Quick and Easy Sugar Free Chocolate Donuts Recipes – Healthy and Delicious

Happy National Donuts Day! Donuts are definitely a favorite treat of mine, but most of the time they’re packed with tons of not so great stuff. I’ve been experimenting with ways to cut down sugar in our recipes so in honor of the holiday,  I decided to whip up a celebratory solution sugar free chocolate donuts a healthier alternative to those extra sugary sweets!

What makes them even better is they’re also gluten free AND low carb!

It seems like donuts shops are popping up everywhere these day. In our town in the last couple years we have two new delicious donuts shops.  My favorite donuts of all time was from this place called Strange Donuts. It was a GOOEY BUTTER CAKE DONUTS. It’s in caps because it’s important. Important how delicious this donuts tastes.

Chocolate Donuts

Those donuts are definitely delicious, but definitely not something to eat all the time.

These sugar free chocolate donuts are moist, delicious and flavorful without all the excess sugar. As you may know, my favorite sugar substitute is erythritol. It has a slight cooling effect but to me it doesn’t leave those odd aftertastes I’ve experienced with other sweeteners. I decided to use coconut oil for these to give the batter a hint of coconut flavor  but you can easily swap this out for butter.

These sugar free chocolate donuts are delicious and let you indulge without feeling guilty. If you’re like me and enjoy a good glazed donuts, melting some sugarfree chocolate chips and mixing in a bit of coconut oil will give you the perfect glaze which you can sprinkle with toasted coconut, almonds or whatever your favorite thing may be. If you didn’t know today was National Donuts Day, there’s still time to enjoy something sweet!

These donuts only take about 5 minutes to mix and 15 minutes to bake in the oven. You’re just 20 minutes away from delicious free chocolate chips and mixing in a bit of coconut oil will give you the perfect glaze which you can sprinkle with toasted coconut, almonds or whatever your favorite thing may be. Before National Donuts Day, there’s still time to enjoy something sweet! These donuts only take about 5 minutes to mix and 15 minutes to bake in the oven. You’re just 20 minutes away from delicious sugar free chocolate donuts!

Quick and Easy Sugar-Free Chocolate Donuts

Sugar Free Chocolate Donuts with Peanut Butter Glaze

Recipe type: Dessert

Prep time:  
Cook time:  
Total time:  

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • cup + 3 tbsp erythritol (or preferred sweetener)
  • unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 eggs
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • Optional: glaze
  • cup sugar free chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp coconut oil

Instructions

Donuts

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Mix erythritol and coconut oil
  3. Add cocoa powder until combined
  4. Mix in eggs one at a time until combined
  5. Add almond flour, baking powder and vanilla, mix until combined
  6. Grease donut pan and pour batter in evenly
  7. Bake 15 minutes
  8. Let cool completely
  9. Optional glaze:
  10. Melt chocolate chips and add coconut oil, stirring until smooth

To me, this brings back memories of my childhood.

Do you remember visiting a donut shop and choosing your favorite type of donut? I certainly do! My all-time favorite has been chocolate cake donuts.

I didn’t want to give up donuts just because I changed my diet. I was convinced there had to be a way to use keto-friendly ingredients to create donuts that taste just like the sugar-filled ones.

I’m excited to share that after perfecting my pancake mix donut recipe, I managed to develop a chocolate donut recipe as well!

Each of these chocolate donuts with chocolate glaze contains only 3g net carbs.

You might want to consider making a double batch, because once the aroma of these donuts baking in the oven fills your home, everyone will be asking to have some!

Tips for Glazing Your Donuts

Glazing donuts can be a fun and creative process, allowing you to add a personal touch to your homemade treats. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect glaze for your sugar-free chocolate donuts:

  1. Prepare the Glaze Consistency: For a smooth and even glaze, ensure that it is neither too thick nor too runny. If it’s too thick, it won’t spread evenly, and if it’s too thin, it won’t adhere properly to the donut. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid or powdered sweetener as needed.
  2. Allow Donuts to Cool: Before glazing, let the donuts cool completely. This prevents the glaze from melting and running off the donut. Cooling also helps to set the glaze, resulting in a neat and polished appearance.
  3. Use a Shallow Bowl: Pour the glaze into a shallow bowl or dish that’s wide enough to fit a donut. This makes it easier to dip the donuts into the glaze and achieve even coverage.
  4. Dip Donuts: Hold the donut by the edges and gently dip the top half into the glaze, letting any excess drip off before turning the donut upright. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the donuts if you prefer a more rustic look.
  5. Add Toppings: After glazing, you can add toppings such as toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or sugar-free sprinkles. Apply the toppings immediately after glazing so that they adhere properly.
  6. Let the Glaze Set: Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack with a tray or parchment paper underneath to catch any drips. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving or storing.

