Your life after bariatric surgery has probably changed drastically- but only in a good way.
Nowadays, your lifestyle is no doubt centered on taking care of your health in the best way possible by eating well and moving your body. This is the best way to truly enjoy and maintain the results of such a life-changing surgery, after all.
But when the festive season rolls around, it can be a tricky time for healthy, balanced eating. Luckily, these bariatric desserts are ideal for both you and your family when celebrating all the sweet things in life this time of year…
5 Simple Bariatric Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings
If you think that life after bariatric surgery is all about counting calories and skipping dessert, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
As you get into a routine of healthy eating, desserts and other sweet treats will become part of the norm (all in moderation, of course). Don’t miss BariSlim for a little more inspiration.
Here are a few bariatric-approved sweet treats you can whip up this festive season and enjoy, guilt-free!
1. The Skinny Mug Brownie
Is there anything more indulgent than a warm, gooey, chocolatey brownie? If you have a craving for this type of dessert, you can make your own, individual brownie in a mug. This is a brilliant dessert idea as it saves you from the temptation of a left-over tray of brownies sitting in your pantry!
This recipe yields 3, half-cup brownie servings.
Ingredients
- 1 x tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 x packets of Truvia (or any other sweetener substitute)
- 2 x tablespoons of all-purpose flour or almond flour
- 3 x tablespoons of almond milk
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl, then pour it into your desired mug. Microwave for 60-seconds and enjoy at only 90 calories per serve.
2. Dark Chocolate Mint Bites
This a great sweet-tooth option if you’re just craving something small, satisfying and chocolatey. There’s no need to go the whole nine-yards with desserts, sometimes simple is best. Share them with guests when entertaining over the holidays.
This recipe yields approximately 24-servings:
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 x cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 3/4 x cup dark or dark chocolate pieces
- 1/4 x cup unsalted butter
- 1 x cup finely crushed chocolate wafers
- 1 x tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 x teaspoon salt
- 1 x teaspoon shortening
- 1 x cup powdered sugar
- 2 x tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (make sure it’s softened)
- 1 x tablespoon low-fat milk
- 1/2 x teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 x teaspoon vanilla
Line a baking pan with foil and coat with your cooking spray. To make the crust, pulse the oats in a food processor until finely ground. Melt the 1/4 cup of chocolate and butter in a saucepan, then stir in the oats, wafers, cocoa powder and salt. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan and refrigerate for 15-minutes.
After this, combine the 1/2 cup of chocolate and shortening in a saucepan and stir until melted. Set it aside and then combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, extract, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Stir until well combined and spread out evenly over your chilled crust. Drizzle with a little melted chocolate and allow the entire thing to cool for at least an hour before slicing.
3. Carrot Cake (With the Frosting!)
This carrot cake recipe is a double-whammy of goodness as it’s vegetable inclusive and delicious. Some carrot cake recipes can be packed with sugar and calories, but this guilt-free alternative is your go-to and can be made as a single serving.
This recipe yields 2 single carrot cake servings.
Cake Ingredients
- 1/4 x cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 x teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 x teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 x teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 x teaspoon salt
- 2 x teaspoon flax meal (optional for extra rise)
- 1.5 x tablespoons brown sugar or xylitol
- 1/3 x cup steamed and drained carrots
- 1 x tablespoon almond milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 x teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mix your dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Then, blend all your wet ingredients together until smooth. Combine the dry and wet ingredients together. Pour this mixture into individually greased ramekins or mugs and bake for 15-minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also microwave the mixture in a mug on high for 1-minute, 20 seconds.
For the Frosting
- 1/4 x cup cream cheese
- 1/2 x teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 x pinch stevia
- 1/4 x cup soft tofu or more cream cheese if you prefer
- 2 x tablespoons of almond milk or water
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, mix well and spread evenly over your carrot cake once it’s cooled thoroughly.
4. Cherry Chocolate Nice-Cream
Sure, Christmas time is not always the best time for ice-cream. But if you’re a fan of this cold sweet treat, no matter the time of year, this recipe is for you.
This recipe yields 3, half-cup servings of ice-cream.
Ingredients
- 2 x cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 x banana
- 1/2 x cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3 x tablespoons dairy-free chocolate chips
Simply blend all of the above ingredients in a mixer, and blend well. Then place in a container and freeze for up to 2-hours for your delicious ice-cream treat.
5. Holiday Cherry Cheesecake
This is a sugar-free cheesecake and is perfectly delicious for the season. Granted, it may not be the lowest-calorie dessert option, but it’s great for entertaining and sharing the calorie load with your guests!
This cake recipe yields approximately 8-10 slices.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 x packet sugar-free almond cookies
- 1 x tablespoon butter, melted
- 3 x 8-ounce packages of Philadelphia Reduced Fat Cream Cheese
- 1,25 x cups Splenda Granulated
- 2 x teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 x cup Greek yogurt or reduced-fat sour cream
- 4 x large eggs
- 1 x jar of sugar-free cherry preserve
- 1 x 10-ounce bag frozen, pitted cherries
Set your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat your springform cheesecake pan with cooking spray and place on a baking tray. Crush up the almond cookies to form finely ground crumbs and add in the melted butter to moisten and combine. Press this mixture into the bottom of your pan and set aside.
Then, mix the cream cheese, Splenda, vanilla and Greek yogurt in a mixer until well-blended. Add in your eggs one at a time, mixing on a low speed. Pour this filling on top of the crust and bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set. Remember that your cheesecake should still jiggle a little in the center! Allow it to cool thoroughly at room temperature.
Just before serving, spread the mixture of cherry preserves and pitted cherries over the top.
Stay On Track with Bariatric Cookery
If you’ve recently undergone bariatric surgery and need a helping hand when it comes to your diet and recipes, look no further than Bariatric Cookery!
We’re here to offer bariatric desserts options, surgery FAQs, health and lifestyle advice. Check out our bariatric friendly recipe section for inspiration…