These protein donuts are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a sweet treat while getting some extra protein! Made with simple ingredients like oats, protein powder, and a hint of your favorite flavor, they are fluffy and delicious.
Who says donuts can’t be healthy? I love having these as a breakfast option or a post-workout snack. They’re easy to make, and trust me, you’ll want to share them – or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oat Flour: This gives the donuts a nice texture. If you can’t find oat flour, you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats until they’re fine. Just watch out for cross-contamination if you’re gluten-sensitive!
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder enhances the flavor. If you’re not a fan of vanilla, chocolate protein powder is a great alternative! For a vegan option, use plant-based protein powder.
Greek Yogurt: This keeps the donuts moist and adds protein. A dairy-free yogurt works well if you’re avoiding dairy. You can also swap it with cottage cheese for a different texture.
Applesauce: It provides moisture and sweetness. If you don’t have any, mashed ripe bananas are an excellent substitute! Both keep the donuts fluffy.
Honey/Maple Syrup: These are optional sweeteners. You can adjust the amount according to your taste or replace them with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Donuts Fluffy?
To achieve light and fluffy donuts, focus on a few key steps. First, don’t overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients to the dry ones; mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser donuts.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the donuts in; this helps them rise properly.
- Fill each donut cavity only about 3/4 full. This gives them room to puff up beautifully while baking!
- Keep an eye on baking time. Take them out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean, even if that’s before the full 15 minutes.
By following these tips, you’ll have fluffy and delightful protein donuts every time!
Protein Donuts
Ingredients:
- For the Donuts:
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
- 1/4 cup milk of choice (almond, dairy, etc.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- For the Glaze and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sweetener or powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk or lemon juice (to thin glaze)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate, melted
- Freeze-dried raspberries or fresh raspberries, chopped
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll need about 10 minutes for glazing and decorating once the donuts cool. All in all, you can have delicious protein donuts ready in about 40 minutes! Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan lightly with oil or use non-stick spray to ensure they pop out easily after baking. Let’s get ready to make those donuts!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. This helps to combine the ingredients evenly, ensuring your donuts rise well and taste fantastic.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, applesauce (or banana), milk, vanilla extract, and honey (or maple syrup) until everything is well combined and smooth. This mixture adds moisture and sweetness to your donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixes:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! The batter will be thick, which is just what we want for fluffy donuts.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows room for them to rise while baking.
6. Bake:
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the middle of a donut; it should come out clean. If it’s gooey, give them a few more minutes!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, allow the donuts to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps them firm up and makes glazing easier!
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the donuts cool, make the glaze by mixing Greek yogurt (or cream cheese) with powdered sweetener and milk (or lemon juice) until you have a smooth consistency. This will create a delicious glaze that pairs perfectly with your donuts.
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool, spread the glaze generously over each one. Don’t be shy; a good layer of glaze makes everything better!
10. Add Chocolate and Toppings:
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glazed donuts for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. Then, sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries, chocolate shavings, and any festive sprinkles you desire for a beautiful finish!
11. Let Set and Serve:
Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving. Now, you’re all set to enjoy these protein-packed and beautifully decorated donuts!
These donuts are not only tasty but also make for a great healthy snack or breakfast option. Enjoy!
Can I Use Regular Flour Instead of Oat Flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for oat flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly. Adjust the liquid slightly if the batter seems too thick, as all-purpose flour may absorb moisture differently.
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these protein donuts vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), use a plant-based protein powder, and choose a dairy-free yogurt and milk alternative. They’ll still turn out delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the overall volume so the donuts maintain their structure. Enjoy experimenting with different add-ins!