‘Tis the Season to Make Everything Christmassy — Try This Cinnamon Bun Christmas Tree!

I guess everyone probably thinks this of themselves, but I really think I might be the most excited person on the planet when it comes to Christmas. Christmas slippers, Christmas music, Christmas earrings — if it can be Christmas-ified, I’m doing it. The same goes for my food — why just eat a cinnamon bun, when you could eat a cinnamon bun Christmas tree, drizzled with homemade cranberry jam?! It’s an absolute no-brainer. Especially when you use my favorite time-saving hack: Use shop-bought pizza dough instead of making your own!

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch pizza dough (enough for 1 large pizza)
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 5 Tablespoons caster sugar, divided
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 3 Tablespoons water
  • 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • chocolate stars

Instructions:

1. Roll out the dough until it forms a rough rectangle. Melt the butter and brush it over the dough, then sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of sugar and all of the cinnamon. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread everything around.

2. Roll the dough tightly, then cut into 11 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls on a lined baking tray in the shape of a Christmas tree. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20 minutes, or until the dough is firm and golden brown.

3. While the cinnamon buns are baking, prepare the cranberry jam. Halve each cranberry (this prevents them splitting as they cook), and add them to a saucepan with the water and the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Cook over a medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-10 minutes, until the cranberries have cooked right down and the mixture has thickened up to produce jam.

4. Add the powdered sugar to a dash of milk, and mix thoroughly with a fork to make icing. You can adjust the consistency with a touch more milk or more sugar.

5. When the cinnamon buns have finished baking, decorate the tree with a drizzle of icing and dollops of cranberry jam. I also added some small white chocolate stars.

Roll out the dough until it forms a rough rectangle. Melt the butter and brush it over the dough, then sprinkle over two tablespoons of sugar and all of the cinnamon. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread everything around.

Roll the dough tightly, then cut into 11 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls on a lined baking tray in the shape of a Christmas tree. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20 minutes, or until the dough is firm and golden brown.

While the cinnamon buns are baking, prepare the cranberry jam. Halve each cranberry (this prevents them splitting as they cook), and add them to a saucepan with the water and the remaining three tablespoons of sugar. Cook over a medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-10 minutes, until the cranberries have cooked right down and the mixture has thickened up to produce jam.

Add the powdered sugar to a dash of milk, and mix thoroughly with a fork to make icing. You can adjust the consistency with a touch more milk or more sugar.

When the cinnamon buns have finished baking, decorate the tree with a drizzle of icing and dollops of cranberry jam. I also added some small white chocolate stars.

I think the best way to serve this cinnamon bun Christmas tree is to place it in the middle of the table, and let everyone dig in! It’s the best kind of Christmassy pull-apart bread.

How do you make your food more Christmassy? Share your ideas on Twitter @BritandCo and follow us on Pinterest for more delicious holiday recipes!

It's time for apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice desserts to take a backseat – Christmas desserts with peppermint and spiked sweets are here to shine. Festive food gets us in even more of a holiday mood than we're already in, and you really can't decorate your space or watch a holiday movie marathon without some sweet treats, can you? Get ready to yank your baking supplies out of the pantry at least once or twice this holiday season.

Here are 45 festive Christmas desserts that will make your holidays so magical!

Brit + Co

Vegan Mini Chocolate Pies with Pecan Caramel

Mini pies are the perfect Christmas dessert because they're hand-held and bite-sized, plus these feature chocolate, pecan, and caramel flavors! They're also vegan, which just makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Easy Puppy Chow Recipe

You probably already have everything you need for this DIY dessert recipe: peanut butter (or another nut butter), chocolate chips, Chex cereal, butter, and powdered sugar. The red and green candies are just a bonus! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

The Best Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are so good, they don't really need any embellishments, but would it really be a Christmas party without reindeer cookies?! Save a few to leave out for Santa, too. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Oreo Red Velvet Cheesecake

If you love red velvet cake and you love cheesecake, then this is the dessert for you. The crust, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together beautifully so that every bite you take is better than the last! Plus, the Oreos on top are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Paleo Christmas Cookies

Cookies will never be totally healthy, but there are definitely ways that you can make them healthier. Check out this easy Christmas dessert that's paleo-friendly. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Eggnog French Toast

Have breakfast for dessert by adding eggnog to your French toast batter. It adds just the right amount of spice to the recipe and makes it creamy and smooth. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sweet Chai Latte Cupcakes

