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Try these delicious and healthy Mediterranean diet desserts! From refreshing fruit variations to whole food spins on classics, find the perfect way to end your meal.

Mediterranean diet desserts: strawberry sorbet
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Eating the Mediterranean diet and want a treat to end your meal? This way of eating has been called one of the healthiest in the world. As you might guess with this lifestyle—all treats are acceptable in moderation! But there are a few fun ways to incorporate the principles behind this diet into sweet treats, too.

Here at A Couple Cooks, we’ve been eating this way for over a decade and we’ve never felt better! Here are our top 50 Mediterranean Diet Recipes of all time. You’ll notice there aren’t a ton of desserts in that post, so we’ve rounded up all of our favorites that fit into this way of eating!

What Mediterranean diet desserts look like

Balance and moderation are key when it comes to treats in the Mediterranean diet. Eating any type of treat in moderation is okay, from fruit desserts to chocolate desserts. There’s nothing really “healthy” about eating a healthy dessert, no matter how you try to spin it.

Trying to limit your intake of added sugar is what is important on the Mediterranean diet. But if you want to eat a Mediterranean diet dessert that fits into that way of eating, try to prioritize whole grains (like oats), fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds. Per the Cleveland Clinic, here is what desserts on the Mediterranean diet should look like:

  • Whole grains like oats
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Yogurt and milk in moderation (per the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic)
  • Eggs in moderation (1 egg per day)
  • Olive oil (instead of butter)
  • Dark chocolate in moderation (per the New York Times)
  • Limited added sugar

Our top Mediterranean diet dessert recipes

What’s the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet has been called one of the best diets in the world, according to US News and World Report. This way of eating and living derives from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, like Italy and Greece. It’s not a strict diet, but more a set of guidelines. Here’s how the Mayo Clinic defines the Mediterranean diet:

  • Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats (like olive oil)
  • Weekly consumption of fish, poultry, legumes (beans & lentils), and eggs
  • Moderate portions of dairy products
  • Limited intake of red meat and added sugar

A study by The American Journal of Medicine found that “the Mediterranean diet is arguably the best-studied and most evidence-based diet to prevent not only cardiovascular disease, but also other chronic diseases, as it has become the standard for healthy eating.”

Enjoy occasionally and incorporate the lifestyle

The lifestyle is really what’s important when it comes to the Mediterranean diet. This eating philosophy originated based on the longevity of people in the Mediterranean, and researchers noticed there were factors beyond food that contributed to overall health. One key when it comes to added sugars is eating treats in moderation.

It’s also important to also stay active and exercise regularly, avoid smoking, reduce the amount of stress in your lifestyle, and be invested and engaged in your community. Keep this in mind as you browse these recipes!

Frequently asked questions

Can I really have dessert on the Mediterranean diet?

Absolutely! The Mediterranean diet emphasizes balance and moderation, not deprivation. You can enjoy sweet treats occasionally.

What makes a dessert “Mediterranean diet-friendly”?

These desserts typically focus on whole foods like fresh fruits, nuts, honey, and yogurt. They limit added sugar, processed ingredients, and unhealthy fats.

Can I still have cake or cookies on the Mediterranean diet?

Occasional indulgence is okay! Look for recipes that use natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup, and healthy fats like olive oil. Remember, portion control is key.

What are some substitutes for sugar in Mediterranean diet desserts?

Honey
Dates
Figs
Maple syrup
Ripe fruits like bananas or applesauce (can add sweetness and moisture)

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Mediterranean Diet Desserts: Date Snickers & More!

Date snickers
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5 from 1 review

This date snickers recipe is a delicious, homemade no bake treat made simply from Medjool dates, peanut butter, and chocolate! They’re great to keep on hand for snacking all week long, and fit many diets (gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan).

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean Diet
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 Medjool dates
  • 6 to 12 teaspoons creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons crushed peanuts
  • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Cut the dates in half (and remove the pits). Add about 1 teaspoon peanut butter (or less, depending on the size of the date) and a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Place the halves back together and form them into a bar shape with your fingers (pressing down to round the corners). 
  2. Place the chocolate in a liquid measuring cup with the ½ teaspoon coconut oil and heat in 10 second bursts in the microwave until melted. 
  3. Use 2 forks to dip in each of the dates, then shake off the extra chocolate. Place the dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, add a small chocolate drizzle with a fork to the top. Freeze 5 minutes to set, then enjoy. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks (allow the dates to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying).  

Notes

Tip: If you love chocolate with flaky sea salt, you could add it to top the peanut butter layer for an even stronger pop of savory sweet flavor. 

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About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of the acclaimed cookbooks A Couple Cooks and Pretty Simple Cooking—and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share seasonal recipes and the joy of home cooking. Now, we’ve got over 3,000 well-tested recipes, including Mediterranean diet, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, smoothies, cocktails, and more!

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