When you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it can feel tough, especially when the thought of giving up your favorite sweet treats comes to mind. But the good news is, you don’t have to say goodbye to satisfying your sweet tooth during your pregnancy.
With a little care, you can still enjoy scrumptious and diabetes-friendly desserts like Flourless Chocolate Cookies or Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark.
Whether craving something warm and cozy like a cake or a refreshing, fruity treat like ice cream, these delicious options can help you get through your entire pregnancy without feeling deprived. The trick is finding recipes that meet your nutrition goals while still adding a bit of sweetness to your day.
8 Desserts for Gestational Diabetes
You can enjoy desserts like dark chocolate-covered strawberries or coconut-almond energy bites, which are balanced and safe for managing gestational diabetes.
Healthy Eating with Gestational Diabetes
When you’re managing gestational diabetes, it’s essential to understand how your body processes glucose during pregnancy. If left untreated, it can lead to higher glucose levels in the blood, which may negatively impact the health of both you and your baby.
The main concern is controlling your intake of carbohydrates because they break down into sugar, and too many sweet foods or desserts can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar.
Everyday treats like cakes, puddings, pies, and ice cream are high in saturated fat and offer little nutritional value.
To keep your sugar levels stable while still enjoying occasional treats, it’s essential to follow guidelines for healthy eating with gestational diabetes. One helpful tool is using affirmations for Healthy Eating, which can encourage mindful choices and help you stay focused on balanced, nutritious meals.
Tips for Enjoying Desserts with Gestational Diabetes
When it comes to pregnancy, many women find it challenging to avoid desserts while trying to manage blood glucose levels.
The key is to set realistic expectations and use creativity to make room for dessert without feeling guilty. It’s about enjoying your favorites in moderation and finding ways to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your blood glucose levels in check.
Instead of setting unrealistic goals like trying to completely banish desserts from your diet for nine months, you can learn from a prenatal dietitian or follow a good meal plan that helps balance your cravings.
With the proper knowledge and tips, it’s possible to enjoy desserts without negatively impacting your blood glucose levels or your baby’s health.
Stick to a Small Amount
It’s important to focus on foods that are typically high in sugar but eaten in moderation. Desserts, especially when consumed in large portions, can cause a spike in blood glucose levels.
To keep things in check, try sticking to a small amount—often, the first few bites are enough to satisfy you.
Enjoying desserts in small quantities allows you to indulge without risking a significant jump in your blood glucose levels, allowing you to feel content while managing your health.
Have Sweet Foods After a Meal
The timing of eating sweet foods is critical when dealing with gestational diabetes. It’s often best to have desserts after a meal because the protein and fiber in your food can slow down digestion. This slows the release of glucose into your bloodstream, helping to keep your blood glucose levels steady. Incorporating this approach into your diet allows you to indulge in treats while managing your blood glucose levels effectively.
Add Fat
Including fat in desserts can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, keeping blood glucose levels within the target range. Healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and pure cream can be eaten alongside sweet foods to increase blood glucose levels gradually.
For example, you could try a couple of dates or chocolate-dipped strawberries with some cheese platter or enjoy chocolate and ice cream in moderation. Incorporating these fats into your desserts will also help keep your meals lower on the GI scale.
Remember ‘Natural Sugars’ are Still Sugar
It’s important to remember that natural sugars like coconut sugar, agave nectar, maple syrup, honey, and date syrup may be less processed and have some nutritional value. However, they can still cause a spike in blood glucose levels, just like table sugar.
While these natural sweeteners may have lower GI values, they should still be consumed in moderation. If you’re using them in desserts, opt for those with the lowest GI values to help keep your blood glucose levels more stable.
Listening to Your Body Cues
Managing gestational diabetes requires close attention to your body’s cues, especially when enjoying desserts. What works well for one person might not suit another, so experimentation is essential.
By trying different recipes and observing how your body responds, you can find what works best for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Stay open to adjusting your choices and exploring new ways to enjoy sweets without feeling like they are a forbidden fruit, ensuring a balance between satisfaction and health.
Gestational Diabetes-Friendly Dessert Recipes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional)
- Unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- Rolled oats (optional)
To make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, start by melting 1 cup dark chocolate with ¼ cup coconut oil in the microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth. Then, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Line a muffin tin with muffin tin liners and pour half of the chocolate mixture into the liners. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
Mix ½ cup natural peanut butter in a separate bowl with 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional). For extra texture, you can add rolled oats or unsweetened coconut flakes. Heat the mixture slightly in the microwave and pour it over the set chocolate.
After 5 minutes in the freezer, pour the remaining chocolate over the peanut butter layer and let everything freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Once firm, store the cups in the refrigerator and enjoy them whenever you want a satisfying, healthy treat!
