Indulgent Sugar Free Brownie Mixes and Baked Goods for Diabetics
Living with diabetes doesn't mean having to give up sweet treats completely. With some creative substitutions, classic baked goods like brownies can be enjoyed guilt-free and blood sugar-friendly.
Whipping up your own homemade sugar free brownie mix allows you to control the ingredients. Steer clear of excess carbs, sugar, and fat that can spike blood glucose levels. At the same time, incorporate diabetic-friendly ingredients that don't compromise on taste.
Explore these mouthwatering sugar free brownie mixes and baking ideas perfect for the sweet tooth in every diabetic.
The Best Sugar Substitutes for Baking
The key to keeping brownie mixes diabetes-friendly is swapping out white granulated sugar. Look for natural sugar alternatives that add sweetness without spiking blood glucose.
Some of the best options include:
- Stevia - Derived from the stevia leaf, it contains no calories or carbs and has no effect on blood sugar.
- Monk fruit - Also called luo han guo, this fruit extract offers sweetness with minimal impact on blood sugar.
- Erythritol - This sugar alcohol provides 70% the sweetness of sugar without calories or glucose effects.
- Xylitol - Another sugar alcohol that tastes like sugar but has 40% fewer calories and carbs.
For best results, combine stevia and monk fruit with erythritol or xylitol. This balances sweetness while keeping carb and calorie counts low. Yogurt, cocoa powder, berries, and nuts also naturally enhance flavor.
Simple Sugar Free Brownie Mix
This easy mix allows you to whip up brownies anytime a chocolate craving strikes. It uses just a few common ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup erythritol or xylitol
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8 baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add in erythritol, melted butter, egg and vanilla. Stir until a batter forms.
- Fold in water until fully incorporated.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25-28 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Fudgy Avocado Brownies
The healthy fats in avocado make an excellent substitute for butter or oils in brownies. Avocado gives these bars a super fudgy texture without added sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup erythritol or xylitol
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8 pan.
- In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, cocoa powder, eggs and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
- Add almond flour, sweetener, baking soda and salt. Blend again until fully mixed.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25-28 minutes.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Two-Ingredient Nut Butter Brownies
Who knew you could make brownies with just peanut butter and eggs? The nut butter provides healthy fats to keep these bars moist and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut or almond butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8 pan.
- Whisk together all ingredients until smooth and well blended.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Black Bean Brownies
Surprisingly, beans make a fantastic base for rich, fudgy brownies that no one will guess are sugar free. Black beans provide fiber to help slow digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup erythritol or xylitol
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8 baking dish.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the beans, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Blend until completely smooth.
- Add in sweetener and chocolate chips. Pulse just until mixed throughout.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25-28 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Chickpea Blondies
Like black beans, chickpeas can be transformed into delicious brownie-like bars. Their mild flavor works well with vanilla and nutty almond flour.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup erythritol or xylitol
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, coconut
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8 baking dish.
- In a blender or food processor, blend the chickpeas, eggs, vanilla, melted coconut oil until very smooth.
- Add in almond flour, sweetener, baking powder and salt. Blend again until fully combined.
- Fold in mix-ins if desired.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Pumpkin Spice Brownies
Pumpkin gives these brownies moisture and natural sweetness. Warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg add comforting fall flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup erythritol or xylitol
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8 baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, oil, milk, egg, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla.
- Add the sweetener, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in any additional mix-ins.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30-35 minutes.
- Allow to cool fully before cutting into squares.
No-Bake Cookie Dough Brownies
These no-bake bars are a great way to satisfy a brownie craving without turning on the oven. Chickpeas, dates and nut butter provide a nutrient-dense base.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 10 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/4 cup natural almond or peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, coconut
Instructions:
- In a food processor, blend the chickpeas and dates into a paste.
- Add nut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt. Blend again until smooth.
- Fold in any additional mix-ins if desired.
- Press mixture firmly into an 8x8 pan lined with parchment.
- Refrigerate 1 hour until firm, then cut into squares.
Mug Cake Brownies
For the ultimate single serving brownie, bake these fast mug cakes in the microwave. They're ready in minutes, perfect for instant chocolate gratification!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons almond or coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Pinch of baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon erythritol or xylitol
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt to a microwave-safe mug. Stir to combine.
- Add the sweetener, egg, milk, oil and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Microwave for 60-90 seconds until set.
- Let cool 1-2 minutes before enjoying.
Tips for Sugar Free Baking
Keep these tips in mind for getting the best results when baking brownies and other sugar free diabetic desserts:
- Experiment with combinations of natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, and xylitol.
- Focus on ingredients with added nutritional benefits like nuts, avocado, yogurt, and dark chocolate.
- Adjust baking times and temperatures to account for alternative flours and sugar free ingredients.
- Let baked goods cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Store brownies and cookies in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent moisture loss.
With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can still enjoy sweet, decadent brownie treats as part of a healthy diabetic diet. Whip up a batch using one of these mouthwatering sugar free brownie mix recipes for a chocolate fix without the blood sugar spike.
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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