Sugar-Free Ambrosia Salad (Inspired by Courtney Cook)

Ambrosia Salad is one of those classic recipes that instantly brings back memories — creamy, fruity, and always present at family gatherings. When I saw Courtney Cook’s Ambrosia Salad, I knew I had to try it… but of course, I wanted to make it sugar-free and a little more elevated.

This version keeps all the nostalgic flavor while creating a smoother, creamier texture that fits beautifully into a bariatric and low-sugar lifestyle.

Why I Love This Version

  • Completely sugar-free
  • Creamier and smoother texture
  • No nuts (but you can add them if you’d like!)
  • Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or make-ahead desserts

Ingredients

  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in its own juice
  • 2 (15 oz) cans mandarin oranges in their own juice, drained
  • 1 family-size box sugar-free lime Jell-O
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 (8 oz) tub sugar-free Cool Whip

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), mandarin oranges, and sugar-free lime Jell-O.
  2. Refrigerate for about 3 hours until partially set.
  3. In a blender, blend the cottage cheese and cream cheese until completely smooth.
  4. Stir the blended mixture into the Jell-O mixture.
  5. Gently fold in the sugar-free Cool Whip.
  6. Refrigerate for several more hours or overnight until fully set.

Final Thoughts

This sugar-free Ambrosia Salad is creamy, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. It’s proof that you don’t have to give up classic comfort recipes just because you’re living a bariatric or low-sugar lifestyle.

If you try this recipe, let me know — I’d love to hear what you think!

Mini Sugar-Free Salted Caramel Pumpkin New York Style Cheesecakes

The holidays are the perfect time for cozy flavors, and these Mini Sugar-Free Salted Caramel Pumpkin New York Style Cheesecakes check all the boxes. They’re rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and finished with just the right touch of salted caramel — without all the sugar.

These mini cheesecakes are portion-controlled, bariatric-friendly, and ideal for holiday gatherings, dessert trays, or just a special treat at home.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 5 oz Nutrail Cinnamon Pecan Keto Granola
  • 1.25 oz butter, melted

Cheesecake Batter

  • 12 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup Splenda
  • ¼ cup 100% pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs, scrambled before adding
  • 0.75 oz cornstarch
  • 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 2.7 fl oz heavy cream
  • 1 splash Jordan’s Brown Sugar Cinnamon Skinny Syrup (to taste)
  • 1 splash Jordan’s Caramel Skinny Syrup (to taste)
  • Toppings
  • Salted caramel salt
  • Skinny Mixes caramel sauce

Instructions

💡 Affiliate Note: I use both Jordan’s Skinny Syrups and Skinny Mixes products in this recipe. If you’re shopping Skinny Mixes, you can save 10% on your first order with my code BARIATRICLIVING101 at checkout.

Step 1: Make the Crust

  1. Add the keto granola to a food processor and pulse until finely crushed.
  2. Add melted butter and blend until well combined.
  3. Divide evenly among 12 mini cheesecake cups and press firmly.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter

  1. In a blender or mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Splenda, pumpkin puree, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla, and heavy cream.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add scrambled eggs last and blend just until incorporated.
  4. Add a splash of both skinny syrups to your desired sweetness.

Step 3: Bake

  1. Use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion batter into each crust.
  2. Place cheesecakes in a steam bath.
  3. Bake at 300°F for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Cool & Finish

  1. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle salted caramel salt on top while warm.
  2. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  3. Drizzle with Skinny Mixes caramel sauce before serving.

These mini pumpkin cheesecakes are a must-have for the holiday season. They’re festive, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy dessert while staying mindful of sugar and portions.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out — and don’t forget to check out more sugar-free and bariatric-friendly recipes here on Bariatric Living! 🧡