I try my best to avoid refined sugar, and being gluten-free helps for the most part since most sweet treats are off-limits anyways, but sometimes I just crave a rich fudgy brownie or a gooey chocolate chip cookie. Finding ways to make desserts that taste indulgent but are actually (gasp!) healthy has become a fun culinary challenge for me. Last week I made a chocolate-avocado mousse (pictured above) that my husband couldn't get enough of (he didn't even realize there was avocado in it even though I told him so) and it was a win for both of us - sugar-free, gluten-free, and also dairy-free. When you can incorporate veggies or superfoods into your dessert (without compromising the flavor of course), it's like hitting the jackpot! If like me you crave a sweet treat every now and then (ok, most of the time!) but don't want to fill your body with junk, scroll down for some amazing recipes that you won't believe aren't the "real thing"! Or, if you aren't much of a cook or just don't have the time and energy, do yourself a solid and order Karlie's Perfect 10 Kookies for the next best thing to homemade!

VEGAN FUDGE

PHOTO: Katy's Kitchen — PHOTO: **Katy's Kitchen**

What's better than a melt-in-your-mouth square of fudge? This one is made with coconut oil and coconut milk, good fats that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Get the recipe here!

REAL-DEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

PHOTO: Against All Grain — PHOTO: **Against All Grain**

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic and one of my favorites. These are just as good (if not better) than the real thing, sans the wheat flour and cane sugar. I use ghee in mine and they turn out perfect. Also, the coconut sugar caramelizes as they bake, taking them to the next level. Get the recipe here!

ORANGE-BEETROOT TARTLETS WITH ALMOND-FIG CRUST

Okay, so I threw this in as a non-chocolate option for you fruity dessert lovers out there but with a fig and almond crust you can't go wrong. Get the recipe here!

SUPERFOOD NUT BUTTER CUPS

PHOTO: My New Roots — PHOTO: **My New Roots**

These were my go-to when I was on an elimination diet last fall (minus the honey) and I actually prefer them to a Reese's since I'm not a fan of milk chocolate (or preservatives for that matter). Get the recipe here!

RAW VEGAN S'MORES

I've had to suffer through a few too many campfires where everyone around me is indulging in delicious s'mores and all I can have is a bite of dark chocolate. Never again with these babies! I can't wait to make them the next time I'm in the woods... Get the recipe here!

SWEET POTATO BROWNIES

I just love sweet potatoes and they are jam-packed with good vitamins. They are also what make these brownies oh so moist and gooey. Get the recipe here!

SALTED BANANA AND ALMOND BUTTER CARAMEL MOUSSE

PHOTO: The New Zealand Herald — PHOTO: **The New Zealand Herald**

You had me at salted banana... This recipe couldn't be easier - just pop all ingredients into your food processor/blender and then into the fridge to chill for a couple hours before you dig into the creamy goodness. Get the recipe here!

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH BUTTERCREAM FILLING

Cupcakes used to be my kryptonite, but now I can enjoy them free of harmful ingredients with these wholesome chocolate ones. They even contain Omega-3 rich chia seeds, which lend them moisture and lightness. Get the recipe here!

No turkey? Gluten-free? Chocolate truffle tart for dessert? Blasphemy! Someone better call the Thanksgiving police! Growing up, I became accustomed to a traditional, gourmet Thanksgiving. I can still smell the chestnuts roasting that went into the stuffing. Everything was made from scratch. My job was always the cranberry sauce and radish roses (don't ask) when I was a child and then eventually grew to be the pumpkin pies as well. In the last few years, I've become less of a turkey fan, am now gluten-free, and since my husband doesn't like pumpkin, have been making a chocolate truffle tart for dessert. Here are all the recipes you need for a scrumptious untraditional feast! To make the chocolate truffle tart sans gluten, check out this easy recipe that can be made with any type of gluten-free cookie. Buen Provecho!