Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
Introduction
These healthy chocolate protein donuts are a delicious way to enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s packed with protein and rich chocolate flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and flexible ingredients, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a post-workout boost.
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 other milk/milk alternative, unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan or place a silicone pan on a baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniform and lump-free.
- Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs), Greek yogurt (or applesauce), maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
- Step 5: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Step 6: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, richer chocolate flavor.
- For vegan donuts, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use applesauce instead of Greek yogurt.
- Try swapping almond milk for oat or dairy milk based on your preference.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm briefly in a microwave or oven until soft. These donuts also freeze well—wrap individually and store up to 2 months.
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 might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
How do I make flax eggs for this recipe?
Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like, then use it as a direct replacement for eggs.
PrintHealthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a delicious and nutritious take on a classic treat, combining chocolate protein powder, cocoa, and a choice of wholesome sweeteners to create a moist, fluffy, and chocolatey baked donut. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a guilt-free indulgence, these donuts balance rich flavor with healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt and almond milk, suitable for both omnivores and vegans with simple substitutions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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 alternative sweetener like maple syrup or stevia)
- 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 almond milk or oat milk (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven and gather all your equipment, including a non-stick metal or silicone donut pan placed on a baking sheet for stability.
- 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 uniformly mixed 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 incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula just until combined without overmixing to avoid tough donuts.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for rising without overflow.
- Bake: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean; typically around 12-15 minutes depending on oven specifics.
- Cool: Remove the donuts from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely and prevent sogginess before serving.
Notes
- Use chocolate protein powder for a richer flavor, or unflavored for flexibility to add extra cocoa.
- Whole wheat flour adds fiber and a denser crumb, while gluten-free blends accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Flax eggs are a great vegan substitute but may produce a nuttier flavor and a slightly different texture.
- Using Greek yogurt increases protein content and provides a moist texture; applesauce is a good alternative for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t skip the baking powder and baking soda to ensure light, risen donuts.
- Filling the donut cavities about ¾ full prevents overflow and maintains the donut shape.
- Let the donuts cool on a rack to avoid sogginess from steam.
Keywords: healthy chocolate donuts, protein donuts, baked donuts, chocolate protein powder recipe, gluten-free donuts, vegan donuts
