For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, one of the biggest challenges can be resisting the temptation of sugary treats. Fortunately, there's a solution that doesn't require hours in the kitchen or a long list of specialized ingredients: 3-ingredient keto no-bake desserts. These recipes are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth quickly and easily, with minimal effort.
The Appeal of No-Bake Keto Desserts
No-bake desserts are always a favorite, especially when time is short. They offer the biggest reward for the least amount of time spent in the kitchen. These recipes are particularly appealing during hot weather when turning on the oven is less than desirable.
Key Ingredients in 3-Ingredient Keto Desserts
The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity. Here are some common ingredients and their roles:
- Keto-Friendly Chocolate: Many brands, like Bake Believe, offer a variety of chocolates suitable for keto recipes, including white, dark, and milk chocolate.
- Peanut Butter: Unsweetened and smooth peanut butter is a staple for many keto desserts. Some people use pecan butter, if they’d like a lower carb nut butter.
- Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is a popular choice for keto baking due to its low carb content and absorbent properties. It requires less flour compared to traditional options like oat and wheat.
- Sugar-Free Maple Syrup: A thick, sugar-free maple syrup is essential for adding sweetness and moisture. Homemade versions or store-bought options with a thick consistency work best.
- Berries: Berries are a great fruit option, as they are permissible on a keto diet.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is used as the base of many no-bake cheesecakes. It should be beaten until light and airy.
- Keto Yogurt Alternative: Keto yogurt alternatives that are low carb and high protein can help make the cheesecake lighter and smoother.
- Powdered Sweetener: Powdered Swerve, an erythritol-based sweetener, is often used to sweeten no-bake desserts.
3-Ingredient Keto Dessert Recipes
Here are some examples of 3-ingredient keto no-bake desserts, categorized by their main flavor profiles:
Chocolate Desserts
- Keto Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Combine keto chocolate chips and coconut oil to create a chocolate coating for almonds. Experiment with different types of nuts as desired.
- Keto Chocolate Bar (Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Copycat): Melt keto chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil for a simple chocolate fix.
- Keto Chocolate Mousse: Blend heavy whipping cream, unsweetened cocoa powder, and erythritol for a light and airy chocolate mousse.
- Chocolate Ganache: Combine stevia-sweetened chocolate chips and heavy cream for a versatile ganache that can be used for dipping berries, candied bacon, or sugar cookies.
Fruit Desserts
- Keto Chocolate-Covered Strawberries (Sugar-Free): Dip strawberries in a sugar-free chocolate coating and roll in shredded coconut or sugar-free sprinkles.
- Keto Raspberry Sugar-Free Sorbet: Blend raspberries, cream, and gelatin for a light and creamy sorbet.
- Ricotta and Strawberry Puree: Combine ricotta cheese, strawberries, and a touch of cinnamon or vanilla (optional) for a fast, creamy, and naturally sweet dessert.
- Frozen Lemonade Slushy: A refreshing and simple treat for outdoor cookouts.
Peanut Butter Desserts
- Keto Reese’s Cups: Combine chocolate and peanut butter for a keto-friendly version of this classic candy.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls: Whip up a quick batch of peanut butter balls using just a few ingredients.
Recipe: Keto No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe is inspired by classic no-bake cookies, but with keto-friendly substitutions. It yields thick, soft, and fudge-like cookies that melt in your mouth.
Read also: Creamy Keto Dessert
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons Unsweetened and smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons Coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons Sugar-free maple syrup (homemade keto maple syrup recommended)
Instructions:
- Make the dough: Combine the maple syrup and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop. Melt until combined. Add the coconut flour and mix until a thick batter remains. If the dough is thin, add an extra tablespoon or two of coconut flour. If the dough is crumbly, add a tablespoon of water or milk to loosen it up.
- Shape the cookies: Line a large plate or tray with parchment paper. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form small balls and place them on the lined plate or tray, spaced evenly apart. Flatten each cookie to the desired thickness, using a fork to cross either side, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Refrigerate and enjoy: Refrigerate the cookies until firm. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for 1-2 months.
Optional additions:
- Add sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Stir in vanilla, almond, or hazelnut extract for added flavor.
- Add ⅛ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom for added flavor.
Recipe: 3-Ingredient Keto No-Bake Cheesecake
This creamy no-bake cheesecake is low carb, keto-friendly, and requires no cooking or baking.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 5.3 ounces Keto Yogurt Alternative (such as Ratio Trio vanilla)
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sweetener (such as Swerve)
Instructions:
- Grease a 6-inch springform cake pan. Line the bottom with a parchment round and line the sides with strips of parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth and fluffy with a paddle attachment.
- Add the yogurt and powdered sugar, then beat for another 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly into the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm to the touch. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for about 1 hour or until solid, then keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
- If the cake is not fully defrosted when ready to serve, let the cake soften at room temperature until no longer frozen. For cleaner cut slices, you can cut the cake while it is still slightly frozen.
- If desired, you can garnish the cake with piped cream or fresh berries before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add monk fruit drops or other keto-friendly sweeteners to the dough.
- Fixing a Thin Batter: If your cookie dough is too thin, add an extra tablespoon or two of coconut flour.
- Dealing with Crumbly Dough: If the dough is crumbly, add a tablespoon of water or milk to loosen it up.
- Storing Cookies: Store keto no-bake cookies at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
Read also: Low-Carb Pizza Guide
Read also: 5-Ingredient Keto