Indulging Your Sweet Tooth With Keto-Friendly Thanksgiving Desserts
The holidays are a time for enjoying delicious food and quality time with loved ones. However, sticking to a keto diet during Thanksgiving can seem daunting when so many classic dishes contain carbs and sugar. Have no fear - you don't have to deprive yourself of dessert on Turkey Day even while following a low carb, high fat diet. Read on for keto-friendly Thanksgiving treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth without kicking you out of ketosis.
Keto Pumpkin Pie
What's Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? This keto take on the classic dessert uses almond flour and sweetener instead of sugar to create a filling that's creamy and full of fall spice flavor. The nutty crust holds everything together for perfect slices with no crumbling. Top it off with whipped cream for an extra tasty treat.
Pecan Pie Bars
These delicious keto pecan pie bars capture all the best elements of pecan pie in easy hand-held form. A buttery pecan coating tops a rich filling made with butter, vanilla, eggs and sugar free maple syrup on an almond flour crust. Chill them in the fridge until firm, then cut into bars for serving. They make for great leftovers too.
Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake
This stunning keto Thanksgiving dessert combines two classic fall flavors - chocolate and pumpkin - for a seasonal treat. A pecan coconut crust holds in the smooth and creamy cheesecake filling made with pumpkin puree, eggs, cream cheese and cocoa powder. Top with cinnamon whipped cream before serving for extra decadence.
Cranberry Almond Cookies
These pretty pink cookies offer delicious low carb bite. With their sweet tart cranberry and white chocolate chips paired with almond flour, they make a perfect keto post-Thanksgiving treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for some extra richness if you'd like.
Pecan Shortbread
Keto Thanksgiving desserts don't get easier than this 3-ingredient pecan shortbread. All you need are butter, pecans and a zero carb alternative sweetener like Swerve. The nutty pecan flavor shines through in this melt-in-your-mouth, European-inspired shortbread. Cut them into wedges or press into mini tart shells.
Tips for Creating Keto Friendly Thanksgiving Sweets
Baking delicious low carb desserts for the holidays is totally doable with a little adaptation. Follow these helpful guidelines when developing keto friendly Thanksgiving treats:
Use Alternative Low Carb Sweeteners
Replace sugar with keto-approved zero calorie sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit or stevia in your favorite recipes. Check the carbs on the package to verify the sweetener is low enough for your macros. Combining a couple sweeteners can help mimic the taste of sugar.
Swap All-Purpose Flour for Low Carb Flours
Ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour and flax meal make excellent substitutes for regular flour in keto Thanksgiving dessert recipes. They add nutty flavor and heart healthy fats. Depending on the flour, you may need to adjust the moisture content with more eggs or liquid.
Embrace Rich Ingredients Like Cream Cheese, Eggs and Nuts
Since the keto diet emphasizes high fat, low carb foods, ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, butter and nuts can help create satisfyingly rich desserts. Macadamia nuts, pecans and almonds also deliver crunchy textures with their high healthy fat content.
Experiment with Novel Crusts and Fillings
Using alternate base ingredients like chia seeds, flax meal and nut flours allows you to develop unique keto friendly crusts and pie shells for your holiday desserts. Consider new combinations like chocolate pumpkin cheesecake or cranberry coconut custard pie to change things up.
Top with Low Carb Whipped Cream, Nut Butters or Chocolate
Finish your fabulous Thanksgiving keto desserts with delicious extras like whipped cream sweetened with zero carb sweeteners, nut butters or sugar free chocolate for plenty of flavor without adding back the carbs. A little goes a long way in adding sweet richness.
Enjoy Guilt-Free Holiday Indulgence
Don't hold back from enjoying wonderful desserts on Thanksgiving just because you are eating keto. With the right low carb ingredients and a little creativity, you can make delicious sweets that will have the whole family asking for seconds while still sticking to your macros. Now that's something extra to be thankful for!
FAQs
What can I use to replace sugar in keto dessert recipes?
Great low carb sweetener options include erythritol, monk fruit, stevia, Swerve, and Splenda. Always check the label for carb counts.
Do I have to give up pumpkin pie on the keto diet?
Not at all! You can make delicious keto pumpkin pie using almond flour, low carb sweeteners, eggs and pumpkin puree for a recipe that fits your macros.
What are good nuts to use in keto Thanksgiving desserts?
Pecans, almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts are all great high fat, low carb nut choices that add crunch and nutty flavors.
What can I use as a keto pie crust?
Ground nuts like almonds work wonderfully to create a sturdy, low carb crust for your keto pies. Coconut flour or fathead dough also make great grain-free pie crust options.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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