5 Indulgent Sugar-Free Desserts for Diabetics on The Occasion of World Diabetes Day

Worry no more with these sweet treats for diabetics! If sugar is the delinquent, we’ve got the perfect alternatives that won’t harm your health. These can be easily made at home and stored for future use.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that over 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes topping that list. Today, with advancements in science and food technology, managing diabetes has become easier, that too without depriving oneself too much. Because a major part of managing diabetes is maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through diet and lifestyle.

While desserts are treated like the plague by those with diabetes, especially the families who have a diabetic loved one amongst them,there’s now some good news for them. People with diabetes need not completely abstain from having desserts!

There are many delicious sugar-free or sugar-substitute dessert options that allow diabetics to indulge in, without worrying about the repercussions. There are also dark chocolate-based desserts that are easy to make at home. Owing to their high cocoa content, when had in moderation, it is harmless.

1. Kalakand

Many sweet shops sell Kaland with the diabetic tag. These sweets contain zero sugar and are safe to consume for diabetic individuals. The best way to be completely safe is to make your own batch at home. Kalakand uses three ingredients: full-fat milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.

You can substitute sugar with dates. Nuts can be added to enrich the flavor of the kalakand. Paneer is added to the milk to thicken the kalakand while cooking. Once the consistency of the cooking concoction is thick with ample moisture, it’s taken off the stove and refrigerated, to be consumed later. The lack of sugar makes it perfect for people who have diabetes.

2. No-Bake Sugar-Free Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake has the trademark melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture and flavor of the traditional cheesecake, minus the sugar, which makes it safe to consume for people who have diabetes. The crusty base can be made from an almond meal or crushed dry crackers, pressed into the bottom of a pan.

The filling is made by whipping softened cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy. Artificial sweeteners like stevia can be added along with a bit of vanilla extract. Stevia is a lot sweeter than sugar so use it in moderation. Heavy whipping cream is then whipped until stiff peaks form and added to the cream cheese mixture.

The filling is poured on top of the prepared crust and smoothed evenly. It is then chilled for at least 4 hours so it can be set. Top it with sugar-free fruit preserves, fresh fruits, or whipped cream before serving.

3. Sugar-Free Blueberry Coffee Cake

You don’t need a cup of coffee with this cake because it is in the dessert itself! This moist coffee cake has blueberries as well, which have a low glycemic index i.e., they don't cause blood sugar levels to spike. Their natural sweetness and antioxidants make them a perfect choice for a diabetes-friendly dessert.

Substitute regular flour with almond flour for a healthier treat. Almonds are high in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, which helps in keeping full for longer. A tiny amount of erythritol (a sweetener) can be used to add sweetness to the batter.

This is optional, but once baked, the cake can be glazed with creamy yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla, which enhances the flavors of the cake without the addition of harmful sugar. Don’t forget the fresh blueberries as garnish!

4. Sugar-Free Brownies

Brownies are a classic dessert loved by most Indians, but their high sugar content makes them ill suited for diabetics. However, this can be easily remedied by swapping sugar for alternative sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. Use no more than 1/2 cup of sweetener to keep it low on carbs.

Sugar-free brownies are really easy to make; simply combine melted butter, eggs, cocoa powder, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Add baking powder to help them rise, and voila! You have that delectably fudgy and moist interior. For extra taste, consider adding chopped walnuts or a mashed banana.

5. Yogurt and Granola Parfait

Layered with fruit, nuts, and seeds, yogurt and granola parfaits make for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack. The balancing mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in this parfait helps in managing blood sugar levels.

Homemade granola adds crunch and can be customized with your choice of oats, nuts, and dried fruit. Whole grains, in particular oats, provide more energy from the complex carbs group.

To make this parfait, use seasonal fruits like apples, sliced bananas, or oranges. Fruit sugars are a great alternative for diabetics, as they are naturally occurring and not synthetic and made in mills. The fiber content is also high, making them a healthy choice for the gut.

Layer the yogurt, granola and fruit in a clear glass so each delicious ingredient is visible. Top it with a sprinkle of nuts or coconut for extra texture and nutrition.