13 Low-Carb Desserts That Still Pack A Sweet Punch

low carb desserts

Healthy desserts can sometimes seem a bit boring, but we promise that these low-carb desserts are anything but! When you're craving something sweet (but don't want to go into a total carbohydrate comatose), reach for any these low-carb desserts, and they're sure to satisfy.

All 13 of these low-carb desserts will fit right in to your low- or moderate-carb diet with ease. The best part about these dessert recipes is they don't sacrifice flavor one bit. From brownies to cookies, these low-carb desserts defy tradition in the tastiest way possible!

Keto Matcha Cheesecake

This low-carb dessert recipe leverages the power of the Instant Pot to give the cheesecake that cheesecake-y texture we all know and love. While the adventurous combo of chocolate and matchacould lead you to think this recipe's super complicated, it's actually one of the easiest low-carb desserts you can make with just a handful of ingredients! (via The Essential Instant Pot Keto Cookbook by Casey Thaler for Brit + Co)

Keto Carrot Cake

Since the Keto diet is one of the strictest when it comes to eating low-carb, Keto desserts like this carrot cake are a great option when you're looking for low-carb desserts. This one is especially suitable for a crowd, since it yields 8 whole servings of nutrient-dense, icing-slathered carrot cake. (via Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets & Treats by by Urvashi Pitre for Brit + Co)

Matcha Frozen Yogurt Bark

Frozen yogurt bark is perhaps as low-carb as low-carb desserts get, and even more so when you opt for plain Greek yogurt as the base. This matcha-infused dessert is decorated with raspberries, coconut flakes, and lemon zest, but you can totally get creative with it and omit the matcha or throw in some chocolate chips to your heart's desire. With this recipe, not only are you gonna be snacking on a sweet that's low-carb, but one that's also high in protein! (via Brit + Co)

Keto Strawberry Shortcake

Have you ever seen a mug cake so beautiful?! We certainly hadn't until we discovered the greatness of this Keto-approved, low-carb dessert. You will need a handful of pantry staples to make it, but the extra lift is worth it. The result is this delicately-layered strawberry shortcake that provides the perfect platform for fresh berries and yogurt icing! (via Brit + Co)

Low-Carb Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

"Mini" and "cheesecakes" were all we needed to hear to be sold on these low-carb desserts. These finger food-sized cheesecake bites abide by a low-carb or Keto diet, but aren't devoid of flavor or sweetness at all. Each piece is sweetened using stevia and vanilla extract, and of course, there's plenty of pumpkin spice to boot. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

High-protein desserts that qualify as low-carb desserts are simply iconic. Case in point are these decadent chocolate-peanut butter cookies crafted with low-sugar chocolate chips, natural PB, and flavored collagen or protein powder! They'll come out of the oven unbelievably tender and gooey – the ideal form for dipping into cold milk, or enjoying with coffee. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Keto Chocolate Cups

These chocolate bites are one of those 3-ingredient desserts that live rent-free in our heads. They're basically like fat "bombs" for satisfying strong sweet cravings and maintaining ketosis (if that's what you're going for) with a small dose of healthy fats. While the cups are low in carbs, they are higher in calories than your typical candy, so they're best enjoyed in moderation. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Whether you chow down on chia seed pudding for breakfast or dessert is really up to you, but this recipe in particular is just perfect for an after-dinner treat! You only need 5 ingredients to make the base, and from there, you can go wild with adding berries, nut butters, or even a drizzle of honey for garnish. Since this dessert requires an overnight chilling period, you can meal prep several jars to have at the ready when your sweet tooth strikes. Craving more? Check out our recipes for Apple Pie Chia Pudding and Papaya Boats with Chia Filling! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Keto Cereal Bars

Healthy? Check. Indulgent? Check. These cereal bars are the answer to all your low-carb dessert dreams! Each one boasts an impressive balance of crunchy Keto cereal, creamy chocolate chips, and nutritious almond slices that easily tackles any craving. You can use any type of cereal you'd like for these low-carb desserts, but the classic cinnamon squares are simply impeccable. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Keto Brownies

We're so thankful brownies can still be part of a low-carb diet! Where most other low-carb brownie recipes fall flat, this one shines with a fudgy texture and an uber-chocolatey flavor. This pick uses butter for the fatty base, but you can easily swap in ghee or even coconut oil for a healthier, dairy-free option. (via Olive You Whole)

Cottage Cheese Chocolate Pudding

Let's hear it for another high-protein, low-carb dessert! This chocolate pudding is surprisingly made with cottage cheese that's sweetened and blended until smooth. You'll pop the mixture into the fridge for an hour or so to firm up a bit, then you can coat it with a satisfying chocolate shell and dig in! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Frozen Yogurt-Covered Strawberries

These frozen yogurt-covered strawberries are super low in carbs, and they're the perfect thing to have on your plate on a hot summer's day. The combo of fresh fruit and creamy yogurt will feel oh-so refreshing, plus you can easily eat a high volume of this sweet snack without ever feeling weighed down! (via Live Eat Learn)

Vegan Samoa Macaroons

Girl Scout cookie lovers, listen up! These low-carb desserts were made for you. Each one of these vegan bites emulates the flavors of chocolatey, coconutty Samoas – but without an intense amount of carbs. Just one of these rich and dense macaroons will satisfy you 'til it's time for the next sweet treat. (via Munching with Mariyah)

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Lead image via The Real Food Dietitians.

