Sugar free donuts have come a long way from the dry, crumbly versions you might remember. Today, you can make soft, sweet, golden donuts at home without using any refined sugar—and they’re so good, even non-diabetics ask for seconds. In this article, I’ll walk you through a quick, 20-minute recipe for baked sugar free donuts made with almond flour and natural sweeteners, and explain why they’re perfect for anyone cutting sugar or managing diabetes. You’ll also get tips on toppings, variations, and how they compare to store-bought options like Krispy Kreme.
But first, let me tell you how this recipe came to life.
Table of Contents
My Journey to Sugar Free Donuts (That Actually Taste Good)
How a family diagnosis turned donuts into a mission
Sugar free donuts weren’t even on my radar—until my dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We’d always been a donut-loving family. I grew up with Sunday morning boxes of powdered donuts and chocolate glaze, the kind that left sticky fingers and sugar highs. Suddenly, those old favorites were off-limits for him. I searched for options he could enjoy, but everything we found tasted… disappointing.
That was my turning point. I started baking from scratch, determined to make something better.
My first attempts at sugar free donuts? Total flops. They crumbled, they were dry, and the sweetness was always off. But I learned quickly: almond flour keeps them moist, while a quality granulated sweetener gives just the right lift without raising blood sugar. A bit of cream and vanilla rounds out the flavor, and baking (instead of frying) keeps it light yet satisfying.
What qualifies as a real sugar free donut?
For me, it has to check three boxes: no refined sugar, low glycemic impact, and a texture that feels indulgent. This recipe uses almond flour, eggs, and a natural sweetener like erythritol or allulose—making each donut just 111 calories, 1g net carbs, and shockingly good. You won’t find sugar free donuts at Krispy Kreme just yet, but you can make them at home faster than a coffee run.
Looking for other low sugar recipes you can enjoy with your morning coffee? Try these Greek yogurt blueberry muffins or my naturally sweet cottage cheese banana bread—both are diabetic-friendly and perfect for breakfast or snacking.
How to Make Sugar Free Donuts in Just 20 Minutes
Simple ingredients with big results
Making sugar free donuts sounds complicated—until you realize it only takes about 7 pantry staples and 20 minutes. You’ll need almond flour for structure, eggs for rise, and a granulated sweetener to keep it sugar-free but still satisfy your sweet tooth. I prefer erythritol or allulose, but monk fruit works too if you enjoy a slightly floral note.
The addition of melted butter and a little heavy cream helps create that rich, moist crumb you’d expect from a classic donut. And don’t skip the vanilla extract—it rounds out the flavor in such a comforting way.
Here’s a breakdown of what goes into each donut:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Almond Flour | Base flour, low-carb and nutty |
| Granulated Sweetener | Sweetness without sugar |
| Eggs | Structure and rise |
| Heavy Cream | Adds richness |
| Butter | Moisture and flavor |
| Baking Powder | Lift and fluff |
| Vanilla Extract | Warm flavor finish |
The method: mix, fill, bake, and roll
Once your ingredients are measured, the whole process moves quickly. I recommend using a silicone donut pan and greasing it well with butter or spray. The batter mixes easily in one bowl—just blend the butter, cream, and sweetener until smooth, then add in the eggs and vanilla, followed by almond flour and baking powder. Spoon the mixture into your pan, being careful not to overfill.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until the tops are golden and springy. Let them cool completely in the pan—this step is key to avoid breaking them apart.
For a fun finish, roll the donuts in a bit more sweetener with optional cinnamon. Want something richer? Top with a dark chocolate glaze or the buttery vanilla glaze I use on my sugar free pecan pie.
If you love creative diabetic-friendly baking like this, don’t miss my high protein pancake recipe or my popular banana oat chocolate chip cookies—they’re just as easy and satisfying.
Why These Sugar Free Donuts Are Diabetic Friendly
Low glycemic, low carb, full flavor
It’s not enough for a donut to be sugar free—it also needs to be smart for blood sugar. That’s why every ingredient in this recipe was chosen with care. With just 1g net carb per donut, these little treats fit easily into a diabetic-friendly lifestyle or low carb plan. Almond flour keeps the glycemic load low while offering healthy fats, and natural sweeteners like erythritol don’t spike insulin the way sugar does.
Unlike typical bakery donuts that deliver 20–30g of sugar and send blood glucose soaring, these sugar free donuts keep things steady. That means fewer crashes, cravings, and late-night snack raids. You can enjoy one—or even two—with a hot cup of coffee and still feel good afterward.
Better than store-bought sugar free? Absolutely.
Let’s be honest—most so-called “sugar free” options on grocery shelves are filled with questionable ingredients like maltitol or sucralose, which can cause bloating or still impact blood sugar. Some even sneak in modified starches or hidden sugars that undo the benefits. That’s why I always recommend homemade when possible.
This recipe skips all of that. It’s made from whole food ingredients you recognize—no preservatives, fillers, or artificial flavors. Just almond flour, eggs, cream, butter, and natural sweetener. Simple and satisfying.
