December 22, 2011 | 2 minute read

What are the top viewed AICR recipes of 2011? The polls are in, and it looks like everyone wants to get their sweet tooth fix. Here’s the good news: we have lots of delicious, sweet recipes that you can make over the holidays to replace the traditional, not-so-healthy versions.

AICR’s top-5 ranked treats:

1. Pumpkin Pie – Our pumpkin pie is less than 200 calories per slice, but just as moist and rich as the kind you’re used to. Pumpkin also provides plenty of beta-carotene, fiber and vitamin C.

2. Chocolate Dipped Fruit – This is a great way to get a variety of fruit, and it’s fun to make with friends or family.

3. Cranberry-Pumpkin Bread with Flaxseed – This sweet bread contains fruit (cranberries and apple sauce), vegetable (pumpkin), protein (eggs), whole grains (whole wheat flour), and healthy fat (flax). Flax has protective omega-3 fatty acids, and is high in fiber and other nutrients like magnesium and thiamin. All you need is a cold glass of non-fat milk on the side and this dish is all-in-one!

4. Watermelon Granita – A granita is a semi-frozen, icy dessert (similar to Italian ice). This one is made mostly with watermelon, which is low in calories in high in a red pigment called lycopene (AICR’s expert report found that foods high in lycopene probably reduce risk of prostate cancer). Watermelon is a bit harder to get this time of year, so save this recipe for the summer!

5. Apple Cranberry Crisp – Cranberries add brilliant color to this dish, and they are high in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. This dish is also a great replacement for traditional apple pie, with about 150 fewer calories, and 11 fewer grams of fat per serving.

Lose the guilt by making some of these winning recipes this holiday – just remember, portion size is key!

Look here for more Holiday Recipes from the AICR Test Kitchen

What’s your favorite AICR recipe?