The Best 250-Calorie Dessert Recipes

Caramel Popcorn

Nearly 43 percent of Americans say they'd stop eating dessert if it meant they could add 5 years to their life. No worries: At only 250 calories, these four treats won't require any sacrifice.

Makes: 12 servings, about 1 1/3 cups each
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) unpopped popcorn kernels
• 5 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 3/4 cups light brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. In a stockpot or an extra-large saucepan, heat popcorn kernels in 3 tablespoons of oil. Stir to coat all kernels. Cover and cook over medium heat, 5 to 7 minutes, or until kernels are fully popped (shaking pot after 3 minutes).
2. Lightly coat 2 large baking pans with cooking spray. Pour popcorn into pans and preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, honey, remaining oil, and salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden or silicone spoon, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in baking soda until smooth.
4. Evenly drizzle over popcorn; stir to coat. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 250 calories, 1g protein, 41g carbohydrate, 11g fat (4g saturated), 1g fiber.