Turn your favorite morning beverage into a sweet treat with these cupcakes. The flavors and spices make for the perfect holiday season dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Peppermint Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache

Find a new way to enjoy the minty flavor of peppermint with this macarons recipe. Covered in white chocolate, it's a nod to the traditional French pastry. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust

Move over white chocolate ganache, because this pumpkintart is ready for its turn in the spotlight. We love that the gingersnap crust helps balance the rich taste of dark chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Puff Pastry Apple Roses

These roses look good enough to eat – because they are indeed edible! It's the one time you'll enjoy stopping to smell the roses. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Vegan Apple Cake

If puff pastry apple roses feel like too much of a lite dessert, you'll want to keep this vegan apple cake recipe handy. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

We have a *major* sweet tooth for anything that involves gooey chocolate, so combining our love of doughnuts and hot chocolate sounds like a dream come true. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups

Take a break from traditional Christmas desserts and make candy recipes instead! Who knows, someone may request that you make frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups for their birthday next year. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Eggnog with Sugared Rosemary

Who says desserts have to be food? This sweet drink is a classic Christmas dessert, whether you're decorating the tree or curling up for a movie night. Our favorite detail is definitely the sugared rosemary. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

If regular slices of cheesecake are too rich for you, try these mini bite-sized options for your next get-together. They're a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of creamy. (via Brit + Co)

Even Santa Will Want A Bite Of These Christmas Desserts!

Sugar and Cloth

Peppermint Bark Cannoli

You just can’t get through the snowy season without indulging in some sweet and cool peppermint bark. No surprise, it's amazing in cannolis. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Mott's

Mott's Gingerbread Cups

These lil cups are a fun, festive, and fabulous treat to make with and for your little ones — or for anyone else, frankly! Just look how cute they are! (via Mott's)

Liv for Cake

Rum and Eggnog Bundt Cake

We like big bundts and we cannot lie; a slice of this, we can't deny! Flavored with rum and eggnog, this luscious cake is slathered with a generous coating of eggnog cream cheese icing that will make your tastebuds sing. (via Liv for Cake)

A Cookie Named Desire

Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies

With creamy eggnog cheesecake swirling into fudgy goodness, these brownies will make even eggnog naysayers fall in love with the soft and chewy bites. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

We know you’re thinking it because we’re thinking it — be still, my heart! This rich, minty, and chocolatey cake is dripping with glaze and topped with crushed candy canes. Can you say flavor bomb? (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Sugar and Cloth

Champagne Donuts With White Chocolate Glaze

One of the best things about donuts is they can be enjoyed as both a dessert *and* as a sweet breakfast option. The Champagne-infused dough and white chocolate glaze create the ultimate holiday treat. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Domestic Gothess

Apple and Mincemeat Filo Wreath

This swoon-worthy recipe stuffs crisp apples and mincemeat into a flaky filo pastry, resulting in complete dessert heaven. Adorned with cranberries and drizzled with custard, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party. (via Domestic Gothess)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These tiny snowballs are slightly salty, nutty, buttery, and downright delish. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Pinch of Yum

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Biscotti

We hope you’re ready for additional caffeine, because you’ll be brewing an extra cup a day just for an excuse to dip and devour these beauties. Totally addicting, these munchies are packed with nuts and cranberries and drizzled with chocolate. (via Pinch of Yum)

The Real Food Dietitians

Homemade Marshmallows

Storebought marshmallows will never taste the same after you make these. Dip them in chocolate or add them to your hot cocoa for a truly decadent treat. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sprinkle Bakes

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Silky smooth panna cotta may seem like a summery dessert, but when made with eggnog and topped with orange liqueur-spiked cranberry sauce, it's completely festive. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

You Won't Want To Share These Delicious Christmas Desserts

How Sweet Eats

White Christmas Sparkle Cake

If you prefer snowflakes and twinkly lights to bright red and green decorations, you'll love this fluffy vanilla almond cake with cream cheese frosting. (via How Sweet Eats)

You Won't Believe How Tasty These Christmas Desserts Are

Sprinkle Bakes

Meringue Christmas Wreath Cake

But if you do love colorful decorations, opt for this wreath cake, decked out with nonpareils and candy canes. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Averie Cooks

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instead of rolling out dough to make individual cookies, bake up these bars, and have fun making your own sprinkle design on top. (via Averie Cooks)

