95 Diabetic-Friendly Desserts
Updated: Aug. 25, 2020These lighter, healthier desserts are smart sweets to consider if you follow a diabetic diet. All recipes are about 30g carbs or less per serving.
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Ginger Plum Tart
Sweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. Plus, it's extra-awesome when served warm. —Taste of Home Test KitchenWant more diabetic-friendly recipes? Sign up for the Diabetic Kitchen newsletter.
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Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
I'm a chocolate lover, and these cream cheese brownies have satisfied my cravings many times. No one guesses the brownies are light because their chewy texture and rich chocolate taste can't be beat. My family requests them often, and I'm happy to oblige. —Heidi Johnson, Worland, Wyoming
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Raspberry-Banana Soft Serve
When I make this ice cream, I mix and match bananas for their ripeness. Very ripe ones add more banana flavor. Less ripe ones have a fluffier texture. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 4 / 95
Pear Bundt Cake
Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota 5 / 95
Berries with Vanilla Custard
What a simple, delectable way to enjoy fresh raspberries. For a change, also try the custard with strawberries or peaches. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire 6 / 95
Must-Have Tiramisu
This is the perfect guilt-free version of a classic dessert. My friends even say that they prefer my lighter recipe over other tiramisu.—Ale Gambini, Beverly Hills, California 7 / 95
Pumpkin-Butterscotch Gingerbread Trifle
There's more to pumpkin than pie, as this impressive trifle proves. It looks so elegant with alternating layers of gingerbread cake and pumpkin/butterscotch pudding. Try making it ahead of time for a fuss-free dessert when you're planning to entertain guests. —Lyla Lehenbauer, New London, Missouri 8 / 95
Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake
You’ll fall in love with this sweet treat. Each silky slice is topped with juicy raspberries. Yes, you can have cheesecake without breaking the calorie budget. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 9 / 95
Chocolate-Coconut Angel Cupcakes
My guests are never satisfied with just one of these, but that's OK because they are so light. The meringue-like tops make them different, and the chocolate and coconut make them memorable. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 10 / 95
Pear Tart
My sister-in-law brought this pretty pastry to dinner one night, and we all went back for seconds. It is truly scrumptious. —Kathryn Rogers, Suisun City, California 11 / 95
No-Bake Apple Pie
We always have an abundance of apples in the fall, so I like to make this easy pie. My husband has diabetes, and this recipe fits into his diet...but everyone enjoys it. —Shirley Vredenburg, Ossineke, Michigan 12 / 95
Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple
I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit's natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It's great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico 13 / 95
Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 14 / 95
Molasses Crackle Cookies
You can treat yourself to one or two of my crackle cookies without guilt. Most molasses cookies are loaded with butter and have way too much sugar, but not mine. You would never know these are so low in fat.— Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin 15 / 95
Orange Ricotta Cake Roll
I come from a big Italian family where my mom cooked and baked many delicious meals and desserts from scratch. Now I like to do the same for my family. This cake is my finale to our Italian Christmas Eve dinner. —Cathy Banks, Encinitas, California 16 / 95
Root Beer Float Pie
This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don't even need to use an oven. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania 17 / 95
Peppermint Meringues
Peppermint lovers won't be able to get enough of these light and airy delights. They make terrific Christmas gifts or lovely treats to pass around when guests drop in. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois 18 / 95
Ribbon Pudding Pie
Cool, smooth and creamy, this pretty pie is a slice of heaven for people with diabetes and anyone who likes an easy yet impressive dessert. The lovely pudding layers feature a yummy combination of vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch. —Doris Morgan, Verona, Mississippi 19 / 95
Chocolate Pudding Sandwiches
"These cookies are a favorite after-school snack for my kids...and even my diabetic husband enjoys one now and then," writes Jan Thomas of Richmond, Virginia. 20 / 95
Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes
A delightful coconut and ricotta cheese filling is hidden inside these chocolate cupcakes. —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania 21 / 95
Cappuccino Cupcakes
Using reduced-fat whipped topping to frost these chocolatey cupcakes keeps them on the lighter side. If you prefer, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for the prune puree. —Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois 22 / 95
Marinated Oranges
This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois 23 / 95
Chocolate Hazelnut Soy Pops
