Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
