Category: Dessert

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

  • Servings: 20 cookies
  • Difficulty: Easy
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A young lady I know, who is dating a young pre-diabetic young chef, wanted to make him a treat. She scoured the internet to find a recipe that she could make that would be tasty and diabetic friendly. She came up with this great recipe. Hope you enjoy. I tried it and let me say that it will go into office pot lucks and even as a treat at home.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/4 cups of old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup of white flour
  • 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp of baking powder
  • 1 tsp of cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp of salt
  • 4 tbsp of melted light margarine
  • 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup of maple syrup
  • 1 tsp of vanilla
  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flours, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and set aside.
  3. In a smaller bowl, mix together melted margarine, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, folding in the chocolate chips last.
  5. Using a small cookie scoop, drop 1inch cookie dough balls onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten the tops with the back of a spoon or use your fingers, making sure the cookies are still intact. You should end up with about 20 small cookies.
  6. Bake cookies for about 12 minutes. They will look very soft but will firm up as they cool. Keep them on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Nutrition Per Cookie

  • Calories 79
  • Fat 3.3 g
  • Sugar 5.1 g
  • Carbohydrates 8 g
  • Protein 2.1 g
  • Fibre 1.3 g

This was recipe was so easy it was sinful not to try making it. The original recipe called for coconut oil but neither young lady or I like that so she used butter and I used margarine. The calorie and fat content are what I used. If you don’t mind a denser cookie, you could use only whole wheat flour. It would be even healther and if even better for the diabetic as it will not spike your sugars. But being half and half is not a bad option.

If you don’t or can’t find sugar free chocolate chips, they sell sugar free chocolate bars, which is what I had and I just chopped it up and put that in. Just as decadent. You can also use chunky peanut butter. You can add some nuts and reduce the chocolate for a variation. This is when you can have fun and make it your own. If you do, please give us feedback on your version.

Easy Pineapple Cake

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Easy Pineapple Cake

  • Servings: 8 Large Servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
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When making a Hawaiian theme dinner, a must have is a pineapple cake for dessert. I tried a couple of different ideas and this one was the easiest and most delicious option. This is a sweet, moist cake that you can frost or have as is. The nutritional value is without the icing.

Ingredients

  • 1-½ cups of sugar
  • 2 cups of flour (I used unbleached)
  • 2 tsps of baking soda
  • 20 oz can of crushed pineapple with juice
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract (optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking soda, mix well.
  3. In another bowl mix pineapple, eggs and vanilla.
  4. Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix well.
  5. Pour into prepared pan.
  6. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cool a bit and put cream cheese frosting or other icing of your choice or serve as is.

Nutritional facts per serving

  • Calories 317
  • Fat 1.1 g
  • Sugar 48 g
  • Carbohydrates 72 g
  • Protein 5.1 g
  • Fibre 2.0 g

Ok, like I said these are very large pieces. As is, this is not a dessert you want to be having daily. It is high in carbs and sugar. Not for the diabetics. I actually made 16 pcs out of it and it was still a nice size with a slice of charred pineapple and a small bowl of fresh pineapple on the side.

In the picture, it is iced with cream cheese icing. You can store this in the fridge for up to 4 days. The size and icing and shape are up to you. You can make this in a 9×13 pan and reduce the cooking time to 32 min and make little squares.

It’s all up to you and remember to have fun and make it your own.

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

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Crustless Pumpkin Pie

  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Who says pumpkin pie is only good at Thanksgiving. Well not I, that is for sure. The only thing that has stopped me in the past, is the calories and sugar content. Well, well, well, I found a recipe in the Canadian Diabetes book that reduced the calories dramatically and quite a bit of the sugar. It is still a treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 14oz can of pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup of sugar
  • ½ tsp of salt
  • ½ tsp of ground ginger
  • 1 tsp of cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp of ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp of ground cloves
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 13 oz can evaporated skim milk

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, salt, and spices.
  2. Stir in the slightly beaten eggs and mix well.
  3. Add the evaporated milk (shake can before opening) and stir until smooth.
  4. Pour into a lightly greased glass pie plate (this recipe works best in a glass pie plate instead of metal)
  5. Bake in preheat oven of 400 for about 40 minutes or until knife inserted near the center of the pie comes out clean.
  6. Let cool and serve.

