We’ve been told time and time again that we eat too much sugar. We get it, but...it’s so good, you know? Luckily, just because you’re trying to cut back on the sweet stuff doesn’t mean you have to give up delicious treats altogether. Keeping in mind the American Heart Association's recommendation that women consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day (and men consume 36 grams or less), we sought out recipes that contained 15 grams or less per serving—ideally lower. Behold, 23 mouthwatering, low-sugar desserts that will satisfy your cravings for chocolate, cheesecake, cobbler and more.
23 Low-Sugar Desserts That Won’t Destroy Your Diet
From cheesecake to cobbler
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Published Feb 7, 2024
Half Baked Harvest
What Treats Are Low in Sugar?
With the help of low- or zero-calorie sugar substitutes—such as monk fruit and or allulose powder—you can reduce the amount of conventional sugar in just about any recipe, if you're watching your intake. (Just note that using less sugar in a baking recipe can impact the texture, shelf life, browning and sweetness of the final product, says King Arthur Baking Company.) You can also keep an eye out for low-sugar and sugar-free sweets at the supermarket, like ice cream, pudding and baked goods.
It's worth noting, however, that a 2023 study linked one sweetener, erythritol, to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. “Based on the latest study results, it may be best to consume sweeteners that contain erythritol in moderation until we know more," University Hospitals registered dietitian Elizabeth Traxler, RD, LD has said.
What Can I Eat to Replace Sweets?
23 Low-Sugar Desserts We Love
1. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- Sugar Content: 12 grams
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, dairy free, vegan
This treat hails from the world’s first avocado bar, Avocaderia. It's the first dessert the Brooklyn eatery ever served. Decadent, smooth and intense, it's packed with protein and will keep in a resealable container in the fridge for two days.
2. 6-Ingredient, No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sugar Content: 12 grams
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: no bake, <10 ingredients, gluten free
Yep, you read that correctly—and they're so easy to pull off. These plant-based, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies have just six ingredients, the main ones being salted cashews and Medjool dates.
3. Low-Carb Cheesecake
- Sugar Content: 2 grams
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, low carb, keto-friendly
Complete with raspberry sauce. The secret to its low-sugar numbers is granular or powdered erythritol in the almond flour crust and cheesecake filling instead of the real stuff.
4. Sugar-Free Blackberry Cobbler
- Sugar Content: 3 grams
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, dairy free, low carb, keto-friendly
Low-carb and keto dieters, this one's for you. Traditional cobblers typically call for a ton of sugar and cornstarch as a thickening agent. This take on the tasty treat uses a zero-calorie monk fruit allulose blend as a sweetener and—wait for it—grass-fed gelatin, which boosts the dessert's protein content.
5. Paleo Carrot Cake
- Sugar Content: 9 grams
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, dairy free, Paleo-friendly
Made with almond flour, sweetened with maple syrup and dates and frosted with whipped coconut cream, this healthier take on carrot cake is low in sugar and rich in protein and fiber. Oh, and it tastes damn delicious.
6. Keto Peanut Butter Fudge
- Sugar Content: 1 gram
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, low carb, keto-friendly
How does dessert with a side of protein sound? Cream cheese, peanut butter and whey protein unite to create this decadent treat that's delicious enough to give as a gift.
8. Low-Carb Lemon Bars
- Sugar Content: 1 gram
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, dairy free, low carb, keto-friendly
Fresh lemon juice is the key to making these citrus bars taste like their sugary predecessors. The coconut flour crust adds a nice touch of tropical flavor to boot.
9. Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- Sugar Content: 12 grams
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, dairy free, vegan, Paleo-friendly
In case you needed a good excuse to treat yourself to a set of teeny-tiny cocottes. Might we suggest finishing each crisp with a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream?
