20 Delicious Desserts for Gestational Diabetes Under 15g Carbs
Check out this 20 delicious and easy desserts for gestational diabetes for all pregnant moms like you.
Wondering when the best time to have dessert is? Worried it’ll spike your blood sugar? Struggling with intense sweet cravings but feeling guilty every time you indulge? Concerned it might hurt the baby?
I totally get it.
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes after an OGTT result of 195.
And during my third trimester, the cravings HIT HARD.
I’d often find myself sitting in front of the fridge, munching on dark chocolate and cookies, only to feel guilty afterward, worrying that the sugar spikes might harm my baby.
I even got scolded at a doctor’s appointment for not managing my blood sugar well.
This article is about 20 simple and easy desserts for gestational diabetes, featuring a variety of treats like ice cream, cookies, cakes, yogurt, and cupcakes!
They’re not just simple and quick to make but also mouthwatering and utterly satisfying just like any normal desserts.
Check out: Quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime snack ideas for gestational diabetes.
Can I Eat Sweets If I Have Gestational Diabetes?
Yes, you can totally still enjoy sweets with gestational diabetes!
It’s all about balance and making smart choices.
It wasn’t easy, but I’ve learned some tricks to satisfy cravings without the guilt!
Tips for Healthy Desserts for Gestational Diabetes
How much carb and calorie in my dessert for gestational diabetes?
A general guideline is to aim for a dessert during pregnancy that contains no more than 200 kcal calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates.
(Source)
However, this can vary depending on individual factors like your individual glucose tolerance, overall daily carbohydrate intake, blood sugar control, and the size of the serving.
So it’s important to test your blood sugar after eating to see how your body responds.
Disclaimer: the recommendations provided here are based on general guidelines and may not be suitable for everyone. Individual needs and circumstances may vary. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific situation.
Related: Complete 7-days gestational diabetes meal plan (comes with easy recipes and detailed grocery list in PDF printable)
How do I Satisfy My Sweet Tooth with Gestational Diabetes?
- Go for Low-GI Ingredients:
- Stick with low-glycemic goodies like berries, apples, and dark chocolate.
- Try a simple berry parfait or some dark chocolate bark with nuts for a sweet fix that won’t spike your blood sugar.
- Pack in the Protein:
- Boost your desserts with protein-rich options like Greek yogurt, protein powder, or nut butter.
- Add Fiber for Balance:
- Fiber helps slow down sugar absorption, so include chia seeds, flaxseeds, or avocado in your desserts.
- Use Low-Carb Sweeteners:
- Swap out regular sugar for low-carb options like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. These are perfect for whipping up low-carb brownies, coconut flour cupcakes, or even sugar-free ice cream.
- Keep Portions in Check:
- Even healthy treats need portion control!
- Enjoy just one or two coconut flour cookies or a small serving of homemade ice cream.
- Pair with a Meal:
- The best time to enjoy desserts for gestational diabetes? Right after a balanced meal. If you’ve had a plate of chicken, veggies, and healthy fats, follow it up with a little dark chocolate or a yogurt bowl to help prevent a sugar spike.
- Monitor Your Sugar:
- Everyone’s body reacts differently, so test your blood sugar after trying something new, like a slice of low-carb cheesecake or an almond flour muffin, to see how it affects you.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Refined Sugars:
- Skip white sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and other refined sugars (like artificial sweeteners like aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), saccharin (Sweet’N Low), acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, Sweet One), sucralose (Splenda), and cyclamate).
- Instead, use artificial sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, or xylitol, which don’t spike blood sugar.
- High-Glycemic Fruits:
- Refined Flour:
- White flour can lead to quick blood sugar spikes, so replace it with low-carb flours like almond flour, coconut flour, or flaxseed meal.
- Store-Bought Sweets:
- Processed desserts often contain hidden sugars, refined carbs, and artificial additives. Try homemade versions where you control the ingredients.
- Sweetened Dairy:
- Avoid sweetened yogurts and ice creams during your pregnancy. Opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt or sugar-free ice cream.
