22 diabetic cake recipes

What counts as diabetes-friendly?

Generally this depends on each person and their individual level of diabetes. Below, we've picked low-sugar recipes with no more than 15g or less per 100g and 0g for no sugar. Don't worry, you won't feel like you're missing out, as the recipes use natural sweeteners and fruit to add sweetness.

6 low-sugar recipes

Sugar-free victoria sponge

A modern take on a timeless classic, this victoria sponge recipe has plenty of fruity flavour without the sugar. Both the sponge and the double cream topping are made with xylitol, to keep this cake diabetic-friendly.

Find out all you need to know about xylitol.

Low-sugar chocolate sandwich cake

Moist and squidgy, who would believe that this gorgeous chocolate cake is just 2g of sugar per slice? The creamy chocolate topping is also low in sugar but high in deliciousness.

The surprise ingredient in this cake? Beetroot! Read up on why it's good for you.

Baked almond, banana & blueberry cheesecake

Sweetened with natural fruits and a little maple syrup, this cheesecake combines ricotta and yogurt for a lower-fat, yet rich and creamy texture.

We have plenty more blueberry recipes that make good use of the juicy fruit.

Custard & nutmeg tart

Sweeten the filling for this low-sugar dessert naturally by adding sultanas soaked in milk, and add a sprinkle of nutmeg for spicy warmth. Bake until the pastry is golden and the filling is just wobbly in the centre.

Learn about the health benefits of raisins.

Strawberry & white chocolate choux buns

Fill light choux pastry with a creamy vanilla custard and Greek yogurt filling, then finish with fresh fruit for a lower-sugar afternoon tea treat.

Greek yogurt can be used in plenty of sweet and savoury dishes, including chicken curry, courgette & tahini dip and peach pavlova.

Healthy chocolate brownies

Yes, that's right – these lighter brownies are rich, cakey and chocolatey, but low in fat, gluten-free and containing no added sugar. Great for those with special diets.

Curb your cravings with our best healthy chocolate recipes.

8 sugar-free recipes

Moroccan orange & cardamom cake

Replace sugar with xylitol and swap butter and oil for a puréed whole orange in this light and zesty cake made with ground almonds and polenta.

Learn more about xylitol, the commonly used sugar substitute.

Baked banana cheesecake

Instead of making another loaf of banana bread, use up overripe fruit in this low-sugar cheesecake with a chocolate and nut base and ricotta and yogurt topping.

Or, browse our collection of healthy banana recipes.

Mascarpone & pineapple cheesecake

Pineapple and mascarpone cheesecake on a glass cake stand

This clever cheesecake uses crushed oatcakes and desiccated coconut for the base, plus naturally sweet pineapple for a lower-sugar dessert.

If you're looking for more cheesecake inspo, have a look at our vegan and gluten-free lemon cheesecake – it's sweetened with agave syrup.

Cinnamon apple pecan pudding

It may taste indulgent, but this low-sugar fruity pud is sweetened with xylitol and apples, keeping it low in sugar. Cinnamon gives a lovely warmth, while pecans add a nutty crunch.

Got a glut of apples to use up? Try one of our healthy apple recipes – we have crumble, stew and muffins.

Berry almond bakewell

Crisp pastry, sweet raspberries and a nutty frangipane filling make this a lovely dinner party dessert or weekend treat. No one will guess it's low in sugar.

If frangipane isn't your thing, browse our enticing collection of healthy dessert recipes.

Sugar-free lemon drizzle cake

Sweetened with all-natural xylitol, this lighter lemon sponge cake has a dense, syrupy texture and keeps well for a few days. Or, if you'd prefer, you can make this cake ahead of time and pop it in the freezer. Simply defrost thoroughly when you're ready to enjoy it.

If you're one for getting ahead, check out our top freezable recipes.

Chocolate-orange steamed pudding with chocolate sauce

A classic combination of chocolate and orange flavours in a rich, squidgy dessert that's low in sugar but no less tasty. What's not to love?

For more ways with oranges – including salad, porridge and soup – have a look our healthy orange recipes.

Sugar-free carrot cake

For a lighter afternoon tea treat, this dairy-free and sugar-free carrot cake uses xylitol to sweeten it naturally, and is very simple to make. Swapping the usual soft cheese icing for pecans and an optional drizzle of agave syrup means you slash the sugar and calories.

Learn more about agave and what makes it healthy.

5 keto recipes

Keto mug cake

A quick and easy way to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this keto mug cake is flavoured with ground almonds, nut butter and cacao. Simply mix, cook for two minutes and enjoy.

Find more egg-free baking recipes for afternoon tea, dinner parties and dessert.

Keto chocolate cake

Enjoy our keto chocolate cake with a cup of tea for a mid-afternoon treat. It's made using almond flour, eggs and cacao, with a delicious yogurt-based topping.

Browse all of our recipes for a ketogenic diet. From peanut butter chicken and baked salmon, to crustless quiche, we have something for everyone.

Keto brownies

Bake these sumptuous keto brownies using nut butter, courgette, cacao and almond flour. They're moreish and perfectly moist – just how a brownie should be.

We also have recipes for vegan chocolate brownies, gluten-free brownies and surprisingly delicious beetroot brownies.

Keto doughnuts

Keto blueberry doughnuts on a terracotta plate

Try these moreish keto doughnuts made with almond flour. If you like blueberries, add some into the mix as a way to add colour and more nutrients.

Read up on why blueberries are so good for you.

Keto vanilla cake

Enjoy our delightful keto-friendly vanilla cake made with sunflower seed and almond flours, covered with a creamy yogurt frosting. It has a slightly denser texture than a normal sponge cake that, along with the frosting, makes for a satisfying treat.

Discover the top 5 health benefits of coconut oil.