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Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe

4.6 from 99 reviews

These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a delicious and nutritious treat made with simple pantry staples like protein powder, cocoa, and natural sweeteners. They offer a soft, tender crumb with rich chocolate flavor, perfect for a guilt-free breakfast or snack. Whether you use eggs or flax eggs and your choice of milk and sweetener, these donuts strike the perfect balance of moistness and flavor without unnecessary additives.

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 (or preferred sweetener)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 eggs (or 2 flax eggs: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (or applesauce)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients and Equipment: Before starting, collect all your ingredients and your donut pan (preferably non-stick metal), mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring tools, and cooling rack. Ensuring everything is ready prevents interruptions during baking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is uniform and lump-free. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and flavors.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs), Greek yogurt (or applesauce), maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates a moist base that will combine well with the dry mix.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture until just combined, ensuring no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense, tough donuts.
  5. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, filling about ¾ full to allow room for rising. If using a silicone pan, place it on a baking sheet for stability.
  6. Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the donuts for 12–14 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
  7. Cool the Donuts: Let the donuts rest in the pan for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to prevent sogginess on the bottom. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
  8. Test Doneness: The donuts should spring back lightly when pressed. Pull them out at the right moment to avoid collapsing or becoming too dense.

Notes

  • Use chocolate protein powder for richer flavor or unflavored with added cocoa for versatility.
  • Flax eggs work well as a vegan option but may impart a nuttier flavor.
  • Whole wheat flour adds fiber and a denser texture, while gluten-free blends lighten the crumb.
  • Adjust the sweetener to taste but maintain enough to balance the cocoa’s bitterness.
  • Always check that your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
  • Donut pan material affects ease of removal; non-stick metal is preferred.
  • Cooling on a wire rack is essential to avoid soggy bottoms.

Keywords: healthy chocolate protein donuts, protein powder donuts, low fat chocolate donuts, baked donuts, gluten-free chocolate donuts, vegan protein donuts, breakfast donuts