20 Easy Diabetic Dessert Recipes—No Cooking Required

Carb-Controlled Treats That Satisfy

The keys to diabetes-friendly dessert recipes are the right balance of nutritious ingredients, plenty of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness to help control blood sugar spikes

The flavor combinations should be indulgent enough to satisfy you without the need for super-sized portions.

Finally, the recipes should be simple—something you can whip up on the spot when your sweet tooth acts up or make a batch of and keep on hand for when a craving hits.

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How to Make Dark Chocolate Avocado “Pudding”

This article offers a list of diabetes-friendly dessert recipes to get you started. Almost all of these recipes contain under 15g carbs per serving, and tweaks needed to make appropriate dessert-sized portions are noted.

None of the recipes require an oven—at most, they may need a little boiling and a refrigerator or freezer. Pick your favorite diabetic treats and incorporate them into your next diabetes-friendly meal plan.

1

Peanut Butter Banana Yogurt Parfait

Peanut butter banana parfait
Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD

This diabetic dessert recipe has 250 calories, 15g protein, 31g carbs, 3g fiber, 22g total sugar, and 9g added sugar per parfait. It's ready in about 5 minutes. Get the recipe here.

This parfait makes a delicious dessert recipe when halved. Split it in two for 125 calories, about 8g protein, 16g carbs, 2g fiber, 11g total sugar, and 5g added sugar.

This recipe is great as is, but if you want to have it warm, just pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds.

Recommended Variations

Follow the ingredient variations and substitutions outlined in the recipe—use nonfat plain Greek yogurt or light vanilla yogurt.

The cacao nibs are quite satisfying, but if you prefer you can swap them out for a lower-carb topping, like shredded unsweetened coconut or chopped nuts (any kind will do).

2

Sugar-Free Panna Cotta Recipe

High Angle View Of Food In Plate
Siraphol Siricharattakul / EyeEm / Getty Images

This diabetic dessert recipe offers 335 calories, 2g protein, 4g carbs, 4g total sugar, and 0g added sugar per serving. It's prepped in 15 minutes and ready after 3 hours of chilling. Get the recipe here.

Creamy and sweet, this easy-to-prepare favorite uses a sugar substitute to allow you to enjoy the full flavor. Plan ahead, though, for this dessert since it takes a few hours for it to solidify and be ready to eat.

Suggested Pairings

Reach for a cup of whole strawberries if you're opting for fruit. You can also whip up a non-dairy version using coconut milk (full fat) or coconut cream.

3

Sugar-Free No-Cook Pumpkin Pudding

A sliced open pumpkin with orange pudding inside.

TOHRU MINOWA/a.collectionRF/Getty Images

This diabetic dessert recipe has 105 calories, 1g fat, 13g carbs, 2g protein, 2g of fiber, 9g of sugar, and 6g of added sugar for one serving. It makes about 8 servings and takes 5 minutes. Get the recipe here.

You might see pumpkins and think autumn, but you can make this tasty pudding recipe any time of year.

Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins—especially vitamins A and C. Since this recipe uses canned pumpkin, it's easy to make. Just make sure you get pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

You'll get plenty of flavor from topping your pudding with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Recommended Variations

Choosing a sugar-free pudding mix helps keep the sugar in this dessert low, but you can also use sugar substitutes and low-sugar milk alternatives to get it closer to being sugar-free.

4

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Lemon Coconut Bliss Balls

gluten free balls
EA Stewart, MBA, RDN

This diabetic treat recipe has 97 calories, 3g protein, 6g carbs, 1g fiber, 3g total sugar, and 3g added sugar per ball. It's ready in 8 minutes. Get the recipe here.

This is fun finger food for the entire family—especially kids. It's perfectly portioned, just sweet enough, and is seasoned with cinnamon, which may help with blood glucose control.

You can whip up a batch of these over the weekend and enjoy up to two balls ready to grab and go as a snack after lunch or as dessert after dinner.

5

Chocolate Chip and Ricotta-Stuffed Strawberries

Three-Berry Sauce
Cheesecake with Blueberries and Three-Berry Sauce. Photo © Sergii Koval/Dreamstime.com

This low-sugar topping recipe has 42 calories, 0g fat, 10g carbs, 4g fiber, 1g protein, and 5g sugars. Get the recipe here.

Boost your antioxidants while taking your dessert up a notch or two. Using a sugar substitute and fresh or frozen fruit, this recipe does require you to turn on the stovetop, but it's for a simple boil that pays off with restaurant-quality taste.

