These Protein Donuts are a tasty way to enjoy a sweet treat while adding some healthy fuel to your day! They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with protein, making them perfect for a snack or breakfast.
Who knew donuts could be good for you? I love nibbling on these guilt-free goodies that still feel like a dessert! Enjoy them plain or jazz them up with your favorite toppings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oat Flour: This gives the donuts a great texture. If you can’t find oat flour, you can blend regular oats in a blender until fine. Alternatively, almond flour works well for a gluten-free option.
Protein Powder: I like using vanilla protein powder to add flavor. You can use chocolate protein powder for a different taste or even leave it out if you prefer. Adjust other sweeteners accordingly if you do!
Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and protein. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt instead. It’ll still keep the donuts nice and fluffy.
Applesauce: Using unsweetened applesauce helps keep the donuts moist without adding extra sugar. You can substitute with mashed bananas, but that will lend a different flavor.
How Can You Get the Perfect Donut Texture?
The key to achieving that fluffy texture in your protein donuts lies in the mixing process. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so be gentle! Here’s a quick guide:
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another.
- Combine them only until just moist; it’s okay if there are a few lumps left.
- Fill the donut pan 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
Also, be sure to let the donuts cool after baking. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to glaze without falling apart. Enjoy your baking!
Protein Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze & Toppings:
- 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter (warmed)
- 2-3 tbsp milk to thin glaze
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (melted, for drizzling)
- Festive sprinkles or other desired toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking. Plus, it’s always best to let the donuts cool for a few minutes before glazing them. You’ll enjoy a delicious batch of protein-packed treats in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a donut pan. This will ensure that your donuts come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This is your dry mixture, which will give your donuts the right structure.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, milk, maple syrup (if you’re using it), and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and blended. This mixture will keep your donuts moist and delicious!
4. Combine Mixtures:
Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so be gentle!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan wells, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows room for rising as they bake!
6. Bake:
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the donuts are cooling, mix the warmed peanut butter with a little milk until you have a smooth and pourable glaze. This will give your donuts a tasty topping!
9. Glaze and Decorate:
Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the peanut butter glaze and set them on a rack. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over some of them for an extra treat.
10. Add Sprinkles:
While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle on festive decorations of your choice! Let the glaze set for a few minutes so everything sticks nicely.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Now your delicious protein donuts are ready to devour! Enjoy them fresh, or store leftovers in an airtight container for a quick snack later. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
Happy baking and enjoy your healthy, delicious protein donuts!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! While oat flour provides a nice texture, you can substitute it with almond flour or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that using a different flour may alter the consistency slightly, so you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Yes! To make these protein donuts vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based yogurt and milk. Ensure your protein powder is also plant-based.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Mix-ins?
Certainly! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter for added flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that the more ingredients you add, the more the batter will need to be balanced, so adjust the wet ingredients if needed.
