These 15 baking recipes without refined sugar rely on wholesome ingredients while still delivering plenty of sweetness. From texture-packed dessert bars to soft peanut butter banana muffins and hearty honey-sweetened oat bread, thereโs something here for every craving.
Yes, youโre on a baking website filled with plenty of classic, sugar-forward dessert recipes! But over the years, Iโve also developed a collection of recipes made without refined sugarโand to be honest, these are the ones I bake most often for my family.
Each recipe is sweetened with ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or fruit, which not only add sweetness but also enhance moisture and flavor. The result is a collection of bakes that feel a little more wholesome… without sacrificing taste or texture!
They still absolutely hit the spot when youโre craving something sweet.
Keep this list of baking recipes without refined sugar handy for the next time you’re looking for a treat that’s a bit more nutritious than, say, chocolate cake. Instead, you can try this chocolate coconut almond tart. It still satisfies the most intense chocolate cravings… and, as a bonus, is very easy to make!
This chocolate coconut almond tart also joins my lists of vegan recipes and gluten free recipes.
If you’re looking for healthier baking recipes using fresh berries, try these popular healthy berry streusel bars. This no-bake Greek yogurt fruit tart is also a light and refreshing option; I often serve it for breakfasts and brunches!
Browse By Dietary Preference
Here are even more baking recipes you can browse by specific dietary needs or preferences.
15 Baking Recipes Without Refined Sugar
Note: A few of the following recipes include add-ins like chocolate chipsโfeel free to use refined sugar-free versions if youโd like to keep the recipes fully refined sugar-free, or replace with chopped nuts, dates, or other dried fruit.
Simply Applesauce Muffins
These simple applesauce muffins are quick to make, reliably moist, and made with wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand.
No-Bake Greek Yogurt Fruit Tart (GF)
This wholesome Greek yogurt fruit tart comes together with a simple 3-ingredient crust, protein-packed Greek yogurt, and all your favorite seasonal fresh fruits.
Honey Oat Bread
Wholesome and honey-sweetened, this no-knead oat bread is simple to make (mostly hands-off!) and full of flavor.
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars (GF)
One of my most-made recipesโquick, easy, and delicious. Skip the chocolate chips or swap in raisins, nuts, or dates to keep them refined sugarโfree.
Easy Maple Baked Pears
Such a simple, satisfying dessert! These 4-ingredient maple vanilla baked pears are quick, easy, and perfect with granola and yogurt.
Salted Quinoa Granola Bars
Chewy, crunchy, and naturally sweetened, these quinoa bars are made with dates, almond butter, oats, honey, and quinoa. Omit the chocolate drizzle to keep them refined sugarโfree.
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Super moist and one of my all-time favorites, these muffins are sweetened with banana and honey. Skip the chocolate chips or use dates or nuts instead.
Chocolate Coconut Almond Tart (GF & Vegan)
Silky and decadent, this coconut almond tart uses coconut milk and only needs 10 minutes in the oven before setting in the refrigerator.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups
Made in 1 bowl with simple ingredients in about 30 minutes, these apple cinnamon baked oatmeal cups are a wholesome family favorite.
Healthy Berry Streusel Bars
These easy healthy berry streusel bars combine two layers of almond oat streusel and one thick layer of homemade berry filling.
Vanilla Almond Snack Bars
Like homemade KIND bars, these snack bars are a little sweet, a little salty, and packed with whole foods… and no refined sugar!
Blueberry Almond Power Muffins (GF)
These gluten-free blueberry almond power muffins are wholesome, satisfying, and protein-packed with creamy Greek yogurt.
Honey Skillet Cornbread
Super simple! Honey-sweetened and baked in a skillet for irresistibly crisp edges.
Fluffy 100% Whole Wheat Pancakes
Soft, fluffy, and 100% whole wheat, these pancakes are easy to make and boosted with protein from Greek yogurt and eggs.
1-Bowl Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is bread pudding for breakfast! Made with a handful of healthy ingredients, this easy recipe comes together in 1 bowl and leaves you satisfied all morning.
Q: Have you tried any of these yet? Iโd love to hear which ones you bake and love most!
Reader Comments and Reviews
Thank you so much for doing this! I love your recipes and Iโm so happy to see healthier options as well. As someone who loves to bake but is also trying to eat healthier and be more fit focused, these recipes make all the difference. Love your work Sally! Wishing you well ๐
Thanks Jessica! I hope you find a new favorite. I make the baked oatmeal all the time; that’s probably my most favorite from this list! That and the peanut butter banana oatmeal bars, too.
I have made half of these, but I make the one bowl baked oatmeal on repeat. I also love the blueberry almond or apple cinnamon muffins.
hi sally you have a chocolate chip muffin recipe im interested in
trying it call for 1 c. of sugar
would i be able to switch it up
to 1/2 c. maple syrup ?
Hi Elaine, we do not recommend a liquid sweetener in place of the sugar in our chocolate chip muffin recipe. You might enjoy these mini chocolate chip muffins instead.
The banana peanut butter muffins and blueberry power muffins are a staple over here. My kids love them and theyโre healthier than anything else I could buy at the store. Thank you!
The recipes are The BEST Love them
I love love love love the baked oatmeal recipe. I make it often! It is so good!!
I make that a lot, too! It’s so simple and I always love that it comes together in 1 bowl.
Wanted to let you know l mafe your baked donuts. I didnt want to pay $43.00 to try and you said l could make in a muffin tin.
So l did as directed but l was expecting a flater top not rising and looking like a muffin. Did l need to leave out b. soda or b. powder. I finished them had a couple of bites and gave them to my neighbors. They loved them maybe l eould have liked better ifbl had vanilla icing dipped them
Hi Pat, you can use the same recipe as written in a muffin pan. It’s normal for them to have a slightly domed top like a muffin. Glad they were a hit!
I love that you have healthy and healthier recipes on your site along with the sweet treats. I also love your savory recipes. I came to your site a long time ago for decadent treats, but I stayed for the variety of delicious recipes you post!!
Thanks Nichole! Baking is certainly my specialty and passion. But it’s nice to share the recipes I make most often for my family. I’m glad you enjoy them, too!