Getting your protein fix for the day doesn’t mean forcing down the same old protein shake after every workout.
As a health and performance coach, I know that variety and just a little spice can keep you on the right path a lot better than a boring and bland regime will.
Today, we’re going to look at some healthy protein baking. Below is a selection of our favorite recipes of protein donuts with minimal prep time from around the internet that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.
As an added health bonus, these recipes of protein donuts also happen to be low in sugar and calories, so read on and get stuck right in, and perhaps choose which among these recipes suit your needs.
Quick Summary
- Incorporating protein into your diet can be delicious and varied with recipes like 89-Cal Double Chocolate Protein Donuts and Banana Protein Donuts.
- These protein donut recipes are low in sugar and calories, offering a healthier alternative to traditional high-sugar donuts.
- A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that using lupin flour in gluten-free doughnut production, especially with 6% inulin, can enhance their nutritional value and improve protein and carb content.
- As a health enthusiast, I find the Banana Protein Donuts not only a healthier choice but also a delightful treat, especially when paired with coffee for breakfast.
1. 89-Cal Double Chocolate Protein Donuts
This one is one of my personal favorites. It is an indulgent and delicious recipe for any of you with a sweet tooth or a real chocolate craving without worrying about excess sugar intake.
When baking with protein powder, it sometimes gives your recipes a springy or spongy texture, but when it comes to donuts, that will lean into their natural charm.
According to one of the studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, pumpkin seeds have exhibited great immunomodulatory effects; thus, these can be used as immune nutrients to boost the immune system against infectious diseases [1].
“If you’re looking for a go-to ingredient for low-calorie recipes all year long, look no further than our orange friend. 120g of canned pumpkin only has 50 calories of creamy texture goodness.”
- Mason Woodruff, Healthy Eating Chef
Ingredients
Protein Donuts
- 1 scoop of powdered protein (chocolate protein powder preferred)
- 2 whole egg whites
- ½ cup of canned pumpkin
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp of zero-calorie sweetener
- 1 tablespoon of apple sauce
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- 1 serving of fat-free cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon of sugar-free chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat your donut pan with a low-calorie cooking oil (you can also use a cooking spray), as this may result to delay in prep time if tended late
- Mix all of the donut batter ingredients in a bowl until smooth
- Fill the donut pan evenly. Cook time is about 15 minutes
- To make the frosting, combine the powdered protein, fat-free cream cheese, and sugar-free chocolate syrup at room temperature and mix until creamy
- Let your protein donuts cool and then dip them face down into your frosting mixture
Nutrition
The protein donuts recipe above should yield 6 donuts. Depending on the powder you use, they will typically be about 89 calories for 11 grams of protein.
Recipe credit Mason Fit
2. Clean Eating Protein Donuts
If watching your weight is less of a factor, or if you’re looking for a donut with a bit more of a calorie-dense protein punch, then this protein donuts recipe is a delicious alternative..
The coconut oil is an excellent healthy alternative to regular cooking oil but still feels delightfully naughty.
According to another study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, coconut oil protects against not only heart disease but a wide variety of chronic health problems, including diabetes and cancer, as well as a means to prevent and even treat infectious diseases [2].
This is my personal favorite of a donut version -- a breakfast protein punch slathered in your favorite nut butter to increase the protein, healthy fats, and taste.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 cup almond meal
- ½ cup oat flour
- ½ cup of powdered protein (low-calorie preferred)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- ½ cup almond milk
Frosting
- 4 tbsp nut butter
- 1 cup almond meal
- ½ cup oat flour
- ½ cup of powdered protein (low-calorie preferred)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- ½ cup almond milk
Note: If baking for kids, you can use the protein powder kids will love.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and coat your donut pan in a low-calorie cooking oil.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and then stir in the wet ones.
- The batter should be thick but if it is difficult to stir or clumpy then add more milk or water.
- Spoon batter into a Ziploc bag and then cut the corner off to pipe the protein donuts into the pan.
- Bake for a total time of 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- ‘Frost’ with nut butter of your choice, or add in some sprinkles.
Nutrition
The above recipe should be enough for 8 donuts, and each donut is a serving of 288 calories and 10g of protein.
Recipe credit Clean Eating Couple
3. Quick And Easy Vanilla Protein Donut
In my experience, these donuts absolutely look the part.
