No disrespect to Mary Poppins, but a spoonful of sugar is the last thing we need. In the age of the paleo, keto, and low-carb diets, refined sugars are a big no-no. There are tons of amazing sugar-free desserts out there that won't make you miss the sweetener one bit. Check out these delectable dessert recipes that will have you saying buh-bye to sugar, and hello to flavor instead.
Natural-Dye, Sugar-Free Sprinkles
No matter what diet you are on, it seems like sprinkles are probably not compliant… until now. (via Brit + Co)
Keto Pumpkin Pie
Nothing beats a slice of delicious pumpkin pie. This recipe is made better by the fact that it's sugar-free! (via Brit + Co)
Keto Matcha Cheesecake
If you're someone who loves a good cup of matcha, this cake is going to become your new best friend. (via Brit + Co)
This vintage dessert pairs sugar-free Jell-O and cream cheese, with salty pretzels adding a buttery crunch to each spoonful. (via The Cookie Rookie)
Crunchy holiday cookies sweetened with monkfruit and stevia will hit the spot as your after-dinner sweet. (via Kalyn's Kitchen)
Buttery, crumbly pecan cookies made with almond and coconut flour will give you the cookie flavor you crave without having a sugar crash later in the day. (via All Day I Dream About Food)
Sticky sweet honey flavors this almond-based cake instead of refined sugar. You can also use maple syrup or agave. (via Sunkissed Kitchen)
Coconut sugar adds a caramelized depth of flavor to these blondies that white sugar could never compete with. (via Full of Plants)
Silky ganache covers moist chocolate cake in this keto dessert recipe. Use coffee in the recipe instead of water if you want a stronger cocoa flavor. (via Savory Tooth)
The bonus of this recipe made with a low-carb almond flour dough? You'll have some tasty homemade chocolate-hazelnut-macadamia spread left over after adding it to your cookies to snack on. (via Primavera Kitchen)
Shredded coconut and aquafaba (chickpea brine) are the base of these chewy cookies, which are held together with cornstarch and sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup. (via Minimalist Baker)
Moist, decadent sticky toffee pudding relies on almond flour and yacón syrup in this Instant Pot cake, then drizzled with a keto, sugar-free toffee sauce. (via All Day I Dream About Food)
Pine nuts add richness and healthy fat to this traditional Italian cookie made keto. (via I Breathe I'm Hungry)
Luscious salted caramel pots de creme laced with ginger are a company-worthy dessert that we totally won't blame you for keeping for yourself. Sweet'N Low in browned butter is what gives it a caramel flavor. (via Hungry Couple NYC)
This orange cake has the same texture as pound cake but with the added fun of the bright and citrusy orange. (via Clean Cuisine)
While fig bread might not be a dessert that immediately comes to mind, this sweet treat goes great after a meal or with a cup of coffee. (via Give Recipe)
Keto Chocolate Fat Bombs
These healthy chocolate bites are so simple to make and only require 3 ingredients! (via The Girl On Bloor)
What are your favorite sugar free desserts to try? Which of these treats are you excited to make? Share your favorites on Pinterest, join our newsletter, and check out our new baking classes on B+C Classes!
(With additional reporting by Justina Huddleston)
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Kim Messina
Kim was born and raised in New Jersey. The true definition of a “fan girl,” her friends make fun of her because she speaks in teen. But she’s okay with that because boy bands are her Kryptonite. On a typical night you can find her reciting lines to a Full House rerun and testing her latest baking experiment.
FAQs
Best Sugar Alternatives To Create A Rich Caramel Like Flavour
- Maple Syrup.
- Coconut Sugar – Sweet Sensation.
- Honey, The Bomb Of Natural Sweeteners.
- Dried Fruit – To Richen And Make Delicious Cake Bases.
- Rhubarb Lavender Crumble.
- Frozen Nectarine and Yogurt Pie.
- Sour Cream Raisin Bars.
- Earl Grey Tea Cookies. Lemon Spongettes.
The Bottom Line
Nanavati says that sugar-free desserts often contain fewer nutrients and often higher amounts of sugar, fat, calories, and carbohydrates than regular desserts—all of which can lead to weight gain. Instead, she suggests eating healthier, natural desserts like fresh fruit if you have a sweet tooth.
How do you make dessert less sweet? ›
Balance Out the Flavors
- Sour: The general go-to here would be lemon juice, although lime will also work. ...
- Bitter: There are plenty of foods that taste bitter, but it's difficult to add pure bitterness as a way of balancing out sweetness without also adding a large number of ingredients like kale, arugula, or radicchio.
