Having diabetes shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your favourite cakes and bakes now and again. It just requires a little bit of creativity when it comes to choosing your ingredients and managing portion size.
You’ll find a selection of our favourite low-sugar, sugar-free, keto and low-GI cake recipes below so you’re sure to find something suitable, no matter your approach to managing diabetes.
Explore our diabetes recipes and nutrition hub for expert information to support you on your diabetes journey. You’ll find tips on managing your condition, as well as plenty of wholesome recipes, like breakfast burritos and salmon burgers.
Low-sugar recipes
Sugar-free victoria sponge
A modern take on a timeless classic, this victoria sponge recipe has plenty of fruity flavour without the sugar. Both the sponge and the double cream topping are made with xylitol, to keep this cake diabetic-friendly.
Baked almond, banana & blueberry cheesecake
Sweetened with natural fruits and a little maple syrup, this cheesecake combines ricotta and yogurt for a lower-fat, yet rich and creamy texture.
We have plenty more blueberry recipes that make good use of the juicy fruit.
Custard & nutmeg tart
Sweeten the filling for this low-sugar dessert naturally by adding sultanas soaked in milk, and add a sprinkle of nutmeg for spicy warmth. Bake until the pastry is golden and the filling is just wobbly in the centre.
Learn more about the health benefits of raisins.
Strawberry & white chocolate choux buns
Fill light choux pastry with a creamy vanilla custard and Greek yogurt filling, then finish with fresh fruit for a lower-sugar afternoon tea treat.
Greek yogurt can be used in plenty of sweet and savoury dishes, including chicken curry, courgette & tahini dip and peach pavlova.
Healthy chocolate brownies
Yes, that’s right – these lighter brownies are rich, cakey and chocolatey, but low in fat, gluten-free and containing no added sugar. Great for those with special diets.
Curb your cravings with our best healthy chocolate recipes.
Sugar-free recipes
Moroccan orange & cardamom cake
Replace sugar with xylitol and swap butter and oil for a puréed whole orange in this light and zesty cake made with ground almonds and polenta.
Learn more about xylitol, the commonly used sugar substitute.
Baked banana cheesecake
Instead of making another loaf of banana bread, use up overripe fruit in this low-sugar cheesecake with a chocolate and nut base and ricotta and yogurt topping.
Or, browse our collection of healthy banana recipes.
Mascarpone & pineapple cheesecake
This clever cheesecake uses crushed oatcakes and desiccated coconut for the base, plus naturally sweet pineapple for a lower-sugar dessert.
If you’re looking for more cheesecake inspo, have a look at our vegan and gluten-free lemon cheesecake – it’s sweetened with agave syrup.
Cinnamon apple pecan pudding
It may taste indulgent, but this low-sugar fruity pud is sweetened with xylitol and apples, keeping it low in sugar. Cinnamon gives a lovely warmth, while pecans add a nutty crunch.
Got a glut of apples to use up? Try one of our healthy apple recipes – we have crumble, stew and muffins.
Berry almond bakewell
Crisp pastry, sweet raspberries and a nutty frangipane filling make this a lovely dinner party dessert or weekend treat. No one will guess it’s low in sugar.
If frangipane isn’t your thing, browse our enticing collection of healthy dessert recipes.
Sugar-free lemon drizzle cake
Sweetened with all-natural xylitol, this lighter lemon sponge cake has a dense, syrupy texture and keeps well for a few days. Or, if you’d prefer, you can make this cake ahead of time and pop it in the freezer. Simply defrost thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it.
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If you’re one for getting ahead, check out our top freezable recipes.
Chocolate-orange steamed pudding with chocolate sauce
A classic combination of chocolate and orange flavours in a rich, squidgy dessert that’s low in sugar but no less tasty. What’s not to love?
For more ways with oranges – including salad, porridge and soup – have a look our healthy orange recipes.
Sugar-free carrot cake
For a lighter afternoon tea treat, this dairy-free and sugar-free carrot cake uses xylitol to sweeten it naturally, and is very simple to make. Swapping the usual soft cheese icing for pecans and an optional drizzle of agave syrup means you slash the sugar and calories.
Learn more about agave and what makes it healthy.
Keto recipes
Keto mug cake
A quick and easy way to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this keto mug cake is flavoured with ground almonds, nut butter and cacao. Simply mix, cook for two minutes and enjoy.
Find more egg-free baking recipes for afternoon tea, dinner parties and dessert.
Keto chocolate cake
Enjoy our keto chocolate cake with a cup of tea for a mid-afternoon treat. It’s made using almond flour, eggs and cacao, with a delicious yogurt-based topping.
Browse all of our recipes for a ketogenic diet. From peanut butter chicken and baked salmon, to crustless quiche, we have something for everyone.
Keto brownies
Bake these sumptuous keto brownies using nut butter, courgette, cacao and almond flour. They’re moreish and perfectly moist – just how a brownie should be.
We also have recipes for vegan chocolate brownies, gluten-free brownies and surprisingly delicious beetroot brownies.
Keto doughnuts
Try these moreish keto doughnuts made with almond flour. If you like blueberries, add some into the mix as a way to add colour and more nutrients.
Read up on why blueberries are so good for you.
Keto vanilla cake
Enjoy our delightful keto-friendly vanilla cake made with sunflower seed and almond flours, covered with a creamy yogurt frosting. It has a slightly denser texture than a normal sponge cake that, along with the frosting, makes for a satisfying treat.
Discover the top 5 health benefits of coconut oil.
Low-GI recipes
The ultimate makeover: carrot cake
Angela Nilsen creates a healthier version of the classic bake with this easy recipe. It still has all the sweet, spiced flavours of regular carrot cake, along with a lighter soft cheese frosting, so you won’t miss a thing.
We’ve given lots of classic recipes a healthy makeover, including spaghetti carbonara, chocolate mousse and tiramisu.
Apricot & raspberry tart
Delicious served hot or cold, this tart uses filo pastry to keep the calories down. The sweetness comes from ripe apricots, raspberries and a dollop of sweet, sticky conserve that acts as a glaze.
Looking for more ways to use apricots? Check out our apricot recipes.
Lighter spiced carrot cake
All the joy of baking, with healthier results. This traybake uses sweet potato for natural sweetness, wholemeal flower and a lower-fat frosting made with quark.
We have plenty of healthy sweet potato recipes for you try, including curry, burgers and pie.
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