Donuts have always been my guilty pleasure, but let’s be honest—traditional donuts aren’t the best for a healthy lifestyle. That’s why I set out to create a protein donut recipe that delivers the same soft, cake-like texture without the excess sugar and unhealthy fats. After countless test batches (and lots of taste-testing), I finally landed on this perfect balance of nutrition and flavor.
These protein-packed donuts are baked instead of fried, naturally sweetened, and loaded with high-quality protein to keep you full and energized. Whether you’re trying to hit your daily protein goals or simply craving something sweet without the regret, this protein donut recipe will become your new go-to! Plus, it’s versatile—you can switch up the flavors, toppings, and add-ins to make it your own.
And if you’re looking for more protein-rich treats, you’ll love these Ghost Protein Balls—bite-sized, no-bake energy bites that make a perfect snack. Or, if you’re in the mood for a cookie dough fix, try my Protein Cookie Dough—a healthy, edible cookie dough packed with protein and delicious flavors. Both of these pair wonderfully with a batch of fresh protein donut for a satisfying, guilt-free treat!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ High in Protein – Each donut is packed with at least 10g of protein, making it a great post-workout snack or healthy breakfast option. For another protein-packed treat, try these Ghost Protein Balls for a quick, energy-boosting snack.
✔ Baked, Not Fried – No deep frying means these donuts are much lower in fat and calories than traditional ones.
✔ Refined Sugar-Free – Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, these donuts satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar crash. Want another refined sugar-free indulgence? Check out this Protein Cookie Dough for a healthy, edible cookie dough alternative.
✔ Customizable Flavors – Easily switch up the protein powder flavor, add chocolate chips, or top with a delicious glaze.
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Swap regular flour for oat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free treat. You might also enjoy this Almond Cake Recipe, which is rich, moist, and naturally gluten-free.
Essential Ingredients Guide
To make these protein donut both nutritious and delicious, we’re using a combination of wholesome ingredients that boost flavor, texture, and protein content. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
Protein Powder
- The star ingredient that gives these donuts their high-protein content!
- Best choices: Whey, casein, or plant-based protein (vanilla or chocolate flavors work well).
- Substitutions: Use collagen peptides for a different protein source, or skip if you prefer a lower-protein option.
Flour (Oat Flour or Almond Flour)
- Helps provide structure and a soft texture.
- Substitutions: You can also use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend.
Eggs
- Acts as a binding agent and helps with moisture and fluffiness.
- Vegan alternative: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Natural Sweetener (Maple Syrup or Honey)
- Adds natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Alternative: You can use monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-carb version.
Greek Yogurt
- Adds creaminess and keeps the donuts moist.
- Alternative: Unsweetened applesauce works as a dairy-free swap.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda
- Gives the donuts their rise and fluffiness.
Coconut Oil (or Melted Butter)
- Keeps the donuts soft and prevents them from drying out.
- Alternative: Use avocado oil for a healthier fat option.
Milk (Almond Milk or Regular Milk)
- Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
- Alternative: Any dairy-free milk works, such as oat milk or coconut milk.
Optional Add-ins
- Chocolate Chips: Use sugar-free or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor depth.
- Nut Butter Swirl: Add a drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter for extra creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple process of making these delicious protein donut. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a donut pan!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
✔ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the donuts bake evenly.
✔ Grease your donut pan with a little coconut oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
✔ Measure out all ingredients before you start mixing. This makes the process smoother and prevents any mistakes.
✔ If using oat flour, blend whole oats into a fine powder using a food processor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1 cup oat flour (or almond flour)
½ cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds flavor!)
Pinch of salt
Whisking the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of baking powder and protein powder, avoiding clumps.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
2 large eggs
½ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter)
½ cup almond milk (or regular milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the donuts soft and fluffy!
🚨 Pro Tip: If the batter is too thick, add a splash of extra milk until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan & Bake
✔ Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut cavities, filling them about ¾ full. This ensures they rise perfectly without overflowing.
✔ Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
✔ Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Now for the fun part—glazing and toppings! Here are a few tasty options:
✔ Protein Glaze: Mix ½ cup Greek yogurt + 1 tablespoon maple syrup for a creamy, high-protein glaze.
✔ Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the donuts.
✔ Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Brush donuts with a little melted coconut oil and dip in cinnamon + coconut sugar.
✔ Nut Butter Topping: Drizzle with almond butter or peanut butter for extra flavor.
Important Tips for Success
Making high-protein donut is simple, but these extra tips will ensure they turn out soft, fluffy, and delicious every time!
Tip 1: Choose the Right Protein Powder
- Whey protein isolate can make baked goods dry, so it’s best to use a blend of whey and casein or a plant-based protein.
- If your protein powder absorbs too much liquid, add a little extra milk to balance the batter.
Tip 2: Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Stir the ingredients until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense, rubbery donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
Tip 3: Adjust Sweetness to Taste
- If you prefer sweeter donuts, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
- For a lower-sugar version, use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead.
Tip 4: Watch the Baking Time
- Protein-based baked goods cook faster than traditional ones, so check at 12 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Tip 5: Let Them Cool Before Glazing
- If you add glaze or chocolate drizzle while the donuts are still warm, it will melt off. Let them cool completely for the best results.
Personal Insights
I love making these protein donut on Sunday evenings as part of my meal prep routine for the week. They make a quick grab-and-go breakfast or a healthy post-workout snack when I’m craving something sweet.
I also love experimenting with different flavors—pumpkin spice protein donut in the fall and chocolate peanut butter protein donut for a rich, indulgent treat! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
👩🍳 Cooking Tip 1: Use a piping bag or ziplock bag to neatly fill the donut pan without making a mess.
👩🍳 Cooking Tip 2: If reheating, warm a donut in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back the soft, fluffy texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Donut)
Calories: 180
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 donuts
Final Thoughts
These homemade protein donut prove that you don’t have to give up your favorite treats to eat healthy! They are:
✔ Soft and fluffy
✔ Packed with protein
✔ Easy to make in under 30 minutes
✔ Customizable with different flavors and toppings
Whether you enjoy them as a healthy breakfast, post-workout snack, or dessert, these protein donut will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Now, it’s your turn!
Have you tried making protein donut before? What flavors do you want to experiment with? Drop a comment below! 🍩✨
