The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delightful desserts. However, for those managing diabetes, it can be challenging to navigate the sweet temptations that accompany Christmas celebrations. But don’t fret! Crafting diabetes-friendly desserts that are both delicious and festive is easier than you might think. In this blog post, we’ll explore three delectable diabetes-friendly Christmas desserts and recipes: a cookie, a cake, and a pie, all tailored for those seeking diabetes dessert recipes. Our senior caregivers are ready to put on their bakers’ hats and bring a little festive cheer to the in-home care calendar. Let’s embark on a culinary journey that brings the joy of Christmas to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
1. Almond Cinnamon Star Cookies: Diabetic-Friendly Christmas Cookies
Christmas isn’t complete without cookies, and these almond cinnamon stars are a guilt-free treat perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup erythritol or another low-glycemic sweetener
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, erythritol, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add the egg and orange zest, and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on parchment paper and use a star-shaped cutter to cut out cookies.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool and serve.
These almond cinnamon star cookies, a standout among diabetic-friendly Christmas cookies, are not just low in sugar but also gluten-free, making them an inclusive option for various dietary needs.
2. Festive Spice Cake: A Low-Sugar Holiday Delight
A moist, flavorful cake is always a crowd-pleaser, and this festive spice cake is no exception.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup erythritol
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, combine applesauce, olive oil, erythritol, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with Greek yogurt, until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
This spice cake, a gem among low-sugar holiday desserts, offers the warmth of spices and the comfort of a homemade cake without the worry of high sugar content. Search far and wide – you won’t find a tastier cake on any diabetes-friendly Christmas desserts list.
3. Berry Merry Christmas Pie: A Diabetic-Friendly Seasonal Treat
No holiday table is complete without a pie, and this berry merry Christmas pie is both festive and friendly to those with diabetes.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp erythritol
- For the filling:
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup erythritol
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust, mix almond flour, coconut oil, egg, and erythritol until a dough forms. Press into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- For the filling, cook berries, erythritol, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat until the berries break down.
- Stir in chia seeds and simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the berry filling into the crust and refrigerate until set.
This berry pie, a perfect addition to diabetes dessert recipes, captures the essence of Christmas with its vibrant colors and natural sweetness.
Remember, the holiday season is about sharing love and joy, and with these diabetic-friendly Christmas desserts, everyone can indulge in the festive spirit. These treats are not just for those with dietary restrictions but for anyone who seeks a healthier alternative to traditional holiday desserts. Gather your loved ones, share the joy of baking, and enjoy these delightful creations together. Wishing you a merry and sweet Christmas! 🎄🍰🥧
2nd Family provides hands-on senior in-home care, offering important services like assistance with bathing, grooming, meal planning and preparation, home care and housekeeping, transportation, respite, and more. Contact one of our offices to learn more about how we can assist your loved one.