March 21, 2023

Recipe Adventure: 6 Diabetes-Friendly Desserts

Indulge your sweet tooth with these desserts, each with 7 grams of sugar or fewer

Cup of chocolate mousse.

It’s no secret that living with diabetes can be less than sweet. Cutting down on sugars, scrutinizing nutrition labels, managing medications … it’s not easy. And sometimes, it can feel like anything yummy is off the table these days.

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It’s true that people with diabetes need to keep a closer eye on what they eat. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have dessert now and then. It just means you need to be more particular about how you go about indulging your sweet tooth.

Start with these diabetes-friendly desserts, each with 7 grams of sugar or fewer.

An important reminder before we start, though: Even these lower-sugar desserts are treats that should be eaten responsibly. Diabetes-friendly desserts will still have an impact on your blood sugar. And they have calories. And fat. So, enjoy them in moderation, and stick to appropriate serving sizes.

All the flavor in a mini package

These applesauce mini muffins are adorably fun-sized and a perfect sweet treat ready for both breakfast and dessert. Moist and delicious with only 4 grams of sugar.

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  • Serving size: 1 mini muffin.
  • Calories: 60.
  • Total carbs: 10 g.
  • Sugar: 4 g.

Spoonfuls of delicious

Who doesn’t love a scoop of chocolate pudding? Throw in some chia seeds, coconut flakes and cinnamon for a yummy, chocolatey treat.

  • Serving size: 1/2 cup.
  • Calories: 140.
  • Total carbs: 16 g.
  • Sugar: 7 g.

No-bake peanuty goodness

These no-bake peanut butter balls pack a sweet and protein-filled punch in each bite. Sweetened with honey and dried fruit and ready to pop ‘em when you need ‘em.

  • Serving size: 1 ball.
  • Calories: 198.
  • Total carbs: 9.9 g.
  • Sugar: 5.2 g.

Nutty, chocolatey cookie alternative

Sometimes, nothing will do the trick quite like a chocolate chip cookie. Featuring dark chocolate, raisins and nuts, these chocolate chewies are made with no added sugar.

  • Serving size: 1 cookie.
  • Calories: 113.
  • Total carbs: 8.7 g.
  • Sugar: 4 g.

No-flour brownie surprise

Hear us out: These flourless brownies use an unconventional but totally delectable secret ingredient you won’t even notice. We’re talking fudgy black bean brownies that have the same yummy texture and sweetness you expect from a brownie but with way fewer carbs.

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  • Serving size: 1 brownie.
  • Calories: 90.
  • Total carbs: 11 g.
  • Sugar: 7 g.

Break off a bite of yum

Get your sweets and a bit of protein in one bite. This dark chocolate and nut bark tastes like an indulgence and sets in just a half hour.

  • Serving size: 1/2 ounce.
  • Calories: 70.
  • Total carbs: 5 g.
  • Sugar: 4 g.

Learn more about our editorial process.

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