These Protein Donuts are a tasty way to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt! Packed with protein and a hint of sweetness, they are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love making these donuts when I need a quick pick-me-up. They’re baked, not fried, so they feel lighter. Plus, you can top them with your favorite glaze or sprinkles! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oat Flour: Oat flour gives these donuts a wonderful texture and flavor. If you don’t have oat flour, you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats in a blender until fine. Alternatively, almond flour or whole wheat flour can work too, but they will change the taste a bit.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder enhances the flavor, but any protein powder will do. If you’re vegan, look for plant-based protein powders. You can also skip the protein if you prefer a lighter treat, just add an extra 1/2 cup of flour.
Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can substitute with stevia or another sweetener. Honey is a great alternative but is not vegan.
Flaxseed or Chia Seeds: These are great for binding and adding omega-3 fatty acids. If you don’t have them, you may simply omit them, or use an equal amount of applesauce for moisture.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Baked Donuts?
Baking donuts can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can get them just right! Here’s how:
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Use a Donut Pan: Using a non-stick or silicone donut pan helps in getting them out easily. If using a metal pan, make sure to grease it well.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the donuts. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!
- Cooling Time: Don’t skip the cooling step! Allowing them to cool in the pan helps them set and avoids sogginess.
With these straightforward tips and ingredient swaps, you’ll be on your way to making delightful protein-packed donuts in no time!
Protein Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
For Toppings (Optional):
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dried cranberries
- Crushed nuts
- Drizzle of white or dark chocolate
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-17 minutes to bake. After baking, allow about 5-10 minutes for cooling before you can enjoy your delicious protein donuts. Overall, you’ll have tasty donuts ready in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Lightly grease your donut pan or line it with silicone molds so the donuts come out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground flaxseed or chia seeds. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps them to blend evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the almond milk, eggs, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Make sure you give this a good stir to combine everything well!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined. The batter will be thick but smooth, and that’s exactly what you want!
5. Fill the Donut Molds:
Spoon the batter into your prepared donut molds, filling each one about 3/4 full. This will allow some room for rising while baking!
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes. Check them by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are done!
7. Cool Down:
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important for getting the perfect texture.
8. Decorate Your Donuts:
Once they’re cool, it’s time to get creative! Drizzle your choice of glaze over the donuts—this could be a simple powdered sugar mix or melted chocolate. Then, add your favorite toppings like pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, or crushed nuts for that extra deliciousness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow any glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your delightful protein donuts as a nutritious snack or a lift-me-up breakfast. They’re so tasty, you won’t believe they’re packed with protein!
Happy baking! Enjoy these cozy, wholesome donuts.
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While oat flour gives the best texture, you can use whole wheat flour or almond flour as alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. If using all-purpose flour, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly since it absorbs less moisture than oat flour.
How Do I Store Leftover Protein Donuts?
Store any leftover protein donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these protein donuts vegan, use a flax egg instead of regular eggs (mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water, let sit for a few minutes to thicken), and substitute the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a great alternative, assuming you’re fine with using it. You could also use agave syrup or even a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, just adjust the quantity based on the sweetness level of the substitute.
