Sweet & Guilt-Free: 5 No-Sugar-Added Summer Desserts for Radiant Health!

As a Functional Medicine Dietitian, I’m passionate about helping you nourish your body while still enjoying the simple pleasures of life – and that absolutely includes dessert! Summer is a time for vibrant flavors and refreshing treats, but it doesn’t have to mean a sugar overload that spikes your blood sugar, fuels inflammation, and leaves you feeling sluggish.

That’s why I’ve curated these 5 delicious, no-sugar-added dessert recipes. They’re packed with whole foods, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, designed to support your gut health, stabilize your energy, and leave you feeling truly satisfied. Get ready to indulge wisely!

1. Berry Bliss "Nice" Cream

This isn’t just a treat; it’s a gut-friendly powerhouse! Bananas provide resistant starch for gut microbes, while berries offer a burst of antioxidants and fiber.

Ingredients
  • 2 frozen ripe bananas, sliced

  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for extra creaminess)

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, enhances sweetness)

Preparation

  1. Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. It should have the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.
  3. Serve immediately. For a firmer consistency, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Functional Foodie Tip

Add a scoop of collagen peptides for gut healing and protein boost, or a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s!

2. Grilled Peach & Probiotic Parfait

Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness without needing added sugar. Paired with protein-rich Greek yogurt and crunchy nuts, this dessert is a digestive dream.

No sugar dessert
Ingredients
  • 2 frozen ripe bananas, sliced

  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for extra creaminess)

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, enhances sweetness)

Preparation

  1. Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. It should have the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.
  3. Serve immediately. For a firmer consistency, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Functional Foodie Tip

Add a scoop of collagen peptides for gut healing and protein boost, or a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s!

3. Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Raspberry Coulis

Zero sugar dessert

Don’t let the avocado fool you – it creates an incredibly rich and creamy texture, while healthy fats support hormone balance and satiety. The tart raspberries perfectly complement the dark chocolate.

Ingredients
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder for more antioxidants)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or erythritol (optional, for a touch more sweetness if desired, but try without first!)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder for more antioxidants)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or erythritol (optional, for a touch more sweetness if desired, but try without first!)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries

Preparation

  1. For the mousse: Combine avocado, cocoa powder, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  2. Spoon the mousse into two small serving dishes.
  3. For the raspberry coulis: Lightly mash the fresh raspberries with a fork. You can warm them gently on the stovetop for a few minutes if you prefer a smoother sauce.
  4. Top the chocolate avocado mousse with the raspberry coulis. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Functional Foodie Tip

Avocado provides monounsaturated fats that are crucial for cell membrane integrity and nutrient absorption. Dark cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.

4. Coconut Lime Chia Pudding Parfait

no sugar dessert

Chia seeds are a superfood, brimming with fiber, omega-3s, and protein, making this a satisfying and gut-friendly dessert. The tropical flavors of coconut and lime are perfectly refreshing.

  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup unsweetened full-fat canned coconut milk (refrigerated overnight, so the cream separates)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Fresh berries or sliced kiwi for topping

Preparation

  1. In a jar or bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, coconut milk, water, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency. Stir occasionally if you remember.
  3. Spoon the chia pudding into serving glasses.
  4. Top with fresh berries or sliced kiwi just before serving.

Functional Foodie Tip

Chia seeds form a gel in the digestive tract, aiding in regularity and promoting a feeling of fullness. Full-fat coconut milk provides beneficial medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for energy and brain health.

5. Watermelon & Mint Feta Skewers

Sugar free dessert

This unique and surprisingly delightful combination offers hydration, electrolytes, and a savory-sweet balance that’s incredibly refreshing on a hot day. It’s also a great source of lycopene from the watermelon.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (sheep or goat’s milk feta can be easier to digest for some)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • Wooden skewers

Preparation

  1. Thread the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and fresh mint leaves alternately onto the wooden skewers.
  2. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Functional Foodie Tip

Watermelon is hydrating and rich in citrulline, an amino acid that supports nitric oxide production for healthy blood flow. Feta cheese, especially from goat or sheep, can be a good source of calcium and probiotics for those who tolerate dairy. The mint adds a refreshing digestive aid.

Enjoy these delightful and nourishing summer treats! Remember, healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. By choosing whole, unprocessed ingredients, you can truly satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your body’s optimal function.