7 Delicious Desserts for Gestational Diabetes Under 15g Carbs

Managing gestational diabetes means being mindful of every meal, which can feel especially challenging when a dessert craving hits. The key is managing blood sugar, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up satisfying, sweet treats.¹ The right dessert, one that is low in carbohydrates and balanced with healthy fats or protein, can absolutely fit into your plan.

This article provides seven delicious, easy-to-make dessert recipes, each containing under 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving. They are designed to satisfy your sweet tooth without causing a significant spike in your blood sugar.

1. Rich Chocolate Avocado Mousse

This mousse trades the sugar and heavy cream of traditional recipes for healthy fats from avocado. The avocado creates a rich, creamy texture, and its fat content can help slow the absorption of sugar, making it an ideal choice for a blood-sugar-friendly dessert.

Ingredients List

• 1/2 large, ripe avocado
• 1.5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons powdered monk fruit/erythritol blend (or other approved low-carb sweetener, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
• A small pinch of salt

How to Make

1. Scoop the flesh of the avocado into a food processor or a bowl for an immersion blender.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of the almond milk.
4. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the mousse is too thick to blend, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of almond milk.
5. Taste and adjust sweetener if needed.
6. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	190
Total Fat	17g
Sodium	70mg
Total Carbohydrates	12g
Dietary Fiber	8g
Sugars	<1g
Protein	3g

(Note: Net carbs are approximately 4g)

2. Creamy Ricotta and Berry Parfait

This simple parfait feels elegant and satisfying. It uses whole milk ricotta cheese, which provides protein and fat to help balance the carbohydrates from the berries. Berries, particularly raspberries and blackberries, are some of the lowest-sugar fruits and are packed with fiber.

Ingredients List

• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons powdered low-carb sweetener (or a few drops of liquid stevia), to taste
• 1/4 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen raspberries, blackberries, and/or strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon slivered almonds (optional, for crunch)

How to Make

1. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Stir well until smooth.
2. In a small glass or bowl, create layers. Start with half of the sweetened ricotta mixture.
3. Add half of the mixed berries.
4. Add the remaining ricotta cheese.
5. Top with the rest of the berries and the slivered almonds, if using.
6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, without almonds)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	175
Total Fat	11g
Sodium	65mg
Total Carbohydrates	10g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	5g
Protein	10g

3. Vanilla Bean Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds are a powerhouse of fiber and healthy fats. When mixed with liquid, they swell to create a thick, pudding-like texture. The high fiber content is excellent for managing blood sugar, as it slows down digestion and the release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Ingredients List

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons powdered low-carb sweetener, to taste
• Optional topping: 1 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes⁴

How to Make

1. In a jar or small bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener.
2. Whisk or stir very well, making sure all the chia seeds are separated and not clumping at the bottom.
3. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir it well a second time to break up any gels that are forming.
4. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to set completely.
5. When ready to serve, stir once more and add toppings if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, without toppings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	145
Total Fat	10g
Sodium	85mg
Total Carbohydrates	13g
Dietary Fiber	10g
Sugars	<1g
Protein	5g

4. No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites

These bites are perfect for a portion-controlled treat. The combination of healthy fat and protein from the peanut butter and almond flour provides stable energy. The key is to use a natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils.

Ingredients List

• 1/4 cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons almond flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered low-carb sweetener
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar-free chocolate chips (e.g., Lily’s brand)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make

1. This recipe makes 3-4 small bites. The nutrition information below is for one bite.
2. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, almond flour, sweetener, and vanilla.
3. Stir until the mixture is thick and well-combined, like a stiff dough.
4. Fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips.
5. Roll the mixture into 3 or 4 small, equal-sized balls.
6. You can eat them immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 bite, assuming 4 bites total)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	75
Total Fat	6.5g
Sodium	30mg
Total Carbohydrates	3.5g
Dietary Fiber	1.5g
Sugars	1g
Protein	3g

5. Quick Cinnamon “Baked” Apple

Apples contain carbs, but a small portion paired with fat and cinnamon can often be well-tolerated. Cinnamon has been studied for its potential to help with blood sugar sensitivity.⁵ This recipe gives you the comfort of a baked apple in just a few minutes.