6

Tropical Mango Popsicles

tropical mango popsicles
Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD

This diabetes treat recipe offers 63 calories, 1g protein, 8g carbs, 1g fiber, 6g total sugar, and no added sugar per popsicle. The popsicles should chill for 6 hours. Get the recipe here.

There's an entire list of plusses about this dessert: it contains only four ingredients, requires easy two steps, you can prep once and have enough for a week, there is absolutely no added sugar, the popsicles are cool and refreshing, and you can enjoy up to two if you really want to and still stay near 15g carbs.

Recommended Variations

The recipe is also versatile. No coconut milk? Use a different kind of milk. No fresh mangos? Opt for frozen ones.

7

No Added Sugar Eggnog

Two glasses of eggnog with a straw.

Arina Habich / EyeEm / Getty Images

This diabetic treat recipe has 155 calories, 9g fat, 6g carbs, 6g protein, 6g sugars,  and no added sugar for about 1/2 cup. The recipe makes 12 servings and takes about 15 minutes. Get the recipe here.

Eggnog is a seasonal favorite and a classic holiday beverage, but there's no rule that says you can't have it at other times of the year, too.

If you want a little festive flavor, try making a batch of this eggnog recipe made with stevia (or a no-calorie sweetener of your choice) for a no added sugar treat.

While the recipe calls for alcohol, you needn't include it. Having the eggnog sans rum cuts down the calories. Choosing a dairy milk alternative like almond milk is another way to make the nutrition of this drink more diabetes-friendly.

8

Low-Carb Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

3 chocolate peanut butter fudge squares on a white plate.

Kirk Mastin / Getty Images

This diabetic dessert recipe has 76 calories, 7g fat, 3g carbs, 3g protein, 1 g of sugar, and no added sugar for one piece of fudge. You can whip up a batch of 36 servings in about 10 minutes. Get the recipe here.

Fudge is a classic no-bake recipe, but it is usually high in sugar and carbs. This low-carb, low-sugar version is a more diabetes-friendly, but still delectable, option.

While this dessert has no added sugar and is low in real sugar, you can also swap in stevia or another sugar substitute to make it truly sugar-free.

9

Coconut Golden Milk

Golden milk

Verywell/Alexandra Shytsman

This diabetic dessert drink recipe has 74 calories, 4.5g fat, 10g carbs, 9g sugar, and 3g added sugar per serving. It takes about 20 minutes to make 2 servings. Get the recipe here.

There's nothing like a warm, comforting drink to make you feel cozy and relaxed. If you don't want to stand over the stove, you can adapt this hot beverage recipe to be microwave-friendly or even enjoy it chilled instead.

This makes enough for you and a companion, but one serving of the golden coconut milk drink has just 37 calories, 5g carbs, 4.5 g sugar, and 1.5 g added sugar.

Not only is this beverage low in carbs and sugar compared to a latte or hot cocoa, it also has the powerful nutritional benefits of turmeric, black pepper, and ginger.

For an added punch of flavor and a little sweetness, top the drink with cinnamon and honey.

10

Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse

low-carb pumpkin mousse
Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, CDE

This diabetic dessert recipe has 136 calories, 8g protein, 13g carbs, 2g fiber, 8g total sugar, and 5g added sugar per 1/2 cup serving. The mousse is ready within half an hour. Get the recipe here.

Served in perfectly controlled portions, each spoonful of this mousse is decadent, creamy, and an appetizing combination of sweet flavors spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Recommended Variations

You can make it your own by creating a chocolatey version or varying the toppings. Sprinkle on a few walnuts for a bit of plant-based omega-3s, for example, or pepitas for some crunch.

Be sure to stick to the 1/2 cup portion size for a carb and calorie-controlled treat. With 8g protein per serving, it'll likely be enough to fill you up.

11

Chocolate Chia Smoothie

chia chocolate smoothie
Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, CDE

This diabetes treat recipe has 198 calories, 6g protein, 31g carbs, 9g fiber, 11g total sugar, and no added sugar per parfait. It's ready in about 10 minutes. Get the recipe here.

Chia seeds are often the stars of diabetes-friendly desserts since they offer a nice amount of fiber to help balance out blood sugar spikes. Cinnamon may also help control blood glucose levels.

Transform this breakfast recipe into dessert by halving the portion size. You'll get slightly under 100 calories, about 3g protein, 16g carbs, 5g fiber, and 6g total sugar—and it'll still be plenty filling after dinner and feel like a rich, refreshing, and decadent sweet treat.

