Description
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a perfect baked treat combining rich chocolate flavor with high protein content. Made with pantry staples like chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa, whole wheat or gluten-free flour, and natural sweeteners, they offer a moist, tender crumb thanks to Greek yogurt or applesauce. Baked at 350°F until perfectly risen and lightly crumbly, they provide a guilt-free indulgence packed with muscle-repairing protein and fiber, making them an excellent option for a nutritious snack or post-workout fuel.
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
- 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 each)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk alternate)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking the donuts.
- Prepare 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 smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs), Greek yogurt (or applesauce), maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense, tough donuts.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into your donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full to allow space for rising. Place the pan on a baking sheet if using a silicone pan for easy handling and to catch drips.
- Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool the Donuts: Let donuts cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms and allow them to firm up.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy these protein-packed, moist chocolate donuts as a healthy snack or post-workout treat.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend depending on dietary needs.
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs and applesauce instead of eggs and Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a sweeter donut, adjust the sweetener quantity accordingly but maintain balance with cocoa bitterness.
- Ensure baking powder is fresh for optimal donut rise.
- Using a piping bag or spoon carefully helps achieve uniform donut shapes without mess.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.