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13 Easy and Delicious Anti-Inflammatory Desserts

healthy watermelon sorbet recipe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

While we can’t speak for everyone, one of the biggest reasons why we personally have fallen off the diet bandwagon in the past is because certain plans just don’t allow us to enjoy the good things in life—like cheese, pasta and dessert. Fortunately, an anti-inflammatory diet is pretty flexible, and dessert is totally on the menu. Instead of following strict guidelines, cut back on sugar and processed foods, and load up on good-for-you ingredients like fruits, whole grains, spices and healthy fats. Here, 13 desserts that could help fight inflammation.

anti inflammatory chocolate dipped frozen bananas
Joy the Baker

1.

Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas

Did you know that dark chocolate and cocoa powder can help reduce inflammation? Yep, it’s true.

healthy watermelon sorbet recipe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

2.

One-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet

A sugar-free treat that tastes like summer.

chocolate cherry easy chia pudding recipe
Pure Ella

3.

Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding

Tart cherries are powerful inflammation fighters. (They’re also delicious.)

anti inflammatory cinnamon apple chips recipe
Well Plated

4.

Cinnamon Apple Chips

Refined cooking oils (which are found in most store-bought chips) are some of the worst inflammation culprits. Munch on these healthy bites instead. 

gluten free date bars
Vitamin Sunshine

5.

Gluten-Free Date Bars

Whole grains like oats and flaxseeds are staples of an anti-inflammatory diet

avocado brownies recipe
The Healthy Maven

6.

Avocado Brownies

Our favorite green fruit is a well-known inflammation buster and adds a delicious creaminess to desserts. (It tastes nothing like guac, promise.)

panna cotta with roasted rhubarb recipe
Sweet Treats

7.

Panna Cotta with Roasted Rhubarb

Gelatin contains collagen which can reduce joint pain and inflammation, according to some studies. 

superfood hot chocolate recipe
The Healthy Maven

8.

Superfood Hot Chocolate

Nice and spicy.  

frozen blueberry treats
LAURA WING AND JIM KAMOOSI

9.

Frozen Blueberry Bites

Use low-fat yogurt for this tasty, antioxidant-rich snack. 

anti inflammatory ginger gummies
In Sonnet’s Kitchen

10.

Anti-Inflammatory Ginger Gummies

Like it’s peppery cousin turmeric, ginger boasts some pretty impressive inflammation-fighting powers.

strawberry orange soft serve
A Squirrel in the Kitchen

11.

Strawberry-Orange Soft Serve

Juicy berries, all day, every day.

cauliflower lemon cake recipe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

12.

Gluten-Free, Vegan Lemon Cake

Cruciferous veggies (this dessert’s secret ingredient) are loaded with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals

paleo pineapple upside down cake
Paelo Grubs

13.

Paleo Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This tropical fruit contains bromelain, a powerful enzyme that can help the body fight inflammation. 


Alexia Dellner profile shot v2

Executive Editor

  • Lifestyle editor focusing primarily on family, wellness and travel
  • Has more than 10 years experience writing and editing
  • Studied journalism at the University of Westminster in London, UK