Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe

Introduction

These healthy chocolate protein donuts make for a delicious treat that’s packed with nutrition. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they blend rich chocolate flavor with a tender, moist crumb. Plus, they’re easy to customize to your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour (whole wheat or gluten-free blend)
• ½ cup chocolate protein powder (chocolate or unflavored)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup coconut sugar (or maple syrup, stevia)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 2 eggs (or 2 flax eggs: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or applesauce)
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)
• ½ cup almond milk (or any milk alternate)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or place a silicone donut pan on a baking sheet.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniform with no lumps.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs), Greek yogurt (or applesauce), maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
5. Step 5: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full. Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
6. Step 6: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking around minute 12 to avoid overbaking.
7. Step 7: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to prevent sogginess.

Tips & Variations

• Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, richer chocolate flavor.
• Swap Greek yogurt with applesauce for a vegan-friendly, naturally sweet option.
• Try different protein powders depending on dietary needs—whey isolate works well for a clean taste.
• To make flax eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
• For a sweeter touch, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or a light glaze after cooling.

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them chilled. Avoid long-term freezing as it may affect texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin as a substitute, filling each cavity about ⅔ full. Baking time may vary slightly, so check doneness around 10 minutes.

Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 63 reviews

These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are the perfect guilt-free treat, blending rich chocolate flavor with a boost of protein and wholesome ingredients. Made with chocolate protein powder, cocoa, whole wheat or gluten-free flour, and natural sweeteners, these donuts offer a moist and tender crumb without sacrificing taste. Whether you prefer eggs or flax eggs, Greek yogurt or applesauce for moisture, these donuts come together easily and bake to perfection for a delicious snack or breakfast option.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 8 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup flour (whole wheat or gluten-free blend)
• ½ cup chocolate protein powder (whey isolate or vegan blend)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 eggs or 2 flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or applesauce
• ¼ cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk/full-fat dairy)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your donut pan by greasing or using a non-stick metal pan. If using silicone pans, place them on a baking sheet for stability.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly combined with no lumps.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs (or flax eggs), Greek yogurt (or applesauce), maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Fold Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense, tough donuts.
5. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full to allow for rising without overflow. Place the donut pan on a baking sheet if needed to catch any drips.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool Donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes, then transfer them onto a cooling rack to prevent sogginess on the bottom.
8. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

• Use either whole wheat or gluten-free flour based on dietary needs and preferences.
• Chocolate protein powder enhances the chocolate flavor and adds protein boost.
• Flax eggs work well as a vegan alternative but may add a slight nutty taste.
• Choose unsweetened almond milk or oat milk to control sugar content.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts tender and soft.
• Ensure baking powder and baking soda are fresh for proper rising.
• Cooling donuts on a rack prevents soggy bottoms.
• Adjust sweetener quantity to taste, but a little sweetness is necessary to balance the cocoa flavors.

Keywords: healthy chocolate donuts, protein donuts, gluten free chocolate donuts, healthy baking, low sugar donuts, high protein dessert