Delicious Low Carb Brownie Recipes Made With Stevia for People With Diabetes

What Makes Brownies a Poor Choice for Diabetics?

A standard brownie recipe calls for significant amounts of granulated white sugar or brown sugar. All this added sugar causes a rapid spike in blood glucose levels when consumed. Over time, frequent blood sugar spikes can lead to insulin resistance, which is common in type 2 diabetes. Additionally, traditional brownies are made with all purpose flour which breaks down quickly into glucose during digestion. For people with diabetes, it is best to choose low glycemic index ingredients that will not cause blood sugar spikes.

Benefits of Using Stevia in Brownies

Stevia is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. Compared to sugar, stevia has negligible effects on blood glucose levels and insulin response. The stevia plant contains naturally occurring compounds called steviol glycosides that provide the sweet taste. Stevia has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. Using stevia instead of sugar allows people with diabetes to enjoy sweet tasting desserts without the blood glucose spike and inevitable crash afterward. Stevia is available in liquid and powdered forms. When baking, powdered stevia works best to replace granulated sugar in a 1:1 ratio.

Choosing Low Carb Flours for Diabetic Brownie Recipes

Traditional brownie recipes call for wheat flour which turns into sugar during the digestion process. To keep brownies low carb, alternative flours with fewer digestible carbs are used. Some good options include:

• Almond flour - Made from blanched, ground almonds. Low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
• Coconut flour - Made from dried, defatted coconut. Very high fiber and low carb.
• Flaxseed meal - Ground flaxseeds are high in fiber with moderate carbs.
• Chickpea flour - Made from ground chickpeas. Has significant protein and fiber.

Using a combination of these nut and seed flours creates a rich, fudgy texture in low carb brownies without spiking blood sugar levels.

8 Delicious Low Carb Brownie Recipes Made with Stevia

1. Easy Almond Flour Brownies

These simple brownies have just 7 ingredients. With almond and coconut flours, they are gluten free and diabetes friendly. The stevia gives them a rich sweetness without added sugar. Cocoa powder provides antioxidants and fiber. Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup powdered stevia
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered stevia and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

2. Fudgy Flourless Brownies

These flourless brownies are fudgy, gooey and perfect for low carb diets. With just 7 ingredients, they come together quickly. Cocoa powder and chocolate provide anti-oxidants. Egg yolks add richness. Walnuts give crunch and healthy fats. Sweetened naturally with stevia.

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (100% cacao), chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup powdered stevia
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Grease an 8x8 baking pan.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave.
3. Allow to slightly cool then whisk in the powdered stevia and salt until smooth.
4. Whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla until fully combined.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in two batches.
7. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
8. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 28-32 minutes until set around the edges but still fudgy in the middle.
10. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

3. Low Carb Black Bean Brownies

Surprisingly, black beans make an excellent base for rich, fudgy gluten free brownies. The beans provide fiber and protein. Cocoa powder offers antioxidants. Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture. Powdered stevia sweetens without spiking blood sugar. The beans and yogurt provide steady, long-lasting energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup powdered stevia
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8 baking pan.
2. In a food processor or blender, blend the black beans until smooth.
3. Add in the eggs, cocoa powder, Greek yogurt, powdered stevia, vanilla and espresso powder if using. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set around the edges but still fudgy in the middle.
6. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

4. Low Carb Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl

What's better than fudgy low carb brownies? Brownies with a swirl of rich, tangy cream cheese running through them! The brownie base uses almond and coconut flours to keep it low carb. Dark chocolate and cocoa provide antioxidants. Powdered stevia lends sweetness without sugar. The cream cheese layer takes these over the top!

Brownie Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups al

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.