Managing gestational diabetes doesn’t mean skipping desserts. This article shares 13 delicious, diabetes-friendly recipes, guiding you on how to enjoy sweet treats without spiking your blood sugar levels. From low-carb to protein-packed options, find desserts that may fit into your gestational diabetes journey.
You can still enjoy desserts with gestational diabetes by focusing on portion control and balanced ingredients.
Opt for low-carb, high-fiber alternatives like almond meal and natural sweeteners to create GD-friendly desserts.
Track your blood glycose levels after indulging in desserts and listen to your body’s responses to better manage your dietary choices.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects blood sugar levels, posing risks for both mother and baby. During pregnancy, hormonal changes increase insulin demand, which can lead to higher glucose levels and complications if not managed properly. For pregnant women, stabilizing blood glucose levels is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and optimal women’s health.
Managing gestational diabetes involves understanding how different foods impact blood glucose levels. High-glycemic index foods, including many traditional desserts, can spike levels and make management more difficult. However, this doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate desserts from your diet. Instead, focus on making nutritious choices and enjoying them in moderation.
Regular meals and healthy snacks help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is why it’s important to incorporate GD-friendly dessert ideas into your meal plan. Desserts can indeed be part of a balanced diet if you opt for low carb desserts and pair desserts with protein and fiber to minimize blood glucose spikes.
Yes! Managing gestational diabetes doesn’t mean eliminating sweets. The key is moderation and balance. Occasional indulgences can help curb cravings while still keeping your blood sugar stable.
When you eat dessert, track your blood sugar levels 1-2 hours later. This helps you identify which recipes work best for you. Opt for GD-friendly ingredients and combine sweets with fiber and protein to slow sugar absorption.
Flour Alternatives: Almond meal, almond flour, coconut flour (low-carb, high-fiber)
Natural Sweeteners: Monk fruit, stevia (less impact on blood sugar)
Healthy Fats & Proteins: Avocados, nuts, Greek yogurt (slow sugar absorption)
Nutrient-Dense Additions: Chia seeds, dark chocolate (rich in fiber and antioxidants)
Practice Portion Control – Keeping portions small helps prevent blood sugar spikes while still allowing you to enjoy sweet treats. A few bites of dessert can be just as satisfying as a full serving.
Pair with Protein & Fiber – Combining desserts with protein (like Greek yogurt, nuts, or nut butter) and fiber (like chia seeds or berries) slows sugar absorption, helping maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Choose the Right Time – Eating desserts after a balanced meal rather than on an empty stomach can minimize blood sugar fluctuations.
Mindful Eating – Savor each bite and eat slowly to enhance satisfaction. This helps prevent overeating and makes smaller portions feel more indulgent.
Monitor Blood Sugar – Check your glucose levels 1-2 hours after eating dessert to understand how different treats affect your body. This allows you to make informed choices and adjust portion sizes if needed.
When baking desserts for gestational diabetes, substituting white flour with low-carb alternatives like almond or coconut flour can drastically reduce carbohydrate content while increasing fiber. These flours not only make desserts healthier but also add a unique texture and flavor.
Customizing recipes to include healthier ingredients like unsalted butter, baking powder for lift, and cocoa powder for richness can make a significant difference. Adjusting the sweetness level with natural or sugar-free sweeteners ensures that your desserts remain delicious yet suitable for managing gestational diabetes.
Opt for natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or allulose instead of refined sugar. Be cautious with sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can still impact blood sugar levels. Always taste-test recipes and adjust sweetness to preference while keeping glucose levels in mind.
A decadent yet healthy dessert perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. The healthy fats from avocados help slow down sugar absorption.
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup dark chocolate (70% or higher), melted
1/2 cup almond milk
Optional: 1 tbsp sweetener: for example, Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener with Allulose
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Top with a little cocoa powder before serving (optional).
This simple, nutritious parfait is rich in protein and healthy fats, helping keep blood sugar stable.
Ingredients:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp nut butter (almond or peanut)
2 tbsp chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds, best roasted)
Instructions:
In a bowl or jar, layer Greek yogurt, fresh berries, chia seeds, and nut butter.
Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a quick grab-and-go dessert.
These muffins use almond flour, which is low in carbs and high in fiber.
Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup sweetener: for example, Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener with Allulose
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin.
Mix dry ingredients; add wet ingredients and stir until combined.
Fold in blueberries, then divide batter into muffin cups.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
For six more muffin ideas, head to our low-carb muffin post.
A fiber-rich, make-ahead dessert that stabilizes blood sugar.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
½ cup fresh berries
1-2 tbsp nut butter
Optional: ½ scoop protein powder
Instructions:
In a jar, mix chia seeds with almond milk.
Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
Top withnut butter and fresh berries before serving.
A satisfying treat with protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 tbsp sweetener (adjust to taste): for example, Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener with Allulose
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup (sugar-free) dark chocolate, melted
Instructions:
Mix peanut butter, coconut oil, and sweetener.
