For those following a ketogenic diet, the allure of classic desserts like Krispy Kreme donuts can be a significant temptation. Fortunately, with a few clever ingredient substitutions, it's possible to enjoy a keto-friendly version that satisfies your sweet cravings without derailing your diet.
Why Keto Donuts?
Baked donuts are a beloved dessert, offering a delightful combination of a soft, cakey interior and a crispy exterior, often enhanced with a sweet glaze or toppings. The beauty of keto donuts lies in the ability to recreate this experience using low-carb ingredients, allowing you to indulge in a familiar treat while staying true to your dietary goals.
Key Ingredients for Keto Donuts
Creating delicious keto donuts involves using ingredients that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional donuts while keeping the carbohydrate count low. Here's a breakdown of some common ingredients:
- Almond Flour: This is a staple in keto baking, providing substance and a slightly nutty flavor. Fine almond flour is preferred for a lighter texture. Coconut flour or sunflower seed flour can be used as substitutes, but adjustments to the quantity may be necessary. If substituting with coconut flour, use 2/3 cups.
- Protein Powder: This ingredient contributes to the structure of the donut, creating a spongy texture similar to gluten in traditional flour-based recipes. Opt for a low-carb or zero-carb protein powder.
- Sugar-Free Sweetener: Essential for achieving the desired sweetness without the carbs. Monk fruit/erythritol blends like Stevia, Lakanto, or Truvia Sweet Complete are excellent choices.
- Xanthan Gum: This acts as a binder, especially in egg-free recipes, helping to hold the donut together during baking or frying. If you prefer not to use xanthan gum, you can substitute it with a whole egg.
- Lard: For frying the donuts, lard adds flavor and helps create a crispy exterior.
- Confectioner's Swerve: Used in the glaze to provide sweetness without the carbs.
- Eggs: It is important to ensure the eggs are at room temperature.
- Apple Cider Vinegar:
Recipe: Keto Krispy Kreme Donuts
This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a tender, cake-like donut with a glaze reminiscent of the classic Krispy Kreme.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup protein powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- ¼ cup Swerve or powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
- ⅛ - ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, or substitute with 1 whole egg)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Sour cream
For the Krispy Kreme Glaze:
- Confectioner's Swerve
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients: almond flour, protein powder, sweetener, salt, baking powder, and xanthan gum (if using).
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, sour cream, and unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Mix until well combined, forming a smooth batter.
Shape the Donuts: Fill a plastic bag with the dough and cut off a corner to create a pastry or piping bag. Pipe the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full. Alternatively, grab a handful of dough and roll it into a short snake shape. Mold the ends together to form a donut shape.
Bake the Donuts: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool the Donuts: Remove the keto donuts from the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, add Confectioner's Swerve, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each donut into the glaze, ensuring it's evenly coated. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Frying Option
Prepare for Frying: Add lard to a small non-stick skillet, filling it enough to cover the donut almost halfway. Heat over low-medium heat.
Fry the Donuts: Carefully add a couple of donuts to the skillet and fry on each side until golden brown, swirling the oil to coat the donuts as they cook. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can cause the donuts to crumble.
Cool and Glaze: Let the fried donuts cool completely before handling. Then, dip them in the prepared Krispy Kreme glaze.
Tips for Perfect Keto Donuts
- Donut Pan Preparation: To prevent sticking, spray the donut pan generously with coconut oil spray. After baking, run a butter knife around the perimeter of the donuts to gently loosen them before removing them from the pan. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for at least five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Filling the Donut Pan: Fill the donut pan no more than ⅔ of the way up to prevent the donuts from overflowing during baking.
- Frying Temperature: Maintain a low-medium to medium heat when frying to prevent the donuts from falling apart.
- Texture Check: The inside of your cooled donuts should be moist, crumbly, and fluffy.
- Almond Flour: It is important to use fine almond flour rather than almond meal for making these almond flour donuts.
- Piping: If you don't have a pastry bag or piping bag, try using a quart-sized Ziploc bag and cutting off the tip. You may also use a bowl with a spout and carefully pour the batter into the donut pan.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Glazed Donuts: For chocolate lovers, dip each donut in a mixture of sugar-free chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Brush the top of the cooked donut with 1/4 cup of melted butter and dust with a cinnamon-sugar substitute mixture.
- Cinnamon: Add cinnamon for a warm flavor.
- Blueberry: Fold through 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Raspberry: Fold through 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries.
- Chocolate: Add chocolate for a rich flavor.
- Lemon: Add lemon for a citrusy twist.
- Pumpkin: Add pumpkin for a fall-themed treat.
- Frosting: Use keto frosting (vanilla flavored), then add food coloring and/or sprinkles to decorate.
Storage Information
Leftover keto donuts can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 days. While they can be left on the counter, they may dry out after a few days. For longer storage, place the donuts in a freezer-friendly container or ziplock bag. The donut batter should be used right away.
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Nutritional Information
A single keto donut typically contains around 4.0 grams of net carbs, 5.2 total carbs, and 1.1 grams of sugar. This can vary depending on the specific ingredients and sweeteners used.
Keto Krispy Kreme Donuts: FAQs
- How many carbs are in a donut? Generally, a plain donut has around 22-25 grams of carbohydrate.
- My donuts fell apart when frying. What happened? If your keto donut starts to fall apart or flake off when frying, your oil is too hot. Ideally, the best temperature to fry a low carb donut is at low-medium to medium heat.
- My donut isn't cooked all the way in the center. Ensure that you are baking or frying the donuts for the recommended time and at the correct temperature.