Protein Donuts
Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with these delicious protein donuts, packed with nutrients to fuel your fitness goals and satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Almond Flour
- Why it's important: Almond flour is the base for this recipe offering a gluten-free alternative to regular flour. It’s rich in healthy fats and protein, which makes it a perfect ingredient for a filling and satisfying donut. Plus, almond flour gives the donuts a light, slightly nutty flavor.
Protein Powder
- Why it's important: Protein powder is what transforms these donuts from a regular treat into a muscle-recovery snack. Choose your favorite protein powder—whey or plant-based—depending on your dietary preference. It provides a great boost of protein that will keep you feeling full and energized for hours.
Eggs
- Why it's important: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and giving the donuts that light fluffy texture. They also contribute to the protein content, making these donuts a great post-workout snack. If you're vegan, flax eggs work as a suitable replacement.
Unsweetened Applesauce
- Why it's important: Applesauce adds moisture to the donuts helping them stay soft without the need for added butter or oil. It also gives a touch of natural sweetness without overwhelming the donut with sugar. You can use other fruit purees like mashed bananas if you prefer, but applesauce is a great all-around option.
- Almond Milk or any milk of your choice
- Why it's important: Almond milk or your preferred milk helps bring the batter to the right consistency. It’s dairy-free, so it works for vegan diets, but feel free to swap it for regular milk if that’s what you prefer. The amount you use can vary depending on how thick or runny your batter is.
Baking Powder
- Why it's important: Baking powder is what makes these donuts rise and gives them that perfect fluffy texture. Without it your donuts would be dense and flat. For best results, use a fresh batch of baking powder to ensure your donuts rise properly.
Natural Sweeteners (Honey or Maple Syrup)
- Why it's important: Rather than using refined sugar we’re keeping it natural with honey or maple syrup. These sweeteners add flavor and moisture while being a healthier alternative to traditional sugar. Plus, they pair beautifully with the almond flour and applesauce for that perfect balance of sweetness.
Vanilla Extract
- Why it's important: A small amount of vanilla extract goes a long way in enhancing the flavor profile of your protein donuts. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together and adds that rich comforting aroma.
Optional: Dark Chocolate Chips
- Why it's important: Want to elevate your protein donuts to the next level? Add a handful of dark chocolate chips. Not only do they add a little indulgence but dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and a good source of healthy fats. Plus, who doesn't love a touch of chocolate in their donut?
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the right temperature, ensuring that the donuts bake evenly and come out with that perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
- Next, lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or a bit of coconut oil to make sure the donuts come out smoothly once baked. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin—though the shape will be slightly different.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed. This step is key for helping your donuts rise nicely while baking.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and well-combined. These wet ingredients provide moisture and sweetness to balance the texture of the donuts.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ingredients
- Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter comes together. It’s okay if there are still a few lumps—overmixing can make the donuts dense, and we’re aiming for light and fluffy!
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, making sure to fill each cavity about three-quarters full. If you want to avoid a mess, transfer the batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off. This will help you fill each cavity neatly and evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Donuts
- Pop the pan into the oven and bake for around 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, checking around the 12-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into one of the donuts, and if it comes out clean, your donuts are done! If not, let them bake for an extra minute or two.
Step 8: Let the Donuts Cool
- Once the donuts are baked, allow them to rest in the pan for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This will help them firm up. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will ensure they hold their shape and have the perfect texture.
Step 9: Add Toppings (Optional)
- Once your donuts are cooled, feel free to get creative with toppings! You can drizzle them with melted dark chocolate, sprinkle with shredded coconut, or even add a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost. For some extra crunch and flavor, you might want to try topping them with chia seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g