no bake choc almond bars

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The No-Bake Brownie
The virtuous ingredient list—which includes honey, coconut oil, almond butter, almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, goji berries and oats—is one reason to love these brownie-like bars. The other reason: There’s no oven required.

Get the recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Almond Bars
almonds

Photo: Almond Board of California

The Nutritional Powerhouse for When You Feel Like a Nut
Frothy egg whites are the surprising ingredient that help cinnamon and sugar stick to almonds in this simple roasted snack. The nuts are excellent sources of magnesium, which can help you feel more relaxed.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon-Glazed Almonds
banana pear pudding

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The Simplest Fruit-and-Chocolate Combo Ever
Whether you prefer to think of this as a smoothie you eat with a spoon or a dairy-free pudding, there’s no arguing that whipped bananas and pears plus dark chocolate chips are a delicious combination. Use well-ripened fruit to ensure the finished dish is sweet and smooth.

Get the recipe: Banana Pear Pudding with Chocolate Chips
cranberry orange cookies

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Cookies with a Secret You'd Never Guess
Prune puree may not sound sexy, but it’s a wonder ingredient: It can take the place of oil in many baked goods, and adds beneficial fiber. To make your own, combine a cup of pitted prunes with six tablespoons hot water in a food processor and run the machine until the fruit is smooth. (These cranberry-orange cookies also include applesauce, making them even better for you.)

Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Cookies
banana chocolate cookies

Photo: Thinkstock

Another Delicious Reason to Keep Old Bananas
You know brown bananas work well in quick bread, but it turns out they're fantastic in cookies, too. Using very ripe fruit means you can reduce the amount of sugar; it also provides extra body, so you need less butter or oil. Quick-cooking oats give these cookies nice texture, too.

Get the recipe: Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
tea cake

Photo: Thinkstock

The Holiday Indulgence We'd Gladly Enjoy Whenever
This healthy take on fruitcake is just as flavorful as traditional versions, minus the extra calories. The recipe calls for dried cherries, raisins, apricots, figs and dates, but you can use any fruits you like. It also includes brewed tea and orange zest, which add bright notes.

Get the recipe: Fruity Spiced Tea Cake

Next: 5 surprising ways to work fruit into your diet