12

Tropical Papaya Yogurt Walnut Boats

Filled Papaya Boat Snack
Stephanie Lang, MS, RDN, CDN

This diabetic dessert recipe offers 184 calories, 9g protein, 21g carbs, 4g fiber, 15g total sugar, and no added sugar per 1/2 papaya. The mousse is ready in 5 minutes. Get the recipe here.

The papaya adds natural sweetness that's nicely balanced with creamy, protein-rich yogurt and textured walnuts. If you have half of the half, you'll take in slightly under 100 calories, about 5g protein, 11g carbs, 2g fiber, and 8g total sugar. The best part is that you only need five minutes to make it.

Recommended Variations

Transform a tropical snack into dessert—just halve the portion size and get creative with the toppings. We recommend a dusting of cinnamon, which may help with blood glucose control, and plant-based omega-3s like walnuts and chia seeds, which offer a nice crunch.

13

Stuffed Dates 2 Ways: A Sweet and Savory Snack

Stuffed Dates 2 Ways
Stephanie Lang, MS, RDN, CDN

This diabetic treat recipe offers 73 calories, 2g protein, 7g carbs, 1g fiber, 5g total sugar, and no added sugar for each sunflower butter and seed stuffed date. The goat cheese and honey stuffed date offer about 10 calories less and 3g of added sugar. Both are ready in less than 5 minutes. Get the recipes here.

This is another easy-to-make finger food for when a sweet craving hits. There are two versions here—the sunflower butter stuffed date contains no added sugar, and the goat cheese and honey one has about 3g added sugar per date. The other nutrition stats are similar.

Recommended Variations

If you're making the sunflower butter and seeds version, go for whichever nut or seed butter you prefer. They all provide a satisfying creaminess and similar nutrition benefits.

If you're making the goat cheese and honey stuffed version, you can omit the honey if you prefer. The date itself offers just enough sweetness.

Enjoy two of the same kind or one of each for just around 15g carbs.

14

Peanut Butter Cup Chia Pudding

peanut butter chia pudding
Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD

This diabetic treat recipe offers 415 calories, 20g protein, 40g carbs, 17g fiber, 20g total sugar, and 6g added sugar for the entire pudding. Prep is under 5 minutes, with chilling recommended overnight. Get the recipe here.

Here is another breakfast option that can double as dessert when split in half, giving you about 208 calories, 10g protein, 20g carbs, 9g fiber, 10g total sugar, and 3g added sugar.

These nutrition stats are still a bit high for a dessert, so try to enjoy this one after a lighter meal. You're getting plenty of fiber and protein, so you'll still be quite full, even if your dinner isn't as filling on its own.

Recommended Variations

You can enjoy this warm or cold, depending on your mood and the temperature outside. Make it your own by using your favorite nut butter and milk.

15

Apple Cinnamon Popcorn

Apple cinnamon popcorn in a bowl.

Kaleigh McMordie

This diabetic treat recipe has 154 calories, 9g fat, 18g carbs, 2g protein, 3g fiber, 5g sugar, and no added sugar for 2 servings. Get the recipe here.

If you want a sweet 'n salty treat, look no further than apple cinnamon popcorn. A bowl will take about 10 minutes to make and the recipe ensures you'll have enough to share.

While you can use your stovetop to pop your kernels in a heart-healthy oil like avocado oil, you can turn it into a fast and nearly no-cook recipe by making your popcorn in the microwave.

If you stick to a single serving, you'll have a sweet-salty treat with no added sugar, just 4.5g of sugar, 9g carbs, 77 calories, and a little fiber.

16

No Bake Almond Flour Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

John Kelly / StockFoodCreative / Getty Images

This diabetic treat recipe has 238 calories, 16g fat, 17g carbs, 6g protein, 14g sugar, and 10g added sugar for one slice of cake. The recipe makes about 8 slices of cake and takes 20 minutes. Get the recipe here.

If you're a cheesecake lover, you may worry that you can't have cheesecake if you have diabetes. While it's true that classic cheesecakes are high in fat, carbs, and sugar, you can make a version that is more diabetes-friendly.

Even though the almond flour makes this recipe lower carb than traditional cheesecake, a whole slice might still be too decadent.

If you go for a half-slice instead, you can enjoy a favorite dessert for 119 calories, 8g fat, 8.5g carbs, 3g protein, 7g sugar, and 5g added sugar.

Recommended Variations

To make the dessert lower in carbs, calories, fat, and sugar, skip the toppings and use a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also try making your own low-carb whipped cream.

17

Greek Yogurt-Covered Frozen Grapes

Frozen yogurt covered grapes.

