Sugar-Free Honey Donuts with Natural Honey Glaze

Sugar-free honey donuts is something that should interest you if you strive to lead a sugar-free lifestyle.

And it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favorite treats. These homemade honey donuts are sweetened entirely with natural honey, providing a healthier alternative to traditional donuts that use granulated sugar.

What you should keep in mind is that the health benefits of raw honey is not preserved in baked or cooked products due to pasteurization. Pasteurization is a process where honey is heated at high temperatures to kill any yeast present in the liquid, preventing fermentation and extending shelf life.

The heat also kills the good bacteria.

Here’s how to make sugar-free honey donuts with a delightful natural honey glaze.

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup honey (opt for a robust variety like wildflower or manuka for more flavor)
• 1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Natural Honey Glaze:

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar substitute (like a stevia-based confectioner’s blend)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Preheat and Prep:
  • Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

• Combine Dry Ingredients:
  • In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

• Whisk Wet Ingredients:
  • In a large bowl, whisk eggs and honey together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Stir in buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.

• Form the Batter:
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the batter is smooth and homogenous. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a soft texture.

• Bake:
  • Fill each donut cavity in the pan about three-quarters full. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Prepare the Glaze:
  • While donuts are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar substitute, honey, heavy cream, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

• Cool and Glaze:
  • Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. While warm, dip each donut into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them.

• Enjoy:
  • Serve the donuts fresh or keep them in an airtight container. These are best enjoyed within a day of baking.

Tips:

• Substitute for Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 tablespoon of vinegar with enough milk to make 1/3 cup, then let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Spice Variations: Adjust the cinnamon and ginger according to your taste preferences, or try adding cardamom for a unique twist.
• Ensuring Non-Stick: For non-stick assurance, use a silicone donut pan, which typically releases donuts more easily than metal pans.

These sugar-free honey donuts offer a guilt-free way to enjoy a sweet, satisfying treat. The use of honey to the recipe not only adds a natural sweetness but also gives these donuts a delightful moisture that makes them a perfect snack or breakfast option.

Take note that the heat of the baking process will kill many bacteria and enzymes that give raw honey is health advantages.

Honey is only used as a sweetener that is more healthy than refined sugar. It will not make the donuts healthier because of honey’s natural healthy ingredients.