Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts offer a deliciously rich chocolate flavor while keeping things nutritious. Perfect for a guilt-free breakfast or snack, they combine whole grains and protein powder for a satisfying treat.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but pourable.
5. Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops.
6. Step 6: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
7. Step 7: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Add optional toppings like dark chocolate chips, nuts, or a peanut butter drizzle.

Tips & Variations

• Use a non-dairy milk like oat or soy if you prefer to keep the recipe vegan-friendly (along with choosing a plant-based protein powder and replacing Greek yogurt with a vegan alternative).
• For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of melted coconut oil to the wet ingredients.
• Try folding in some mini dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking for melty pockets of chocolate.
• If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin can be used as a substitute, though the shape will differ.

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used, but the texture may be lighter and less hearty. Whole wheat adds a nutritious, slightly nutty flavor.

What if I don’t have chocolate protein powder?

You can substitute with plain or vanilla protein powder and add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate flavor. Alternatively, omit protein powder, but the texture and protein content will change.

Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 donuts 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a guilt-free treat packed with whole wheat flour, protein powder, and natural sweeteners. Moist and rich in chocolate flavor, they make a perfect snack or breakfast option that balances taste and nutrition.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• A drizzle of natural peanut butter

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
2. 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 well to combine evenly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick yet pourable.
5. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops for even baking.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
8. Add Toppings: Once cooled, add optional toppings such as dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or drizzle natural peanut butter over the donuts to enhance flavor.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense donuts.
• Use a light hand when adding toppings to maintain the healthy profile.
• Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Substitute protein powder with a plant-based alternative to make this recipe vegan.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: healthy chocolate donuts, protein donuts, whole wheat donuts, low fat snacks, breakfast donuts, homemade protein snacks