Naturally Sweetened Holiday Treats (That are Still Delicious)

‘New me’ drinks green smoothies for breakfast and thinks apple crisp sweetened with nothing but date jam is delicious. Yeah, I’m that annoying vegan hippie.

‘Old me’ was a little different. Along with being a ‘coffee regular’ kinda gal, I also thought nothing of eating a family-sized slab of chocolate by myself. In one sitting.

When you’re a diehard sugar addict, quitting your drug of choice can seem downright daunting. What on earth will you even eat? Is there life after sugar? Can the void ever be filled?

If someone you know has climbed aboard the sugar-free wagon, these are all questions they’re likely asking themselves as they embark on their journey. Your job is to give them hope. Hope, that is, in the form of something so sweet and delicious they’ll think it’s the real deal.

Now, that might sound like a big ask, but luckily for you I’ve already done the virtual legwork. All you have to do is pick a recipe to make. Do your best in spite of the choice overwhelm, your sugar-free human is relying on you.

There are plenty of natural sweeteners and sugar alternatives to choose from, so be sure to check if there are any you need to avoid before you don your apron and begin channeling your inner-Nigella.

Remember though, healing a sugar-addiction is about more than just finding alternative treats to keep the monster at bay. There are also foods that help alleviate cravings when you’re quitting sugar. You may want to buy your friend some of those as well.

RAW BROWNIE BITES BY DR. AXE

sugar-free holiday treats

Sweetened with medjool dates, these raw brownie bites are a winning combination of healthy and delicious. Nutty, chocolatey and easy to make, what’s not to love? Granted, they’re not M&M’s, but then that’s the point. Besides, your sugar-free pal will love them because you made ‘em.

COCONUT, LEMON AND STRAWBERRY SEMIFREDDO BY LITTLE MARKET KITCHEN

sugar-free holiday treats

This coconut, lemon and strawberry semifreddo is a sugar-free and vegan (except for the honey) take on the classic semi-frozen dessert, which is usually made with eggs, sugar and cream. If your sugar-free friend is also vegan, you could swap out the honey with brown rice syrup.

HEALTHY HOMEMADE GUMMY BEARS BY DESSERTS WITH BENEFITS

sugar-free holiday treats

Okay, I’m not going to lie, these healthy homemade gummy bears are going to require a little bit of effort. But they look super delicious and best of all, they’re sweetened with just a teaspoon of stevia extract. To make them vegan, simply look for a vegetarian gelatin substitute.

PEANUT BUTTER, OATMEAL AND BANANA COOKIES BY THE SPRUCE

sugar-free holiday treats

Let’s face it, the world would be a much better place if we continued our kindergarten habits into adulthood. Specifically, afternoon naps and milk and cookies. Am I right or am I right? Sweetened with banana and maple syrup, these peanut butter, oatmeal and banana cookies are sure to be a hit with your sugar-free pal.

CAROB COCONUT PROTEIN FUDGE BARS BY UNCONVENTIONAL BAKER

sugar-free treats

How amazing do these carob coconut protein fudge bars look? The recipe calls for just five tablespoons of maple syrup to make these chewy, fudgey, soft and creamy rectangles of deliciousness. Along with being refined sugar-free, they’re also gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free. Winning. As soon as I can get my grubby paws on the necessary ingredients, I’m making these puppies for sure.

 

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