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Trader Joe's holiday suite is in full swing, and thank goodness. Christmas is already the best holiday around, and it only gets better with all of Trader Joe’s Christmas items! These 16 finds are perfect for topping off your Christmas charcuterie or completing the table for Christmas dinner. The best part is they’re all shoppable for under $10! All your guests will be raving.

Scroll on for this year’s best Trader Joe’s Christmas items to add to your cart!

Sweet Trader Joe's Christmas Items

Trader Joe's

British Shortbread Cookie Collection

This assortment of shortbread cookies would make an excellent Christmas Eve nightcap alongside some hot chocolate. Make it boozy if you're feeling brave!

Trader Joe's

Peppermint Crunch Popcorn

With this find, you get a bit of saltiness among the sweetness, plus the crunch is irresistible.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Ganache Mini Sheet Cake

If you're celebrating Christmas with a small group, this mini sheet cake is the way to go. It delivers on the perfect portion size, and, of course, all things chocolate.

Trader Joe's

English Fudge Collection

This fun range of English fudge makes the ideal daytime (or post-dinner!) snack for Christmastime indulgence.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Marshmallows

Level up this season's hot chocolates with a dash of peppermint from these candy cane-flavored marshmallows. Yummm.

Trader Joe's

Candy Cane Baton Wafer Cookies

Wafer cookies are downright addicting. Make sure to grab a few tins of these on your next TJ's run, because your guests will be totally hooked on 'em.

Trader Joe's

Boozy Bottles

Dark chocolate loaded with cognac liqueur? Sign us up immediately!

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries

As if it couldn't get even more chocolatey, these sophisticated chocolate-covered cherries come to the TJ's forefront. They're super decadent, making them the ultimate addition to your charcuterie spread.

Savory Trader Joe's Christmas Items

Trader Joe's

Elevated Cracker Assortment

Crackers are a must for any dinner party. This trio is a total treat around Christmas.

Trader Joe's

Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Oh, yeah. These tender scallops wrapped in bacon are not only delicious AF, but easy AF to prepare from frozen. Your next best Christmas appetizer awaits!

Trader Joe's

Double Cream Brie

Baked brie is a non-negotiable on our Christmas dinner menu. Heat this baby up with some honey or jam, then delightfully dip in with your fave TJ's crackers.

Trader Joe's

Dinner Rolls

It goes without saying that dinner rolls are a classic item to include for Christmas dinner. These $3 pull-apart rolls boast the perfect soft interior and impeccable flavor.

Trader Joe's

Savory Squash Pastry Bites

Got some hungry (erm, hangry) guests at your place? Tide their cravings over with these air fryer-friendly savory squash bites.

Trader Joe's

Caramelized Onion Goat's Milk Cheese

The sweetness of goat cheese is instantly complemented with caramelized onion in this $3 find.

Trader Joe's

Crispy Battered Calamari

This appetizer will make it look like you spent way more time on your Christmas appetizer spread than you actually did.

Trader Joe's

Prosciutto-Wrapped Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

It doesn't get better than some cured meat and cheese. These snackable sticks would look adorable on a charcuterie set-up.

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It's official: Blue Ivy looks totally grown up now — especially in her gorgeous gold gown at the Mufasa: The Lion Kingpremiere. It honestly feels like just yesterday that Beyoncé announced she was born, and now she's a star in her own right! She celebrated her Disney film debut with her family by her side on the red carpet (and everyone looking as gorgeous as ever).

While Jay-Z was one of the latest celebrities caught in the crosshairs of P. Diddy allegations, it didn't stop mom and dad from showing their unwavering support. The family put on a united front, smiling for the cameras and praising Blue's work on her latest Disney film, further proving that they're in this together. Here's everything we know!

Details about the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere

Beyoncé & Jay-Z Amazing Support Of Blue Ivy's Role In 'Mufasa'

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Blue Ivy stars in Mufasa: The Lion King as Kiara with Beyoncé voicing Nala again. The highly anticipated film will show Mufasa's origins from a young cub to the majestic king we've come to know, love, and mourn.