The View From Great Island

Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies

It truly isn’t the holidays without some jam-filled thumbprint cookies to munch on. Though a berry jam is most commonly used, the choice of this orange jam is brilliant. (via The View From Great Island)

My Life Cookbook

Christmas Tree Mousse Cups

You don't have to be an artist to make an adorable tree-shaped dollop of mousse in these chocolate cups. (via My Life Cookbook)

Best Friends for Frosting

Peppermint Cream Puffs

Bite-size cream puffs are the ideal treat, and with a light peppermint ganache and festive sprinkles, they're holiday-ready. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

We love how fluffy mousse is, and this Christmas dessert (which only needs four ingredients, FYI!!) mixes in peppermint extract for the perfect seasonal flavor. Add some crushed candy canes on top for an extra cute detail. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Passion for Savings

Funfetti Christmas Cake Roll

Don't be intimidated by the cylindrical shape; this colorful cake is both easy to bake and easy to roll up while hot. (via Passion for Savings)

Just a Little Bit of Bacon

Italian Pear Cranberry Tart

If the cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t satisfy your cranberry needs, this festive tart will. Fresh cranberries are piled into a shortbread crust over a luscious layer of almond cream, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

Leite's Culinaria

Viennese Crescent Cookies

Popular in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies are a simple blend of hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar. (via Leite's Culinaria)

We'd Recommend These Christmas Desserts To Everyone

Domestic Gothess

Mincemeat, Marzipan, and Apple Bread Wreath

Filled with mincemeat, marzipan, and apricot jam, this impressive buttery wreath is packed with flavor. And since it's fruity, you can get away with eating it for breakfast. (via Domestic Gothess)

Half Baked Harvest

Sugar Cookie Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Have more Christmas cookies than you know what to do with? Use them to top these velvety, chocolate-rich crème brûlées. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The View From Great Island

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

If you want to get real fancy, haul out your bundt cake pan and try this recipe. The patterned cake looks even more impressive when laden with a shiny glaze. (via The View From Great Island)

Crowded Kitchen

Slice and Bake Heart Cookies

These heart-shaped cookies are so much easier to make than you'd think. Impress your Christmas guests with a bout of sugar cookies! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Forks and Foliage

Tahini Brownies

If you can't handle full-on sweetness, try these brownies that mix in some tahini for a nutty flavor addition. The flaky salt on top adds an edge that you do not want to miss out on. (via Forks and Foliage)

Rachel Mansfield

Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms

Is there a better duo than chocolate and peanut butter? These blossoms feature creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a rich, smooth take on the classic combo. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Averie Cooks

Olive Oil Orange Cake

This citrusy, just slightly olive-oily cake will brighten up your winter diet, and the touch of Grand Marnier makes it taste extra-elegant. (via Averie Cooks)

Vanilla and Bean

Hazelnut Shortbread with Salted Ganache Sandwich Cookies

Okay, regular Oreos. We raise you one with these uniquely delicious (and super festive!) homemade sandwich cookies! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

Sugar Dusted Donut Christmas Tree by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

For this delicious Christmas dessert, roll 60 (3lbs) white donut holes in 2.25oz green sugar sprinkles, then cover a 5.5 x 13.5-inch foam cone in plastic wrap. Insert your toothpicks (you'll need 60) into the foam, then push donut hole on the toothpick. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Add 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s to fill holes to resemble Christmas ornaments. Top with gold star cupcake topper. Cover with saran wrap until ready to use. Make up to 3 days ahead of time!

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online baking classes for more festive Christmas desserts!

This article has been updated with additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Dana Sandonato, Meredith Holser, and Chloe Williams.

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

You've been putting in extra hours at the gym, guzzling plenty of water and eating healthy all week, but then nighttime rolls around and your craving for something sweet hits hard. The thing is, you don't have to tell your sweet tooth to "just chill" and deprive yourself completely. After all, sweet treats are what make the world go 'round. It's possible to still indulge in dessert without eating something *totally* unhealthy that'll also leave you feeling groggy.

Here are 40 healthy desserts that you'll go absolutely crazy over!

Brit + Co

Lebanese Rice Pudding

This rice pudding recipe features rosewater, orange blossom water, and pistachios for a light, well-rounded flavor that we can't get enough of. You won't be able to either! If you've never made rice pudding before, then this easy recipe is the perfect way to practice.