By following these tips, you can create beautifully glazed sugar-free chocolate donuts that taste as good as they look. Enjoy them as a guilt-free treat on National Donuts Day or any other day!

Net Carb Information and Serving Suggestions

Understanding net carbs and how they fit into a low-carb or keto diet is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here’s some information on net carbs and serving suggestions for your sugar-free chocolate donuts.

Net Carbs Explained:

Net carbs are the total carbohydrates in a food item minus the fiber and sugar alcohols. This number is relevant for those following a low-carb or keto diet because it represents the carbohydrates that impact blood sugar levels. Fiber and sugar alcohols don’t have a significant effect on blood sugar and are therefore subtracted from the total carbohydrates.

Calculating Net Carbs for Donuts:

To calculate the net carbs in your sugar-free chocolate donuts, you’ll need to know the total carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar alcohol content for each ingredient. For example, if your recipe includes almond flour, erythritol, and unsweetened cocoa powder, you’ll need to find the nutritional information for each and then subtract the fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbs. Once you have the net carb count for each ingredient, add them up to find the total net carbs per donut.

Serving Suggestions:

With only 3g net carbs per donut, these sugar-free chocolate donuts are a perfect treat for those following a low-carb or keto diet. To keep your daily carb intake in check, consider enjoying one donut as a dessert or snack. Pair it with a cup of unsweetened coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon break or post-dinner treat.

If you’re hosting a gathering or special event, these donuts can be a delicious and guilt-free option for your guests. Serve them on a platter alongside other low-carb treats like nuts, cheese, and fresh fruit for a well-rounded and satisfying dessert table.

By understanding net carbs and incorporating them into your dietary choices, you can enjoy tasty sugar-free chocolate donuts while still adhering to your low-carb or keto lifestyle

FAQ

Q1: What is erythritol and why is it used in sugar-free recipes?

A1: Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It has a taste and sweetness similar to sugar but contains very few calories and has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels. This makes it an ideal sweetener for sugar-free and low-carb recipes, as it provides the desired sweetness without causing a spike in blood sugar.

Q2: Can I use another sweetener instead of erythritol in this recipe?

A2: Yes, you can substitute erythritol with another sweetener of your choice, such as xylitol, monk fruit, or stevia. Keep in mind that each sweetener has a different level of sweetness and may require adjustments to the recipe. Make sure to check the conversion rates and adjust the quantity accordingly.

Q3: What is the best way to store these sugar-free chocolate donuts?

A3: To maintain freshness, store the sugar-free chocolate donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave or oven.

Q4: Can I make these donuts dairy-free as well?

A4: Yes, you can easily make these sugar-free chocolate donuts dairy-free by using coconut oil instead of butter. Ensure that you use dairy-free chocolate chips for the glaze as well.

Q5: Can I use a different type of flour instead of almond flour?

A5: Almond flour is used in this recipe because it’s low in carbs and gluten-free. However, you can try using other nut flours such as hazelnut or cashew flour as a substitute. Keep in mind that each flour has its unique properties, and the texture or taste of the donuts may be slightly different. Coconut flour is another option, but it’s highly absorbent and may require additional liquid or adjustments to the recipe.

Q6: Can I make these donuts in an air fryer?

A6: Yes, you can make sugar-free chocolate donuts in an air fryer. Grease a silicone donut mold and fill it with the batter. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the donut mold in the air fryer basket. Cook the donuts for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool before removing them from the mold and glazing.

Q7: Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?

A7: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your sugar-free chocolate donuts by adding various flavors and mix-ins. Some ideas include adding orange or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile or folding in sugar-free chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with different glazes or toppings, such as sugar-free caramel or peanut butter drizzle.

Summary

In celebration of National Donuts Day, a sugar-free, gluten-free, and low-carb chocolate donut recipe is offered as a healthier alternative to traditional sugary treats. Made with almond flour, erythritol, coconut oil, and unsweetened cocoa powder, these donuts take only 20 minutes to prepare and bake.

The recipe also includes tips for glazing the donuts and understanding net carbs, which are important for those following a low-carb or keto diet. With only 3g net carbs per donut, these sugar-free chocolate donuts allow you to indulge guilt-free while adhering to a healthier lifestyle.