A Simple, Yummy Guide to Keto Christmas Desserts
We may earn a commission for purchases made using our links. Please see our Disclaimer to learn more.
This easy-to-follow guide unveils our top 10 keto Christmas desserts and recipes that are both delightful and simple to prepare.
Whether you’re a keto newbie or a seasoned pro, these guilt-free keto Christmas desserts will satisfy your cravings without affecting your ketosis.
Why Choose Keto Christmas Desserts?
Health Benefits of Keto Desserts
Keto desserts are a fantastic way to enjoy sweets without the sugar spike. These desserts use ingredients low in carbs and high in healthy fats, helping you maintain a steady blood sugar level and keeping your body in ketosis. Plus, they can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks.
Simple and Quick to Make
One of the best things about keto Christmas desserts is how easy they are to make. Most of these recipes require just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time. This makes them perfect for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
Keto Christmas Desserts: Key Ingredients
Almond Flour
Almond flour is a staple in keto baking. It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein. Its fine texture makes it perfect for cakes, cookies, and more. Plus, it adds a deliciously nutty flavor to your desserts.
Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is another popular keto ingredient. It’s high in fiber and low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for a variety of baked goods. It absorbs a lot of moisture, so you usually need less of it compared to other flours.
Sugar Substitutes
When it comes to sweetening keto desserts, sugar substitutes like erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit are your best friends. These sweeteners have little to no impact on blood sugar levels, making them perfect for keto-friendly treats.
1. Keto Gingerbread Cookies
Serving Size:
Serves 20 cookies
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour (224g)
- 1/4 cup coconut flour (28g)
- 1/2 cup erythritol (96g)
- 1/4 cup butter (56g), melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
- 1 tbsp ground ginger (6g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (2g)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (1g)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (2g)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, erythritol, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Keto Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Serving Size:
Serves 12
Equipment Used:
Microwave-safe bowls
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Toothpick
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa) (170g), chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, sugar-free (85g)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (4g)
- Crushed sugar-free peppermint candies for topping
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer.
- Use a toothpick to swirl the two chocolates together for a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle the crushed sugar-free peppermint candies on top.
- Refrigerate until set, then break into pieces.
3. Keto Eggnog
Serving Size:
Serves 8
Equipment Used:
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup erythritol (96g)
- 2 cups heavy cream (480ml)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (240ml)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (1g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
- 1/2 cup rum or bourbon (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and erythritol until light and creamy.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, almond milk, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and rum or bourbon – if using.
- Refrigerate until chilled before serving.
4. Keto Pecan Pie
Serving Size:
Serves 12
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spoon
8×8 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Saucepan
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (168g)
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (36g)
- 1/4 cup butter (56g), melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pecans (100g), chopped
- 1/2 cup butter (113g)
- 3/4 cup powdered erythritol (108g)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, powdered erythritol, and melted butter for the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter for the filling over medium heat. Add powdered erythritol and stir until dissolved.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring continuously, until it thickens.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
5. Keto Snowball Cookies
Serving Size:
Serves 20
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour (112g)
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (36g)
- 1/4 cup butter (56g), softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (50g)
- Additional powdered erythritol for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, powdered erythritol, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in additional powdered erythritol.
- Let them cool completely before rolling them in powdered erythritol again.
6. Keto Pumpkin Pie
Serving Size:
8 slices
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spoon
9-inch pie dish
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (168g)
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (36g)
- 1/4 cup butter (56g), melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (240g)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (72g)
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice (2g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, powdered erythritol, and melted butter for the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, eggs, powdered erythritol, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. Keto Cranberry Cheesecake
Serving Size:
8 slices
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spoon
9-inch springform pan
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (168g)
- 1/4 cup butter (56g), melted
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol (24g)
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (452g), softened
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (72g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (100g), cooked with 2 tbsp erythritol until softened
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, melted butter, and powdered erythritol for the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered erythritol, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in the cooked cranberries.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
8. Keto Chocolate Yule Log
Serving Size:
8 servings
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup almond flour (56g)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (25g)
- 1/2 cup erythritol (96g)
- 1/2 cup butter (113g), melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (4g)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol (24g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa) (85g), chopped
- 1/4 cup butter (56g)
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (36g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (2g)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, cocoa powder, erythritol, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, beat the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract until thick and creamy.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled cake.
- Roll the cake tightly into a log, starting from one end. Refrigerate until set.