Nutritional facts per serving

  • Calories 107
  • Fat 1.3 g
  • Sugar 19.3 g
  • Carbohydrates 21.1 g
  • Protein 5.1 g
  • Fibre 0.5 g

Make sure to use pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling or the spices will be way off. I made mine with homemade pumpkin puree which is thinner so my pie was a little wet. But ohhh, the taste. Cutting the pie in 8 pieces is a nice size. You almost don’t notice that there is no crust. It would be nice but it is not necessary and when you think it would double the calories and add an extra 6 sugars if you are using graham cracker crust, I say no crust please.

To be honest even the pie crust I have on this blog, Sebreena’s pie crust, would add a little less sugar than the graham cracker crust but still adds about 75 calories. This is a great alternative if you are really looking to cut down on the fat, calories and sugar but still crave that sweet taste. I found the spice mixture better than pumpkin pie spice mix but here is where you have fun and make it your own.

Brazilian Carrot Cake

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Brazilian Carrot Cake

  • Servings: 16 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Aren’t pot lucks fun? We had our first in two years on my team at work. Well, I got a new recipe from it. (Thank you Juliana) I’ve altered it a little to reduce the fat (hope you are ok with that). She said this a traditional cake to be served with or without icing. A dessert should never be the focus in size or quantity but instead a nice finish to a good meal. This is such a treat.

Ingredients

  • 3 large carrots
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of apple sauce
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 cups of flour (I used unbleached)
  • 1 tbsp of baking powder

Directions

  1. Put carrots, eggs, applesauce, and sugar in food processor and chop finely.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt and baking powder together.
  3. Add wet mixture of carrot and fold in.
  4. Spray bundt pan.
  5. Pour mixture and place in preheated oven at 350.
  6. Cook for 50-55 minutes.
  7. Let cool and serve.

Nutritional facts per serving

  • Calories 125
  • Fat 1.1 g
  • Sugar 14.1 g
  • Carbohydrates 26.9 g
  • Protein 3.4 g
  • Fibre 1.1 g

I serve small pieces. I also didn’t add any icing. Juliana had added a nice chocolate icing to hers for the pot luck. I found both ways delicious. You will want a larger piece but with it being so satisfying, no need for excess. I made mine with regular white unbleached flour. She mentioned using half white and half almond flour, I was out. Using half whole wheat would make it heavier but more filling and healthier. Either way, have fun and make it your own.

Benson’s Shortbread Cookies

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Benson’s Shortbread Cookies

  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Difficulty: Easy
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*Due to a typographical error, the original posting states 2 cups of icing sugar, when in fact the correct amount is ½ a cup. Sincere apologies for the error.*

What says Christmas more than cookies. I remember there always being shortbread cookies. Oh no, I don’t have a recipe! Tried a couple that didn’t quite turn out like I wanted. While talking to my best friend, she said she had a recipe from an old box of Benson’s corn starch that her mom used to make. To this day, those cookies reminder her of her mom. Well Benson’s is no longer around, but their recipe brought a smile to a lot of young faces. This recipe is too good to go forgotten with the times.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of corn starch
  • 1/2 cup of icing sugar (powdered sugar)
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup of softened butter

Directions

  1. Sift together flour, corn starch, and icing sugar
  2. With a wooden spoon, incorporate butter until a smooth dough forms
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes
  4. Preheat oven to 300
  5. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters for fun shapes
  6. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned
  7. Cool on wire rack

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories 90
  • Sugar 2.54 g
  • Carbohydrates 8.9 g
  • Protein 0.61 g
  • Fiber 0.17 g
  • Fat 5.8 g

As you see in the picture, I added sprinkles. I did that to the dough as I was mixing the dough. (they are not counted in the nutritional facts) I’m not great at decorating. The size of your cookie cutters will determine how many cookies you get. Mine are approximately 3 inches from top to bottom. They are low enough on carbs and sugar that even diabetics can indulge in a cookie or two. Have fun and make them as festive as you like and make this old recipe your own.

