24 Sugar Free 3-Approved Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
You’ve committed to three weeks of no added sugar on Sugar Free 3. And while you’re probably feeling ready to navigate your meals and snacks, you also need to be prepared for when those dessert cravings kick in.
Having a game plan on hand can be the difference between caving in to your sweet tooth or staying on track. Desserts can be particularly tricky because there are so many different types of sweeteners out there, from natural “sugar AKAs” like agave and honey to ultra-processed artificial sweeteners.
Even your favorite healthier desserts — like these mini pecan pies — may include certain ingredients that don’t fit the Sugar Free 3 plan, like maple syrup and molasses.
“Sugar Free 3 specifically targets added sugars, refined carbs, any other sugars stripped of their fiber (fruit juice, molasses, and honey, for example), and artificial sweeteners,” Michele Promaulayko writes in Sugar Free 3. “One critical thing to realize is that you’re not just looking for grams of sugar. It’s also about spotting the sneaky-sugar ingredients from the Sugar AKAs.”
Need some Sugar Free 3 dessert inspiration? These desserts all deliver on sweetness, and they’re all Sugar Free 3-approved (or can easily be modified to fit the plan). Enjoy!
You can make many of these delicious desserts with LADDER Plant-Based Nutrition Shake. Get it here risk-free!
6 Sugar-Free Ice Cream Recipes
Many store-bought “sugar free” ice creams are full of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and fillers — but the refreshing, satisfying ice cream recipes below are made with good-for-you ingredients.
- Chocolate Mint Protein Ice Cream
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream (Choose a peanut butter powder that’s free of added sugars.)
- Chocolate Banana Protein Ice Cream
- Chocolate Mocha Protein Ice Cream
- Chocolate Caramel Protein Ice Cream
- Basic Banana Nice Cream
10 Refreshing Sugar-Free Shakes and Smoothies
Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Made with LADDER Plant-Based Nutrition Shake, these dessert-worthy shakes have no added sugars — but they’ll totally satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Protein Shake
- Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake (Choose a peanut butter with no added sugars.)
- Chocolate Mocha Shake
- Spiced Chocolate Almond Shake (Choose an almond butter with no added sugar.)
- Chocolate Strawberry Protein Shake
- Chocolate Blueberry Protein Shake (Choose an almond butter with no added sugar.)
- Thin Mint Protein Shake
- Chocolate Banana Protein Shake
- Chocolate Coconut Protein Shake
- Vegan Low-Carb Chocolate Shake
8 Easy and Delicious Dessert Recipes
Shakes and ice cream hit the spot when you’re craving something sweet. But you can also expand your Sugar Free 3-approved dessert repertoire with the creative recipes below.
1. Watermelon mint granita
Watermelon, lime, and mint — that’s it! The perfect treat for a hot day, this icy dessert is so simple to make, and it’s Sugar Free 3-approved. To make the granita:
- Place 3 cups watermelon and 2 tsp. lime juice in a blender or food processor and blend to a puree.
- Stir in 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint.
- Pour watermelon mixture into a loaf pan and place in the freezer.
- Scrape the frozen corners of the pan to the center every 30 to 40 minutes or until mixture is fully frozen and fluffy.
- Serve in a small bowl or a cup.
Get the recipe in Michele Promaulayko’s book Sugar Free 3 here.
2. Chocolate banana pudding
Chocolate pudding is delicious, but chocolate banana pudding? Even better! The bananas provide natural sweetness, and LADDER Whey Protein provides the yummy chocolate flavor. (Be sure to choose a powdered peanut butter with no added sugar.)
Get the recipe here.
3. Tropical fruit salad with coconut
Take everyday fruit salad up a level or two by adding shredded unsweetened coconut. The coconut adds a decadent flavor and texture while keeping this a Sugar Free 3-approved dessert.
Get the recipe here.
4. Overnight chia pudding
Knowing how to make overnight chia pudding will serve you well, time and time again. This recipe features berries, but you can mix in any topping of your choice. Use LADDER Plant-Based Nutrition Shake for an extra kick of protein that’s also Sugar Free 3-approved.
Get the recipe here.
5. Pumpkin overnight oats
If you love all things pumpkin, spice up your morning with these tasty overnight oats. To keep it Sugar Free 3-friendly, skip the maple syrup.
Get the recipe here.
6. Healthier banana bread
To make this Sugar Free 3-approved, just remove semi-sweet chocolate chips! Banana bread is a quintessential comfort food, so we love this healthier version. (And it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing!)
Get the recipe here.
7. Vanilla mug cake
This healthier take on mug cake has 13 grams of protein per serving. To make it SF3-friendly, just skip the maple syrup and rely on the applesauce to provide some natural sweetness.
Get the recipe here.
8. Greek mango snack
Made with only three simple ingredients — plain Greek yogurt, fresh mango, and unsweetened shredded coconut — this sweet and creamy treat provides 19 grams of protein per serving.
Get the recipe here.
