When you’re living with diabetes, dessert can be tricky. You want something sweet, but you also want to keep your blood sugar steady.
For me, it’s been about finding a few simple desserts that don’t make me feel like I’m missing out – just healthier versions of what I already love.
These are five that I actually make at home again and again. They’re quick, affordable, and made with ingredients that help you stay in control.
1. Greek Yogurt Berry Parfait
This is the one I make when I want something light and sweet after dinner. It takes only a few minutes and tastes surprisingly rich for how simple it is.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5%)
- ½ cup berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or almonds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sweetener of choice (I use stevia or monk fruit)
Steps:
- Mix yogurt, vanilla, and sweetener in a small bowl.
- Add a layer of yogurt, then berries, then nuts. Repeat until done.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before eating.
It’s cold, creamy, and a good mix of protein and fiber. I usually have this instead of ice cream, and it satisfies the craving just fine.
2. Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse
I used to think avocado didn’t belong in dessert, but this changed my mind. It turns into a thick, smooth mousse that tastes like dark chocolate pudding.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or ½ teaspoon stevia
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Steps:
- Blend everything until it’s completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Chill for about an hour.
It’s simple, quick, and the texture is perfect. I like to top it with a few raspberries or a sprinkle of cocoa nibs.
3. Chia Seed Pudding
This one’s easy to prep ahead of time. I usually make it in the evening and let it sit in the fridge overnight. By morning, it thickens into a pudding that works as dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon stevia or a small drizzle of honey
Steps:
- Mix everything in a jar or container.
- Stir well, wait 10 minutes, then stir again.
- Refrigerate overnight.
When I want a little extra flavor, I add sliced banana or a spoonful of yogurt on top.
4. Baked Cinnamon Apples
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If you like apple pie, this is the closest you can get without the crust and sugar. It smells great while baking and makes a warm, comforting dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Slice apples in half and remove the core.
- Fill the centers with pecans, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Add a little butter on top and bake for 20–25 minutes.
I like to add a spoonful of Greek yogurt after baking — it melts just enough to make it creamy.
5. Peanut Butter Oat Bites
When I need something quick between meals, these are great. They taste like peanut butter cookies but are made with only a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Steps:
- Mix everything in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll into small balls (around 10 pieces).
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
They keep well for a week, and one or two are enough to take care of a sweet craving.
6. Cottage Cheese Banana Bowl
@pusryciams cottage cheese bowl / #breakfast #breakfastideas #breakfasttok #breakfastbowl #cottagecheese #cottagecheesebowl #banana #caramelizedbanana ♬ Back Pocket – Vulfpeck
This one is quick, high in protein, and great when you want something creamy but not too sweet. I make it when I have half a banana lying around and no time to bake.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ small ripe banana, sliced
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter
- Dash of cinnamon
Steps:
- Put cottage cheese in a small bowl.
- Add banana slices and drizzle peanut butter on top.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon and mix lightly.
It tastes like a mix between banana pudding and cheesecake filling — but it’s packed with protein and only lightly sweet.
7. Baked Oatmeal Cups
These are great to have in the fridge when you want something snack-sized. They’re soft, filling, and easy to grab on the go.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar-free syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: a few blueberries or chopped nuts
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour into a muffin pan (makes 6 cups).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and golden.
They’re perfect warm or cold. I sometimes spread a little peanut butter on top for extra flavor.
8. Sugar-Free Chocolate Mug Cake
Chocolate Mug Cake (gluten-free, paleo) https://t.co/BNx8ediUZA
— wonderful (@wanyu111) August 31, 2023
When I want something chocolatey right now, this is what I make. It’s one bowl, one mug, and one minute in the microwave.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1 teaspoon stevia or sugar-free sweetener
- 1 egg
Steps:
- Mix everything directly in a mug until smooth.
- Microwave for 60–75 seconds.
- Let it cool slightly before eating.
It’s rich, warm, and feels like dessert should – satisfying without the sugar spike.
9. Greek Yogurt Lemon Cheesecake Cups
These taste surprisingly close to real cheesecake but without the crust, sugar, or guilt. I make them in small jars and keep them in the fridge.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- Juice and zest of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sweetener to taste (I use stevia)
Steps:
- Whisk all ingredients together until creamy.
- Spoon into small cups or jars.
- Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.
I top them with a few blueberries or a little crushed graham cracker if I want texture.
10. Frozen Yogurt Bark
This one is great for warm days and perfect when you want something cold and crunchy. It’s also a fun one to make ahead and keep in the freezer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free syrup or honey
- ¼ cup sliced strawberries or blueberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
Steps:
- Line a small tray or plate with parchment paper.
- Mix yogurt and sweetener, then spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle fruit and nuts on top.
- Freeze for 2–3 hours, then break into pieces.
It’s refreshing, naturally sweet, and far healthier than store-bought ice cream.
Final Thoughts
I don’t think of these as “diabetic desserts.” They’re just normal desserts that happen to fit a balanced routine.
Each one uses real ingredients – fruit, nuts, oats, yogurt, cocoa – and none of them takes more than 15 minutes to prepare.
They help me enjoy something sweet without feeling like I’m breaking any rules, and that’s what makes them easy to come back to.
Hi there, my name is Kelly Barlow and kellytoeat.com is my blog. Here, I write about various recipes I want to reccommend to readers.
I try to find the best possible recipes that can attract the attention of readers, and at the same time, I strive to write it in the most engaging manner possible.
When I was younger, I wanted to become a chef. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be, but at the very least, I write about it.