21 Irresistible Anti-Inflammatory Dessert Recipes

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Do you suffer from chronic joint pain?

Do you have trouble losing weight?

Does your doctor say you’re at risk for heart disease?

These three conditions may seem unrelated, but they all have one very important thing in common – they are triggered or worsened by chronic inflammation.

Inflammation is a natural biological process that is actually quite beneficial for body. It helps protect you in the aftermath of injury or infection and helps kickstart the healing process. When inflammation lingers after the original trigger is gone, however, it can be quite problematic.

The good news is fighting back against inflammation may be as simple as changing your diet and adjusting your lifestyle. Though some conditions may require the use of anti-inflammatory medications or other therapies, following an anti-inflammatory diet can help you manage your condition and may reduce the severity of your symptoms.

On this page you’ll learn the basics about inflammation including what it is, what causes it, and what it looks like. You’ll also be introduced to the tenets of an anti-inflammatory diet and will find a collection of 21 delicious dessert recipes to get you started. Good luck!

The Problem With Inflammation

The human body is a complex conglomeration of systems and biological processes that all work together to sustain and protect life. When you get hurt, your body reacts to protect the injured area while starting the healing process – inflammation is part of this process.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural biological process through which the body protects itself against harm. There are two primary types of inflammation: acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation is short-lived, typically resolving itself within a matter of hours or days. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can last for months or even years, long after the original trigger is gone. While acute inflammation is usually triggered by an injury or infection, chronic inflammation can result from unwanted substances in the body.

Some conditions that have been linked to chronic inflammation include heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Causes of Inflammation

When your body suffers an injury or infection, the immune system activates and releases substances called inflammatory mediators, primarily the hormones bradykinin and histamine. These hormones cause the small blood vessels in your tissues to dilate or widen, allowing more blood to reach the site of injury. As a result, the tissue may turn warm and red.

Here are the most common causes of inflammation:

• Pathogens (like bacteria, virus, or fungi)
• External injuries
• Side effects of chemotherapy or radiation
• Inflammatory medical conditions (like cystitis, bronchitis, or dermatitis)

Increased blood flow allows more immune cells to be sent to the site of injury where they jump-start the healing process. Inflammatory mediators may also irritate the nerves in the surrounding area, causing pain signals to be sent to the brain. When you become aware of the injury, you’ll be more likely to protect the affected area to prevent further damage.

The signs of Inflammation

Though inflammation is a natural reaction triggered by the immune system, it is intended to be temporary. When inflammation continues long after the injury has resolved – or when the immune system reacts by mistake – it can be quite harmful.

Here are some of the signs of inflammation:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Swelling
• Pain
• Loss of function

Inflammation doesn’t always cause all five of these symptoms. In fact, internal inflammation is often silent and doesn’t cause any outward symptoms at all. Over time, inflammation can contribute to chronic joint pain, weight gain, heart conditions, and more. When inflammation becomes severe, however, you may experience general symptoms of illness such as exhaustion and fever.

What is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

Though inflammation is a natural immune response, chronic inflammation can be damaging to your health. Medication and other therapies can help reduce inflammation, but many experts recommend making dietary changes as well, especially if you have a chronic inflammatory condition like arthritis.

What are natural Anti-Inflammatories?

Natural anti-inflammatories are simply foods you can consume to reduce your risk of developing inflammation or to help manage chronic inflammation. Following an anti-inflammatory diet won’t necessarily cure chronic inflammatory diseases, but it could help resolve symptoms or lessen the severity or frequency of flare-ups.

Following an anti-inflammatory diet can help with other health problems as well, even if it doesn’t necessarily cure your condition. Other lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption may help as well.

Who can it help?

An anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial for anyone suffering from chronic inflammation or for those whose conditions may be worsened by inflammation. It can also benefit healthy individuals who want to prevent symptoms caused by chronic inflammation.

Here are some examples of conditions that can benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet.

• Asthma, Colitis, Crohn’s disease, Esophagitis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome

In addition to anti-inflammatory foods, foods rich in antioxidants can benefit people with these conditions as well. Antioxidants help remove free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can damage your cells, causing disease and speeding up the process of aging.

Anti-Inflammatory Food List

When you hear the word “diet”, you probably also think of the word “restriction”. The truth is not all diets are restrictive and the anti-inflammatory diet is more about adding healthy foods to your diet than completely eliminating a long list of foods. The idea is to focus your diet on natural, unprocessed foods, particularly colorful fruits and veggies, fiber-rich whole grains, and healthy unsaturated fats.

