Maybe you’ve made healthy New Year’s resolutions. Or, maybe you want to lose weight. Or, you could just want to improve your diet.
And as much as you know that sticking to these goals means eating well and making healthy decisions, no one wants to skip out on dessert, right?
A life without chocolate? No thanks!
So, we’ve rounded up the best low carb desserts for you. These nine mouth-watering treats will help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals while satisfying your sweet tooth in the meantime.
Let’s dig in, shall we?
What is a Low-Carb Diet?
You’re probably familiar with the Atkin’s Diet, Weight Watchers, South Beach, and Jenny Craig, just to name a few.
What do all of these diets have in common? Low-carb.
And just as the name implies, all these diets cut back on carbohydrates – specifically refined sugar, and all the food it comes in, like bread, pasta, cereal, baked goods, etc.
Instead of those sugary items, a low-carb diet fills you up with high-protein and high-fat foods, such as vegetables, legumes, seeds, and good fats.
Why try low-carb foods?
Well, studies have shown that low-carb diets can support weight loss and help you manage your blood sugar levels.
Is There a Such Thing as a Low-Carb Dessert?
Absolutely!
It’s possible to enjoy a yummy dessert without any refined sugars. These desserts taste amazing, and they make you feel amazing, too.
How is this possible?
Well, you’ll find that a lot of low-carb recipes – including the nine recipes below – use plenty of delicious alternatives.
Mother Nature doesn’t leave us hanging when it comes to sugar substitutes!
Things like honey, maple syrup, and coconut palm sugar really have a wonderful flavor. They also support your blood sugar levels, too. That’s because these sugars have a low glycemic index. So, they won’t make your blood sugar levels spike as the other refined, table sugar does.
Say Hello to Coconut Oil
You’ll notice that sugar isn’t the only thing different about these desserts.
You’ll also see coconut oil and other good fats coming into play.
Why coconut oil?
It’s really good for you – especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Coconut oil is saturated fat, but because it’s made up of medium- and short-chain triglycerides, the body doesn’t store it as fat. Instead, the body uses it as an energy source.
9 Best Low Carb Desserts You Have to Try
Is anyone else getting hungry with all this talk about sugar and dessert?
Let’s have a look at nine yummy treats (click on the treat's title to see the recipe).
1. Caramelized Nuts
These might sound fancy, but this stovetop treat is actually very quick and easy.
This recipe uses cashews, Brazilian nuts, and almonds, but you can opt for Macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and walnuts, too. It’s perfect for an on-the-go snack, or you can serve it at your next party or gathering.
2. Caramel Sauce
When you need something sticky and delicious to drizzle over your favorite treat, roll up your sleeves and make your own caramel sauce! This is perfect on apples, popcorn, atop a cake, or poured over low-carb custard ice cream. Need I say more?
3. Almond Butter Truffles
Packed with hemp seeds, chia seeds, almonds, and coconut, these cute little truffles make for a festive treat. They’re protein-dense but still sweet and satisfying. So, they’re an optimal snack when you’re done working out.
4. Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
Chocolate and peanut butter are like a culinary match made in heaven. And this fun dessert combines the two, using coconut palm sugar, which is great for blood sugar levels.
If you’re not into peanut butter, don’t worry, you can easily use another nut or seed butter. And if you really want to step it up a notch, you can make your own dairy-free, sugar-free and soy-free chocolate chips.
5. Lemon Cream Tart
This might not be the easiest dessert on our list, but these cute little tarts are well worth the effort, and will definitely wow your friends and family.
Plus, they’re vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, grain-free and sugar-free. So, you can be sure that all your friends and family will be able to enjoy them, too.
Now, those first five recipes are great new ideas for a low-carb dessert. But what about your favorite treats? Do you have to say goodbye to them for once and for all?
Luckily, the answer is no. You can definitely have them, and even make them healthier and better tasting, too.
6. Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
From the popular cookbook, Against All Grain, these cookies are grain-free. The honey and warm spices here make it possible to enjoy this American classic without any guilt.
7. Fig Brownie
The idea of figs might put some people off, but this personal favorite might be the best brownie out there. Figs are the only sweetener here, and they guarantee that your dessert will have that soft, gooey texture that is so essential to any real brownie.
8. Peanut Butter Cups
Even though there is no added sugar, these alternatives will not disappoint!
In fact, they’re even better than the store-bought varieties, because they don’t include any refined sugars, preservatives or additives. Plus, you can make them in batches and freeze them for an on-the-go snack.
9. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got you covered when it comes to this all-time favorite. Medjool dates are the only “sugar” here, and what’s more, they provide a nutritious dose of fiber and potassium, too. Because they’re high in protein, with things like almond flour and quinoa flakes, they will definitely satiate you.
You’ll want to curl up on the couch with a tall glass of milk when these cookies come out of the oven. And don’t forget, if you really want to keep the sugar content low, you can make your own chocolate chips, too.
As you can see, there’s no need to cut out treats on a low-carb diet. And with these nine, delicious recipes, you can satisfy both your sweet tooth and your body’s nutritional needs. Yes, even with a brownie in hand!
