5 Kidney Disease-Friendly Desserts

Who says dessert is off the table when you’re managing kidney disease? With the right recipe, you can enjoy sweet treats that are both satisfying and kidney-friendly. Here are five easy, delicious options to try out.

• Banana Pudding
• Very Berry Tofu Smoothie
• Lemon Popsicles
• Pear & Almond Parfait
• Piña Colada Popsicles

Topped with whipped topping and crisp vanilla wafers, this creamy tofu banana pudding offers a lighter take on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 16 oz silken tofu
• 2 pitted Medjool dates
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 8 phosphate-free vanilla wafer cookies, divided (or use phosphate-free graham crackers)
• 8 tbsp dairy-free whipped topping
• 1 banana, sliced (optional)

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, combine bananas, tofu, dates, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into serving ramekins or glasses.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until firm. (Note: some natural browning from the bananas and dates may occur.)
5. Before serving, top each portion with 2 vanilla wafers and 2 tablespoons of whipped topping.
6. Optional: Garnish with sliced banana.
7. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Strawberries and blueberries combine with creamy tofu, ginger, and a touch of spice to create a smoothie that’s anything but ordinary.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 cups blueberries
• 9 oz silken, extra firm tofu
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 2 pinches red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp rum extract
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ cup ice

Directions

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Cool, creamy, and citrusy—these popsicles are a refreshing way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 6 oz warm water
• 3 Medjool dates, pitted
• 3 oz low-fat cream cheese
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Soak pitted dates in warm water for 15 minutes.
2. Squeeze lemons to get ⅓ cup of juice. Remove seeds; pulp is fine to include.
3. In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
4. Pour into a 6-slot popsicle mold.
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
6. Enjoy immediately after removing from the mold.

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Make this cool, creamy parfait in advance—it’s perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying when the craving strikes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
• 4 tsp sugar-free strawberry jam

Directions

1. Heat rice milk in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 5 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour and sugar. Add a few tablespoons of hot rice milk to form a smooth paste.
3. Stir the paste into the hot rice milk. Whisk to combine.
4. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave for another minute.
5. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Stir well.
6. Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate until chilled.
7. When ready to serve, layer with diced pears and strawberry jam.
8. Can be made up to 2 days in advance.

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These tropical-inspired popsicles are creamy, fruity, and naturally sweet—everything you want in a warm-weather treat.

Ingredients

• 2 Medjool dates, pitted (or 1 tbsp honey)
• ½ cup boiling water
• 8 oz canned coconut milk, divided (can use lite coconut milk)
• 8 oz crushed pineapple in juice, undrained (or use pineapple juice)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened dried coconut flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp coconut extract (optional)

Directions

1. Soak dates in boiling water for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
2. Blend softened dates with ¼ cup coconut milk until smooth.
3. Add the remaining coconut milk, crushed pineapple, and optional ingredients. Blend to desired consistency.
4. Pour into popsicle molds and cover.
5. If molds don’t include sticks, cover with plastic wrap and insert sticks through the top.
6. Freeze overnight or until solid.
7. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

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Looking for more kidney-friendly inspiration? Explore our kidney-friendly superfoods or find a new kidney-disease-friendly recipe.

*These recipes are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical or dietary advice. Please consult your healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized guidance.