Healthy Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

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Healthy Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

  • Servings: 24 small cookies
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Soft and chewy oatmeal cookies that don’t contain any flour, butter, eggs or refined sugar. The dough takes about 5 minutes to prepare. What more could you ask for?

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 cups of quick oats
  • 1/2 cup of mini dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking sheet.
  3. In a large bowl, mix applesauce and oats. Mix with a spoon until evenly combined and all oats are moistened.
  4. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
  5. I used a cookie scoop and made 24 small balls.
  6. Use a spoon or a fork to flatten to approximately 1/2 inch. These cookies will not spread or change shape as they bake.
  7. Bake for 13-15 minutes depending on thickness. (To know if your cookie is cooked, try to lift the cookie with a spatula. If it lifts easily, they are ready)

Nutrition Per Serving with Splenda

  • Calories 50
  • Fat 3.5 g
  • Sugar 3 g
  • Carbohydrates 5.5 g
  • Protein 1.2 g
  • Fibre 0.9 g

I used chocolate chips as this recipe is not very sweet. You could use just about anything as a fill in. Dried fruit works well, raisins, depending on your nutritional needs or restrictions. A traditional serving would be two cookies. Even with chocolate chips, they are still a good option even for diabetics. Think of how you could change them for Halloween or Christmas. Just have fun with these and make them your own.

Healthy Pineapple Carrot Cake

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Healthy Pineapple Carrot Cake

  • Servings: 12
  • Difficulty: Easy
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This healthy carrot cake is a lighter version of the original. It is moist, easy to make and is lower in sugar and has no butter or oil.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (I used unbleached)
  • 1 tsp of baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp of baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp of sea salt
  • 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (I used splenda 1:1)
  • 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple
  • 3/4 cup of finely grated carrots (about 2 large)
  • Pam vegetable spray

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Spray Pam on 8×8 ceramic cake pan.
  3. In a small bowl, mix flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, mix together egg and applesauce.
  5. Add vanilla, sugar and crushed pineapple. Stir until combined.
  6. Pour dry ingredients into wet and gently mix with a spatula until completely combined.
  7. Stir in carrots until evenly distributed.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  9. Bake for 25-35 min until pick comes out clean from centre.
  10. Cut into 12 squares.

Nutrition Per Serving with Splenda


– Calories 55
– Fat 0.55 g
– Sugar 2.8 g
– Carbohydrates 10.1 g
– Protein 2.0 g
– Fibre 1.0 g

Nutrition Per Serving with Sugar


– Calories 94
– Fat 0.55 g
– Sugar 11.3 g
– Carbohydrates 18.6 g
– Protein 2.0 g
– Fibre 1.0 g

This cake is easy to make. The longest part is grating the carrots and making sure that there is no extra protein (the skin off your fingers) as I so often scrape my fingers on the grater.

I’ve given the two versions of nutritional facts with sugar and with Splenda. Even using sugar, a diabetic can have this as the carbs are low and so is the sugar. You can ice it with a cream cheese frosting (let me know if you want the recipe) but it doesn’t even need it. You can sprinkle a little icing sugar for extra sweetness but that is up to you. There are so many possibilities including chocolate chips, or raisins, or even dates that there is no reason you can’t have fun and make it your own.

Applesauce Cake

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Applesauce Cake

  • Servings: 9
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Applesauce is often something I have in the house. I’ve learned to buy the little cups as many recipes ask for it but in small quantities. I hate opening a jar and then have half go bad. Here is a recipe that calls for just one of those prepackaged cups of unsweetened applesauce. I’ve given you a couple of options on the fat or sugar content below.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 3 tbsp of vegetable oil or applesauce (if you have extra, my nutritional value below is based on oil)
  • 2 tsp of pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp of white or cider vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cups of white, spelt or oat flour (I used white unbleached flour)
  • 1/3 cup of sugar or sugar substitute (my nutritional value is based on sugar, if using substitute sugar value is 0 g)
  • 3/4 tsp of salt
  • 3/4 tsp of baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp of baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp of cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp of allspice (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Whisk liquid ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Add remaining dry ingredients to form a batter.
  4. Smooth into a greased 8” square pan.
  5. Bake for 18 minutes or until pick comes out clean.
  6. Cool, then frost if desired.
  7. Cut into 9 squares.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories 130
  • Fat 4.4 g
  • Sugar 7.2 g
  • Carbohydrates 21.6 g
  • Protein 2.8 g
  • Fibre 2.6 g

