National Pie Day on January 23rd celebrates one of the Nations' favorite desserts. No matter how you slice it, pie in just about any form makes a crowd happy. Fruit pies, berry pies, cream pies - they are mouthwatering servings of homemade goodness. Here are some sweet (but healthier) ideas to celebrate:
The healthiest sweet pies often use natural sweetness from fresh or dried fruits and sugar substitutes like honey or maple syrup.
• Fresh Fruit Pies (Strawberry, Blueberry, Apple): These are generally very healthy because they are packed with vitamins, fiber, and nutrients. Recipe Tip: Use a whole-grain or almond flour crust to add fiber and nutrients. Sweeten with natural options like honey, maple syrup, or date sugar instead of refined white sugar.
• Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin is naturally sweet and rich in fiber. Recipe Tip: Use fat-free evaporated milk or a plant-based alternative (like almond or soy milk), egg whites instead of whole eggs, and natural sweeteners to reduce calories and fat content.
• No-Bake/Greek Yogurt Pies: Pies made with Greek yogurt and nut-based crusts (e.g., pecans and dates) offer protein and healthy fats without the need for baking or heavy creams.
