15 Low Sugar Desserts for a Heart-Healthy Diet

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Updated 11/10/2026
15 Low Sugar Desserts for a Heart-Healthy Diet
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

When you’re craving sugar, the last thing on your mind is reading through a nutrition label to find out if your favorite treat fits into a heart healthy diet plan. That’s why our dietitian-approved collection of heart-healthy dessert recipes is the perfect solution for staying on track! 

These low-sugar treats are made with wholesome ingredients like fresh fruit and natural sweeteners so you can fuel your body with nutrition while enjoying goodies full of your favorite enticing flavors like chocolate, peanut butter, banana and strawberry.

Whether you’re craving ice cream, cookies or chocolate treats, these heart healthy desserts are designed to entice your taste buds while keeping your heart happy.

15 Low Sugar Desserts to Try

Each of these desserts was developed by our team of chefs and dietitians to keep added sugar in check without giving up the flavors you love.

  1. Peanut Butter Truffles
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    120 mins

    Per serving: 88 calories, 3 g protein, 1 g fiber, 27 mg sodium

    Natural peanut butter, a little crushed pretzel for crunch, and a dark chocolate coating are all it takes to make these rich little bites. A dusting of cocoa powder makes them look like they came from a candy shop, and each truffle has just 2 grams of sugar. Keep them in the freezer until you're ready to serve.

  2. Heart Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
    Photo Credit: Kara Foran Photography, Baldwin Publishing
    75 mins

    Per serving: 145 calories, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 160 mg sodium

    This heart-healthy bread uses whole wheat pastry to make it a fiber-rich dessert. Shredded zucchini provides moisture and nutrients, while cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips offer rich flavor with antioxidants.

  3. Heart Healthy Blueberry Pie
    Photo Credit: iStock
    75 mins

    Per serving: 152 calories, 2 g protein, 2 g fiber, 80 mg sodium

    Three cups of fresh blueberries fill this pie, and only 2 tablespoons of sugar go into the filling, so the berries' natural sweetness really shines. The flaky crust is made with a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, and each slice has 7 grams of sugar.

  4. Heart Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock
    15 mins

    Per serving: 90 calories, 0 g protein, 1 g fiber, 45 mg sodium

    This creamy fudge combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and cocoa in a healthier version of a classic indulgence. The use of natural peanut butter provides healthy fats, and a touch of naturally sweet maple syrup makes it a low sugar treat.

  5. Healthy Vanilla Pound Cake
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    75 mins

    Per serving: 191 calories, 6 g protein, 0 g fiber, 104 mg sodium

    This classic cake recipe gets a healthy twist by using light cream cheese in place of butter, lowering the use of unhealthy fats. Egg whites also reduce cholesterol, making it a heart healthy and diabetic friendly dessert choice.

  6. Heart Healthy Avocado Chocolate Mousse
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    Per serving: 200 calories, 3 g protein, 7 g fiber, 7 mg sodium

    Avocado brings a creamy texture and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to this decadent mousse. Sweetened with a little honey and maple syrup. it’s a luxurious yet nutritious dessert.

  7. Heart Healthy Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    Per serving: 238 calories, 7 g protein, 2 g fiber, 61 mg sodium

    This fruit dessert recipe uses the combination of whole grains and antioxidant-rich strawberries to create a heart-friendly dessert choice for chocolate and berry lovers.

  8. Heart Healthy Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    10 mins

    Per serving: 60 calories, 2 g protein, 1 g fiber, 27 mg sodium

    Light coconut milk, Greek yogurt, cocoa, and a scoop of plant-based chocolate protein powder blend into a creamy, chocolatey treat sweetened with just a few Medjool dates. Each serving has only 3 grams of sugar. Make it the night before, since it needs about 8 hours in the freezer.

  9. Heart Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Per serving: 187 calories, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 110 mg sodium

    Made with whole wheat flour, peanut butter and dark chocolate chips, this satisfying treat is a heart healthy way to enjoy a favorite flavor combination.

  10. Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
    Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing
    90 mins

    Per serving: 135 calories, 3 g protein, 1 g fiber, 124 mg sodium

    This sweet bread uses low-fat plain yogurt and coconut oil instead of butter to reduce unhealthy fats in the recipe. Ripe bananas and dark chocolate chips provide natural sweetness to create a low sugar treat.

  11. 55 mins

    Per serving: 90 calories, 3 g protein, 1 g fiber, 58 mg sodium

    These heart healthy cookies are made with fiber-rich whole wheat flour and oats. They also use natural peanut butter and unsalted butter to keep the recipe low fat and low sodium.

  12. Heart Healthy Berry Cheesecake
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock
    45 mins

    Per serving: 203 calories, 4 g protein, 1 g fiber, 104 mg sodium

    This cheesecake recipe uses silken tofu instead of cream cheese, making it a low fat and low cholesterol recipe. Plus, the fresh strawberries and blueberries add natural sweetness and antioxidants, making it a delicious and heart-healthy dessert.

  13. 60 mins

    Per serving: 78 calories, 1 g protein, 0 g fiber, 72 mg sodium

    This classic cookie is made with less sugar and butter than traditional recipes, making it a low calorie dessert. This cookie recipe also incorporates flaxseed meal and walnuts, providing fiber and omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart. 

  14. Heart Healthy Double Chocolate Brownies
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    50 mins

    Per serving: 123 calories, 2 g protein, 1 g fiber, 67 mg sodium

    These decadent chocolate brownies use low-fat vanilla yogurt in place of butter or oil, which helps reduce unhealthy fats. The use of dark chocolate chips provides antioxidants that are good for your heart. 

  15. Heart Healthy Apple Crisp
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Per serving: 170 calories, 2 g protein, 3 g fiber, 37 mg sodium

    This delicious apple recipe is made with whole wheat flour and rolled oats, which add heart healthy fiber to this comforting dessert. The apples and dried cranberries provide natural sweetness and antioxidants, making it a delicious and nutritious treat. 

Now that you know how easy and delicious heart-healthy desserts can be, it’s time to treat yourself! These 15 heart healthy dessert recipes prove you don’t have to give up the flavors you enjoy to maintain a healthy diet.

From cookies and fudge to brownies and cheesecake, taking care of your heart has never been sweeter!

Want more? Here are 18 heart healthy cookie recipes to satisfy a sweet tooth. If you're working on cutting back, these 5 simple tips for a low-sugar diet can help, and our diabetic friendly desserts are another great place to look.

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