Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
Introduction
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while fueling your body with nutritious ingredients. Packed with protein and whole grains, they make a perfect breakfast or snack treat that’s easy to prepare and enjoy guilt-free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Step 3: In another bowl, mix applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but pourable.
- Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops.
- Step 6: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
- Step 7: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Add optional toppings like dark chocolate chips, nuts, or a peanut butter drizzle.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, skip the peanut butter drizzle and use safe toppings like dark chocolate chips only.
- Use flavored protein powder, such as vanilla or mocha, to add a unique twist to the donuts.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin and adjust the baking time slightly, checking doneness earlier.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry ingredients enhances the chocolate flavor.
Storage
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To enjoy warm donuts, reheat in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or until soft. They also freeze well—wrap individually and thaw before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, but whole wheat adds extra fiber and nutrients.
Is it necessary to use protein powder?
Protein powder boosts the nutritional value and helps create a dense, satisfying texture, but you can omit it if preferred—just reduce the flour slightly to balance the dry ingredients.
Print
Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a guilt-free treat packed with whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, and natural sweeteners. Soft, moist, and full of rich chocolate flavor, they make an excellent breakfast or post-workout snack. The recipe uses wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce to keep donuts tender without added fats, and optional toppings add extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Dark chocolate chips
- Crushed nuts
- Drizzle of natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until all dry elements are evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Blend wet and dry mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable; avoid overmixing to keep donuts light and fluffy.
- Fill donut pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness without overbaking.
- Cool donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Add toppings: If desired, add optional toppings such as dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of natural peanut butter for extra flavor and texture before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients; all-purpose flour can be substituted but will alter nutrition.
- If you prefer vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based yogurt.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts tender and airy.
- Ensure donuts cool completely before adding peanut butter drizzle to prevent melting.
- Store baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy donuts, chocolate protein donuts, protein breakfast, whole wheat donuts, low fat dessert, nutritious snacks