I love Nutella, and I'm always looking for ways to use it. These pops are a great way to stay cool in the summer, but also make a cozy treat in the winter. —Bonita Suter, Lawrence, Michigan 24 / 95
Banana Chocolate Cake
This light-as-air chocolate cake has a yummy banana flavor. It’s scrumptious as is, but you can also dress it up with nuts or light frostings. —Tina Bellows, Racine, Wisconsin 25 / 95
Sour Cream Bavarian
Are you ‘sweet on’ someone who’s counting calories? Show them you care with this light and refreshing dessert. It’s sinfully creamy and so pretty with the tart raspberry sauce. No one would ever guess that it’s fat-free! —Judi Janczewski, Berwyn, Illinois 26 / 95
Chocolate Swirled Cheesecake
This cheesecakes looks and tastes indulgent, but it's a lightened up version you can feel good about serving your family. —Kathy Shan, Toledo, Ohio 27 / 95
Makeover Fruit Pizza
There’s nothing better than a guilt-free dessert, especially when it’s topped with refreshing and colorful fruit. We skimmed the calories and fat from a traditional fruit pizza to create one with about half the calories, fat and cholesterol. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 28 / 95
Strawberry Sorbet Sensation
On hot days in Colorado, we chill out with slices of this berries-and-cream dessert. The layered effect is so much fun. Use any flavor of sorbet you like. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado 29 / 95
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft banana cookies have a cakelike texture and lots of flavor that everyone seem to love. It's one of the best banana cookie recipes I've found. —Vicki Raatz, Waterloo, Wisconsin 30 / 95
Makeover Cream Cheese Streusel Bars
With an oh-so-chocolaty crust, a crispy, crunchy topping and soft cream cheese filling, these delectable bars are over-the-top indulgent. —Janet Coops, Duarte, California 31 / 95
Chocolate-Topped Strawberry Cheesecake
Creamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky 32 / 95
Pumpkin Pie Custard
Instead of pumpkin pie, try this flavorful light holiday dessert. My husband’s aunt shared the recipe after she brought this treat to a family party. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey 33 / 95
No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats
Perfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska 34 / 95
Fluffy Key Lime Pie
For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan 35 / 95
Cranberry Stuffed Apples
Cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts add a homey autumn flavor to these stuffed apples, but the slow cooker does most of the work for me. —Graciela Sandvigen, Rochester, New York 36 / 95
Frozen Yogurt Fruit Pops
My grandson, Patrick, who's now in high school, was "Grammy's helper" for years. We made these frozen pops for company and everyone, including the adults, loved them. They're delicious and good for you! —June Dickenson, Philippi, West Virginia 37 / 95
Carrot Cookie Bites
This recipe is a longtime family favorite. The cookies are soft and delicious, and the aroma while baking is absolutely irresistible! I'm always being asked for the recipe. —Jeanie Petrik, Greensburg, Kentucky 38 / 95
Almond Espresso Bars
If you like coffee, you'll love these mocha morsels dressed up with toasted almonds. Save a few bars for afternoon snacktime or even breakfast, too. —Taire Van Scoy, Brunswick, Maryland 39 / 95
Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops
With just 31 calories and less than 1 tsp. sugar per serving, this is one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for! —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho 40 / 95
Orange Dream Angel Food Cake
A basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence, thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of the cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates.—Lauren Osborne, Holtwood, Pennsylvania 41 / 95
Vanilla Meringue Cookies
Want to learn how to make meringues? This meringue cookie recipe creates light, airy morsels. It's the perfect fat-free treat to really beat a sweets craving. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 42 / 95
Mixed Berry Sundaes for 2
Before serving yogurt sundaes, get ready for requests for seconds. Our family enjoys them for breakfast, but they're sweet enough for dessert. What an easy way to get our fruit and calcium. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah 43 / 95
Chocolate Zucchini Snack Cake
I like to make this when the zucchini in my garden gets ahead of me. It’s a great way to get children to eat their veggies! —Margo Seegrist, Shelton, Washington 44 / 95
Swedish Apple Pie
This decadent apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan 45 / 95
Almond-Pistachio Dessert Roll-Ups
With a flavor and texture similar to baklava, this delightful dessert appeals to young and old alike. It's especially delicious with honey drizzled over the top.—Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan 46 / 95
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops
These cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick 47 / 95
Super Spud Brownies
These moist and cakey brownies came from my mom’s old cookbook. Mashed potatoes may seem like an unusual ingredient, but this recipe took first place at a local festival. —Marlene Gerer, Denton, Montana 48 / 95
Applesauce Brownies