Learn more: Up to 650+ High and Low Glycemic Index Foods
20 Healthy Dessert Ideas for Gestational Diabetes
What sweets can a gestational diabetic eat?
1. Layered Low-Carb Chocolate Strawberry Parfait
Layer ¼ cup sugar-free chocolate pudding, 2 tbsp sugar-free whipped cream, and 2 sliced strawberries in a small glass. Optionally, add 1 tsp crushed nuts on top for extra crunch.
- Portion: 1 parfait (small glass)
- Macros: 100 kcal, 7g carbs, 5g fat, 2g protein
- Caution: Check for artificial sweeteners in sugar-free products.
2. Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Milk
In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp chia seeds with ½ cup unsweetened almond milk and ¼ tsp vanilla extract. Stir well, let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir again and refrigerate overnight to thicken.
- Portion: ½ cup serving
- Macros: 150 kcal, 5g carbs, 10g fat, 4g protein
- Caution: High in fiber; consume with plenty of water to aid digestion.
3. Creamy Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Blend ½ ripe avocado with 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk, and stevia to taste until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Portion: ½ cup serving
- Macros: 180 kcal, 10g carbs, 15g fat, 3g protein
- Caution: High in healthy fats; monitor fat intake if on a low-fat diet.
4. Greek Yogurt Berry Parfait
Layer ½ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries) in a small bowl. Add 1 tsp chia seeds or sugar-free granola if desired.
- Portion: 1 small bowl
- Macros: 120 kcal, 8g carbs, 3g fat, 10g protein
- Caution: Use unsweetened yogurt to avoid hidden sugars.
5. Mini Almond Flour Brownies
Combine ¼ cup almond flour, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 egg, and stevia. Pour into a mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Cool before eating.
- Portion: 1 small square (1.5×1.5 inches)
- Macros: 190 kcal, 12g carbs, 14g fat, 5g protein
- Caution: High in calories and fat; limit portion size to avoid excessive calorie intake.
6. Almond Flour Protein Pancakes
Combine ¼ cup almond flour, 1 egg, 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk, and ½ tsp baking powder. Cook on a greased skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Portion: 2 small pancakes
- Macros: 150 kcal, 10g carbs, 10g fat, 7g protein
- Caution: Adjust portion size to meet carbohydrate goals.
7. Mini Sugar-Free Cheesecake Bites
Blend 2 oz cream cheese with 1 tbsp almond flour, 1 tbsp sour cream, and stevia to taste. Pour into muffin liners and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes. Cool and refrigerate before serving.
- Portion: Mini cheesecake (2-inch diameter)
- Macros: 190 kcal, 4g carbs, 16g fat, 6g protein
- Caution: High in fat; enjoy in moderation.
8. Creamy Low-Carb Vanilla Ice Cream
Blend ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and stevia to taste. Pour into an ice cube tray, freeze until solid, and then blend frozen cubes until smooth.
- Portion: ½ cup serving
- Macros: 130 kcal, 6g carbs, 10g fat, 1g protein
- Caution: High in fat; balance with low-fat meals.
9. Low-Sugar Berry Popsicles
Blend ½ cup mixed berries with ½ cup water or unsweetened almond milk and a little stevia. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.
- Portion: 1 popsicle
- Macros: 60 kcal, 12g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein
- Caution: Ensure portion size is controlled to maintain carb limits.
10. Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mix ¼ cup almond flour, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp butter, 1 egg, and ¼ cup sugar-free chocolate chips. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Portion: 1 small cookie
- Macros: 180 kcal, 10g carbs, 14g fat, 4g protein
- Caution: High in fat; consume in moderation.
11. Coconut Oil and Almond Butter Keto Fat Bombs
Mix ¼ cup coconut oil, 2 tbsp almond butter, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and stevia to taste. Pour into small molds and refrigerate until solid.
- Portion: 1 small fat bomb (1-inch piece)
- Macros: 130 kcal, 5g carbs, 12g fat, 2g protein
- Caution: High in fat; consume in small amounts.
