20 Low-Glycemic Desserts That Actually Taste Like Dessert
Sweet Treats Without the Sugar Spike
Decadent doesn't have to mean cheating. Nor does it have to mean an interesting science project gone bad. Desserts made with low-glycemic ingredients will keep your blood sugar more stable without compromising on taste or texture. If you're someone who fears that "healthy dessert" translates to dry and flavorless letdown, welcome to the place that will prove you wrong.
1. Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters
Dark chocolate and almonds are all you need for these delicious clusters. They get natural sweetness from the chocolate so don’t need a lot of added sugar. Savour one slowly and they’ll feel decadent, not restrictive.
2. Baked Cinnamon Apples
Warm cinnamon apples feel just like comfort food fresh out of the oven. The longer they bake the more the natural sugars break down making them lower glycemic impact. Top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for the perfect bowl of dessert.
3. Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding
chia seeds naturally thicken this pudding and lend a creamy texture that’s surprisingly decadent. Unsweetened cocoa powder adds flavor without increasing sweetness. Leave it to sit for a few hours and you’ll look forward to digging in.
American Heritage Chocolate on Unsplash
4. Coconut Flour Brownies
These brownies are so fudgy and chocolaty you won’t believe how flourless they are. Coconut flour is high in fiber which slows sugar absorption in your body. One will definitely satisfy your craving and you won’t miss the flour!
5. Berry and Mascarpone Cups
Berries add brightness and just enough sweetness. Creamy mascarpone balances the tartness of the fruit. Feel decadent without trying too hard with these cute cups.
6. Frozen Greek Yogurt Bark
Freeze Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy base that tastes surprisingly refreshing. Sprinkle with nuts or berries for added texture and flavor. Break it into chunks and enjoy it like candy.
micheile henderson on Unsplash
7. Almond Butter Cookies
Made with almond butter, these cookies have a soft chewy center and are satisfyingly decadent. They won’t leave you wanting more like regular cookies. Just a few of these will make you feel happy and satisfied!
8. Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake Cups
Using ricotta in place of cream cheese makes these cupcakes lighter and creamier. Lemon zest adds brightness and keeps things from feeling heavy. It tastes like dessert but won’t leave you dragging.
9. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
This avocado blends into a silky base that tastes like it’s bad for you. Cocoa and vanilla are doing all the heavy flavor lifting in this decadent treat. It’s smooth, creamy, and totally swoon-worthy.
10. Oat and Walnut Crumble
Made with just enough oat crumble to deliver warmth and crunch. Walnuts offer heart healthy fats that offset carbohydrates. Spoon it over a piece of fruit and it tastes like you’re eating dessert at a bakery.
11. Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Energy bites are great because they’re hearty and easy to eat on the go. Peanut butter adds healthy fats and rich flavor while keeping sugars low. They taste like dessert but are awesome for a mid-afternoon pick me up too!
12. Poached Pears with Spices
Poaching pears allows them to soak up all those lovely warm spices. Natural fruit sweetness comes through without any added sugar. Soft, fragrant, and satisfying in every bite.
13. Cocoa-Dusted Truffles
These truffles are mostly about texture and rich chocolate flavor. Dusted with cocoa prevents them from tasting too sweet. Small enough to pop in your mouth and savor.
14. Vanilla Bean Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with fresh fruit for an easy dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Using vanilla bean yogurt will make your brain think this dessert is sweeter than it is. It’s deliciously simple and far from boring.
Tanaphong Toochinda on Unsplash
15. Pumpkin Spice Custard
Pumpkin adds sweetness and body to this easy custard recipe. Add your favorite spices for a warmer, more comforting dessert. It’s cozy with just enough sweetness to feel decadent.
16. Hazelnut Chocolate Spread on Apple Slices
Slice up an apple and spread with chocolate hazelnut spread. Eat it like you would peanut butter and crackers and it’s good for you! The sweetness is balanced by the fruit and you get fiber from the apples to slow digestion.
Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Unsplash
17. Coconut Milk Panna Cotta
Creamy coconut milk is the base for this subtly sweet panna cotta. You’d never know it wasn’t something you ordered at a restaurant! Top with a few berries and you’re done.
18. Matcha Almond Squares
Matcha powder provides an earthy flavor that offsets sweetness. Almond flour adds a tender crumb to these bite sized squares. They taste sophisticated and comforting all at once.
19. Roasted Peaches with Yogurt
Roasting peaches concentrates their flavor without adding sugar. Top with a spoonful of yogurt for tang and creaminess. It’s a very delicious treat that will make you addicted to making it almost every day!
20. Espresso Chocolate Squares
Espresso intensifies the chocolate flavor and offsets sweet with just the right amount of bitterness. Small enough to enjoy with just a little piece. Coffee and chocolate has been and always will be the best combo!
