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
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops for even baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