12. Mini Pumpkin Pie with Almond Flour Crust
Mix ¼ cup almond flour with 2 tbsp melted butter and stevia for the crust. For the filling, blend ¼ cup pumpkin puree with ¼ cup almond milk and spices, pour into the crust, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Portion: 1 mini pie (2-inch diameter)
- Macros: 160 kcal, 14g carbs, 12g fat, 3g protein
- Caution: Portion control is crucial to manage carb intake.
13. Keto Blueberry Muffin
Mix ¼ cup almond flour, ¼ cup blueberries, 1 egg, 1 tbsp coconut oil, and ¼ tsp baking powder. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes in a mini muffin tin.
- Portion: 1 small muffin
- Macros: 180 kcal, 12g carbs, 14g fat, 4g protein
- Caution: High in fat; enjoy in moderation.
14. Sugar-Free Berry Sorbet
Blend ½ cup berries with ½ cup water and stevia. Freeze in an ice cube tray and blend frozen cubes until smooth.
- Portion: ½ cup serving
- Macros: 90 kcal, 14g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein
- Caution: Keep portions controlled to stay within carbohydrate limits.
15. Cinnamon-Baked Apple with Nuts
Core 1 small apple and fill with a mixture of 1 tbsp chopped nuts, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of stevia. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Portion: 1 small baked apple
- Macros: 120 kcal, 14g carbs, 5g fat, 1g protein
- Caution: Monitor serving size to keep carb intake within limits.
16. Dark Chocolate Bark with Nuts
Melt 1 oz 85% dark chocolate, stir in 2 tbsp chopped nuts, and spread onto a parchment-lined sheet. Chill until set, then break into pieces.
- Portion: 1 small piece (1×1 inch)
- Macros: 100 kcal, 10g carbs, 8g fat, 2g protein
- Caution: Dark chocolate is calorie-dense; keep portions small.
17. Mini Keto Cupcakes
Mix ¼ cup almond flour, 1 egg, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp baking powder, and stevia. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes in mini muffin tins.
- Portion: 1 mini cupcake
- Macros: 160 kcal, 12g carbs, 14g fat, 4g protein
- Caution: High in fat; consume in moderation.
18. Classic Sugar-Free Jello
Dissolve 1 packet of sugar-free gelatin in 1 cup hot water, stir well, and refrigerate until set.
- Portion: 1 cup serving
- Macros: 10 kcal, 1g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein
- Caution: Contains artificial sweeteners; verify ingredient list.
19. Sugar-Free Gelatin Dessert
Prepare according to package instructions using 1 cup water and refrigerate until firm.
- Portion: 1 cup serving
- Macros: 10 kcal, 1g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein
- Caution: Contains artificial sweeteners and potential additives; read labels carefully.
20. Low-Carb Homemade Protein Bars
Mix ¼ cup protein powder, 2 tbsp almond flour, 1 tbsp almond butter, and stevia to taste. Press mixture into a pan and refrigerate until firm, then cut into bars.
- Portion: 1 small bar (2×1 inch)
- Macros: 150 kcal, 10g carbs, 10g fat, 10g protein
- Caution: Ensure bars fit within daily carb and calorie goals.
Dessert Summary List
Check out: Quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime snack ideas for gestational diabetes.
Conclusion
Cravings are a totally normal part of pregnancy, and finding satisfying yet GDM-friendly treats can make managing your diet easier and more enjoyable.
These 20 healthy desserts for gestational diabetes are not only delicious but also simple and quick to prepare, helping you stay on track without sacrificing taste.
What’s even more incredible is that I only GAINED 8 KG throughout my entire pregnancy, thanks to this list of 20 delicious desserts for gestational diabetes.
I’ve created a FREE cheat sheet—on 7 easy-to-apply hacks designed to help you reduce sugar spikes after meals by up to 40%. So you can feel more in control, guilt-free, and healthier every day!
These secrets are scientifically proven, without extreme diets or workouts!
Keep it on your fridge for quick reference and make blood sugar management a breeze.
Because you and your baby deserve the best!