): Calories: 146, Carbs: 22g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 4g

This recipe is courtesy of macrostax.com

Chickpea Tahini Brownies (2)

Nothing screams indulgence like a brownie, but these ones are actually good for you. Made with chickpeas, tahini, and cocoa powder, these decadent brownies are high in protein and fiber and low in sugar. Each brownie has 8 grams of protein and 225 calories. 

Ingredients:

• 250g chickpeas (canned or pre-cooked)
• 120g coconut sugar
• 30g cocoa powder
• 60g tahini
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Additional 30g tahini

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. Add them to a food processor or blender with the coconut sugar, cocoa powder, tahini, egg and vanilla.
3. Blend until completely smooth, for about 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary.
4. Use a spatula to mix in the baking soda and apple cider vinegar gently until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a lined 9×9 inch baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula. Drop small spoonfuls of the additional tahini over the top and use a knife to swirl it around.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 C). Allow to cool completely before cutting into 9 squares.

Nutritional info for 1 brownie (recipe makes 9): Calories: 225, Protein: 8g, Carbs: 34g, Fat⁣: 8g

This recipe is courtesy of marriedtomymacros.com

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High Protein Pumpkin Coffee Cake (1)

Moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, this pumpkin coffee cake is impossible to resist. And at just over 168 calories, 9 grams of protein, and 8 grams of sugar per slice, it’s a guilt-free treat that you can enjoy anytime.

Ingredients:

Dry

• 1.5 cups protein pancake mix (186 grams)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (31 grams)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

Wet

• ¼ cup and 2 tbsp coconut sugar (54 grams)
• ¾ cup pumpkin (90 grams)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¼ cup fat free greek yogurt (56 grams)
• ½ cup dairy free milk I used flax milk (116 grams)

Streusel

• 2 tbsp protein pancake mix (23 grams)
• ¼ cup Swerve brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp coconut oil – melted (14 grams)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all of the wet ingredients.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until well combined. The batter will be thick.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. To make the streusel, microwave the coconut oil for 20-30 seconds until melted. Then add all streusel ingredients to a small bowl and mix until it forms crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake.
8. Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutritional information for 1 slice (recipe makes 9): Calories: 168, Fat: 2.6 g, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 9 g

This recipe is courtesy of haleynicolefit.com

Read More: 10 Healthy Desserts Under 100 Calories That Will Work For Any Diet

Chocolate Dessert Sandwiches (3)

These black and white sandwiches are begging to be photographed and shared on Instagram. But beneath their beautiful exterior lies a humble, yet delicious, chocolate cookie dough filling.

At just over 107 calories per sandwich, these are a guilt-free treat that you can enjoy after a healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 sheets (93g) “Honey Maid” chocolate Graham crackers
• 1 cup (75g) Oreo “Cool Whip Mix-Ins”

Instructions:

1. Break the Graham crackers into 12 rectangles. Do it gently so they don’t break into too many pieces.
2. Arrange 6 of the rectangles on a plate or cutting board, and spread each one with 2 1/2  tablespoons (37.5g) of the Oreo filling.
3. Top with the remaining 6 rectangles, and press down lightly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

Nutritional info for 1 sandwich (recipe makes 6): Calories: 107, Carbohydrates: 16g, Fats: 4.5g, Protein: 1g

This recipe is courtesy of macrostax.com

Pina Colada Popsicle (7)

A refreshing, summery treat, these Pina Colada Popsicles are perfect for hot days. Made with just three ingredients, these will soon become your go-to popsicle recipe. At just 132 calories per popsicle, they make a great guilt-free dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple (make sure it’s ripe!)
• 1 14-ounce can coconut cream (or sub full-fat coconut milk)
• 3 Tbsp organic cane sugar (or sub maple syrup or agave nectar)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. 
2. Divide mixture evenly among 8 popsicle molds, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion. 
3. Freeze for 4-6 hours, or until solid. 
4. To release popsicles, run mold under hot water for a few seconds. 
5. Enjoy immediately!

Nutritional information for 1 popsicle (recipe makes 8): Calories: 132, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 10 g

This recipe is courtesy of marriedtomymacros.com

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Easy Lemon Coconut Protein Balls (5)

Coconut and lemon are a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. These easy protein balls are made with just four ingredients and come together in minutes. Best of all, they have 5 grams of protein each so they make a great snack or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1/2c Protein Powder (vanilla or coconut)
• 1/2c Melted Coconut Oil
• 3/4c Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice + Zest to Taste
• 2 tbsp Coconut Flour

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
2. Place dough in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
3. Once dough is firm, roll into 12 balls.
4. Store in the fridge until ready to eat!

Nutritional information for 1 ball (recipe makes 12): Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 5g

This recipe is courtesy of carrotsncake.com

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins (3)

Moist, fluffy and studded with chocolate chips, these Banana Bread Muffins are a delicious and easy breakfast or snack. At 5.5 grams of protein and just over 100 calories each, they make a great guilt-free treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium (354g) banana (mashed)
• ½ cup (114g) nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs (100g)
• 3 tablespoons (42g) canola oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (94g) all purpose flour
• ½ cup (46g) quick oats
• 2 scoops (62g) whey vanilla ice cream protein powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (112g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 12-cup muffin tins with cooking spray and set aside. The batter makes 18 muffins, so you will need to bake them in two batches.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or an immersion blender.
3. Mix in the Greek yogurt, eggs, oil and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about ¾ full.
8. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional information for 1 muffin (recipe makes 18): Calories: 124, Carbohydrates: 15g, Fats: 5g, Protein: 5.5g

This recipe is courtesy of macrostax.com

Caramel & Coconut Apple Bites (8)

Apple lovers rejoice! These little bites are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Crunchy green apples are dipped in a homemade caramel sauce, then rolled in shredded coconut. A perfect fall treat that’s under 100 calories a piece!

Ingredients:

• 3 Granny Smith Apples
• 1 cup of jarred caramel
• 1 cup of coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips 

Instructions:

1. Core your apples, Slice them into thick donut like circles, Set aside  
2. Melt your caramel in a microwave safe bowl or on the stove top over low heat 
3. Place your bowl of melted caramel, and bowl of coconut flakes next to each other 
4. Dip each apple slice in the caramel, then roll in the coconut flakes, set on a plate or wire rack to cool and harden.
5. Melt your chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove top over low heat.
6. Drizzle your chocolate over the caramel apples and let them cool completely before serving.

Nutritional information per slice (recipe makes 18): Calories: 93, Carbohydrates: 9g, Fats: 6.5g, Protein: 1.5g

This recipe is courtesy of trifectanutrition.com

Warm Apple Crisp (9)

Still on the hunt for the perfect fall dessert? This warm apple crisp has all the flavors of your favorite pie, but without the guilt. It’s made with granny smith apples, a little maple syrup, and a crispy oat topping.

Ingredients:

For the apples

• 5 granny smith apples
• 1 tbsp sugar free maple syrup
• 3 tbsp of water 
• 2 tbsp cinnamon

For the crisp topping

• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil 
• 1/4 cup sugar free maple syrup 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Peel, slice and dice apples into small pieces. Toss apples with maple syrup, water and cinnamon. 
3. Pour apples into a baking dish. 
4. In a separate bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the crisp topping. 
5. Pour topping over apples. 
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown. 
7. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

Nutritional information for 1 serving (recipe makes 7): Calories: 203, Carbohydrates: 28g, Fats: 10g, Protein: 5g

This recipe is courtesy of trifectanutrition.com

The Bottom Line

There you have it! 10 delicious and Macro-friendly desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So next time you’re feeling a craving, reach for one of these healthier options and enjoy!