There’s something special about eating a cool, sweet treat in the summer.

For those with type 1 diabetes, though, typical “summery” desserts such as ice cream can signal trouble, as they are often full of sugar, fat and artificial ingredients. Opting for a more nutritional option such as fruit is a great way to stay on track and keep your body healthy.

Make this summer just a little sweeter with these diabetic-friendly double berry pie squares. Consider bringing this healthy, fruity summer treat to your next cookout, pool party or family gathering.

Recipe: Double Berry Pie Squares

Taken from Diabetic Living.

Makes: 9 servings

Serving Size: 1 square and 1/2 tablespoon dessert topping
Carb Grams Per Serving: 25

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sugar or sugar substitute* equivalent to 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1 12 – ounce package frozen raspberries, thawed
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2/3 cup finely crushed graham crackers
• 2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute* equivalent to 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/3 cup frozen sugar-free whipped dessert topping, thawed

Directions

1. For filling: In a large saucepan, combine the 1/3 cup sugar and the gelatin; add strawberries and raspberries. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is simmering.
2. Transfer berry mixture to a shallow bowl. Chill about 45 minutes or until mixture begins to set up around the edges, stirring occasionally.
3. For crust: Lightly coat a 2-quart square baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together finely crushed graham crackers, the 2 tablespoons sugar, and the melted butter. Press graham cracker mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place in freezer while chilling filling.
4. Carefully pour filling over the crust. Chill about 3 hours or until filling is completely set.
5. Cut into squares to serve. Top with whipped dessert topping. Makes 9 servings (1 square and 1/2 tablespoon dessert topping per serving)

Tips

• *Sugar Substitute: Choose from Splenda® Granular or Sweet’N Low® bulk or packets. Follow package directions to use product amount equivalent to 1/3 cup and 2 tablespoons sugar.
• *Sugar Substitute: PER SERVING WITH SUBSTITUTE: same as above, except 103 cal., 16 g carb. Exchanges: 0 other carb. Carb Choices: 1.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:

Servings Per Recipe: 9

PER SERVING: 138 cal., 4 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 7 mg chol., 80 mg sodium, 25 g carb. (4 g fiber, 15 g sugars), 2 g pro.

Diabetic Exchanges

Fruit (d.e): 1; Other Carb (d.e): 0.5; Fat (d.e): 1