Hungry-Girl

This diabetic treat recipe has 70 calories, less than 0.5g total fat, 15.5g carbs, 1g fiber, 3.5g protein, 13g sugars, and no added sugar for 1/4 serving (about 10 grapes). It makes 4 servings and is ready in about 1 hour. Get the recipe here.

Naturally sweet grapes are a perfect, pop-able vehicle for the cool, tangy Greek yogurt. Using a fat-free yogurt of your choice keeps this treat low in fat and sugar.

You only need a freezer for this recipe, but you will have to practice patience while waiting for your treats to chill.

Recommended Variations

If you want a little extra sweetness, sprinkle on a little no-calorie sweetener like stevia.

18

Double Chocolate Cheesecake Dip

Double Chocolate Cheesecake Dip

Hungry-Girl

This diabetic dessert recipe has 72 calories, 4g fat, 7.5g carbs, 1g fiber, 4.5g sugars, and 2.5g protein for about 3 tablespoons. The recipe makes 6 servings and is ready in just 5 minutes. Get the recipe here.

This recipe lets you enjoy cheesecake without the carbs, as it's basically just the filling with no crust.

Sugar substitutes, sugar-free chocolate, and unsweetened cocoa powder make this dessert diabetes diet-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

The dip pairs well with slices of fresh fruit, but you can also just have a spoonful.

19

Low-Carb Trail Mix

Tropical Trail Mix
Plamen Petkov

This diabetes treat recipe has about 117 calories, 8.7 g fat, 8 g carbs, 2.5 g fiber, and 4g sugar per 1/4 cup serving. It makes about 16 servings. Get the recipe here.

Trail mix is incredibly versatile and can be a good pick if you have diabetes because you can control exactly what's in it and in what amounts.

To make a mix that's a sweet treat without added sugar, go with unsweetened coconut and energy-dense nuts like almonds.

You can lower the carb content if you don't add raisins to the mix.

20

Peanut Butter Powder Dip

powdered peanut butter in bowl with spoon

Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman

This diabetes treat recipe has 90 calories, 3g fat, 10g carbs, 4g fiber, 2g sugar, and 10g protein for 2 tablespoons. Find other ways to use powdered peanut butter here.

Whether it's in a sandwich, paired with apples, or just enjoyed by the spoonful, peanut butter is one of the tastiest and quickest ways to get a boost of protein.

While real peanut butter can be high in saturated fat, salt, and added sugar, the powdered versions are lower in fat and just as versatile. In fact, you might find it easier (or at least less messy) to cook with powdered peanut butter.

Most peanut butter powders are just crushed peanuts. Some products add a little salt or sugar, so be sure to check the labels.

Recommended Variations

To make a sugar-free peanut butter dip, just mix up the powder with water and a no-calorie sweetener. You can change up the ratio of powder, sugar, and water to find the sweetness and consistency of the dip that you like best.

Summary

If you have diabetes, you might think dessert is off-limits—but that's far from true. You'll find plenty of easy diabetes treat recipes out there that incorporate all your favorite flavors.

With adjustments and swaps, you can have classic treats that are diabetes-friendly. There are also some diabetes dessert recipes without artificial sweeteners that are naturally sweetened with fruit.

You can also change diabetes dessert recipes to suit your needs. For example, there are diabetes treats made with stevia and alternative flours and kinds of milk. You can also adjust the portion size of any recipe to lower the carb and sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can people with diabetes have cheesecake?

    Classic cheesecake recipes are not diabetes-friendly because they contain a lot of carbohydrates, fat, and sugar. That said, you can create a low-carb, low-sugar cheesecake by using an alternative to white flour, like almond flour and a sugar substitute. Portion control is also important.

  • What candy has the least impact on blood sugar?

    Candy that has a higher fat or protein content generally has less impact on blood sugar. Chocolate with nuts will raise blood sugar slower than candy without fat or protein. Dark chocolate has an even lower impact on blood sugar than milk chocolate.

  • Should people with diabetes opt for sugar-free versions of candy?

    Candy labeled "sugar-free" typically contains sugar alcohols that do not raise blood sugar but can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It's best to enjoy them in moderation.


  • What kind of butter is good for people with diabetes?

    Choose a butter with no salt or a butter substitute made with olive oil. Enjoying butter or butter alternatives in moderation is best whether you have diabetes or not.

2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Shah SR, Alweis R, Najim NI, et al. Use of dark chocolate for diabetic patients: a review of the literature and current evidence. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2017;7(4):218-221. doi:10.1080/20009666.2017.1361293

  2. Cleveland Clinic. Is sugar-free candy the best choice if you have diabetes?

Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD

By Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD
Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with a master's in clinical nutrition. She focuses her efforts on digital health communication.