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Home » Healthy Recipes » Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts » High Protein Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (gluten-free)

High Protein Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (gluten-free)

01/30/2023 by fitasamamabear

Jump to Recipe

Soft and sweet, these cinnamon sugar donuts melt in your mouth! Baked in the oven and made with gluten-free flour, this protein donut recipe is a great one to have on hand for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or those days when you have a sweet craving!

A soft, chewy base, topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar sprinkle.

this …

Get the best of both worlds with these cinnamon sugar donuts.

Unlike traditional donuts, these protein donuts are baked in the oven to make them a bit easier for busy moms (no need for yeast or rising!).

And though they’re high in protein, you don’t need any protein powder to make them! Instead, they use collagen powder which as a Certified Nutrition Coach, is one of my all-time favorites.

You’ll fall in love with these healthy cinnamon sugar donuts because they’re:

  • Healthy for kids!
  • An easy way to bump up protein intake
  • Great to curb a craving
  • Dairy-free and gluten-free
  • Deliciously simple

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: make sure to use baking flour and not all-purpose flour or the cinnamon sugar donuts won’t fluff up as you’d expect. For best results, use Bob's Red Mills flour. Learn the best tips for gluten-free baking.

Baking powder: adding in a little extra baking powder to get the best texture. This helps counter the denseness of gluten-free flour.

Collagen powder: one of the cleanest sources of protein, learn more about how collagen powder and protein powder are different.

Cinnamon: the fresher your cinnamon the better the flavor.

Salt: opt for salt that’s finely ground.

Dairy-free milk: we use homemade hemp milk the most but almond milk works just fine.

Apple cider vinegar: this just helps balance the acidity levels in the protein donuts to give them the best texture.

Eggs: to help bind the dough.

Dairy-free butter: any non-dairy butter should work for the donuts recipe.

Honey: you only need a hint of sweetness in the donut batter.

Cane sugar: this is to mix with the cinnamon to sprinkle on top.

How To Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

  1. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
  2. Melt the butter and add in the wet ingredients one by one.
  3. Mix well.
  4. Portion the donut batter into a silicone donut mold. Then, transfer to a cooling rack.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes in the oven and let cool in the mold.
  6. Mix together the cane sugar and cinnamon sprinkle.
  7. Gently brush melted butter on a donut before dipping it lightly into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  8. Repeat the process for all the donuts.

Step By Step Photos

Steel bowl with flour and eggs in it.
Raw donut batter being poured into a purple silicone mold.
Purple silicone mold filled with raw protein donut batter.
Hand dipping a protein donut into a white bowl of cinnamon sugar with more donuts behind it.

Important Teaching Tips

The batter is sticky so you’ll need to help portion it into the donut pan and smooth out the tops.

Take care smoothing them out or the cinnamon sugar doesn't stick as well.

Silicone donut molds work best. Even greased, a traditional donut pan makes it harder to get the donuts out and you’re more likely to rip them.

These cinnamon sugar donuts are best eaten at room temperature. Though you can store them in the fridge, they do become a bit dense.

Know that too much cinnamon in the cinnamon sugar sprinkle mixture makes the donuts come out with a very dark topping. If you’re making these to look good for a party, keep the cane sugar high in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Choosing Collagen Powder

It’s no surprise that these baked donuts are made with collagen powder!

All the protein without the bloat.

I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.

Learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth as how to increase protein intake.

Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.

And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.

Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.

I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.

Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.

The Best Product
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Easy to mix, this collagen powder adds a protein punch to anything you pair it with. Made from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows there are no pesticides, hormones, or filler agents. Just put collagen protein. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.

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Unleash Your Energy

The ultimate roundup of high protein snack recipes for hectic lifestyles. 

Trying to lose weight postpartum and not feeling ravenous was frustrating with my first.

It took a whole other pregnancy for me to realize that eating more protein was the “secret” solution.

Unfortunately, living off eggs and chicken breasts sucked after a while.

The solution? I started creating high-protein recipes that tasted more like dessert to help boost my intake.

Say goodbye to mid-day slumps, slow metabolism, and constantly feeling hungry.

I gave the protein bars to a friend of mine with a gluten allergy; I usually can't give her the food I make so I saved these for her. She absolutely loved them, she said most of the protein bars she eats are way too dry but these were great! - Stephanie

They’re the secret to helping you stay energized, enjoy what you eat, and meet your goals.