If Homer Simpson dreamed up the perfect donut, it might look exactly like these easy to bake protein donuts do fresh out the microwave. Simple ingredients and still big on flavor even an amateur baker can tackle this recipe.
It manages to balance out the dense nature of the protein powder and provides a melt in your mouth texture that will make these a sweet dessert favorite.
The applesauce is the ingredient that makes the biggest impact here, not in flavor but in moistness.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 scoop of powdered protein
- ⅓ cup of coconut flour
- ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp of stevia or low-calorie sweetener
- 2 tbsp of unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 egg whites
- 1 medium egg
Frosting
- ¾ scoop of protein powder
- ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk
- Sprinkles
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and coat your donut pan in a low-calorie cooking oil.
- Whisk the egg whites and egg together and then stir in the other wet ingredients.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and then combine until smooth.
- Spoon the batter into your donut pan evenly. Cook time is about 20-25 minutes.
- For the icing, mix the powdered protein and almond milk until smooth.
- Coat the donuts and then top with bits of sprinkles. The sprinkles will surely be a treat!
Nutrition
The recipe should yield 6 donuts, each with shares of about 10g of protein and around 86 calories, depending on the specific protein powder you choose to use.
Recipe credit Stay Snatched
4. Banana Protein Donuts
In my experience, this delicious and healthy recipe is great on its own and unlike the recipes above, this doesn’t even need any frosting.
Donuts without frosting, isn't it just bread?
The author recommends to make these donuts with a chocolate frosting, which you can borrow from one of the recipes above, but personally, I just drizzle and top them with some maple syrup and cinnamon for a ridiculously tasty treat.
The texture of these donuts is something that keeps me coming back for more.
The donuts are luxuriously moist and just the right amount of cakey, and an excellent way of getting a protein fix at any time of day.
But I personally prefer mine with a coffee at breakfast; it’s an indulgent start to the day but surprisingly healthy.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 bananas (very ripe)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup of almond butter
- 2 tbsp of coconut oil
- 3 tablespoon of coconut flour
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp of leavening agent
Instructions
- Preheat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and coat your donut pan in a low-calorie cooking oil.
- Mix the bananas, egg, almond butter, and coco oil in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the remainder of the dry ingredients.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan filling about ⅔ of the cavity.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition
The recipe should yield about 9 donuts, with each serving up 5g of protein for 203 calories. If you want your donuts to be more protein-dense, make frosting using additional protein powder.
5. Low Cal Protein Donuts Recipe
Check out this donuts recipe by Zach Rocheleau where each donut is only 80 calories!
One of the studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information website noted that different levels of lupin flour can be used in gluten-free doughnut production to improve their quality (quality protein and carb content) and to enhance their nutritional value in the presence of inulin at a 6% level [3].
FAQs
How Do Protein Donuts Compare Nutritionally to Traditional Donuts?
Protein donuts are nutritionally superior to traditional donuts, offering higher protein content and lower sugar levels, making them a healthier alternative with a more balanced macronutrient profile.
Can Protein Donuts Aid in Workout Recovery?
Yes, protein donuts can aid in workout recovery by providing high protein content essential for muscle repair and growth, helping replenish energy, and supporting muscle recovery post-workout.
Are There Protein Donut Variations for Different Dietary Restrictions?
Protein donut variations exist for different dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb options, accommodating various dietary needs while providing a protein-rich snack.
What Are Healthy Beverage Pairings with Protein Donuts?
Healthy beverage pairings with protein donuts include protein shakes, green tea, or black coffee, complementing the nutritional profile of the donuts and enhancing overall health benefits.
What Are the Long-Term Health Benefits of Eating Protein Donuts?
Eating protein donuts offers long-term health benefits such as better weight management, muscle building, and sustained energy levels due to their high protein and lower sugar content, supporting overall health and fitness goals.
Are You Going To Try These Protein Donut Recipes?
Have you got a favorite protein donut recipe? Are you trying any of those on our list?
Feel free to leave a reply and let us know what you think about these recipes!
Make sure to check our recipes such as protein waffle and protein ice cream. Or if you're too lazy to make waffle, donuts, or ice cream, you can settle with protein bars. You'd be happy to know that there are diabetes bars and protein powders for diabetics.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10030350/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5044790/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9601521/
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