Stir in oats and press into a lined dish.
Drizzle with melted chocolate and refrigerate until firm.
A warm, fiber-rich dessert.
Ingredients:
2 apples, cored
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg; fill apples with the mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Serve with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Quick and high in protein.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup almond flour
1 tbsp protein powder (any flavor you prefer)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp almond milk
1 egg
1/2-1 tbsp sweetener: for example, Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener with Allulose
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a mug.
Microwave for 60-80 seconds until firm.
A delicious, low-carb cookie option.
Note: This recipe was Julija’s, the founder of HIgedi, #1 favorite treat during her GD journey.
Ingredients:
¼ cup peanut butter
½ ripe banana
½ cup almond flour or meal
⅓ tsp baking powder
For the Thumbprint Filling:
Option 1: 1 tbsp peanut butter mixed with 2 pieces of melted dark chocolate
Option 2: plain peanut butter for a lower-carb option
Instructions:
Preheat air fryer or oven to 340°F (170°C).
Mix ingredients and form into balls.
Press a thumbprint in each
Air fry for 8 minutes or bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and slightly golden.
Let them cool and fill the thumbprints with a filling.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
A high-protein frozen treat.
Ingredients:
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup berries or peach chunks
Optional: cinnamon
Instructions:
Blend ingredients until smooth.
Freeze for 2-3 hours before serving.
Creamy, portion-controlled dessert.
Ingredients:
1 cup almond flour
2 tbsp melted butter
4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp sweetener (adjust to taste): for example, Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener with Allulose
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional add-ins: 1/4 tsp cardamom, 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp lemon or lime zest, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1-2 tbsp coocnut flakes
Instructions:
Mix almond flour and butter; press into mini muffin tins.
Blend cream cheese, sweetener, and vanilla; spoon over crust.
Chill before serving.
If you'd like a crispier crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the almond flour & butter crust for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the cheesecake mixture.
A creamy, protein-rich dessert with no crust for a lower-carb option.
Note: This recipe was Julija’s, the founder of HIgedi, #2 favorite treat during her GD journey.
Ingredients:
6 oz pistachio butter: for example, Nutural World Smooth Pistachio Butter, no sugar added
12 oz cream cheese
1 cup natural yogurt
4 eggs
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp sweetener (adjust to taste): for example, Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener with Allulose
Instructions:
Preheat air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Cover with foil and air fry for 45 minutes.
Allow to cool before serving.
* For baking in a conventional oven, adjust the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50-55 minutes, covered with foil.
A simple yet indulgent option.
Ingredients:
1 cup mixed berries
1/4 cup whipped cream
1 tbsp crushed roasted nuts
1/2 tsp cardamom
Instructions:
Top berries with whipped cream and nuts.
Sprinkle with cardamom and serve.
A nutritious, no-bake snack with fiber and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup nut butter (almond butter or peanut butter)
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or chocolate both work great here)
1/4 cup almond flour
1-2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips
Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseeds, 1/2 tsp cinnamon or vanilla extract, a small handful of chopped nuts or shredded coconut
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Roll into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Let’s be honest—navigating dessert with gestational diabetes isn’t always about picking the “perfect” option. Sometimes, it’s just about finding something satisfying that won’t spike your blood sugar into orbit. Whether you’re dining out or browsing the grocery store, here are some options that tend to work better than others.
Cheesecake (even better if crustless)
Good news: cheesecake is naturally higher in fat and protein, which helps buffer the carbs. If you can tolerate a small portion, it can absolutely work—just skip any syrupy toppings.
Full-Fat Ice Cream (Small Scoop)
A small scoop of real, full-fat ice cream (ideally without sugary add-ins) can be a satisfying treat. The fat content can help slow down glucose absorption—look for simple flavors like vanilla or dark chocolate.
Fresh Fruit with Whipped Cream or Nuts
Low-GI fruits like strawberries or apple slices, paired with whipped cream (check for added sugars) or a few almonds, offer a sweet bite that won’t spike your levels thanks to a nice fiber-fat combo.
Dark Chocolate (70%+ Cocoa)
If the restaurant offers it, a square or two of high-cocoa dark chocolate or a dark chocolate mousse can be a satisfying, lower-sugar option.
Cheese Platter
A great choice if you’re skipping sweets altogether that often flies under the radar. Cheese offers fat and protein, keeping blood sugar stable while still feeling like a treat—especially when paired with fresh fruit or nuts.
Cakes, Cupcakes & Pastries
Most of these are a sugar-flour-fat bomb with little nutrition. They tend to spike blood sugar fast and leave you hungry again an hour later. Not worth the crash.
Drenched Desserts
If it’s covered in caramel, chocolate syrup, or fruity glazes, you’re getting a whole lot of added sugar. Ask for sauces on the side—or skip them entirely.
Fried Sweets
Think churros, fried dough, deep-fried chocolate bars. Delicious? Yes. But also a double hit of sugar and unhealthy fats, which is hard on blood sugar and digestion.
