Looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without spiking your blood sugar levels? Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant, is an excellent solution.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some mouthwatering stevia dessert recipes that are not only delicious but also diabetes-friendly.
Key Takeaways
- Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, is an excellent sugar substitute for diabetics looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising their blood sugar levels.
- The article provides delicious stevia dessert recipes such as apple crumble, brownies, keto chocolate chip cookies, hot chocolate, and low-carb coffee cake that are not only mouthwatering but also diabetes-friendly.
- By using stevia in desserts, individuals with dietary restrictions can enjoy their favorite treats while maintaining balanced blood glucose levels and overall health management.
- These stevia dessert recipes offer customization options by incorporating different flavors and ingredients to suit individual preferences.
Stevia Dessert Recipes for Diabetics
Discover a delectable array of stevia dessert recipes for diabetics, including tantalizing treats like apple crumble, indulgent brownies, soft and chewy keto chocolate chip cookies, creamy hot chocolate, and the ultimate low-carb coffee cake.
Soft and Chewy Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup Stevia granulated sweetener (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar-free chocolate chips or dark chocolate with high cocoa content, chopped
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Stevia: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and Stevia together until smooth and creamy. This might take around 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition until a dough forms.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie ball with the back of a spoon or your hand, as these cookies won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, oven temperatures might vary, so keep an eye on them!
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy! These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Note: Adjust the amount of Stevia based on your taste. Everyone has different sweetness preferences, especially when it comes to alternative sweeteners. Always start with a smaller amount and taste-test the dough before adding more. Remember, the sweetness will slightly intensify as the cookies bake.
Strawberry Parfait
The Strawberry Parfait is a delectable stevia dessert that is perfect for diabetics and those looking for a healthier sweet treat. This low-carb recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy goodness of Greek yogurt, all sweetened with stevia for a guilt-free indulgence.
- Fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
- Greek yogurt
- Stevia sweetener
- Granola (optional)
- In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and stevia sweetener to taste. Adjust the amount of stevia based on your preferred level of sweetness.
- Take a glass or jar and begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of sliced strawberries at the bottom.
- Add a layer of sweetened Greek yogurt on top of the strawberries.
- Repeat this layering process until you reach the top of the glass or jar.
- Finish off by topping it with more sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of granola for added crunch (optional).
- Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Peach Crisp
Peach Crisp is a popular and delicious dessert recipe that individuals with diabetes can enjoy. It is a sugar-free and low-carb option that satisfies your sweet tooth without causing spikes in blood sugar levels. Here’s how to make the perfect Peach Crisp:
Ingredients:
- Fresh or canned peaches
- Stevia granulated sweetener (or other sugar substitute)
- Tapioca pearls for thickening
- Ground cinnamon for added flavor
- Oats for the crisp topping
- Almond flour as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour
- Butter for richness
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature (usually around 350°F or 180°C).
- Prepare the peaches by removing the pits and slicing them into bite – sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the sliced peaches with stevia sweetener, tapioca pearls, and ground cinnamon.
- Transfer the peach mixture into a baking dish or individual ramekins.
- In another bowl, combine oats, almond flour, and melted butter to create the crisp topping.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the peach mixture.
- Place the baking dish or ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Carrot Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup Stevia granulated sweetener (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium-sized carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup Stevia powdered sweetener (or to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream or as needed
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the Stevia until well combined. Gradually mix in the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract. Stir in the applesauce.
- Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and shredded coconut (if using).
- Pour and Bake: Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered Stevia and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of the cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and press down slightly. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Gluten-Free Lemon Bars with Stevia
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Stevia granulated sweetener
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup Stevia granulated sweetener
- 1/4 cup coconut flour (acts as a thickener)
- Powdered Stevia or powdered erythritol for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, melted coconut oil or butter, Stevia, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and Stevia. Sift in the coconut flour while whisking to avoid any lumps. Mix until well combined.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle when you shake the pan slightly.