Brit + Co

Easy Brownie Cake Pops With Sprinkles

Healthy desserts don't have to be boring or tasteless. Swap your go-to milk chocolate for dark chocolate with this recipe, which is full of antioxidants and can even lower your blood pressure. To make it even healthier, swap the coconut sugar for honey, or add a drizzle of the golden stuff right on top.

Skinny Taste

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

This super easy no-bake dessert combines peanut butter, fat-free whipped cream, and reduced fat cream cheese in a sweet graham cracker crust. After you pour in all the ingredients, drizzle a little chocolate syrup on top and prep yourself a slice.

Julia's Album

Peach and Blueberry Greek Yogurt Cake

Made with fresh blueberries, peaches, and lightened up with creamy Greek yogurt, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Just make sure you finish it within the first two days (it’s a little too moist on day three), which shouldn’t be a problem because it’s *so* good.

Half Baked Harvest

No-Fuss Healthy Coconut Tart

This easy dessert sits atop a crunchy crust crafted from cashews, coconut flakes, dates, and cinnamon. The filling compliments the outer in the most perfect way!

Diethood

Creamy Ricotta Cannoli

If you thought you had to give up cannolis just because you’re trying to watch your calories, think again. The shells in this recipe are completely baked (instead of partially fried like in classic versions). We told you'll love reaching for healthy desserts!

Two Spoons

Healthy Vegan Matcha Cheesecake

Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, and no-cake, this cheesecake does it all – including providing a caffeine boost from matcha powder.

Cooking Classy

Chocolate Fruit Dip

If you’re going to eat a big plate of fruit, you might as well have something chocolatey and delicious to dip it in! This cream cheese and cocoa powder-based treat will have you craving fresh fruit like never before.

The Endless Meal

Healthy Cranberry Coffee Cake

Greet your mornings (or late nights) with this oat-filled coffee cake. While being healthy, it still fulfills all the best textures and tastes.

Running With Spoons

Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Now you can have dessert and seconds. These decadent dark chocolate bars come together entirely in the food processor and are ready to eat in an hour. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, if they somehow manage to last that long. 😗

Chocolate and Carrots

Skinny Cookie Dough Popsicles

Not even ice cream is off limits – if you choose the right recipe. In this one, sweet chocolate chip cookie dough is sandwiched between layers of non-fat honey Greek yogurt to bring you a healthy dessert that is both light and satisfying.

Rachel Mansfield

Fruit and Veggie Freezie Pops

This recipe takes one of your fave nostalgic snacks and health-ifies them, packing each popsicle tube with fruits and veggies that won't make you crash like sugar will.

Easy as Apple Pie

Low Fat Apple Cake Healthy Dessert Idea

With only 116 calories per slice, and absolutely *no* butter or oil in the batter, this cake is a healthy dessert dream come true. Sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving for a touch of extra sweetness to complement the tart green apples.

The Edgy Veg

Frozen Vegan Yogurt Bark

Yogurt bark is painfully easy to make, and the best part about it is you can customize the sweetness level, using honey or maple syrup, then pile on your favorite fruits for one of the most delicious healthy desserts you'll ever eat. 🍓

Live Eat Learn

Healthy Date Shake

Dates make this shake a whole lot healthier than ice cream additions would, but still make this sip taste totally like dessert.

Sally's Baking Addiction

Skinny Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

While these may look and taste like a diet deal-breaker, there are actually only 128 calories in each cheesecake bar. Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese are key in keeping these dessert bites on the lighter side... without sacrificing on the creamy, tasty flavor.

Give Recipe

Cinnamon Baked Pears

All you need is half an hour to bake these sweetened pears to perfection, and a generous dollop of clotted cream to top everything off, in the best way.

Munching with Mariyah

The Best Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

It's like Reese's, but healthier! These healthy, mini-sized desserts are made in a muffin tin or mold to form the classic cup shape.

Carlsbad Cravings

Frozen Fruit Skewers

Munching on frozen fruit is a *great* way to cater to your sweet tooth. Drizzle on a bit of semi-sweet chocolate and freeze for a grab-and-go dessert, anytime the craving calls!

Bran Appetit

Whole Wheat Chocolate Cake Donuts

Yes, even donuts can be lightened up. This recipe calls for whole wheat flower, almond milk, ground flax seed and a scrumptious powdered sugar vanilla glaze – all forming your new favorite after-dinner snack. So grab a glass of that almond milk, and start dunking.