They’re also naturally gluten-free and grain-free, which makes them a great option if you’re following a keto, paleo, or diabetic diet. I often pair them with a bit of fruit or a protein-based breakfast like my date bark snack or a slice of cottage cheese banana bread for a filling, blood sugar-friendly morning.
Fun Toppings & Variations for Sugar Free Donuts
Classic coating or chocolate glazed? You decide
One of the best things about making your own sugar free donuts is the ability to customize them. The base recipe is tender and lightly sweet on its own—but if you want to dress them up, there are plenty of options that still fit a diabetic-friendly or low carb lifestyle.
The easiest upgrade is a cinnamon-sweetener mix. Just toss each cooled donut in granulated sweetener blended with a pinch of cinnamon. It gives that bakery-style sparkle and nostalgic flavor. For a glazed option, mix melted butter with a tablespoon of heavy cream, powdered sweetener, and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle and let it set—no fancy tools needed.
Craving chocolate? Melt 85–90% dark chocolate with a bit of coconut oil for a rich, sugar-free glaze. Dip the tops of your donuts and let them chill for a few minutes. You can even sprinkle with crushed nuts or unsweetened shredded coconut.
How to store and serve
These donuts store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or 5–6 days in the fridge. I like to reheat them in the toaster oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.
If you’re meal prepping for the week, pair them with these Greek yogurt blueberry muffins or a high protein pancake to create a satisfying, low sugar breakfast rotation. You’ll never feel like you’re missing out.
And don’t forget—you can always double the batch and freeze extra donuts. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick treat.
Print
Sugar Free Donuts That Taste Just Like the Real Thing
Soft, sweet, and golden sugar free donuts made with almond flour and natural sweeteners. Baked in under 20 minutes, these donuts are perfect for diabetics and anyone cutting back on sugar.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 14 mini donuts 1x
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour (100g)
⅓ cup unsalted butter (75g), melted
¼ cup granulated sweetener (50g)
4 medium eggs (or 3 large)
2 tablespoon heavy cream (30ml)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
¼ cup granulated sweetener (50g), optional: add ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a silicone donut pan with butter or spray.
- Step 2: Blend melted butter, cream, and sweetener in a bowl until smooth.
- Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla; mix again.
- Step 4: Add almond flour and baking powder; blend to a smooth batter.
- Step 5: Spoon batter into the pan without overfilling.
- Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes until golden. Let donuts cool fully before removing.
- Step 7: Roll cooled donuts in sweetener/cinnamon mix or glaze if desired.
Notes
Let the donuts cool completely before removing from the pan—they firm up as they cool.
Makes 14 mini donuts or 6–7 regular donuts.
Optional glaze: 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp cream, 2 tbsp powdered sweetener, ¼ tsp vanilla.
Or melt 85–90% dark chocolate with 1 tsp coconut oil for a chocolate topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 111
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Protein: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
FAQs: Sugar Free Donuts
Do sugar-free donuts exist?
Yes, absolutely! Sugar free donuts like the ones in this recipe are made without any added sugar. Instead, they use natural, low-glycemic sweeteners such as erythritol or monk fruit. These ingredients provide sweetness without the blood sugar spike, making the donuts ideal for diabetics or anyone reducing sugar intake.
Is there a diabetic donut?
Yes, a diabetic donut is typically low in carbs and made with ingredients that won’t raise blood sugar significantly. These sugar free donuts are made with almond flour and natural sweeteners, keeping net carbs around 1g per donut—perfect for people managing diabetes.
Are Krispy Kreme donuts sugar free?
No, Krispy Kreme does not currently offer sugar free donuts. Their classic glazed donut contains around 10g of sugar or more. If you’re looking for a truly sugar free option, homemade versions like this recipe are your best bet.
Are donuts low in sugar?
Traditional donuts are high in sugar and refined carbs. However, these homemade sugar free donuts are an exception. With no added sugar and just 1g net carb, they’re a low-sugar, low-glycemic alternative to conventional bakery donuts.
Sugar free donuts prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or joy when baking with wellness in mind. With their soft texture, buttery crumb, and warm sweetness—all without refined sugar—they’re a comforting treat you can feel good about, whether you’re managing diabetes or simply cutting back on carbs.
They’re quick, versatile, and endlessly customizable. Roll them in cinnamon, drizzle with dark chocolate, or keep them plain—they still deliver that classic donut satisfaction without the crash. Best of all, they fit beautifully into any low-sugar lifestyle without feeling restrictive.
If these donuts become a weekend favorite (like they are in my home), try other naturally sweet bakes like my Greek Yogurt Blueberry Muffins or the cozy Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies. For something a little more decadent, my Sugar-Free Pecan Pie is perfect for holidays or gatherings. Want a lighter snack? Try the viral Date Bark—sweet, chewy, and naturally sugar-free.
Need help choosing diabetic-friendly sweeteners? The American Diabetes Association breaks down the best options with scientific backing. You can also read more on low glycemic baking principles on Healthline to understand how ingredients impact blood sugar.
Want to share your batch or get ideas from others? Join our warm and welcoming Facebook community where we swap tips, tweak recipes, and support each other’s kitchen wins. You can also follow along on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes baking moments and step-by-step inspiration.
