When you're going on the keto diet, you might think it’s time to say goodbye to your favorite chocolate chip cookies. Because the keto diet limits your carb and sugar intake, dessert isn’t typically included — and let's be honest, the few low-carb dessert options that are currently available usually taste like a block of cardboard with a few cacao nibs thrown in.
The good news? You can easily whip up keto desserts that aren't too carb or sugar-heavy. And they taste awesome.
While the jury's still out on whether the keto diet has any actual health benefits, if you are interested in trying it out, you don't necessarily have to suffer. Here are a few keto desserts that’ll taste so good, you may not even realize they're keto.
[Want over 100 great Keto recipes? Check out Keto for Carb Lovers!]
1
Flourless Avocado Brownies
This recipe by The Castaway Kitchen is perfect for chocolate lovers. These fudgy, low-carb, and dairy-free, avocado brownies are sure to hit the sweet spot without packing on the pounds. The avocado and almond butter pack a ton of healthy fats, which is right in line with the keto diet, and it uses erythitol, the low-calorie sweetener that isn't quite as sweet as sugar. It also uses cacao powder for added richness and flavor.
The best part? These brownies will satisfy your hunger, so you won't want to reach for a second one.
2
Keto Pistachio Truffles
On Instagram, you see so-called "fat bombs" everywhere, presumably because they're a soft, chewy snack that can satisfy your sweet tooth while still being keto-friendly. They also include such healthy, high-fat ingredients as nut butters, coconut oil, and avocado.
These pistachio keto bombs from I Breathe I’m Hungry are both salty and sweet. They're also quick and easy to make, so you can pop one of these in your mouth and be out the door in about 5 minutes.
3
Keto Chocolate Chip Muffins
We're not going to encourage you to grab a muffin for breakfast when you can easily whip up one of these healthy on-the-go options instead, but these keto chocolate chip muffins by Fat for Weight Loss are pretty damn delicious regardless. They're only 229 calories and have seven grams of protein. (Pro tip: Use unsweetened dark chocolate to keep the sugar low and the flavor rich.)
4
Low-Carb Peanut Butter Pie.
A keto-friendly Reese’s cup? Sign us up. This low-carb peanut butter pie from Simply So Healthy is perfect for those watching their carb and sugar intake. Using unsweetened cacao powder and stevia, this recipe offers depth and complexity of flavor without being too sweet.
5
Keto Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
These double chocolate chip cookies from gnom-gnom are intense— they're soft, moist, and totally drool-worthy. You’d never know they were gluten-free and keto-friendly. To help balance out the sweetness, add some sea salt on top for added bite.
6
Butter Pecan Cookies
Get some keto-friendly fat in with these buttery pecan cookies by All Day I Dream About Food. With only 2.2 grams of net carbs a serving and 22.3 grams of fat, they are great for keto diet macro requirements and they satisfy a sweet craving instantly. Dip them in some tea to make them super soft and yummy.
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7
Keto Chocolates With Macadamia & Sea Salt
Need some V-day inspiration? Whip up these heart-shaped keto chocolates by Ketogasm, which will totally make your partner’s heart melt. Plus, they’re nice and portion-sized, so you won’t feel tempted to overdo it on the sweets and take yourself outside of ketosis. Each serving has just 1 gram of carbs and 13 grams of fat, as well as a mere 120 calories.
8
Black Walnut Chocolate Chip Keto Low Carb Muffins With Almond Flour
Muffins might seem like breakfast food, but they’re also pretty sweet, so they sort of qualify as dessert. And when made with chocolate chips, they definitely do. These muffins by Food Faith Fitness are super soft and decadent, and they only have 5.1 grams of net carbs a serving.
9
Keto No-Bake Cookies
These no-bake cookies by Sweet As Honey are nice and chocolatey with walnuts to offer a crunchy texture and extra fat to keep you in ketosis. Add in some peanut butter for flavor and to bind, and give them a nice chocolate and coconut cream glaze on top. Each cookie has 4.9 grams of net carbs and 16.9 grams of fat.
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10
Keto Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
A match made in heaven? Definitely PB & chocolate. And when inside a soft baked cookie, it’s even better. These cookies by Hey Keto Mama are super gooey and rich, and they only cost you 145 calories and 5 grams of net carbs a cookie. Plus there’s a nice amount of fat to keep you satisfied with just one.
11
Quick Keto Tiramisu
Enjoy tiramisu to go with your bowl of zoodles. This tiramisu makeover by I Eat Keto is creamy and decadent, but it’s totally approved for the keto diet. Use some espresso, brandy, and cocoa powder to add more flavor, if desired. There are only 3.4 grams of net carbs a serving.
12
Keto Orange Poke Cake
Try this fruity cake on for size when you want something light and citrusy on the keto diet. A recipe by Cast Iron Keto, this keto orange poke cake is made with orange zevia to keep carbs and sugar low (goodbye orange soda!), and it has only 3.1 grams of net carbs a slice.
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13
Paleo & Keto Mug Cake
Can someone say chocolate? This mug cake by Gnom Gnom is super easy to make. All you need are the ingredients, a microwave, and a mug—and it’s ready in 3 minutes. Add some keto-friendly chocolate bar chunks and whip for optional toppings, if you want something even more decadent. Each cake has 3.2 grams of net carbs and 17 grams of fat.
14
Flourless Pumpkin Mug Cake
Another mug cake—sweet. This one by Kirbie’s Cravings has a pumpkin, spiced flavor, thanks to nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. You can also drizzle with keto-friendly maple syrup (something sugar-free). Each cake has 16 grams of net carbs, so it’s on the heftier side. Either split with a buddy or be careful about the rest of your day’s worth of carbs.
15
Zesty Low Carb Lemon Cake
This citrusy cake by Keto Diet App is right in season and helps you end a meal on a bright now (literally). Plus, it’ll last 5 days when covered in the fridge. Use a low-carb lemon curd and vanilla for flavor, and the cake will cost you 4.6 grams of net carbs a slice.
Isadora Baum
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com.