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Greek Yogurt Banana and Oat Bread

This healthy banana bread won’t leave you feeling bloated and heavy afterward. Greek yogurt acts as a lighter, healthier replacement for butter and oil in the batter, and the chocolate chunks make the bread taste indulgent instead of a total sacrifice.

Munching with Mariyah

Healthy Vegan Twix Bars

So you're telling us we can chow down on our favorite candy bars without totally feeling yuck?! 😵💫 These vegan-ified Twix bars are the perfect end-of-the-night dessert snack.

Sweet and Savory

Classic Pavlova

This meringue-based dessert is light and airy, and looks so good your friends will be lining up for a slice (and seconds!) Top with fresh fruit and powdered sugar and you’re ready to eat.

The Girl on Bloor

Healthy Edible Cookie Dough

Coconut oil, oat flour, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and of course, chocolate chips combine in a single bowl to form a heavenly edible cookie dough our child selves have *always* dreamed of. This is one of those healthy desserts that we have to have every month!

Chocolate Covered Katie

Chocolate Pudding

There’s a time and place for avocados (guac, anyone?) but this chocolate pudding is not one of them. Instead, this pudding is lightened up with coconut milk and your favorite no-calorie sweetener.

Salt & Lavender

Pumpkin Pie Popsicles

Get *all* the health benefits from pumpkin without having to eat it in boring form. These frozen treats make Greek yogurt and pumpkin partner up for a totally yummy (and cooling) bite.

Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Heavenly Blueberry and Cream Dessert

Heavenly is the *absolute* right word to describe this dessert. Use a store-bought angel food cake to save yourself some time, then layer it with homemade whipped cream and fresh blueberries. Stick the completed trifle in the fridge for the next two hours while it chills.

Pink Owl Kitchen

Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Because who could ever say no to PB and chocolate? Certainly not us!

Lovely Little Kitchen

Cream Cheese Lemon Coffee Cake

Skip the calorie-laden slice of coffee cake and go with this lighter lemon version instead. The crumbly topping and tangy flavor will leave you wanting more, and that’s one craving you *can* give in to.

A Spicy Perspective

Gluten-Free Healthy Vegan Fruit Pizza

Fruit meets a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling in this vegan dessert. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to eat the whole rainbow – while still feeling healthy as ever. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Most Hungry

BAKED PLANTAINS

Sweet, caramelized, and oh-so-easy to make, they're the guilt-free treat that proves healthy can be downright delicious.

Salt and Lavender

PUMPKIN CHIA PUDDING

Pumpkin Chia Pudding is the fall-flavored upgrade your dessert game needs. It's a creamy, dreamy dance of pumpkin spice and everything nice.

Two Peas & Their Pod

Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Moist, decadent, and sneakily packed with veggies, they're the ultimate guilt-free indulgence. Get ready to redefine your relationship with chocolate – it's one of the healthy desserts you'll love savoring.

Gastroplant

Roasted Peaches With Vegan Ice Cream and Granola

It's like a peach cobbler, but without the guilt trip. Your sweet tooth will thank you.

A Virtual Vegan

No Bake Chocolate Cake

Perfect for those moments when you crave a slice of heaven but don't want to turn up the heat. Go ahead, treat yourself!

Averie Cooks

Key Lime Meringue Pie

Talk about light and fluffy! This key lime pie is the one thing that won't give guests cavities during Thanksgiving because it's "not too tart, not too sweet" according to Averie.

No Eggs or Ham

Plant-Based Strawberry Marshmallow Cookies

What's soft and absolutely decadent? These plant-based cookies, that's what! They take 45 minutes to bake and require everything from Melt Organic vegan butter to freeze dried strawberries to create the chewiest sweets you'll taste during the holidays.

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

The holidays aren't complete without peppermint bark being on the menu. Everyone of all ages can enjoy this sweet and minty treat without spoiling their appetites.

Culinary Hill

Fruitcake Cookies

We've found the recipe that will make fruitcake lovers go wild! Ingredients like candied cherries, figs, walnut, and light brown sugar all add up to make 40 cookies with this recipe.

The Endless Meal

Cookie Dough Cake Pops

Keep it really light and simple with these cookie dough cake pops. They're 100% eggless and count as no-bake treats!

Follow us on Pinterest for more healthy desserts and recipes inspiration. Join our newsletter for more ideas sent right to your inbox, or check out our baking and cooking classes!

This post has been updated.

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.