As much as we encourage having a healthy lifestyle, we wouldn’t deny the emotional benefits of an occasional indulgence. Let yourself enjoy all the therapeutic flavors of candy bars with only a fraction of the guilt with these 7 recipes that are healthier than store-bought options because you have a say in what goes into it. 

1. Healthy No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Bars

Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

The classic tropical combination of chocolate and coconut is one that can be easily transformed into a trendy, healthy snack by using minimal sugar and opting for healthier swaps, like dark chocolate and maple syrup. This easy no-bake recipe includes a note on making your own coconut butter by simply blending shredded coconut until creamy.

Find the recipe here.

2. Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Even Cookie Monster says cookies should only be an occasional treat. Enjoy an even less sinful indulgence with this easy recipe that is naturally sweetened by bananas and honey, and filled with healthful fiber from oatmeal. Top them with wholesome seeds and nuts for extra crunch and an extra boost in nutrition.

Find the recipe here. 

3. Healthy Rice Crispy Treat Recipe

Photo credit: Picked Plum

If you give the packaging label a read, you’d find that the commercially packaged marshmallows are often loaded with chemical additives. Unless you’re going to make your own puffs from scratch, this easy rice crispy recipe is the best alternative to the gooey and crunchy treat. Try to use organic brown rice puffs for added nutritional benefits.

Find the recipe here.

4. Red Bean Jelly 

Love red bean? This delightful treat can be made with minimal effort in your Thermos® Shuttle Chef®. Feel free to tweak the recipe to include as much or as little sugar as you like. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, like honey, maple syrup, stevia, or rock sugar.

Find the recipe here.

5. Homemade Gummy Bears

Photo credit: 5 Ingredients 15 Minutes

Turn this chewy snack into more wholesome treat by using fresh fruit and vegetable juices instead of sugary prepacked options. If you can, invest in a good quality gelatin powder from health food stores, which is great for gut health and joint health. This recipe also gives you the perfect excuse to shop for some adorable gummy molds! Fret not if you can’t find any – simply make them in a tray and cut into cubes.

Find the recipe here.

6. No-Stir Homemade Caramels

Photo credit: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

If you’re an adventurous home cook ready to take on the challenges of candy-making, this is the perfect recipe for you! Creamy, chewy, and perfumed with that irresistible sweetness, caramel candies are so addictive because they’re filled with decadent ingredients. While it’s hard to tweak the recipe and still produce the same gorgeous candy, making them at home means you can at least be sure all the ingredients are high quality and as natural as possible. 

Find the recipe here.

 7. No-Bake Doughnuts 

Photo credit: OneGreenPlanet 

Ending a meal with the right dessert is always complimentary, but that also means spending additional time in the kitchen which can make your already-packed routine even more unmanageable. Fortunately, there’s always the ol’ trusty no-bake doughnuts recipe to swoop in to the rescue. Not requiring the oven at all, this time-saving recipe also uses wholefood ingredients like almonds and dates while keeping it sugar-and-gluten-free.

Find the recipe here.