Keto Glazed Donuts

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about keto glazed donuts that makes everything a little bit better. Whether it’s the sweet, smooth glaze or the soft, cake-like texture of the donut itself, they’re just the ultimate treat. And let’s face it – who doesn’t love a delicious donut that’s actually not bad for you?

I was on a mission to create a low carb donuts recipe that would deliver all the flavor of a traditional old fashioned donut, without the carbs. After trial and error, I’ve perfected this recipe for keto glazed doughnuts that are rich, moist, and absolutely satisfying. These donuts are soft, cake-like, and topped with a sweet, velvety glaze that will make your taste buds dance.

These donuts are baked, not fried, which means they’re a bit lighter and easier to make than the typical low carb Dunkin donuts you might crave on a lazy Sunday morning. So, let’s dive into the recipe and the ingredients that make these donuts so magical.

The Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient in this low carb donuts recipe has a specific role to ensure that your donuts turn out perfectly soft, sweet, and low-carb.

Blanched Almond Flour

The foundation of these keto glazed donuts is blanched almond flour. Almond flour is a keto baker’s best friend because it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats. Unlike regular wheat flour, almond flour is made from ground almonds, which means it’s gluten-free and won’t spike your blood sugar.

In this recipe, almond flour gives the donuts their soft, slightly crumbly texture and serves as the main flour alternative to create that cake-like consistency you love in a traditional donut. It also provides a neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine without being overpowering.

Ground Flax

You might be wondering why ground flax is included in this recipe. Flaxseed is a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats. But in this case, it also helps to enhance the texture and moisture of the donuts. Ground flax absorbs moisture, helping to make the donuts softer and preventing them from becoming too dry.

Flax also acts as a binding agent, so if you’re looking for a bit of extra structure, it works perfectly with the almond flour to create a soft, spongy donut that holds up well when glazed.

Coconut Flour

Next up, we have coconut flour, another fantastic low-carb baking ingredient. Coconut flour is super absorbent, so you don’t need much of it in this recipe. It adds a slight coconut flavor and a light, airy texture to the donuts. Plus, it’s full of fiber, making it another great ingredient for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.

The combination of coconut flour and almond flour in this recipe ensures that the donuts have the perfect texture—moist but not dense, soft but not falling apart. They rise nicely in the oven, creating that beautiful, bakery-style donut shape.

Granulated Sugar-Free Sweetener (Erythritol)

What’s a donut without sweetness? I use granulated sugar-free sweetener, specifically erythritol, to sweeten these low carb donuts without the carbs. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that has almost no calories and doesn’t spike your blood sugar. It’s the perfect sugar substitute for keto-friendly desserts.

Erythritol has a sweetness level similar to sugar, so it works great for replicating the sweetness of traditional donuts. It’s also perfect for making the glaze because it dissolves easily and doesn’t leave behind any weird aftertaste.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

To get those donuts to rise and become fluffy, you need a leavening agent. Baking powder and baking soda work together to help the donut batter rise as it bakes. Baking powder provides a light, airy texture to the donuts, while baking soda helps with browning and flavor. Together, they create the perfect balance of softness and structure in every bite.

Salt

A pinch of salt is crucial in any sweet recipe. Salt enhances the sweetness of the donuts and helps balance the flavors. It also brings out the richness of the butter and cream cheese, so don’t skip it!

Butter and Cream Cheese

Butter and cream cheese are the two key ingredients that give these keto glazed donuts their rich, indulgent texture. The fat from the butter adds moisture and flavor, while the cream cheese provides creaminess and a slight tang. Together, they make the donuts taste decadent and satisfying, without being overly heavy.

Cream cheese is also a secret ingredient that helps bind everything together, ensuring the donuts have a smooth, uniform texture. Plus, the tang from the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the donuts, making them taste even more like the real deal.

Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Eggs provide structure, protein, and moisture to the batter. They help bind everything together and create the desired cake-like consistency. Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor profile, balancing out the richness of the cream cheese and butter with its sweet, aromatic notes.

Together, the eggs and vanilla give the donuts their satisfying texture and irresistible flavor.

How to Make Keto Glazed Donuts

Making keto glazed donuts is surprisingly easy, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up batches in no time! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these low carb donuts:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a standard-sized donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure the donuts come out easily after baking. A donut pan is essential for getting that classic donut shape, but if you don’t have one, you can also use a muffin tin and just shape them as you would a muffin.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: blanched almond flour, coconut flour, ground flax, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well-mixed, ensuring that the flours and baking agents are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Melt the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt the butter and cream cheese together. You want them to be fully melted and smooth so they can easily blend into the dry ingredients. Once melted, pour the butter and cream cheese mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Next, crack the egg into the mixture and add the vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a thick, smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick, but not dry. If it seems too thick, you can add a little bit of water or unsweetened almond milk to help loosen it up.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity almost to the top. You want to make sure the donuts are full enough to rise and form that perfect donut shape, but not overflowing.

Step 6: Bake

Place the donut pan in the oven and bake the donuts for 17-20 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

Step 7: Cool the Donuts

Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

The Perfect Glaze

The glaze is what really takes these keto glazed donuts to the next level. It’s sweet, smooth, and perfectly complements the soft texture of the donuts. Here’s how to make the glaze:

Step 1: Heat the Coconut Oil

In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil until it’s completely liquid. This will form the base of the glaze. If you don’t want the glaze to have any hint of coconut flavor, you can use refined coconut oil.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Erythritol

Add powdered erythritol to the melted coconut oil a little bit at a time, stirring constantly. Keep adding until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. If you want it thicker, add more erythritol; if it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water.

Step 3: Glaze the Donuts

Once your glaze is smooth and glossy, spoon it over the cooled donuts, covering them completely. You can also dip the donuts in the glaze for a thicker coating, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Chill to Set the Glaze

Place the glazed donuts in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set. This helps it harden and gives you that satisfying bite when you take a piece of the donut.

FAQs About Keto Glazed Donuts

Can I use a different sweetener? Yes! You can substitute erythritol/monk fruit blend with another keto-friendly sweetener. Just be sure to adjust the quantity based on the sweetness of the sweetener you choose.

Can I freeze these donuts? Absolutely! These low carb donuts freeze well. After glazing, place the donuts in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.

Can I make these donuts dairy-free? Yes! You can substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and dairy-free cream cheese. The texture and flavor might change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Rate the Recipe, Leave a Comment, and Tag Me!

If you give this keto glazed donuts recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Please rate the recipe, leave a comment, and let me know how yours turned out. Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram if you post it—I’d love to see your creations!

Happy baking, and enjoy these keto glazed donuts!

XO,
Sarah