Here are some of the top food groups included in an anti-inflammatory diet

• Fruits – Colorful fruits like cherries, raspberries, and blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and substances that help reduce inflammation.
• Vegetables – Leafy greens are rich in vitamin K and other veggies like broccoli and cabbage can help reduce inflammation.
• Whole grains – Unrefined grains are rich in fiber which can help reduce inflammation.
• Beans – Packed with dietary fiber, beans are also anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants.
• Nuts – Though high in calories (so consume in moderation), nuts are rich in healthy anti-inflammatory fatty acids.
• Fish – Not only is fish a low-calorie source of protein, but it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Focus on fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines.
• Herbs and spices – Rich in antioxidants, fresh herbs and spices can add flavor to your food and help reduce inflammation.

In addition to including these anti-inflammatory foods in your daily diet, make an effort to avoid inflammatory foods as well. These include foods that are highly processed or refined as well as foods that contain high levels of saturated fat. Simple sugars and refined carbohydrates should only be consumed in moderation as well.

21 Anti-Inflammatory Dessert Recipes

If you’re ready to get serious about your health and start lowering inflammation in your body, these tasty dessert recipes will help you get started. It’s still important to enjoy dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet, but by swapping out desserts made with refined carbs and processed sugar for these anti-inflammatory options, you can take the first step in the right direction.

1|Frozen Cookie Dough Fudge

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Stir together the tahini, almond butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla in a large bowl.
2. When the mixture is well combined, fold in the dark chocolate chips.
3. Line a loaf pan with parchment then pour in the cookie dough mixture.
4. Spread the mixture evenly then freeze for 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt then freeze until firm, about 1 to 2 hours.
6. Cut into squares or bars to serve.

2| Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Servings: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup chopped dark chocolate (at least 75% cacao)

Instruction

1. Stir together the peanut butter, coconut flour, and honey in a medium bowl.
2. If needed, add a splash of coconut milk to thin and stir until smooth.
3. Shape the mixture into 24 small balls by hand and place on a parchment-lined tray.
4. Freeze for 10 minutes while you melt the dark chocolate.
5. Dip the balls into the melted chocolate and place them back on the tray.
6. Freeze for 20 minutes until set then enjoy.

3| Coconut Chia Pudding

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
• 5 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Combine the coconut milk, chia seeds, honey, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Whisk until well combined then cover and chill overnight.
3. Stir the mixture well then spoon into cups and enjoy.

4| Easy Almond Butter Cookies

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup buckwheat groats
• 3/4 cup almond butter
• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons coconut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Flaked sea salt, as needed

Instructions

1. Place the buckwheat groats in a food processor and pulse into powder.
2. Add the almond butter, dates, coconut butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pulse the mixture a few times to combine then blend for 1 minute.
4. Shape the mixture into 12 balls by hand and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Flatten the balls into cookies with a fork and sprinkle with salt.
6. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes to set then enjoy.

5| Chocolate-Covered Cherry Milkshake

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
• 1/4 cup frozen pitted cherries
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth then pour into a large glass to serve.

6| Black Bean Brownies

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 6 tablespoons cold water
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/3 cup cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Combine the black beans and coconut milk in a large bowl and soak overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8X8 inch baking tray with parchment.
3. Strain the black beans and rinse well then place in a large bowl.
4. In a small cup, whisk together the flaxseed and cold water then let sit for 10 minutes.
5. Add the flax mixture, black beans, and coconut sugar in a food processor/
6. Pulse smooth then add the cacao powder, baking powder, and salt.
7. Blend smooth then pulse in the dark chocolate chips.
8. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until firm.

7| Orange Creamsicles

Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients

• Popsicle molds of 6 or 8
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 3 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon orange extract

Instructions

1. Whisk the orange juice, coconut milk, honey, and extracts together in a large bowl.
2. Pour the mixture evenly into popsicle molds and let freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Add the popsicle sticks then freeze for another 4 to 6 hours until solid.

8| Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 2 tablespoons almond milk, unsweetened
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half and spoon the flesh into a food processor.
2. Pour in the almond milk and add the cacao powder, chia powder, agave, and almond extract.
3. Blend until smooth and well-combined then adjust sweetness to taste.
4. Spoon the mousse into dessert cups and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

9| Tasty Turmeric Bars

Servings: 12 to 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon stevia

Instructions

1. Line an 8X8″ pan with parchment and set aside.
2. Combine the almond flour, turmeric, and ginger in a food processor.
3. Pulse to combine then add the cardamom and pepper.
4. Add the coconut oil, honey, and stevia then pulse into a dough.
5. Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Cool the dough for 1 hour then cut into bars to serve.

