Hey y'all! If you love chocolatey treats but want a health-conscious twist, these Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are here to become your new obsession. They're moist, fluffy, irresistibly chocolatey, and packed with nourishing protein—making them perfect for breakfast on the go, a fun brunch treat, post-workout snack, or even a wholesome dessert. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
- Protein-rich for lasting energy and muscle support.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients—no refined sugar required.
- Baked, not fried, for a lighter texture and fewer calories.
- Moist, chocolatey, and totally satisfying—yet still guilt-free.
- Easy recipe that's ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients for Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
- 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- ½ cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar or maple sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 2 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional but delicious!)
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts—Step by Step
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Donut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a non-stick donut pan with a little coconut oil or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, almond milk, yogurt, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine & Fold
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—don't overmix! Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into your greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Let your donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with a little melted dark chocolate or dust with extra cocoa powder if you like.
Notes for the Best Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
- If you don't have oat flour, blend old-fashioned oats in a blender until fine and powdery—see this guide to making oat flour at home.
- Different protein powders absorb liquid differently—add a tablespoon of almond milk if your batter seems too thick.
- Want them dairy-free? Opt for a dairy-free protein powder and yogurt alternative.
Variations on Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
- Vegan Protein Donuts: Swap eggs for flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt and protein powder.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Donuts: Add 2 tablespoon peanut butter to the wet ingredients for extra richness.
- Mint Chocolate Donuts: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
Equipment Needed for Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
- Non-stick donut pan
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional, for batter)
How to Store Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each donut individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave briefly before serving.
Serving Ideas & Perfect Pairings
- Serve with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a wholesome snack.
- Pair with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Crumble over a smoothie bowl for some added chocolatey crunch.
Pro Tips for Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
- Use room temperature eggs and yogurt for a fluffier donut texture (learn more in this baking science guide).
- Piping the batter into the donut pan creates a neater, more professional shape.
- Try using a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor—see this cocoa powder review.
Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts FAQ
Can I use a different protein powder?
Yes! Both whey and plant-based protein powders work; just check thickness, as some brands absorb more liquid.
Can I bake these as muffins?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking?
Use a well-greased nonstick pan and avoid overbaking, which can cause sticking. Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- ½ cup chocolate protein powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt.
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3In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well.
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4Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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5Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan.
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6Bake for 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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