So as you can see this was really easy. Just because it is low in fat and sugar doesn’t mean it can’t taste good. I made mine with oil but without the sugar. I used splenda 1:1 and it was fine. This also brought the calories down to 102 cal per piece. If you change the oil to applesauce it goes down to 66 and only 0.4 g of fat. You can add raisins, chopped walnuts, even chocolate chips without making it go crazy on calories or sugar. Depends what you are after. You could even ice it, if you really wanted to. I thought it was great plain but now it’s your recipe and have fun and make it your own.

Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad

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Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Perfectly refreshing, colourful, and versatile. Looking for a healthy dish to bring to a pot luck, picnic or just a great way to end a meal, here is a healthy option.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of strawberries, chopped
  • 1 lb of fresh pineapple (canned pineapple pieces if you don’t have fresh, drained)
  • 12 oz of fresh blueberries
  • 12 oz of red grapes, sliced in halves
  • 4 kiwis, peeled and chopped
  • 3 mandarine oranges (canned mandarines drained will work)
  • 2 bananas, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup of honey
  • 2 tsp of lime zest (zest from 2 medium limes)
  • 1.5 tbsp of fresh lime juice

Directions

  1. Add all fruit to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lime zest and lime juice.
  3. Pour over fruit and toss to evenly coat, and serve

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories 143
  • Fat 0.4 g
  • Sugar 27.1 g
  • Carbohydrates 36.6 g
  • Protein 2.0 g
  • Fibre 4.1 g

This is a very versatile recipe. Use the fruit you like best and/or have available. Keep in mind that the longer between the time it is made and served, your pineapple will start changing color. It will absorb the juice of the strawberries and such. This is a little tart due to the pineapple, lime and mandarines. You can make this using melons, watermelon, mango, peaches. The possibilities are endless. All you need is a little imagination to have fun and make it your own.

Berry Strudel

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Berry Strudel

  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: Moderate
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I was asked if I had a recipe that was low in sugar and looked good. Went digging and this is what I came up with.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of berries (I used raspberries)
  • 2 tbsp of instant tapioca
  • 1 tsp of grated lemon zest
  • 5 sheets of phyllo dough thawed 12 x 17 inches
  • 2 tbsp of unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp of crushed walnuts
  • 1/2 cup of greek plain yogourt
  • 1 tsp of brown sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450.
  2. Mix berries, tapioca and lemon zest and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Place a parchemin paper on your work surface, as this is what you will use in your baking sheet.
  4. Place one sheet of phyllo dough and lightly butter it. (Make sure to place a damp towel on the remaining four sheets so they don’t dry out)
  5. Spread 1/2 tbsp of crushed walnuts on the sheet.
  6. Repeat three times.
  7. Place the last sheet over the four others.
  8. Spread the fruit mixture on a horizontal line approximately 2 inches from the edge and from the ends.
  9. Gently roll and fold the ends under.
  10. Place the roll with the parchemin paper on the baking sheet.
  11. Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack.
  12. Cook for 18 minutes until golden brown. If it browns too quickly place a piece of foil over the top and continue baking.
  13. Once cooked let cool for approximately 20 minutes, serve luke warm.
  14. In the meantime, mix yogourt with brown sugar.
  15. Cut into 8 pieces and serve with yogourt on the side.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories 124
  • Fat 7.6 g
  • Sugar 2.9 g
  • Carbohydrates 12.1 g
  • Protein 2.5 g
  • Fibre 3.2 g

This is a refreshing dessert. It looks great (for a fancier look, lightly sprinkle some icing sugar over the top). It is low in sugar, a great dessert for diabetics. You can vary the fruits inside. Berries work great as they don’t need extra sugar. Like I always say, have fun and make it your own.