- Cool: After baking, remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the lemon bars out of the pan. Cut into squares using a sharp knife. If desired, dust with powdered Stevia or erythritol for a sweet finish.
Benefits of Stevia Desserts for Diabetics
They are a sugar-free alternative with a lower glycemic index, making them suitable for managing blood sugar levels. Additionally, they incorporate healthier ingredients while still providing delicious and satisfying sweet treats.
Sugar-free alternative
Stevia is a fantastic sugar-free alternative for people with diabetes who still crave sweetness in their desserts. As a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia plant, it offers all the flavor without the adverse effects of traditional sugar.
Stevia is about 100 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, which means you can use less and still enjoy a perfectly sweet treat. Not only does stevia have zero calories and no carbohydrates, but it also has a low glycemic index, making it ideal for managing blood sugar levels.
With stevia, diabetics can indulge in delicious desserts guilt-free while keeping their health on track.
Lower glycemic index
Stevia desserts are an excellent choice for diabetics because they have a lower glycemic index compared to traditional sugary treats. The glycemic index measures how quickly carbohydrates in food raise blood sugar levels.
Foods with a high glycemic index can cause rapid spikes, which can be problematic for individuals with diabetes. However, stevia has a glycemic index of 0, meaning it does not affect blood sugar levels at all.
This makes it an excellent alternative sweetener for those looking to manage their diabetes and maintain stable blood sugar levels. Moreover, scientific evidence suggests that stevia can even help improve glycemic response and lipid profile compared to artificial sweeteners like sucralose.
Healthier ingredients
Unlike traditional desserts loaded with sugar, stevia desserts use a natural sweetener derived from organic, non-GMO stevia leaves.
This plant-based sweetener is free from artificial additives and has no carbohydrates or calories. By swapping out regular sugar for stevia in your dessert recipes, you can enjoy the sweetness without worrying about harmful effects on blood sugar levels or weight gain.
It’s a safe and tasty alternative that lets you indulge in your favorite treats while making smarter choices for your health.
Suitable for managing blood sugar levels
Unlike traditional desserts loaded with sugar, these sweet treats use stevia as a natural alternative that won’t cause spikes in blood glucose.
Stevia is a safe and low-calorie sweetener that does not contribute any carbohydrates or calories to your diet. It has been found to have a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, making it suitable for diabetics who need to keep their blood sugar levels stable.
By incorporating stevia into your desserts, you can satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste or health.
Delicious and satisfying
Stevia desserts are not only a healthy choice for diabetics, but they also offer a delicious and satisfying treat. With their natural sweetness and flavorful ingredients, these desserts can satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health.
Whether indulging in a warm apple crumble, sinking your teeth into soft and chewy keto chocolate chip cookies, or savoring a rich hot chocolate with stevia, these desserts provide the perfect balance of sweetness and taste.
By incorporating stevia into your dessert recipes, you can enjoy guilt-free treats that are both diabetes-friendly and genuinely delicious.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating stevia into dessert recipes provides a delicious and healthy alternative for diabetics. With its low-carb nature and ability to manage blood sugar levels, stevia allows diabetics to indulge in sweet treats without compromising their health.
So go ahead, try out these stevia dessert recipes and satisfy your cravings guilt-free!
FAQs
1. Are stevia dessert recipes suitable for diabetics?
Yes, stevia dessert recipes are a great option for diabetics as stevia is a natural sweetener that does not raise blood sugar levels.
2. Can I use stevia in all types of desserts?
Stevia can be used in most types of desserts, including cakes, cookies, and puddings. However, it may require some adjustments to the recipe to achieve the desired sweetness and texture.
3. How does stevia compare to other artificial sweeteners?
Stevia is considered a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame because it is derived from plants and has no calories or carbohydrates. It also doesn’t have any known adverse side effects.
4. Where can I find delicious and healthy stevia dessert recipes?
You can find various delicious and healthy stevia dessert recipes online on food blogs, recipe websites, or through diabetic-friendly cookbooks focused on using stevia as a sweetener substitute.