7 Healthy Salty-Sweet Desserts to Cure Sugary Cravings

If you haven't caught on the trend in food these days, salted desserts are in. Salt can apparently enhance the sweetness and flavor of dessert foods. However, too much of both can be a little too much so finding the right balance is key.

Here are 7 healthy salty-sweet desserts that can cure sugary cravings:

1.) Coconut thumbprint cookies with salted caramel

Salted caramel by itself is glorious but it becomes more fantastic when incorporated in coconut cookies. This recipe from Martha Stewart is a delightful combination of salty, sweet and healthy. Just make sure to pace yourself when munching on these delectable treats.

2.) Cheese crisps and apple butter

Cheese crackers are always a fun go-to snack if you want something on the lighter side. While it's not exactly dessert-tier, it's still a great and nutritious snack time food. You can opt to use and make your own cheese crackers but if you want something instant, Shape recommends combining 1 single-serving bag of cheese crackers and have 2 tablespoons of apple butter for dipping.

3.) Grilled vanilla bean mascarpone peaches with salted bourbon caramel

This recipe from Steele House Kitchen is laced with alcohol so it may only be reserved for adults. Peaches are layered with creamy and salty mascarpone cheese and drizzled with heavenly bourbon caramel sauce sounds more sinful (for the diet) than healthy, but then again, moderation is key.

4.) Popcorn with sweet butter and sea salt

Popcorn is a diet-friendly snack and is yummy by itself but adding in the elements of sweet to what is a normal salted snack can be mindblowing. This recipe from Fine Cooking is easy to do and only makes use of ingredients that are already in your kitchen cupboard. It may remind you of kettle corn but arguably better because you made your own.

5.) Bourbon-sea salt caramels

Caramels are made from sweetened condensed milk and while it usually quells your sweet tooth cravings, adding sea salt gives it a whole new dimension. This recipe from Bon Appetit gives a detailed account of how to prepare this homemade yet luscious treat.

6.) Beer caramel ice cream

Ice cream is a classic after-dinner dessert but if you're feeling a little adventurous and in the quest to try out new stuff, try this ale-laden recipe from Serious Eats. This dessert does require an ice cream machine but if you have none, you can look up for ways to manually "freeze" the ice cream if you don't mind doing some grunt work.

7.) Salted maple honeycomb candy

This recipe from Food52 is easy and almost impossible to screw up. Honeycomb candy tends to be a little sweet but adding flaky sea salt to this crunchy confectionery will have you wanting more.