These moist, cinnamon-flavored brownies are quite easy to make. The recipe can also be doubled and baked in a jelly roll pan. My husband and I live on a farm in central Nebraska and have two grown daughters. —Bernice Pebley, Cozad, Nebraska 49 / 95
Peppermint Kisses
These are fun, refreshing and low in fat! —Lynn Bernstetter, Lake Elmo, Minnesota. 50 / 95
Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Enjoy this holiday dessert without worrying about calories. Plus it is so luscious that no one will guess that it is light! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin 51 / 95
Patriotic Pops
My kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas 52 / 95
Chunky Banana Cream Freeze
Everyone loves ice cream, but we all know it doesn't make a great after-school snack. Until this! With its sweet banana-almond flavor and chunky texture, this appealing banana peanut butter "ice cream" is a crowd-pleaser. People who ask me for the recipe can't believe how easy it is to make. —Kristen Bloom, Okinawa, Japan 53 / 95
Lighter Cookie Cutouts
These simple cookie cutouts are so light and easy, you'll want to bake up several batches to decorate in different ways. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 54 / 95
Chocolate Angel Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Frosting
Sweeten any meal with these fun, frosted chocolate cupcakes that take just minutes to make. The finger-licking flavor packs far fewer calories and fat than traditional desserts! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina 55 / 95
Banana Souffle
This pretty, golden-topped puff is so easy to whip up, but looks like you really fussed. Lightly laced with rum, the moist, tender, banana-rich souffle makes that perfect “little something” to wrap up any holiday dinner. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado 56 / 95
Eggnog Mousse
Guests will always find room for this light, fluffy, mouthwatering mousse. It makes an elegant, refreshing finish for heavier meals—and it’s also a great way to use up any extra eggnog in the fridge. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 57 / 95
Chocolate-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
I created this by taking my favorite cheesecake brownie recipe, which is about 40 years old, and kicking it up with pumpkin and spices. These will disappear fast, so consider doubling the recipe. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina 58 / 95
Full-of-Goodness Oatmeal Cookies
I love to bake, and bring in extra treats to leave in the faculty lounge for my colleagues. To avoid being blamed for ruining their healthy diets, I came up with this healthier version of the classic oatmeal cookie to make snacking on these a good choice, instead of a guilty indulgence. —Sharon Balestra, Bloomfield, New York 59 / 95
Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
Classic lemon meringue pie inspired these gorgeous little cupcakes. The tangy treats hide a surprise lemon pie filling and are topped with fluffy toasted meringue. Make them for your next special gathering. —Andrea Quiroz, Chicago, Illinois 60 / 95
Light & Easy Cheesecake Bars
Fresh hints of lemon in the tender crust and creamy filling of these berry-topped treats. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California 61 / 95
Deconstructed Raspberry Pie
It took us a couple tries to get the crumb crust just right in this fun-to-make and even-funner-to-eat graham cracker pie. Try it with fresh strawberries or blueberries if you like. 62 / 95
Picnic Berry Shortcakes
You can make the berry sauce ahead of time and chill it. Then assemble the entire dessert right before the picnic or party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas 63 / 95
Berry White Ice Pops
Nothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut 64 / 95
Family-Favorite Peanut Butter Cake
My grandmother and aunts made this for family gatherings to go along with fresh homemade ice cream. I now share it with my family and friends during special gatherings. —Keith Gable, Goddard, Kansas 65 / 95
Chocolate-Hazelnut Banana Crepes
Here is a simple and delicious treat featuring a thin, tender crepe stuffed with a creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread and bananas lightly sauteed in brown sugar and butter. It tastes elegant but takes so little effort. —Cathy Hall, Lyndhurst, Virginia 66 / 95
Apple-Spice Angel Food Cake
I dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois 67 / 95
Maple Walnut Biscotti
Replace melted chocolate with more maple flavor by combining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar with 2 tablespoons maple syrup; drizzle over biscotti. — Susan Rogers, Brattleboro, Vermont 68 / 95
Double-Nut Stuffed Figs
We have a family member that has diabetes, so dessert can get tricky. These sweet, nutritious stuffed figs keep us all happy. —Bob Bailey, Columbus, Ohio 69 / 95
Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta
Panna Cotta always impresses, and it’s so easy to prepare. It's especially stunning when garnished with something colorful, like cranberry sauce or fresh berries. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois 70 / 95
Black Bean Brownies
You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island 71 / 95
Strawberry-Citrus Freezer Pops
I knew that clementines and strawberries would create a luscious combination in a fruit pop, and I have to say these are delicious! —Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 72 / 95
