These diabetic-friendly apple desserts will satisfy all your cozy cravings. From apple pies to crisps and bite-sized treats, these recipes use the fruit's natural sweetness to keep carbs and added sugars to a minimum.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean skipping dessert; it just means finding sweet options that fit your needs. These easy diabetic apple dessert ideas are the kind that don’t draw attention to what’s missing—they simply deliver joy by the spoonful. They’re as warm, spiced and satisfying as the classic options but use diabetic-friendly ingredients that align with your blood sugar goals.
We made sure to include all our favorites in this list, from no-bake apple pies to cinnamon-rich oat bars and fritters with crisp edges and spiced glazes. These recipes keep sugar to a minimum and rely on naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Gala, along with sugar alternatives and whole grains for added flavor and texture.
Whether you’re baking for yourself or bringing a healthy dessert to a party, these low-sugar apple recipes deliver fall-spiced goodness while staying under 30 grams of carbs. If you’re planning a full menu, pair these apple desserts with diabetic-friendly dinner recipes for a meal that’s balanced from start to finish.
1/12
Mini Apple Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in high school, my best friend's mother baked this mini apple pie recipe every year. I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult! —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pie: 162 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
2/12
Apple Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
Meet the Cook: Almost like a pizza, this tart's easy to pick up and eat out of your hand. Kids love it. Like most of my best recipes, it came from my mom. Since it's so pretty, I fix it for fancy gatherings such as ladies get-togethers...but I make it to serve at informal barbecues as well. We have two daughters, 5 and 2. -Leslie DuPerron, Edmonton, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 200 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
3/12
Air-Fryer Apple Fritters
From the Recipe Creator:
These air-fryer apple fritters are healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They're a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 145 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
4/12
Caramel Apple Tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
Good-for-you things come in small packages when you make a batch of these tiny apple tartlets. Sweet and cinnamony, these mouthwatering tarts are a delightful addition to a dessert table or snack tray. —Mary Kelley, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/12
No-Bake Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
We always have an abundance of apples in the fall, so I like to make this easy pie. My husband has diabetes, and this recipe fits into his diet ... but everyone enjoys it. —Shirley Vredenburg, Ossineke, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 202 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit.
6/12
Apple-Spice Angel Food Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 136 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/12
Apple Crumb Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This has been a favorite apple bar recipe of mine for many years. I've made these apple crumb bars for parties and for family, and they're always a hit. —Barbara Pickard, Union Lake, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 174 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/12
Apple Pie Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 163 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
9/12
Apple Yogurt Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
Get the morning started right with this super simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for an easy variation. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 158 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
10/12
Apple Kolaches
From the Recipe Creator:
A fellow home cook shared this recipe for a sweet, fruit-filled pastry. My son, who isn’t a dessert fan, was disappointed when he came home to find his dad had polished off the last kolache in the batch. —Ann Johnson, Evansville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 129 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
11/12
Nonni’s Fritole
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian grandmother was famous for her fritole and made these treats for her family and friends. Years later we found her recipe card and tried making them without success for several years. We finally figured out the missing part of this recipe–the self-rising flour! Now we can have these as often as we like. It brings back so many wonderful memories. — Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritole: 69 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
12/12
Swedish Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent Swedish apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 174 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Diabetic Apple Desserts FAQ
What are the best low-sugar apple desserts for people with diabetes?
People with diabetes can enjoy low-sugar, low-carb apple-based desserts that use natural or no-added-sugar sweeteners. Recipes like apple pie or baked apples with oats can be made with lower-glycemic apples like Granny Smith and sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit or erythritol. You can pair many of these options with healthy diabetic-friendly snacks to keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day.
What easy diabetic dessert ideas can I make for someone’s birthday?
If you’re baking for someone’s birthday, try making diabetic-friendly recipes like apple bars or tarts with cinnamon and chopped nuts. They’re easy to prep, visually festive and can be portioned into bite-sized servings. You can also decorate desserts with cinnamon-dusted apple slices, chopped nuts or a dollop of sugar-free whipped topping for a special touch. For a thoughtful spread, pair desserts with diabetic-friendly drinks to complete the menu.
What are good sugar substitutes for apple dessert recipes?
You can make apple desserts with sugar alternatives like Equal, Splenda or stevia. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey are good for people with diabetes, too.
