5 Extremely Simple Keto Friendly Strawberry Dessert Recipes

Certified nutritionist

Elina Balode

"Everyone craves something sweet from time to time. Keto diet sometimes can be a bit restrictive when it comes to desserts, and sweet snacks like cookies, cakes, muffins etc. But fear not! There are plenty of satisfying, decadent and easy-to-make desserts that you can enjoy while still staying in ketosis! Enjoy these easy 10 recipes and put an end to those cravings in healthy and delicious ways! "

The ketogenic (keto) diet has gained remarkable popularity due to its potential to aid weight loss, enhance mental clarity, and manage certain health conditions. One of the primary principles of the keto diet is drastically reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fat consumption. While this shift can bring about remarkable health benefits, it also poses challenges when it comes to indulging in desserts and sweets. Fear not, for this blog post will delve into the world of keto-friendly dessert substitutes and creative ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without straying from your dietary goals.

The Keto Conundrum: Desserts and Sweets

Traditional desserts and sweets are typically laden with sugars and carbohydrates, making them off-limits for those following a keto diet. This can be disheartening for individuals who crave a bit of sweetness in their lives. Fortunately, there are several ways to transform high-carb desserts into keto-friendly delights.

Keto-Friendly Substitutions: A Sweet Revolution

1. Flour Power: Traditional wheat flour is a carb-heavy ingredient commonly used in baking. Replace it with almond flour, coconut flour, or flaxseed meal for keto-friendly alternatives. These flours are low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making them perfect for crafting delicious treats.

2. Sugar Swaps: Refined sugars are a no-go on keto, but there are numerous substitutes that can add sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels. Erythritol, stevia, monk fruit extract, and xylitol are popular choices. They offer sweetness without the insulin response, making them ideal for keto desserts.

3. Dairy Delights: Dairy can be a great source of fat in a keto diet. Heavy cream, cream cheese, and full-fat Greek yogurt can be used to create creamy textures in desserts like cheesecakes and mousses.

4. Fruit Forward: While many fruits are relatively high in sugars, there are some keto-friendly options that can be incorporated into desserts. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are lower in carbs and can add a burst of natural sweetness.
   

The keto diet need not be a dessert-less journey. By embracing the power of keto-friendly substitutions, you can craft an array of delectable treats that satisfy your sweet cravings without sabotaging your dietary goals. From luscious cheesecakes to velvety chocolate mousses, the options are truly endless. Remember, the key to keto success lies in creativity, balance, and a willingness to explore new ingredients. So, go ahead and whip up your favorite desserts with a keto twist – your taste buds and health will thank you!

The Many Benefits of Strawberries

Nature often gifts us with treasures that not only tantalize our taste buds but also offer a plethora of health benefits. Among these delights, strawberries stand out as a prime example. Bursting with vibrant color and a delectable flavor, strawberries are more than just a delightful addition to your plate. In this blog post, we'll delve into the impressive benefits that these little red gems bring to the table.

1. Rich in Nutrients

Strawberries might be small, but they're mighty when it comes to their nutritional profile. These berries are brimming with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. A single serving of strawberries can contribute significantly to your daily nutrient intake, promoting overall well-being.

2. Immunity Booster

Thanks to their high vitamin C content, strawberries are fantastic natural allies in bolstering your immune system. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage, aids in wound healing, and enhances your body's defense against infections and illnesses.

3. Heart Health Guardian

Strawberries come bearing heart-healthy gifts. Their rich array of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, quercetin, and ellagic acid, has been linked to improved heart health. These compounds work in tandem to reduce the risk of heart disease by promoting healthy cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and supporting proper circulation.

4. Antioxidant Powerhouse

Speaking of antioxidants, strawberries are among the top contenders in the fruit kingdom. Antioxidants are vital in neutralizing harmful free radicals that can contribute to oxidative stress and various chronic diseases. Regular consumption of strawberries may thus play a role in reducing the risk of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

5. Skin's Best Friend

Looking for a natural way to enhance your skin's radiance? Strawberries are here to help. The high vitamin C content aids in collagen production, contributing to skin elasticity and a youthful appearance. Additionally, the antioxidants in strawberries can combat skin aging by preventing damage from environmental factors.

6. Weight Management Aid

If you're on a journey to maintain a healthy weight, strawberries can be your allies. These berries are low in calories and rich in fiber, making them a satisfying snack that can help control appetite and promote a feeling of fullness. Including strawberries in your diet can aid in weight management and support your fitness goals.

From boosting your immune system to fostering heart health and contributing to your skin's natural glow, strawberries offer a medley of benefits that make them an essential addition to your diet. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat, added to your morning cereal, or blended into smoothies, strawberries bring both flavor and goodness to your plate. So, the next time you savor the sweetness of a strawberry, know that you're not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body with a bounty of health-enhancing benefits.

5 Delicious Dessert Recipes

1. Coconut Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 30g Almond flour

• 20g Cream cheese

• ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

• 1 large Egg

• ½ teaspoon Stevia

• 20g Shredded coconut

• 60g Strawberries

Instructions:

1. Mix almond flour with cream cheese, whisked egg, shredded coconut, vanilla extract (optional) and non-caloric sweetener of choice, for example, stevia.

2. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the lined baking sheet.

3. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.

4. Serve biscuits with fresh berries.

2. Chocolate pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder

• 20 grams Cream cheese

• 1 large Egg

• 30g Almond flour

• ½ teaspoon Baking powder

• ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon stevia

• 1 teaspoon Olive oil

• 50g Strawberries

Instructions:

1. Whisk egg and mix in all ingredients (except berries). You can add non-caloric sweetener of choice, for example, Stevia or Monk-fruit.

2. On a pan (greased with olive oil) fry pancakes over medium heat.

3. Serve pancakes with fresh berries!

3. Chia Seed and Strawberry Pudding

Ingredients:

• 70ml Heavy cream

• 30ml Milk

• 25 g Chia seeds

• 50g Strawberries

• ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon stevia

• 10ml Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a blender together with little water.

2. Blend until smooth. Enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator for later.

4. Sweet Strawberry Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 large Eggs

• 35g Almond flour

• ½ teaspoon Stevia

• 25 g Chia seeds

• 60g Strawberries

• 50 grams Cream cheese

• 1 teaspoon Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs and mix with flour and stevia (or any other non-caloric sweetener of choice).

2. In a pan with a little olive oil, pour about 1/2 of batter, spread evenly and cook until it's golden brown. Repeat this step with remaining batter.

3. Spread cream cheese onto pancakes and decorate with sliced strawberries.

4. Roll the pancakes and serve!

5. Strawberry muffins

Ingredients:

• 60g Almond flour

• ½ teaspoon Stevia

• 50g Strawberries

• ⅓ teaspoon Baking powder

• 1 pinch of Salt

• 5g Lemon zest

• 15g Butter

• 1 large Egg

• ⅓ teaspoon Vanilla extract

• 25ml Milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 176°C and place 2-3 cupcake liners on a baking sheet.

2. In a bowl whisk to combine almond flour, sweetener, baking powder, baking soda and pinch of salt. Whisk in melted butter, milk, egg and vanilla extract (optional) until just combined.

3. Gently fold cut strawberries and lemon zest (optional) until evenly distributed. Scoop equal amounts of batter into each cupcake liner and bake until slightly golden, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.