Introduction

These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a delicious and nutritious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with protein and free from refined sugars, they offer a guilt-free way to enjoy your chocolate cravings. Plus, they’re easy to make and wonderfully moist.

The image shows close-up of five donuts with shiny, smooth dark brown chocolate glaze covering the top half of each donut. The donuts have a light golden brown base layer that is thick and fluffy. They are placed on a black metal cooling rack that contrasts with the white marbled surface below. The glaze looks glossy and thick but slightly uneven in texture, showing little waves and bumps. One donut is centered and appears slightly larger, while the others surround it partially out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup flour
½ cup chocolate protein powder
¼ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
2 eggs (or 2 flax eggs)
½ cup Greek yogurt (or applesauce)
¼ cup maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
½ cup almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: 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 uniform and free of lumps.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs), Greek yogurt (or applesauce), maple syrup (or preferred sweetener), almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix to avoid dense donuts.
Step 4: Spoon or pipe the batter into a donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Placing the pan on a baking sheet can help catch any drips.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once fully heated, bake the donuts for 12–14 minutes, checking around 12 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 6: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to avoid soggy bottoms. Enjoy warm or cooled.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use applesauce instead of Greek yogurt.
Try adding a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture.
Use a piping bag for neater batter distribution in the donut pan.
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking to help the donuts rise properly.

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven to restore softness.

How to Serve

Three chocolate-glazed donuts sit on a white plate with a thin gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each donut is covered evenly with smooth, shiny dark chocolate icing. White sprinkles are scattered on top of the chocolate layer, adding small light-colored spots. The donuts have a soft, slightly raised texture with a classic round shape and a hole in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar or brown sugar. Coconut sugar adds a slight caramel flavor, but regular sugar will work well too.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

Only if you use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure your protein powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.