Low-Sugar Christmas Desserts

Updated: December 22, 2016
Just because it's the holidays, you don't have to overindulge in treats that are loaded with sugar. There are plenty of ways to maintain a healthy diet while still participating in the revelry. One way to keep sugar levels in check is to bake and serve treats that are lower in sugar, while also keeping portion sizes in mind. We promise you won't feel cheated either. These low-sugar desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth and will keep you from crashing later, so you can enjoy all of the merriment.
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Maple Date Bars

Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Maple Date Bars

Moist and chewy, these date-filled bars make a satisfying afternoon snack or a nice treat to bring into the office. They travel well, since you can let them cool in the baking pan and carry them. Or, for a prettier package, place them in a cookie tin divided by sheets of parchment paper.

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Brownie Energy Bites

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
View Recipe: Brownie Energy Bites

These two-bite treats taste rich and indulgent, with absolutely no added sugar. Each also contains 3g fiber and 3g protein. We find one to be satisfying, but don't feel bad about eating two—that's only 222 calories. Store chilled in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

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Hazelnut Dessert Coffee

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Hazelnut Dessert Coffee

Serve with Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Use any other liqueur that you prefer, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord.

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Pizzelles

Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Pizzelles

At last, the beloved cookie is now gluten-free. You'll need a pizzelle iron to make these delicate Italian waffle cookies. Prepare the recipe using the Cannoli Shell Variation to make delicious cannoli.

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Grapefruit Granita with Pear-and-Pom Relish

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Grapefruit Granita with Pear-and-Pom Relish

There's no need to relegate icy treats to just the summertime. This granita makes a fantastic addition to holiday get-togethers.

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Wildberry Buckle

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Wildberry Buckle

As this tempting dessert bakes, the cake batter rises and buckles around the fruit, giving it a wrinkled appearance.

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Poached Pears with Cardamom Cream

View Recipe: Poached Pears with Cardamom Cream

Make the components for this dessert a day ahead, and assemble shortly before serving. Placing a plate on top of the pears as they cook keeps them submerged so they cook evenly.

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Warmed Berries with Honey and Fresh Cheese

Photo: Erin Kunkel
View Recipe: Warmed Berries with Honey and Fresh Cheese

You may adapt this dessert to your taste by adjusting the blend of berries, the amount of honey, or even the amount of cheese. The idea is luxury in the amount of berries. Fromage blanc is wonderfully subtle; you can sub Greek yogurt, which is tangier.

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Cranberry and Apple Crumble

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Cranberry and Apple Crumble

This simple winter dessert satisfies. We used Braeburn apples, but Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, or any other tart variety will do. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

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Walnut-Yogurt Dip (Akhrot Ka Raita)

Photo: Jan Smith
View Recipe: Walnut-Yogurt Dip (Akhrot Ka Raita)

This sweet-savory dip is delicious with pita wedges and fresh strawberries or cut-up pineapple for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. You can prepare it up to a day ahead and refrigerate.

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Broiled Grapefruit with Ginger and Maple Cream

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Broiled Grapefruit with Ginger and Maple Cream

Not overly sweet, this elegant, seasonal dessert is a grapefruit-lover's delight. To whip the maple-infused cream into fluffy peaks with ease, start with a frozen metal bowl and whisk. Using chilled tools helps the cream to develop and hold body quickly.

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Sugar-Roasted Plums with Balsamic and Rosemary Syrup

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Sugar-Roasted Plums with Balsamic and Rosemary Syrup

Small, sweet, dark purple plums are ideal for this dessert. Balsamic vinegar, water, and seasonings are reduced to an intense syrupy glaze that contrasts with the sugar-coated plums.

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Softened Plums with Vanilla Yogurt

Photo: Victor Protasio
View Recpe: Softened Plums with Vanilla Yogurt

Skip turning on the oven by cooking the plums just on the stove. The plums cook just long enough to often slightly and release their juices; use a knife and fork to dive in. Butter, honey, and orange juice mixed with juice from the peaches creates a light syrup that is simply divine. Sub any toasted nut or seed for the granola. This recipe serves four people, and each portion of three peach halves topped with yogurt and the peach syrup contains just 25g of added sugar, 184 calories, and 6.6g of fat.

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Chocolate Pots de Crème

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chocolate Pots de Crème

Pots de crème are decadent, creamy custards served in tiny cups—and they’re a perfect ending to a cozy dinner. Make this dessert the night before, and chill until you’re ready to serve.

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