When sugar cravings strike and you really want something sweet, experts agree fruit is your best option. Try dates, raisins, figs, berries, pears, and really any other delicious fruit. Fruit-based purees and jams and sauces, such as applesauce, with no added sugars can also bring a big sweet reward to your treats.
How can I satisfy my sweet tooth without sugar? ›
10 Healthy Alternatives To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
- Fruit. Fruit is nature's candy, after all! ...
- Greek Yogurt. Start with plain yogurt (no added flavors or sugars) and then build up from there. ...
- Peanut Butter and Banana Ice Cream. ...
- Chia Pudding. ...
- Low-sugar Popsicles. ...
- Nut Butter. ...
- Baked Pears or Apples. ...
- Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites.
Healthy dessert ideas from dietitians and doctors
- Oatmeal raisin cookies. ...
- Ice cream with seasonal fruit and honey. ...
- Homemade sorbet or "nice cream" ...
- Chocolate. ...
- Chocolate and peanut butter smoothies. ...
- Smoothie popsicles. ...
- Easy mug cakes. ...
- Frozen yogurt bark.
The simplest dessert and one of the best are fruits because they are nutritious, appetizing, and easy to prepare and serve. Baked and soft custards vary in so many ways. Creamy, delicate, baked custards may be served in their baking cups or may be unmolded and served with fruit garnishes or with dessert sauces.
What desserts to avoid? ›
Today, the average restaurant serves desserts that are heavily laden with saturated fat and sugar and that range between 800 to 1500 calories
- Cheesecake.
- Carrot cake.
- Banana split.
- Molten lava cakes.
Stevia and monk fruit are both naturally derived from plants and some people feel they have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. The FDA says these sweeteners are “generally regarded as safe,” which means they are safe to use for their intended purpose.
sorry, but no. Moderation is still important. That said...if you're going to help yourself to a few pieces of sugar-free candy (and def feel free!), just know that you'll want to factor those carbs, grams of fat, and calories into your recommended daily intake.
Is stevia better than sugar? ›
Therefore, intake of stevia sweetener does not affect the blood glucose level. Unlike the low-calorie synthetic sweeteners, stevia is quite safe, non-toxic and non-mutagenic; also, it is 200-times sweeter than the regular sugar (sucrose) and calorie-free.
What cancels out sweetness? ›
How to Make Food Less Sweet. Add an acid or seasonings such as vinegar or citrus juice; chopped fresh herbs; a dash of cayenne pepper; or, for sweet dishes, a bit of liqueur or espresso powder.
What to bake for someone who doesn't like sweet things? ›
25 Low-Sugar Baking Projects for Not-Too-Sweet Treats
- Homemade Fig Newtons. Vicky Wasik. ...
- Vanilla Pear Galette. Vicky Wasik. ...
- Lemon-Blueberry Scones. Vicky Wasik. ...
- Buttermilk Granola. Vicky Wasik. ...
- English Muffins. Vicky Wasik. ...
- Bagels. Vicky Wasik. ...
- Brown-Butter Yeast-Raised Waffles. Vicky Wasik. ...
- Light and Fluffy Biscuits. Vicky Wasik.
While not an option for every recipe, you can reduce the added sugar in certain desserts and keep them sweet by adding unsweetened dried fruit. Toss in some dried blueberries, cherries or fruit of your choice — they can be a great replacement for something like chocolate chips, or just a tasty addition.
What can I use instead of sugar for desserts? ›
As far as liquid sugar substitutes go, the list is long, but some easy pantry staples you probably already have include honey, agave, maple syrup, and molasses. Keep in mind that each has a different flavor profile (or lack thereof—agave is the most neutral), and that it should complement, not clash with your recipe.
What can I eat instead of eating sugar? ›
Eating certain foods, like fruit and yogurt, may help reduce cravings for sweets. Foods that contain whole grains, fiber, and protein may keep you feeling fuller longer. Sugar cravings are extremely common, especially among women.
What should I eat if I crave sugar? ›
What to eat when you're craving sugar
- Apricots and almonds. Dried fruits and nuts can help you have a healthy snack on hand when you're on the go. ...
- Greek yogurt and cinnamon. ...
- Peanut butter and an apple. ...
- Cottage cheese and blueberries. ...
- Hummus and raw veggies.
Stevia and monk fruit are both naturally derived from plants and some people feel they have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. The FDA says these sweeteners are “generally regarded as safe,” which means they are safe to use for their intended purpose.
