5 Diabetes-Friendly Desserts to Try From our Assisted Living Community
Indulging in desserts often feels like a guilty pleasure, especially for individuals managing diabetes. However, with creative recipes like the ones from Arbor Trace, our assisted living community in Ontario, Canada, you can enjoy a delicious treat without worrying about spiking your blood sugar levels.
The following desserts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet cravings without compromising your health.
1. Flourless Chocolate Cookies
Traditional cookies are typically loaded with refined flour, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. However, by omitting flour altogether, these cookies maintain their texture and flavor while reducing the impact on blood sugar levels.
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, offering several health benefits for those with diabetes, including improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of heart disease. It’s essential to choose one with a high cocoa content and minimal added sugars. To make these cookies, you will need:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar or sugar substitute
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks, chopped
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar (or sugar substitute), cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until a thick, shiny batter forms. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until set and slightly cracked on top.
2. Crispy Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut butter is a staple ingredient in many diabetes-friendly desserts, and for good reason. It’s low in carbohydrates and has a moderate glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation. Additionally, peanut butter is rich in healthy fats and protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
What sets Crispy Peanut Butter Balls apart is their delightful crunchiness. Made with crispy rice cereal and coated in a layer of chocolate, these bite-sized treats offer a satisfying texture that’s sure to please your palate. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
- ½ cup natural peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter
- ¾ cup crispy rice cereal
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips, melted
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and maple syrup until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave (in 30-second intervals), stirring until smooth. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until hardened.
3. Pineapple Nice Cream
Pineapple Nice Cream offers a creamy texture and sweet flavor similar to ice cream but without the added sugars and unhealthy fats. Pineapple is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support overall health. Additionally, it has a relatively low glycemic index compared to some other fruits, making it a suitable choice for individuals managing diabetes.
Making Pineapple Nice Cream is simple and requires just a few ingredients:
- 1 16-ounce package frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks or 1 large mango, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice
In a food processor, combine the pineapple and mango chunks, along with the lemon (or lime) juice, blend them until smooth and creamy. and scoop it into bowls.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with various fruits and flavors to suit your preferences.
4. Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark
Greek yogurt serves as the perfect base for this dessert, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor, which unlike traditional yogurt, is lower in carbohydrates and sugar. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, enhanced immune function, and better blood sugar regulation. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect addition to diabetes-friendly desserts like Greek yogurt bark.
To make this recipe, you will need:
- 3 cups whole-milk plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a mixing bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt and honey or maple syrup until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to smooth it out into a thin layer. Scatter the sliced strawberries and dark chocolate chips evenly, pressing them gently into the surface. Place it in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until completely frozen. Once frozen, break it into pieces using your hands or a knife.
5. Crustless Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a beloved dessert, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. However, traditional pumpkin pie recipes often contain a high amount of added sugars, and a pastry crust made from refined flour, making them less than ideal for individuals with diabetes. Crustless Pumpkin Pie offers a healthier alternative that retains all the flavors of the classic dessert, but is also packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your health. wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
- ⅓ cup sugar substitute
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup evaporated fat-free milk
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a pie dish or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar substitute, honey, pie spice, eggs, and vanilla extract, until well combined. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.
For individuals managing diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is essential for overall health and quality of life. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the enjoyment of delicious desserts. With a focus on diabetes-friendly options, such as those offered at Arbor Trace assisted living community in Ontario, Canada, residents can indulge in sweet treats, often made with a handful of simple ingredients, without compromising their health goals.
Contact our team today to schedule a tour of the Arbor Trace assisted living community where we cater custom menus to residents of specific nutritional requirements.
