Low-fat desserts can be made from scratch by tweaking your existing recipes or by choosing to replicate one of thousands of tasty creations available over the Internet. They may also be found as pre-made treats in your local grocery store or ordered online directly from bakeries specializing in low-fat cookies, cakes and muffins.
The ideal and healthiest low-fat dessert would be fresh fruit in season. Fruits are full of nutrients, antioxidants, plant phytochemicals and fiber. Plus, they're hydrating and free of bad cholesterol. Mixing berries, such as blueberries or cherries, with ice in the blender creates a refreshing, cool dessert on a summer day. Poached pear can serve as a sultry end to the perfect meal. Or try using a frozen banana as the base for an alternative homemade ice cream.
Angel food cakes, gelatin-based parfaits and meringues are popular options, because they are already inherently low in fat. However, if you're craving something a bit naughtier, there are ways to make low-fat cakes, cobblers, cheesecakes, pies, puddings and chocolate desserts without sacrificing taste.
What to Look for
Identifying the proper "fat substitute" is crucial to mimicking the flavors in classic desserts. Egg white whipped in sugar or olive oil can be used as a butter substitute. Pureed banana, apple butter or applesauce can be added to increase moisture. Honey, maple syrup, agave or brown rice syrup can be used to sweeten the dessert instead of the traditional combination of butter and sugar. When a recipe calls for milk, sour cream, yogurt or cream, there are non-fat and low-fat alternative proliferating the market to use instead.
When buying packaged low-fat desserts, make sure to check the label to see they are not only truly low in fat grams per serving, but also free of harmful trans fats. Animal crackers, ginger snaps, graham crackers, wafers and baked fruit bars are often the best low-fat options.
Common Pitfalls
Just because a dessert is low-fat does not mean it is low in sugar, carbohydrates, sodium or calories. Also, make sure to avoid desserts made with fat substitutes or artificial sugars. Their potential side effects and long term health risks are not worth it.
Plus, many times the low-fat version of a packaged dessert will cost more, yet only contain a minuscule difference in fat and calories per serving.
Low-fat desserts, besides fruit, should still be seen as a once in a blue moon indulgence. Sweet desserts can have a tremendous effect on blood glucose levels. Those diagnosed with diabetes, obesity and certain cancers should be concerned with their sugar intake just as much as the calories they consume from fat.
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