Easy Lemon Berry Tartlets
These fruity, flaky tartlets filled with raspberries and topped with lemon-tinged cream cheese are a sweet ending to any weeknight meal. They are elegant yet come together quickly and easily. —Elizabeth Dehart, West Jordan, Utah 73 / 95
Star-Spangled Parfaits
The best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors.—Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts 74 / 95
Cherry & Spice Rice Pudding
I live in Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World. What better way to celebrate our wonderful orchards than by using plump, tart dried cherries in my favorite desserts? This slow-cooked rice pudding recipe always turns out wonderful. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan 75 / 95
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup
Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California 76 / 95
Cinnamon Nut Bars
Classic bar meets good-for-you ingredients in this updated recipe. If you have the patience, after the bars are cool, store them in a tin for a day to allow the flavors to meld...I think they taste even better the next day.— Heidi Lindsey, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin 77 / 95
Gingersnap Cream Cookie Cups
Whole wheat flour gives a rustic look to little tassies that are big on flavor. The velvety, rich filling is a delectable contrast to the cookie cup.—Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 78 / 95
Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt Pops
We planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. You may also substitute your favorite herb for the rosemary—or simply omit it. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah 79 / 95
Sweet Potato Frozen Yogurt Pops
Once I had my little girl I quickly became really creative in the kitchen, needing to have healthy foods on hand. These frozen treats turned out to be a favorite and are a staple in our home. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California 80 / 95
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California 81 / 95
Frozen Pineapple-Kiwi Pops
Kiwi, pineapple, sugar and water are all you need to make these easy, breezy freezer pops.—Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 82 / 95
Baked Elephant Ears
My mother-in-law handed down this recipe from her mother. They’re a special treat—even better, I think, than those at a carnival or festival. And (shh!) they're baked, not fried. —Delores Baeten, Downers Grove, Illinois 83 / 95
Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats
Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin 84 / 95
Chunky Apple Snack Cake
We enjoy this cake as a snack, packed in lunches or as a scrumptious dessert when warmed and topped with a scoop of low-fat ice cream. If the batter seems really thick, don't worry: Once you stir in the apples it loosens up. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois 85 / 95
Light & Creamy Chocolate Pudding
This pudding is exactly what its name promises—light and creamy. Because it uses soy milk, it’s a smart choice if you’re lactose intolerant. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona 86 / 95
Lemony Cream Cheese Bars
Anytime I can take a recipe that has been handed down two generations and lighten it up while keeping the delicious flavor memories intact, I’m a happy girl. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida 87 / 95
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia 88 / 95
Hazelnut Almond Biscotti
Pour a cup of coffee and indulge! Crisp, crunchy biscotti cookies are perfect for dunking. Hazelnuts and almonds make my favorite version even better. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona 89 / 95
Banana-Pineapple Cream Pies
My mother gave me this simple and delicious recipe years ago. The recipe makes two pies, so it's perfect for a potluck. I've never met anyone who didn't like it! —Robyn Appenzeller, Portsmouth, Virginia 90 / 95
Makeover Lemon Pound Cake
For this lovely golden cake, I use fat-free yogurt to trim the calories. It's a comforting dessert for days when it's warm enough to dine outside. —Lauren Gilmore, Pennington, New Jersey 91 / 95
Fruit & Almond Bites
With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of no-bake treats you can take anywhere. —Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey 92 / 95
Rosemary & Thyme Lemon Pudding Cakes
These simple little cakes are absolutely divine and are perfect with hot tea. Think English tea party! Your guests will love them. — Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado 93 / 95
Pineapple Upside-Down Muffin Cakes
A friend submitted this recipe to a cookbook our school district was compiling. The first time I made them, the whole family declared the recipe a winner. Delicious and healthy to boot, they remain favorites to this day. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 94 / 95
Sunrise Pops
Bright, beautiful, cool, refreshing, sweet, delicious and wholesome—what's there not to like in these homemade pops?—Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 95 / 95
Ghost Cupcake Cones
Scare up a good treat using prepared cake mix, ice cream cones and whipped topping. These “ghosts” are as easy as child’s play. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Originally Published: September 19, 2019
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