These protein donuts are a tasty twist on a classic treat, packed with goodness! Made with protein powder, they are healthy and perfect for a sweet snack or breakfast.
What’s better than a donut that’s good for you? I love having these with my morning coffee—they’re a guilt-free way to satisfy a sweet tooth while getting some protein in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oat Flour: This is a great base for healthier donuts. You can substitute with whole wheat flour if you prefer, which adds a bit more fiber.
Protein Powder: I use vanilla protein powder for a touch of sweetness. If you don’t have this, any flavored protein powder works! You can also try plant-based options if you want a dairy-free version.
Coconut Sugar: It gives a nice caramel flavor. Brown sugar can replace it easily, but that’s slightly sweeter. Use less if you make this switch!
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk keeps this recipe light. Regular dairy milk or any non-dairy option works too—just choose what you have!
Greek Yogurt: This is crucial for the glaze, lending creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, silken tofu blended until smooth is a great substitution.
How Do You Make Sure Your Donuts Rise Properly?
The key to fluffy donuts lies in how you mix your ingredients. Here’s how to ensure they rise well:
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution.
- Don’t over-mix! Combine until just smooth. Overworking will lead to dense donuts.
- Fill your donut pan only 3/4 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Also, make sure your oven is preheated. An oven that’s too cold can lead to donuts not rising as they should!
How to Make Protein Donuts with Vanilla Glaze and Crumble Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese (softened)
- 2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 tbsp shredded coconut or granola (optional)
- Mini white chocolate chips or small white candy pearls (optional)
- Drizzle of caramel or honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 12-15 minutes of baking. After baking, allow the donuts to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan and then another 5-10 minutes on a wire rack. With a little patience, you’ll have delicious protein-packed donuts ready to enjoy in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and warm. This step is essential for making sure your donuts bake perfectly.
2. Mix The Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the oat flour, vanilla protein powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these together until everything is well combined.
3. Combine The Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, pour in the almond milk, crack the egg, add the vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Mix these ingredients together until they are well blended.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Stir gently until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to over-mix—you want your donuts to be fluffy!
5. Fill The Donut Pan:
Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each cavity of your donut pan about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for them to rise without spilling over.
6. Bake Your Donuts:
Place the filled donut pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. To check if they are done, poke with a toothpick—the toothpick should come out clean.
7. Cool The Donuts:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare The Vanilla Glaze:
While the donuts are cooling, mix the Greek yogurt (or cream cheese), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. This glaze will give your donuts a deliciously creamy topping!
9. Glaze The Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze or use a spoon to spread the glaze over them. Make sure to coat them nicely!
10. Add Toppings:
While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the chopped nuts, shredded coconut, granola, and any mini white chocolate chips on top. This adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.
11. Finish With A Drizzle:
To make your donuts extra special, drizzle some caramel or honey over the top for that sweet finishing touch.
12. Enjoy Your Delicious Treats:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before diving in! Enjoy your protein-packed donuts as a healthy snack or a delightful breakfast treat. They’re sure to be a hit!
These donuts are moist, flavorful, and beautifully topped with a creamy glaze and crunchy goodies. You won’t believe they’re healthy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! While oat flour is great for a healthier option, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or even all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that different flours may affect the texture slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) and use plant-based yogurt in the glaze. You can also use a non-dairy milk alternative.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt in the Glaze?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, cream cheese works well! Alternatively, you can use silken tofu blended until smooth for a dairy-free option, or even a simple mix of powdered sugar and water for a quick glaze.
