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Low Sugar Desserts & Holiday Treats

Sweet ways to lower the sugar and the carbs in some holiday favorites.

By Marlene Koch RD, author of Eat What You Love: More than 300 Incredible Recipes Low in Sugar, Fat and Calories

Nothing says “holidays” like homemade sweet treats. Baking and sharing traditional Yule- time goodies with those you love is one of the great joys of the season. Low sugar desserts may be the last thing on anyone’s mind, but when you have diabetes, the sugar and carbohydrates packed into most Christmas cookies and other holiday treats can make it difficult. Fortunately, with just a few adjustments you can keep the visions of sugar plums that are dancing in your head from becoming dietary nightmares. Here are six great holiday inspired recipes for low sugar desserts, combined with tips and tricks to show you how. Happy Holidays! (Go to Baking Low Carb, for more baking tips and a recipe for Unbelievable Chocolate Cake.)

Christmas Morning Baked French Toast

Looking for something to eat that’s just as sweet as opening gifts? Switch out the customary cinnamon bun or slice of streusel-laden coffeecake, and save up to 75 grams of carbohydrate while filling up with protein. Enjoy this rich, creamy French Toast served with fresh berries, low-sugar maple flavored syrup, and a side of ham or Canadian bacon for an easy, carb smart brunch that can’t be beat.

4 ounces tub-style light cream cheese
4 ounces tub-style fat-free cream cheese
3/4 cup Splenda Granular
3 tablespoons margarine, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup egg substitute, like Egg Beaters (or 4 large eggs, beaten)
2 large eggs
3 cups 1% milk
1 pound sourdough, or wheat bread (1-inch slices)
2 teaspoons powdered sugar (optional)

1. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or 2 smaller (9 x 9-inch) baking pans with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheeses, Splenda, margarine, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Blend in egg substitute (1/4 cup at a time) and then eggs.
3. Add milk and mix well. Soak bread slices in egg mixture and place into prepared pan. Pour remaining batter over slices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and even overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 40-45 minutes until puffed in center and lightly browned.
5. Remove from oven and lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Serves 12
Calories 210; Fat 7 grams (0 saturated); Carbohydrate 24 grams (sugar 2 grams); Fiber 2 grams; Protein 11 grams; Sodium 320 milligrams

Diabetic exchange: 1 1/4 Starch , 1/4 Low-Fat Milk, 1 Medium-Fat Meat