- For the frosting, melt the dark chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Stir in the powdered erythritol and vanilla extract.
- Spread the frosting over the chilled cake roll and use a fork to create a bark-like texture.
- Refrigerate until the frosting is set before serving.
9. Keto Cinnamon Rolls
Serving Size:
12 rolls
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spoon
Microwave-safe bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (168g)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (170g)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (28g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder (4g)
For the Filling:
- 2 tbsp butter (28g), melted
- 2 tbsp erythritol (24g)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (8g)
For the Frosting:
- 2 oz cream cheese (56g), softened
- 2 tbsp butter (28g), softened
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (36g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (2g)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese together, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour and baking powder. Add the melted cheese mixture and egg. Knead until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with erythritol and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 1-inch slices. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting.
10. Keto Peppermint Patties
Serving Size:
16 patties
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spoon
Silicone mold or ice cube tray
Microwave-safe bowl
Parchment-lined baking sheet
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (113g), melted
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (36g)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (2g)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa) (170g), chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (14g)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, powdered erythritol, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a silicone mold or ice cube tray and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth.
- Remove the peppermint filling from the mold and dip each piece into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.
- Place the coated patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These keto Christmas desserts are sure to make your holiday season extra special while keeping you on track with your keto diet. Enjoy the festive flavors without the guilt and share these treats with family and friends!
FAQs
- Can I use other sweeteners instead of erythritol?
Yes, you can use other keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or allulose. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. - How can I make these desserts dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with coconut oil, almond milk, and other dairy-free alternatives. For cream cheese, look for dairy-free cream cheese made from nuts or soy. - Are these desserts suitable for diabetics?
Yes, these keto Christmas desserts are low in carbs and sugar, making them a good option for people with diabetes. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider. - How long can I store these desserts?
Most of these desserts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Some, like cookies and bars, can also be frozen for longer storage. - Can I substitute almond flour with coconut flour?
Coconut flour absorbs more liquid than almond flour, so if substituting, use about 1/3 the amount of coconut flour and increase the liquid ingredients.
Keto Christmas Desserts Summary and Benefits
Why These Recipes Are Keto:
Low in Carbohydrates: Each recipe uses ingredients that are low in carbohydrates, such as almond flour, coconut flour, and erythritol, instead of high-carb flour and sugar.
High in Healthy Fats: These desserts incorporate ingredients like butter, heavy cream, coconut oil, and nut butter, which are rich in healthy fats, and essential for the keto diet.
No Added Sugars: The recipes use keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol, which do not spike blood sugar levels, keeping the desserts low in net carbs.
Moderate Protein: The protein content is balanced to avoid excessive protein intake, which can be converted into glucose in the body.
Benefits of These Keto Christmas Desserts:
Maintaining Ketosis: By keeping carbohydrate intake low and fats high, these desserts help maintain ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
Stable Blood Sugar Levels: The use of sugar substitutes and low-carb ingredients helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, making these desserts suitable
for diabetics.
Satiety and Reduced Cravings: High-fat content in these desserts helps increase satiety, reducing overall hunger and cravings, which can aid in weight loss and management.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Many of the ingredients, such as almonds, coconut, and dark chocolate, are nutrient-dense, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Versatility and Simplicity: These recipes are easy to make with few ingredients, making them convenient for those following a keto lifestyle without compromising on taste and satisfaction.
Benefits of Specific Ingredients:
Almond Flour: Low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and provides a good amount of protein and fiber.
Coconut Flour: High in fiber, low in carbs, and has a mild, sweet flavor.
Erythritol: A natural sugar alcohol that doesn’t raise blood sugar levels and has zero net carbs.
Butter and Cream: Provide healthy fats that are essential for energy on a keto diet.
Nut Butter: Rich in healthy fats and proteins, offering a creamy texture and flavor without added sugars.
Dark Chocolate: Contains healthy fats and antioxidants, with minimal carbs when choosing high-cocoa content chocolate.
Coconut Milk and Oil: High in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be easily converted into ketones for energy.
Conclusion
These keto desserts are not only delicious but also align with the principles of the ketogenic diet, making them perfect for those looking to enjoy sweet treats while maintaining their dietary goals.
They offer the benefits of stable energy levels, reduced cravings, and better weight management, all while being easy to prepare with simple, keto-friendly ingredients. Enjoy these desserts as part of your keto journey to stay satisfied and on track!