Healthy sweet desserts and drinks without sugar

Natural sweetness

What could be more satisfying than the taste of fresh, warm baked goods? Certainly not the sudden blood sugar spike after such desserts—which is why chefs are developing healthier recipes. The first step is replacing refined sugar (the cause of many avoidable illnesses) with natural alternatives, such as dried apricots, dates, and other fruits. Why fruit? It's all about fiber, which slows digestion and prevents sharp blood sugar spikes. Here are six homemade dessert and drink recipes using natural sweeteners. A great reason to ditch refined sugar!

Healthy Date and Banana Muffins

Each muffin contains only 6 grams of sugar, which is found in milk and fruit—no need to add sugar!

Recipe: Healthy Date and Banana Muffins

Low-calorie lemonade

This refreshing, tart homemade lemonade is completely sugar-free, with the sweetness provided by apples and lemons. You can also make pink lemonade using any red apples instead of Golden Delicious.

Recipe: Low-calorie lemonade

Healthy chocolate cream for decorating confectionery

This silky glaze takes advantage of the natural sweetness of dates and cream. This recipe makes 12 cupcakes or one small cake.

Recipe: Healthy chocolate cream for decorating confectionery

Diet cake with dried fruits and sugar-free chocolate glaze

This cake's sweet flavor comes primarily from dried fruit (plus orange juice and dairy). Top it with a rich chocolate frosting topped with sweet dates—this dessert is surprisingly low in sugar.

Recipe: Diet cake with dried fruits and sugar-free chocolate glaze

Fig and Walnut Brownies

These chocolate brownies are sweetened only with dried figs and dates; this delicious dessert contains 5 grams of fiber.

Recipe: Fig and Walnut Brownies

Hot chocolate without extra calories

You don't need sugar: this drink's sweet taste comes from the natural sugars found in milk and dates, as well as vanilla extract.

Recipe: Hot chocolate without extra calories



Votes: 31