10| Ginger Spice Cookies

Servings: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 cup arrowroot flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Combine the coconut oil and coconut sugar in a food processor.
2. Add the egg, honey, and vanilla then pulse to combine.
3. Add the almond flour, arrowroot flour, baking soda, spices, and salt then pulse into a dough.
4. Transfer the dough to a bowl and cover and chill for 45 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350F and roll the dough into 1-inch balls by hand.
6. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Transfer to a cooling rack after 2 to 3 minutes to cool completely.

11| Chocolate-Covered Frozen Banana

Servings: 9

Ingredients

• 12 ounces chopped dark chocolate
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 3 large bananas, peeled and cut into thirds
• Chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together and stir until smooth.
3. Insert a popsicle stick into each piece of banana and dip in the chocolate.
4. Place the bananas on the baking sheet and sprinkle with nuts.
5. Freezer or refrigerate until the chocolate is solid.

12| Simple Watermelon Sorbet

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 medium watermelon, ripe

Instructions

1. Skin, cube, and seed the watermelon.
2. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours until solid.
3. Transfer the cubes to a food processor in batches and blend until smooth.
4. Spoon the mixtures into loaf pans, packing firmly, then freeze 1 hour before serving.

13| Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

Servings: 3 to 4

Ingredients

• 3 large apples
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200F and line two baking sheets with parchment.
2. Core the apples and slice very thin, no more than 1/8th inch thick.
3. Arrange the slices on the baking sheets and sprinkle with cinnamon.
4. Bake 1 hour then switch the racks and bake for another 1 1/2 hours.
5. Turn off the oven and let the chips cool for 1 hour until crispy.

14| Avocado Brownies

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 large avocado
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease and 8X8″ baking dish.
2. Combine the avocado, applesauce, honey, and vanilla in a food processor.
3. Blend smooth then transfer to a large bowl and whisk in the eggs.
4. Add the dry ingredients and stir smooth then fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Spread in the baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Cool for 20 minutes then cut into squares to serve.

15| Pineapple Turmeric Shake

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth then pour into a large glass to serve.

16| Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Bites

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 cup coconut yogurt, plain
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Stir together the blueberries, yogurt, and lemon juice in a large bowl.
3. Drop the mixture onto the baking sheet in spoonfuls.
4. Freeze fro 2 hours until solid before serving.

17| Strawberry Orange Sorbet

Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen strawberries
• 1 cup fresh orange juice

Instructions

1. Place the strawberries in a food processor and pulse to finely chop.
2. Add the orange juice and blend into a smooth puree.
3. Spoon into a container and freeze for 1 hour before serving.

18| Chocolate Raspberry Cups

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups chopped dark chocolate
• 1 pint fresh raspberries

Instructions

1. Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. Melt the dark chocolates in the microwave and stir until smooth.
3. Drop a teaspoon of melted chocolate into each of 8 muffin cups.
4. Add a few fresh raspberries and top with the remaining chocolate.
5. Refrigerate until the chocolate is hardened before serving.

19| Coconut Almond Macaroons

Servings: 8 to 12

Ingredients

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Whisk the egg whites and honey together in a medium bowl.
3. Stir in the almonds, coconut, and vanilla until well-combined.
4. Drop the batter onto the cookie sheet in individual mounds.
5. Bake for 12-13 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.

20| Pumpkin Donut Bites

Servings: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree, unsweetened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Spoon the mixture into the muffin pan, filling the cups 3/4 full.
4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until cooked through then let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Transfer to a cooling rack then roll in coconut sugar.

21| Creamy Blueberry Spinach Shake

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana
• 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 2 handfuls fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth the pour into a large glass to serve.

It’s time to enjoy some of these scrumptious recipes now…

Final Thoughts

If you suffer from joint pain, have trouble losing weight, or at risk for heart disease, it’s time to start taking your health more seriously. Eating inflammatory foods and following unhealthy lifestyle habits may seem like what everybody else is doing, but these can be incredibly harmful, even if you don’t see the outward signs right now.

Making an effort to include more anti-inflammatory foods in your diet is a simple step you can take to put your health on the right track. Best of all, it may help you manage inflammatory conditions like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and more!

As you can tell from the recipes in this book, beneficial anti-inflammatory foods do not have to be tasteless and boring.

Get started with these delicious anti-inflammatory dessert recipes. The whole family will love them.