Let’s be honest, the idea of a healthy donut sounds almost too good to be true. I used to think so, too. As someone who loves a good treat but doesn’t love the sugar crash, I created this recipe to solve a delicious dilemma.
Why Baked Donuts Are a Game Changer
Forget the heavy, greasy feeling of traditional fried donuts. Baked donuts are a whole different, wonderful world. They come out with a soft, cake-like crumb that’s surprisingly light and satisfyingly fluffy.
The best part? You get to enjoy that classic donut shape and fun, all for a fraction of the guilt. It’s a simple shift in method that completely transforms the experience.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first simple step. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters: Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour forms the base, giving structure without any gluten.
A regular all-purpose flour works just as well if that’s your preference. Vanilla Protein Powder is the star of the show, packing in protein and adding lovely vanilla essence.
Baking Powder is our little leavening agent, responsible for that perfect, airy rise in the oven. A tiny pinch of Salt balances and enhances all the other sweet flavors.
Pure Maple Syrup acts as our natural sweetener, adding a rich depth you just don’t get from refined sugar. Olive Oil keeps the donuts wonderfully moist—a mild, light-tasting oil is key.
Unsweetened Almond Milk brings the batter together smoothly, though any milk will do. One Egg acts as a binder, giving our donuts a tender, cohesive texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract doubles down on that warm, aromatic vanilla flavor we all love.
How to Make Easy Protein Healthy Donuts?
Step 1
The process is straightforward, almost foolproof. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2
Lightly grease your donut pan with a dab of olive oil. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3
This ensures everything is evenly distributed from the start. To the same bowl, add the maple syrup, olive oil, almond milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 4
Now, gently stir everything together until the batter is smooth and no dry lumps remain. Be careful not to over-mix—just a gentle stir will do.
Step 5
Scoop your batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. Snip off a corner to create a simple piping tool. Pipe the batter into each cavity of your prepared pan.
Step 6
Fill them only about two-thirds of the way full to give the donuts space to rise beautifully. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes.
Step 7
You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly to the touch. Let the donuts cool completely in the pan before you try to remove them.
Step 8
Patience here prevents any breakage. Once cool, gently pop the donuts out of their molds. Now comes the really fun part, the decorating.
Simple Glaze Ideas to Try
A little glaze transforms these from a snack to a celebration. Here are two of my favorite, healthier options. For a Chocolate Glaze, whisk together cocoa powder, a bit of honey, melted coconut oil, and a splash of almond milk until silky.
For a Classic Vanilla Glaze, simply mix organic powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of almond milk until you get a smooth, drippy consistency. You can dip them, drizzle, or enjoy them just as they are.
Tips
No piping bag? A spoon works, but a bag gives you cleaner, rounder edges. A zip-top bag with the corner snipped off is a perfect kitchen hack. Silicone donut pans are a dream for their non-stick, flexible ease.
Let the donuts cool fully before glazing. If you rush it, the glaze will just melt right off the warm surface. For easy storage, freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer.
Thaw and decorate whenever a craving strikes for a instant treat.
Picking Your Protein Powder
Choosing the right protein powder makes all the difference in both flavor and texture. I always look for a clean ingredient list. My personal favorites are organic plant-based blends or a high-quality whey, if you tolerate dairy.
Brands like Orgain or Genuine Health have never steered me wrong. Just avoid coconut-based powders or collagen for this specific recipe, as they can alter the texture.
So, there you have it. A treat that feels indulgent but aligns with how you want to feel. Whip up a batch this weekend, and see for yourself how delicious simple, healthy baking can truly be.
Protein Healthy Donuts Recipe
Description
These easy, simple and healthy vanilla protein donuts are gluten free, dairy free, and naturally sweetened. Baked to perfection they make a great snack or healthy dessert! Choose from a healthy chocolate glaze or classic vanilla glaze to decorate!
ingredients
Protein Donuts
Healthy Chocolate Glaze (optional)
Vanilla Glaze (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a silicone donut pan with olive oil.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
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Add in the maple syrup, olive oil, almond milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and no lumps remain—do not over-mix.
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Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity until about 2/3 full.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
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Once cooled, gently remove the donuts from the silicone mold.
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To make the chocolate glaze, whisk together cocoa powder, honey, melted coconut oil, and almond milk in a shallow bowl until smooth. Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze.
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For the vanilla glaze, whisk together organic powdered sugar and almond milk until smooth. Dip donuts as desired.
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Optional: Add sprinkles or other toppings immediately after glazing. Let glaze set before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Potassium 90mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 6g12%
- Calcium 4 mg
- Iron 4 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Protein Powder Tip: Use Genuine Health or Orgain brands for best results. Avoid collagen or coconut-based protein powders—they won’t yield the same texture.
- Freezing: Freeze undecorated donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave, then glaze before serving.
- No Donut Pan? Use a mini muffin tin instead—adjust bake time as needed (usually still around 10–12 minutes).