10. Keto Pumpkin Doughnuts
- Sugar Content: 0 grams
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, low carb, keto-friendly, Paleo-friendly
A sweet that’s just as drool-worthy for breakfast as it is for dessert, these keto pumpkin doughnuts are sweetened with granulated monk fruit instead of real sugar. They’re also grain-free and coated in sugar-free chocolate glaze.
11. Keto Tiramisu
- Sugar Content: 4 grams
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: gluten free, low carb, keto-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Instead of using store-bought ladyfingers, this masterpiece calls for almond-based cake made with sugar substitutes. The custard still has all the espresso, rum and mascarpone of the O.G.
12. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream
- Sugar Content: 1 gram
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, low carb
Vanilla bean paste drives the flavor home, but coconut cream and cashew butter offer unique nuttiness (and plenty of richness) to this otherwise plain ice cream flavor.
13. Flourless Chocolate Torte
- Sugar Content: 0 grams
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, dairy free, low carb, keto-friendly
This dinner party-ready gem is only six ingredients away. Top the crowd-pleaser off with whipped coconut cream and fresh berries if you're feeling fancy.
14. Keto Custard
- Sugar Content: 2 grams
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, low carb, keto-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Aka low-carb crème brûlée. Finish the custards with nutmeg and berries or sprinkle each ramekin with zero-calorie sweetener and torch until golden and caramelized.
15. Pecan Pie Bars
- Sugar Content: 1 gram
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, low carb, keto-friendly
Bookmark this sticky, Southern-inspired recipe for Thanksgiving. Any relatives on a low-carb diet will be thrilled to dig into the almond flour crust, sweetened with granulated monk fruit sweetener.
16. Coconut “Snowball” Cookies
- Sugar Content: 6 grams
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, <30 minutes
Here are three fun facts about these cute cookies: They’re made from just seven ingredients (including shredded unsweetened coconut, maple syrup and aquafaba, or chickpea water), they only require one bowl and they take less than 30 minutes to make. Win-win-win.
17. Healthy Greek Yogurt Brownies
- Sugar Content: 8 grams
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, Paleo-friendly
Thanks to Greek yogurt and eggs, these dark chocolate chunk-studded treats boast 3 grams of protein a pop. So go ahead, have two.
18. Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
- Sugar Content: 7 grams
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: gluten free, low carb, keto-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Picture vanilla-cream cheese filling and glazed strawberries, nestled in a flaky, keto-friendly pie crust that will fool even the most advanced sweet tooth. It's just right for a picnic or alfresco meal.
19. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- Sugar Content: 5 grams
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Decorate these decadently dipped berries with unsweetened coconut flakes, chopped nuts, sprinkles or mini white chocolate chips. If you aren't a fan of strawberries, use sliced apples, pineapple, banana, oranges or watermelon instead.
20. Frozen Yogurt Bark
- Sugar Content: 4 grams
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 10 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Why I Love It: no bake, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
Even picky eaters will gobble up this simple treat. Use unsweetened yogurt if you can—the granola and fresh fruit will provide enough sweetness. Supplement additional raspberries, peaches, mango slices or blackberries if you're feeling fancy.
21. Chocolate and Strawberry Energy Bites
- Sugar Content: 10 grams
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, <10 ingredients
Whether you serve them as a dessert-inspired breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, these simple bites come together in one bowl with six gluten-free ingredients. Crunchy peanut butter, flaxseed meal and rolled oats offer plenty of texture.
22. Strawberry Keto Fat Bombs
- Sugar Content: 4 grams
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: keto-friendly, low carb, <10 ingredients
Two tablespoons of honey provide these fruity treats all the sweetness they need without taking them over the top. In case you need more convincing, each piece clocks in at just under 100 calories.
23. No-Bake Paleo Almond Butter Cookie Dough Bars
- Sugar Content: 15 grams
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, no bake
If you typically finish a tube of cookie dough before it reaches the oven, this one's for you. The main ingredient in the egg- and flour-free base is crunchy almond butter. It's combined with honey and topped with bittersweet chocolate and cocoa nibs to put it firmly in dessert territory.
