Celebrate the season with diabetes-friendly options like this beautifully presented pumpkin pie and low-sugar cake.

Top 5 Diabetes Friendly Desserts for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about gathering with loved ones and eating delicious food. But when you are managing diabetes, navigating the dessert table can feel tricky. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to miss out on the sweet side of this holiday. 

This article shares diabetes friendly desserts that burst of flavor for Thanksgiving that everyone will love. Let’s dig in!

 

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Thanksgiving Diabetes Friendly Desserts

A family toasting with champagne around a holiday dinner table with a young child and decorated food.

These desserts for type 2 diabetes are designed to support stable blood sugar levels. Each is carefully crafted to be delicious and healthy. Whether you’re looking for something creamy, cinnamon-flavored, or fruity – this section has it all! 

1. Pumpkin Spice Mini Cheesecakes

This bite-size dessert has diabetic-friendly ingredients like sugar substitute and almond flour, which stabilize blood sugar levels. It has lots of antioxidants and vitamins. These are ideal for portion control, plus they are full of flavor! 

IngredientQuality
Almond flour1 cup
Unsalted butter (melted)3 tbsp
Pumpkin puree (unsweetened)1 cup
Cream cheese (softened)8 oz
Sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol)3 tbsp
Vanilla extract1 tsp
Pumpkin pie spice1 tsp
Egg (large)1

Instructions

A slice of pumpkin pie served on a white plate with whipped cream on top, surrounded by autumn leaves and whole pumpkins.
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the almond flour and melted butter in a bowl until crumbly. Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture into mini muffin tins to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, and then let it cool. 
  3. Beat the cream into a separate bowl until it’s smooth. Now, add the pumpkin puree, sugar substitute, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and the egg. Make sure that you blend it well. 
  4. When it’s been combined, fill each cup almost to the top. 
  5. Bake it for about 20-25 minutes or until the center is set.
  6. Let it cool before!
  7. Now, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. 

2. Cranberry-Orange Yogurt Parfaits

This treat tastes festive with the sweetness of the orange and the tartness of the cranberries. But there is more to it than just taste – it’s also healthy. The fruits are rich in antioxidants, and the Greek yogurt is a great source of protein that can stabilize blood sugar. 

IngredientQuantity
Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)2 cups
Fresh cranberries1 cup
Orange zest and juice1 orange
Sugar substitute (e.g., stevia or honey substitute)2 tbsp
Granola (optional, sugar-free)½ cup

Instructions

  1. Combine the cranberries, orange juice, and zest in a small saucepan. Then cook it on medium heat for 5-7 minutes and stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn. The cranberries should burst, and the mixture should be slightly thick. Add the sugar substitute of your choice and let it cool. 
  2. Now, layer the yoghurt, cranberry mixture, and granola (if using) in a serving glass or bowl.
  3. Sprinkle some of the orange zest or a few fresh cranberries on top for extra flavor. 
  4. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

3. Almond & Pear Tartlets

 

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These elegant tartlets are a perfect diabetes-friendly choice. They are naturally sweetened with ripe pears and almonds. Pears also offer some fibre, and almonds provide healthy fats and proteins that manage blood sugar levels. 

IngredientQuantity
Almond flour1 ½ cups
Coconut oil (melted)2 tbsp
Sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol)2 tbsp
Pears (ripe, thinly sliced)2 medium
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Almond extract½ tsp
Ground cinnamon½ tsp
Slivered almonds (optional)2 tbsp

4. Chocolate Avocado Mousse

This crazy mix is actually delicious! It soothes those chocolate cravings, but it ensures that sugar levels stay low. The avocados are full of fiber and fats, which is incredibly healthy for diabetics. 

IngredientQuantity
Ripe avocados2 medium-sized
Unsweetened cocoa powder¼ cup
Unsweetened almond milk3 tbsp
Sugar substitute (e.g., monk fruit or erythritol)2–3 tbsp
Vanilla extract1 tsp
Dark chocolate (70% or higher, melted)2 tbsp
Pinch of saltTo taste

Instructions

  1. Scoop the avocado out and put it into a food processor or blender.
  2. Add the almond milk, sugar substitute, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, melted dark chocolate, and a pinch of salt. 
  3. Blend it until it’s smooth and creamy, and adjust the sweetness if needed. 
  4. Now, divide it into serving cups and let it sit in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving. 
  5. Top it with whipped cream or sprinkle some cocoa powder. 

5. Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Overhead view of a festive table with a person slicing a pumpkin pie next to a plate with a pie slice topped with whipped cream, accompanied by a rolled cake and braided bread on a rustic wooden table.

This is one of the safest diabetes desserts. These baked apples have the warming flavor of cinnamon, which puts you in a cozy mood. Apples and oats are high in fiber, which has incredible benefits. Fiber is known to help with digestion, weight management, blood sugar control, and more (Mayo Clinic). 

IngredientQuantity
Apples (peeled and sliced)4 medium-sized
Ground cinnamon1 tsp
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Sugar substitute (e.g., stevia or erythritol)2 tbsp
Rolled oats½ cup
Almond flour¼ cup
Chopped almonds2 tbsp
Coconut oil (melted)2 tbsp
Pinch of saltTo taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Toss the apple slices with cinnamon, lemon juice, and sugar substitute in a mixing bowl. Then, spread the apples in a baking dish.
  3. Mix the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped almonds, melted coconut oil, sugar substitute, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. 
  4. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples. 
  5. Let it bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the toppings are golden brown. 
  6. Let it sit and cool before serving. 
  7. Add sugar-free whipped cream if you like!

Conclusion: Desserts for People with Diabetes

Thanksgiving can be filled with delicious food for diabetics, too, and these diabetic safe desserts prove it. It’s about focusing on natural ingredients, balanced flavors, and mindful portions. 

Here’s to enjoying a guilt-free Thanksgiving!

Can people with diabetes enjoy desserts for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! People with diabetes can enjoy desserts for diabetes that are thoughtfully prepared. The key is to focus on recipes with natural sweeteners, balanced nutrients, and high-fiber ingredients. 

Can I prepare these desserts in advance?

Yes, these desserts are perfect for making ahead of time to save time and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day. Crumbles, cookies, and mousses can be stored for several days. 

Are sugar-free desserts better for people with diabetes?

Not always. While sugar-free is the way to go, some ingredients may harm your health. For instance, artificial sweeteners or processed ingredients. Homemade desserts with natural ingredients are often better.