Chocolate Bark
Ingredients:
- Semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Dried fruit (optional)
- Shredded coconut (optional)
- Pretzels (optional)
- Candy pieces (optional)
- Sea salt
Start by melting semi-sweet dark chocolate chips until smooth. Then, pour the melted chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using a spatula, spread it to your desired thickness. Now comes the fun part: sprinkle your toppings of choice—chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even pretzels and small candy pieces.
Add a pinch of sea salt for that sweet-salty contrast. Once evenly pressed, place the bark in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until it’s hardened and firm.
After it’s set, simply remove it and break it into pieces with your hands or a knife. This makes a perfect, healthy gift or snack, fully customizable to suit your taste!
Chocolate Nut Clusters
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries (optional)
- 4 ounces dark chocolate
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of mixed nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts, with ¼ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes.
If you’d like a hint of sweetness, add 2 tablespoons of chopped dried cherries. Melt 4 ounces of dark chocolate in the microwave and drizzle it over the nut mixture.
Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then place it in the fridge for 30 minutes until it’s fully set. Once it’s firm, break it into clusters and store them in an airtight container for a quick and healthy treat you can easily enjoy anytime!
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
To make Avocado Chocolate Mousse, combine the ripe avocado, unsweetened cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. After blending, taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
You can serve it immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a cooler, richer texture. For an optional touch, top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for added flavor and creaminess.
Homemade Whipped Cream/Mousse
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
- Fresh berries (optional)
To make a simple and delicious Homemade Chocolate Mousse perfect for those with gestational diabetes, start by sifting ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to remove lumps. In a mixing bowl, pour 1 cup heavy whipping cream and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the mixture at medium to high speed until stiff peaks form.
Once the mousse is ready, spoon it into serving glasses or bowls. You can chill it for a firmer texture, and for an extra touch, top it with dark chocolate shavings or fresh berries before serving!
Chocolate Macaroons
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened shredded coconut, almond flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract in another bowl.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until well combined. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to shape the mixture into small mounds, pressing them until firm and compact.
Place the mounds on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the macaroons in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until they are firm with golden edges. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, and then enjoy!
Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate
For a simple and delicious post-dinner treat, these chocolate-dipped strawberries are perfect for those with gestational diabetes. Start by melting 1/2 cup of dark chocolate (the darker, the better) in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth.
Take the strawberries and dip each one into the chocolate, ensuring they are thinly coated. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper or a plate. Refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is set. Enjoy a small amount as a guilt-free treat!
Coconut-Almond Energy Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional for texture)
These Coconut-Almond Energy Bites are perfect for a quick, healthy dessert if you have gestational diabetes.
In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened shredded coconut, almond flour, almond butter, honey, or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Mix until everything is well combined, and if you like, fold in some dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
Use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until they are firm and ready to serve!
FAQ’s
Q: What Desserts can I Eat with Gestational Diabetes?
To avoid overindulging, enjoy puddings in small bowls or glasses. Opt for no-added-sugar treats like Angel Delight with whipped cream and nuts, or try Chia Pudding, gluten-free Chocolate cheesecake, or dairy-free Chocolate velvet.
Q: What are the Best Desserts for Diabetics?
Diabetes-friendly desserts like cinnamon almond cookies or a bowl of granola can satisfy sweet cravings without spiking blood sugar. For something more decadent, try chocolate avocado pudding or a lighter strawberry shortcake. Even a chocolate chip cookie can be enjoyed with the right recipe!
Q: Which Cake is Best for Diabetics?
Keto vanilla cupcakes made with monk fruit sweetener or Splenda are great options, as is a classic carrot cake using Splenda Sugar Blend. Try a chocolate birthday cake or a fun confetti birthday cake sweetened with Splenda Original Granulated Sweetener for celebrations.
Q: Is Ice Cream Ok for Gestational Diabetes?
Of course, we can enjoy ice cream, ice lollies, or frozen yogurt with gestational diabetes. Still, we must be mindful of choices to avoid a spike in blood glucose levels. Since ice cream is a liquid, it’s processed and absorbed faster, leading to a faster blood glucose spike.
Conclusion
Managing gestational diabetes doesn’t mean giving up on desserts entirely. With mindful choices, portion control, and intelligent ingredient swaps, you can still enjoy a variety of delicious and satisfying treats throughout your pregnancy.
By sticking to recipes that balance sweetness with health, like dark chocolate-covered strawberries or coconut-almond energy bites, and listening to your body’s cues, you can indulge in a way that keeps you and your baby healthy. The key is moderation, careful planning, and a creative approach to dessert.
I’m Ayesha Zahid, a certified Nutritionist and Dietitian with over 3 years of hands-on experience helping individuals and families improve their health through nutrition.
