Quick u0026 Easy Dessert Recipe

If you’re hunting for a Quick u0026 Easy Dessert that doesn’t throw your healthy goals out the window, these Air Fryer Low-Carb Cinnamon Donut Balls are pure magic. Imagine warm pillows of cinnamon sweetness, crisped in the air fryer, yet light and fluffy inside—with no sugary crash or carb overload. Each bite takes you back to your favorite donut shop, but without any guilt. This recipe is not just quick to whip up, it’s endlessly customizable and brings joy to both kids and grown-ups alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Quick u0026 Easy Dessert lies in its simplicity: just a few wholesome pantry staples and a handful of optional mix-ins elevate the taste, aroma, and texture of every bite. Here’s why each element plays its part in making these donut balls extra irresistible:

• Greek yogurt: Brings creaminess and protein-rich tang that keeps the donut balls moist and satisfying.
• Almond flour: Delivers that classic, cake-donut texture while keeping the recipe gluten-free and low-carb.
• Keto-friendly sweetener: Offers the perfect touch of sweetness, minus the sugar rush—erythritol or monk fruit work best.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of that comforting donut shop aroma and flavor—don’t skimp here!
• Baking powder: Gives these donut balls their lift and fluffiness; ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.
• Butter, melted: Adds indulgent richness and helps the cinnamon coating stick—swap in a dairy-free butter if desired.
• Extra keto-friendly sweetener: For rolling the finished donut balls, it brings a final pop of sweetness.
• More ground cinnamon: Mixed with the sweetener for that signature donut ball finish.
• Sugar-free chocolate chips: For a melty, chocolatey twist; LILY’S or ChocZero brands are perfect picks.
• Sugar-free salted caramel chips: A sweet-salty profile for caramel lovers.
• Sugar-free dark chocolate chips: Adds intensity and depth for serious chocolate fans.
• Sugar-free white chocolate chips: Brings creamy, sweet notes for a luscious surprise.
• Sugar-free butterscotch chips: Offers a buttery, caramel twist that’s hard to resist.
• Sugar-free peanut butter chips: For those who crave a nutty, savory pop.
• Nutmeg: A pinch adds warm, cozy spice and depth of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties together the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the aroma and elevates every other ingredient.

How to Make Quick u0026 Easy Dessert

Step 1: Mix Up Your Dough

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and combining your Greek yogurt, almond flour, sweetener, cinnamon, and baking powder. Get in there with a spatula or wooden spoon and stir until you have a shaggy dough—don’t worry if it looks a bit sticky at first.

Step 2: Adjust for Perfect Consistency

If your dough seems too slack or sticky, just sprinkle in a touch more almond flour. You’re looking for a consistency that’s easy to roll and keeps its shape. It should feel pillowy and soft, but not wet.

Step 3: Shape the Donut Balls

With your dough just right, portion it into eight even balls. Rolling them between your palms makes for the most uniform, bakery-worthy look—and it’s surprisingly therapeutic!

Step 4: Prep for Air Frying

Arrange your dough balls on a parchment-lined air fryer basket so they aren’t touching. Give them a light mist with oil so they crisp up without drying out.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Set your air fryer to 325°F and let the magic happen for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when golden all over. Prefer oven-baking? Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes instead.

Step 6: Craft the Sweet Coating

While your donut balls cool slightly, stir together your extra sweetener and cinnamon in a small bowl—this will become that craveable donut-shop coating.

Step 7: Butter and Roll

Melt your butter (or dairy-free equivalent), then dip each warm donut ball so it wears a luscious buttery glaze. Immediately roll in the cinnamon-sweetener mixture to fully coat every nook.

Step 8: Let Set and Enjoy

Set the coated donut balls aside for just a few minutes; this helps the topping firm up and soaks in that cinnamon goodness. Bring them to the table and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Quick u0026 Easy Dessert

Garnishes

Give your donut balls a little extra flair with a dusting of powdered keto sweetener, a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed roasted nuts for crunch. Mixing a dash of cardamom with the cinnamon makes this Quick u0026 Easy Dessert really pop.

Side Dishes

Pair these warm treats with a small bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries, or serve alongside an iced coffee, matcha latte, or a cold almond milk. The contrast of a hot, sweet donut ball with a refreshing drink is pure happiness—snacktime or dessert, you can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile these donut balls on a rustic wooden board with bowls of different dipping sauces: think sugar-free chocolate, salted caramel, or peanut butter drizzle. For parties, skewer each ball with a toothpick and set up a cinnamon “dipping bar” for a fun, interactive Quick u0026 Easy Dessert experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have extras, store cooled donut balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for extra freshness. They’ll maintain their texture, with just a slight crisp to the coating.

Freezing

You can freeze these donut balls for up to a month. Let them cool completely, then arrange on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a zip-top bag. When you get a craving, just grab a few—no need to thaw large batches!

Reheating

Pop refrigerated or frozen donut balls in the air fryer at 300°F for just 2-3 minutes, or in the oven for about 5-6 minutes, until warmed through. This perks them up and revives that freshly-made magic for a Quick u0026 Easy Dessert anytime.

FAQs

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Simply bake the donut balls at 350°F in a regular oven for 15-20 minutes. They’ll still turn out golden and delicious—it’s all about getting that puffy, tender inside.

Is this recipe allergy-friendly?

With dairy-free yogurt and dairy-free butter, this dessert becomes entirely dairy-free. It’s already gluten-free and can be nut-free by subbing sunflower seed flour for almond flour—just double-check all your ingredient labels.

Can I customize the flavor?

Definitely! Add a splash of almond or orange extract, swap in pumpkin spice for the cinnamon, or stir in your preferred sugar-free baking chips for extra personality. The mix-and-match possibilities keep this Quick u0026 Easy Dessert fresh every time.

How do I know when the donut balls are cooked through?

The donut balls should be golden brown on the outside and spring back if pressed lightly. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into a ball—if it comes out mostly clean, they’re ready to go!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double every ingredient, and cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. You’ll have plenty to share—trust me, you’ll want extras.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Quick u0026 Easy Dessert and taste just how special, comforting, and fuss-free a homemade treat can be. Whether you’re eating low-carb, mixing up weekday snacks, or sharing with friends, these cinnamon donut balls never leave anyone disappointed. Happy snacking—be sure to grab one (or two) while they’re still warm!

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