In this cute BTS clip, Beyoncé and Blue are initially shown in separate recording booths while the latter says, "Don't stare at me." It's a typical response all kids eventually give their parents, but it doesn't bother Beyoncé. She simply smiles and says, "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful girl." Still, she offers a bit of reassurance to Blue. "I'mma be right here closing my eyes."

Blue briefly talked about what it feels like to work on a movie by saying, "If I like told my younger self that I was in a movie, I'd like never believe myself."

The star couldn't help but tear up as she continued to watch Blue and said, "Give me a second. I'm still...just can't believe that's my baby." While sitting side by Blue, Beyoncé eventually turns to look at her to let her know she's "so proud of her." Even Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's youngest daughter, makes a quick appearance!

The Mufasa: The Lion King premiere occurred December 9 with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandma Tina Knowles standing by Blue Ivy's side. They looked stunning on the red carpet as they wore coordinating outfits. Although the ladies seemed to be present and excited, Jay-Z temporarily looked distracted while all of them were standing together (via PEOPLE).

If we had to guess, it may have something to do with the recent allegations connecting he and P. Diddy weighing on his mind. After the accusation went public, Jay-Z penned his own public statement and shared it to Roc Nations' social channels. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is realizing his children will be able to see everything.

"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," he wrote (via X). Only time will tell how everything pans out, but we hope this doesn't overshadow Blue Ivy's success, nor do we want to see people vilify her or her siblings for alleged misdeeds of Jay-Z.

At the end of the day, we're so proud of Blue for letting her light shine bright despite everything else!

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Dunkin’s winter menu for 2025 is lookin’ pretty sweet. Seriously – per recent menu leaks, 3 out of 5 new drinks (allegedly) coming to the menu are inspired by cake. Since there’s little I love more than a good, decadent dessert (other than coffee, of course), I’m especially excited about this speculated lineup!

The Dunkin’ winter menu leaks also report one sweet snack and an iced espresso drink that are both hauntingly similar to what Starbucks has to offer. Is the competition heating up, or is it just me?

Rumor has it that the Dunkin’ winter menu will drop on December 31, just ahead of the new year. This new menu leak is not to be confused with Dunkin's holiday menu, which dropped on November 1.

Let’s officially get into it. Here’s everything rumored to join the Dunkin’ winter menu for 2025!

Drinks On The Leaked Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Signature Latte

Lava Cake Swirl flavoring, whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Now that's a mouthful! That's exactly how this new rumored drink is built – with tons and tons of chocolate. If you've got a strong sweet tooth, start marking your calendar for December 31 (AKA when the Dunkin' winter menu is rumored to drop).

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Coffee

Dunkin' is also rumored to feature the new Lava Cake Swirl flavoring in this creamy coffee. It looks like it'll be available to order hot or iced!

@snackolator

Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso

Um, Starbucks dupe, anyone?! Dunkin's version of the famed Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is rumored to follow a very similar recipe to the Starbies way: espresso (shaken until frothy), brown sugar syrup, and oat milk. I can't wait to try this one and see how it measures up to my routine Starbucks order.

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte

Per menu leaks, it also appears Dunkin' will offer two new in-app exclusive drinks, the first being the Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte. It's like your average iced matcha latte, amped up with some brown sugar syrup and oat milk. Yum.

@snackolator

Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee

The second in-app exclusive drink on the leaked Dunkin' winter menu is the Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee, which features a dose of Lava Cake Swirl alongside a raspberry flavor shot and cream. You'll be able to order this one hot or iced.

Food On The Leaked Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut

Now, onto the good stuff. The Dunkin' winter menu leak suggests that a new donut is on the way! The Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut will feature a halved glazed chocolate cake donut that's filled with vanilla whipped buttercreme icing and topped with a cute lil' buttercreme rosette.

Dunkin'

Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Okay, yet another Starbucks similarity! The menu leak speculates this zesty-sweet snack will return on December 31. Dunkin's Iced Lemon Loaf Cake is moist as can be, and is topped with a thick layer of lemon icing.

More Leaked Dunkin' Menu Items

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Valentine's Donuts

The menu leak that announced the Dunkin' winter menu for 2025 also dropped some hints about the chain's Valentine's Day offerings.

According to the leak, the Brownie Batter (pictured above) and Cupid's Choice donuts will return on January 29. What's even more exciting is that a new iteration of Dunkin's Munchkins will be available, too!

The new Valentine's Munchkins will reportedly be made from glazed chocolate donut holes coated in Valentine's-esque sprinkles. I'm craving them already!

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Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”

She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.

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So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

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Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

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Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

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That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

Image via WB

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.

What's your take on Paris Geller? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more pop culture musings!

Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.

While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Photo via WBLane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).

Lead image via Warner Bros

This post has been updated.