Carnivore Donuts with Caramel Glaze

Dive into the ultimate carnivore diet treat! These baked Carnivore Donuts with a rich, sugar-free Caramel Glaze are surprisingly easy to make, packed with protein, and deliver a deliciously satisfying, guilt-free experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling/Glazing Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Carnivore, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Yield: 6 donuts
Dietary Info: Carnivore, Keto, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Sugar-Free

Recipe Intensity: Beginner-Friendly

This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple. The most challenging part is waiting for the donuts to cool before glazing. No fancy equipment is needed—a simple donut pan, a mixing bowl, and a whisk are all you require. The process is low-stress and yields impressive, delicious results.

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A Note on the Carnivore Diet & This Recipe

The carnivore diet, centered on animal-based foods, is often seen as restrictive. But creativity can flourish within those boundaries! This recipe is a celebration of that ingenuity. Using a base of protein-rich eggs, creamy butter, and mild mozzarella cheese, we create a tender, cake-like crumb that forms the perfect canvas for a luxurious, sugar-free caramel glaze made from heavy cream and allulose or monk fruit.

These donuts are not an attempt to perfectly replicate a sugary, wheat-flour donut. Instead, they offer a uniquely rich, savory-sweet, and deeply satisfying treat that aligns perfectly with your dietary goals. They are perfect for a special breakfast, a post-workout snack, or when you need a comforting dessert without the carb crash.

Ingredients

For the Carnivore Donuts:

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 cup (113g) finely shredded, low-moisture mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup (56g) unflavored whey protein isolate or carnivore-friendly protein powder

• 1/4 cup (28g) coconut flour (Note: For a strict carnivore version, omit and add an additional 1/4 cup protein powder. The texture will be denser.)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (ensure it’s aluminum-free)

• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – For a strict carnivore diet, omit.

For the Sugar-Free Caramel Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick / 56g) unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/3 cup granulated allulose or monk fruit sweetener

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Equipment Needed:

• One standard 6-cavity donut pan

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Spatula

• Piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off (for easy filling)

• Small saucepan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease the cavities of your donut pan with butter or avocado oil spray. This is a crucial step to ensure your donuts release easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the 4 eggs until they are well-beaten and slightly frothy. This incorporates air, which will help the donuts rise. While whisking continuously, slowly stream in the melted (but not hot) butter. If using vanilla extract, add it now and whisk to combine.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the shredded mozzarella, whey protein isolate, coconut flour (if using), baking powder, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together first ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, preventing clumps in the final batter.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, fold and stir until a thick, uniform batter forms. The mozzarella will distribute throughout the batter—this is normal and will create little pockets of cheesy goodness. Do not overmix; just stir until no large dry spots remain.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a large ziplock bag. Snip off the end (about 1 inch) and pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops with a damp finger or the back of a spoon. This method is much cleaner and more effective than trying to spoon the batter in.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. The donuts are done when the tops are lightly golden brown and spring back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Donuts

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This allows them to set. Then, carefully run a small offset spatula or knife around the edges of each donut and gently invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is important: The donuts must be completely cool before glazing, or the glaze will melt and slide off.

Step 8: Make the Caramel Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the allulose (or monk fruit) and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using) and a pinch of salt. Allow the glaze to cool for about 10 minutes; it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once the donuts and glaze are both at room temperature, it’s time for the fun part! You can either dip the top of each donut directly into the glaze or spoon the glaze over the top. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set.

Storage and Lasting Quality

These Carnivore Donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made when the texture is at its peak. However, they store well due to their low-moisture content.

• Counter: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: You can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

The glaze may firm up in the fridge. If you prefer a softer glaze, let the refrigerated donuts sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before eating.

Nutrition Information

(Approximate values per donut, including glaze. Values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.)

Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free creation! These Carnivore Donuts are proof that sticking to your dietary goals doesn’t mean you have to give up the joy of a freshly baked treat.