Let’s be honest—sometimes you just need something sweet now, and making a dessert from scratch is not happening. These are some realistic store finds that have worked well for people managing gestational diabetes (and actually taste good).
Dark Chocolate (70%+ Cocoa)
Look for the real stuff—bars or squares with at least 70% cocoa, and minimal added sugar. A piece or two usually satisfies the craving without spiking your numbers. Some brands even add nuts or sea salt for texture (and a little fat to help blunt any glucose rise).
Low-Carb Ice Cream
Skip the “light” versions—those often sneak in more sugar to make up for the missing fat. Low-carb or keto ice creams are becoming more popular, and they can be a great option in small portions. A creamy scoop of vanilla or dark chocolate can really hit the spot! For a full breakdown of the best options (yes, including store-bought picks!), check out our guide: The Best Ice Cream for Gestational Diabetes: Smart Choices Reviewed.
Ready-Made Whipped Cream + Berries
Buy a small tub of unsweetened or lightly sweetened whipped cream (check labels) and pair it with frozen or fresh strawberries, raspberries, or even a couple of dark cherries. You get fiber + fat with just enough sweetness.
Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar Pudding
Shelf-stable or refrigerated, these are good in a pinch. The ones sweetened with monk fruit, erythritol, or stevia tend to be gentler on blood sugar. Chocolate and vanilla are the usual go-tos—bonus if you top with crushed nuts.
Greek Yogurt Bars or Mini Cups
Not the super-sweet ones loaded with fruit-on-the-bottom syrup. Look for plain or vanilla Greek yogurt cups (or frozen bars) that are higher in protein and lower in sugar. If you're home, throw on a dash of cinnamon or chopped walnuts.
Snack Bites or Bars (Read the Label)
Not all bars are created equal—some are basically candy in disguise. But there are a few that keep it real with nuts, seeds, and no added sugar. Look for options with fewer than 10g net carbs and steer clear of sneaky sweeteners like maltitol, which can still spike your blood sugar. A quick label check goes a long way.
Ingredients Matter: Sugar-free doesn’t always mean blood sugar–friendly. Watch out for ingredients like maltitol or hidden starches.
Portions Still Count: Even with “safe” desserts, more is not always better. Stick to a small serving and see how your body responds.
Check Your Numbers: Everyone responds differently—what works for one person may not work for another. Try new options in small amounts and test your levels to be sure.
If you're looking to explore more gestational diabetes–friendly dessert ideas or want to dive deeper into specific cravings (hello, chocolate!), these resources have you covered:
The Ultimate Guide to Gestational Diabetes Treats – A comprehensive overview of smart treat options—what to look for (and what to avoid) when your sweet tooth strikes. Classic treats, not-so-classic treats, and store-bought picks… all included!
The Best Chocolate Desserts for Gestational Diabetes – If chocolate is your love language, this one’s for you. Brownies, mousse, and other rich, lower-carb favorites await.
7 Best Fruits for Gestational Diabetes (Plus Ones to Avoid) – A quick guide to fruits that work well with blood sugar management—and a few to enjoy with extra care.
The Best Ice Cream for Gestational Diabetes: Smart Choices Reviewed – Yes, you (most probably) can have ice cream! This review breaks down what to look for (and what to skip) so you can scoop with confidence.
Gestational diabetes isn’t about giving up dessert—it’s about figuring out how to enjoy the sweet stuff without the blood sugar rollercoaster. It takes some trial and error, a bit of patience, and knowing that it’s okay to have a treat now and then.
The recipes and tips here aren’t about perfection—they’re about real life: balancing cravings, managing blood sugar, and still feeling good about what’s on your plate. Find what feels right for your body, don’t be afraid to tweak portions or ingredients, and remember that every small win counts.
At the end of the day, it’s your journey. Be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and know that you’re doing an amazing job taking care of both you and your baby.
1. What is a good dessert for gestational diabetes?
One great dessert for gestational diabetes is a mix of berries, like blackberries or strawberries, since they’re sweet but low in sugar. You might also enjoy apple slices with peanut butter for a tasty and satisfying treat!
2. Can I eat sweet during gestational diabetes?
You can enjoy sweets during gestational diabetes, but it's important to limit your sugar intake and opt for healthier alternatives like artificial sweeteners or snacks such as oatcakes. This helps you manage your blood sugar levels more effectively.
3. What sweeteners are safe for gestational diabetes?
Stevia, monk fruit, and allulose are good choices. Be cautious with sugar alcohols like maltitol, which may still affect blood sugar.
4. How often can I have desserts with gestational diabetes?
This depends on your blood sugar levels. Occasional treats in small portions, balanced with protein and fiber, are typically safe.
5. Are sugar-free desserts always safe for gestational diabetes?
Not always. Some sugar-free options contain sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners that can still impact blood sugar. Always check the label and monitor your response.
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