Ingredients List

• 1/2 of a small Granny Smith apple (about 50-60g)
• 1/2 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chopped pecans (optional)

How to Make

1. Core the apple half and dice it into small, 1/2-inch pieces. Do not peel it, as the skin contains valuable fiber.
2. Melt the butter or coconut oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the diced apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Sauté the apple pieces, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
5. Pour the apples and any remaining butter from the pan into a small bowl.
6. Top with chopped pecans, if using, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, without pecans)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	75
Total Fat	6g
Sodium	0mg
Total Carbohydrates	11g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	8g
Protein	<1g

6. Greek Yogurt and Strawberry Bark

This frozen treat is refreshing and simple. Full-fat plain Greek yogurt provides a significant amount of protein, which is excellent for a gestational diabetes diet. Using a few strawberries adds natural sweetness and vitamins without many carbs.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tablespoons powdered low-carb sweetener, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sliced fresh strawberries

How to Make

1. Line a small baking sheet or a large plate with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Spread the yogurt mixture evenly onto the parchment paper, about 1/4-inch thick.
4. Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly over the top, pressing them in lightly.
5. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 3 hours, or until completely firm.
6. Once frozen, break the bark into pieces. This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts (per 1/4 of the bark)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	65
Total Fat	3.5g
Sodium	15mg
Total Carbohydrates	4g
Dietary Fiber	<1g
Sugars	3g
Protein	5g

7. Sugar-Free Jello with Real Whipped Cream

Sometimes, simplicity is best. Sugar-free jello is a classic zero-carb treat.⁶ Instead of using a spray-can topping (which often has hidden sugars or oils), making your own quick, sugar-free whipped cream with heavy cream adds healthy fat, making it more satisfying and satiating.

Ingredients List

• 1 package (0.3 oz) sugar-free jello, any flavor
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• For the topping (per serving):
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon powdered low-carb sweetener (or to taste)

How to Make

1. Prepare the jello according to the package directions: Dissolve the gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in 1 cup of cold water.
2. Pour into a large dish or individual serving cups. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
3. When you are ready to serve a portion (about 1/2 cup of the set jello), prepare the whipped cream.
4. In a small, cold bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and sweetener.
5. Using a hand mixer or a small whisk, beat the cream until soft peaks form (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Top the jello with the fresh whipped cream and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per 1/2 cup jello with 2 tbsp cream)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	110
Total Fat	11g
Sodium	55mg
Total Carbohydrates	<2g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	0g
Protein	1g

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best low-carb sweeteners to use?

For gestational diabetes, it’s best to use non-nutritive sweeteners that do not impact blood sugar. These include stevia, monk fruit, and sugar alcohols like erythritol. Always check with your doctor or dietitian before introducing a new sweetener.

Can I eat fruit with gestational diabetes?

Yes, but in moderation. Fruits contain natural sugars (carbohydrates).7 The best choices are typically berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries) and small portions of other fruits, especially when paired with a protein or fat source (like cheese, nuts, or Greek yogurt) to slow sugar absorption.

When is the best time to eat one of these desserts?

It’s often best to have a dessert immediately following a protein-rich meal, rather than as a standalone snack. This can help minimize a blood sugar spike. However, everyone is different. The most important thing is to test your blood sugar 1 or 2 hours after eating (as directed by your doctor) to see how your body personally responds.

Conclusion

Living with gestational diabetes requires careful management, but it doesn’t mean your diet has to be boring or restrictive. By focusing on whole-food ingredients, healthy fats, protein, and portion control, you can still enjoy a delicious dessert. These seven recipes are a great starting point, but always remember to listen to your body and your healthcare team. Monitoring your blood sugar after trying a new food is the best way to know what works for you.