The holiday season is synonymous with rich flavors, indulgent sweets, and festive drinks. However, for those managing kidney disease, it can be challenging to enjoy these treats without compromising kidney health. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and kidney-friendly alternatives that will allow you to celebrate the season without the worry.
In this blog post, we’ve gathered 5 kidney-friendly Christmas desserts, 5 treats, and 5 holiday drinks that are both tasty and safe for those with kidney disease. Plus, we’ll share some helpful affiliate products to make your holiday cooking and baking easier.
5 Kidney-Friendly Christmas Desserts
- Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding
This creamy, comforting dessert combines the festive flavor of pumpkin with the heart-healthy benefits of rice. Pumpkin is low in potassium and packed with vitamins, making it a great option for those with kidney disease.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup pure pumpkin puree
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine rice, almond milk, and pumpkin puree.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Suggestion: Look for unsweetened almond milk on Amazon, like Califia Farms almond milk, which is low in potassium and phosphorus.
- Cinnamon Apple Baked Pears
Baked pears are a simple, sweet, and kidney-friendly dessert that brings out the natural sugars in fruit, reducing the need for added sugar.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 2 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pears in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Top each pear half with a small amount of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until tender.
- Serve warm.
Suggestion: Find pure maple syrup for healthy without processed sweeteners.
- Sugar-Free Cranberry Orange Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies are the perfect combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, with no added sugars or harmful ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Add the wet ingredients: applesauce, butter, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Stir in the cranberries.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Suggestion: Consider using Coconut Oil as a healthier fat option and easy to use for this recipe.
- Low-Potassium Chocolate Mousse
Rich, creamy chocolate mousse made with avocado instead of heavy cream is both a kidney-friendly treat and a healthier alternative to traditional mousse.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Blend the avocado, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor until smooth.
- Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.
- Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
These gluten-free and low-phosphorus shortbread cookies are the perfect treat for those with kidney concerns, with the added benefit of being easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Cut out cookie shapes and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden.
Suggestion: Look for almond flour at this link for tasty gluten-free cookies.
5 Kidney-Friendly Holiday Treats
- Homemade Almond Joy Bars
These DIY, kidney-friendly Almond Joy bars replace traditional high-potassium ingredients with lower-potassium alternatives.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ cup dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
- 12 almonds
Instructions:
- Mix shredded coconut and maple syrup until well combined.
- Form small clusters of coconut mixture and place one almond on top of each cluster.
- Melt the dark chocolate and drizzle over the coconut and almond clusters.
- Let cool before serving.
Suggestion: Look for unsweetened shredded coconut here.
- Coconut-Pecan Energy Bites
These no-bake energy bites are packed with healthy fats and will satisfy your sweet tooth without overloading your kidneys.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Suggestion: Look chopped pecans and chia seeds here.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This classic treat is naturally low in potassium and phosphorus, and it’s festive enough to serve at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries
- ½ cup dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
Instructions:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler.
- Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place on parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes until set.
Suggestion: Find quality dark chocolate at this link.
- Sugar-Free Gingerbread Bites
These gingerbread bites are perfect for anyone who loves the classic flavors of the holidays without the sugar overload.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all the ingredients together to form dough.
- Roll into small balls and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
- Homemade Nut Clusters
These easy-to-make nut clusters combine kidney-friendly nuts with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss nuts with maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Suggestion: Find raw almonds and raw walnuts here.
5 Kidney-Friendly Holiday Drinks
- Cranberry-Lime Sparkler
This refreshing drink offers a tart kick with no added sugars, perfect for those watching their phosphorus and potassium intake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
- ½ lime, juiced
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add cranberry juice and lime juice.
- Top with sparkling water and stir.
suggestion: Find tall beverage glasses for more refreshment here.
- Almond Milk Eggnog
A kidney-friendly version of the classic holiday eggnog made with almond milk.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat almond milk over medium heat.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir until well combined, then serve warm.
Suggestion: Find a medium sized sauce pan to make enough for you and a friend.
- Ginger-Spiced Tea
A soothing and kidney-friendly tea with ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil water and add sliced ginger.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add cinnamon and honey, if desired.
- Apple Cinnamon Infused Water
This refreshing, hydrating drink brings out the holiday flavor without the excess sugar.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 apple slices
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
- Combine water, apple slices, and cinnamon in a pitcher.
- Let infuse for at least an hour in the fridge before serving.
Suggestion: Look here for cinnamon sticks for great flavor.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A kidney-friendly, sugar-free hot chocolate made with unsweetened cocoa and almond milk, with a refreshing peppermint twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 drops peppermint extract (to taste)
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat.
- Add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth and fully dissolved.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract, if using.
- Taste and add maple syrup if you’d like additional sweetness.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Continue to heat the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Pour into a mug and enjoy warm!
Suggestion: Find quality peppermint extract here.
This peppermint hot chocolate is the perfect cozy drink to enjoy after a day of holiday festivities. It provides a festive, delicious alternative to traditional sugary hot chocolate, while remaining kidney-friendly!
With these kidney-friendly Christmas desserts, treats, and drinks, you can enjoy the flavors of the season without worrying about the impact on your renal health. Don’t forget to check out some of the products we’ve suggested, like unsweetened almond milk and coconut oil, to help make your holiday cooking easier and healthier!
Happy holidays and enjoy guilt-free indulgence this season!