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Say goodbye to mid-day slumps, slow metabolism, and constantly feeling hungry.

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Pros:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Protein Donuts

Can I use protein powder in place of collagen?

Clear protein powder can't be used for collagen in this cinnamon sugar donuts recipe. This is because protein powder especially vegan protein powder absorbs a liquid whereas the collagen in this recipe does not. So using any kind of protein powder would greatly alter the texture of the protein Donuts.

Can you replace the egg in the protein donuts?

You may be able to use a flax egg in the recipe in place of the traditional but I have yet to try it.

Will regular flour work in place of gluten-free flour for protein donuts?

Because gluten-free flour absorbs so much liquid in a recipe, it can’t be subbed directly for regular flour.

How long do protein donuts last?

These cinnamon sugar donuts will last roughly three days on the countertop in a sealed container. In the fridge, they will last up to one week. However, know that they become dense when stored in the fridge.

Other High Protein Desserts You'll Love

  • Collagen donuts
  • Flourless protein brownies
  • Chocolate glazed protein donuts
  • Overnight cookie dough protein oats
  • Gluten-free chocolate protein donuts
  • Cookies and cream protein shake
  • Gluten-free breakfast donuts
  • Peanut butter and jam protein balls
  • Chocolate chip protein powder muffins
  • Chocolate fudge protein balls
  • High protein cookies
  • High protein pancakes
  • Yogurt protein pancakes
  • Chocolate protein fluff
  • Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
  • High protein snack recipes
Cinnamon sugar protein donut with a bite out of it on a cooling rack with more donuts around ti and cinnamon beside it

Oven Baked Protein Donuts (Gluten-free)

A soft, chewy base, topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar sprinkle, these gluten-free baked protein donuts make an indulgent breakfast or fueling post-workout snack.
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Cooling time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 164 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 Silicone donut mold

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ⅓ cup 1:1 Gluten-free baking flour
  • 2 teaspoon Baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ⅓ cup Collagen powder
  • ½ cup Dairy-free milk
  • 1 tbs Dairy-free milk
  • 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1.5 tablespoons Butter
  • ¼ cup Honey
  • ⅛ cup Honey
  • Coating
  • 3 tbs Dairy-free butter
  • 4 tbs Cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
  • Melt the butter and add in the wet ingredients one by one.
  • Mix well.
  • Portion into a silicone donut mold. Then, transfer to a cooling rack.
  • Bake for 20 minutes in the oven and let cool in the mold.
  • Mix together the cane sugar and cinnamon sprinkle.
  • Gently brush melted butter on a donut before dipping it lightly into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  • Repeat the process for all the donuts.

Video

Notes

  • The donut batter is sticky so you’ll need to help portion it into the donut pan and smooth out the tops.
  • Make sure to smooth them so that the cinnamon sugar sticks when you dip them.
  • Silicone donut molds work best. Even greased, a traditional donut pan makes it harder to get the donuts out and you’re more likely to rip them.
  • The cinnamon sugar donuts are best eaten at room temperature. Though you can store them in the fridge, they do become a bit dense.
  • Know that too much cinnamon in the sprinkle mixture makes the donuts come out with a very dark topping. If you’re making these to look good for a party, keep the cane sugar high in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Disclaimer:

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 9gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 170mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 84IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 1mg
Keyword dairy-free, donuts, gluten-free
Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

Shelby aka Mama Bear

fitasamamabear

Meet Shelby – a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Nutrition Coach (PN1) who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

A previous smoker and fast-food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3, her website, Fitasamamabear.com is a crucial resource for busy moms who need help making fitness and healthy living practical.

See author's posts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jennifer

    January 30, 2023 at 10:36 am

    5 stars
    I made in my metal mini donut maker, but going to get the silicone one, that looks so "no fail" to get out!!! These were super yummy -- and I loved the protein boost!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      January 31, 2023 at 7:33 am

      Haha I have also made them in a metal tin. They taste good but they get SO broken lol no matter how much you spray!! The silicone molds are a sanity saver lol

      Reply
  2. Sara

    January 30, 2023 at 11:06 am

    5 stars
    These were delicious and surprisingly easy to make. My husband and I quick made them for weekday breakfasts and he's been raving about them since

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      January 31, 2023 at 7:34 am

      Wahoo! Always a hit when I win over a husband!

      Reply
  3. Jennifer

    January 30, 2023 at 11:42 am

    5 stars
    Cinnamon donuts are my kryptonite and not only are these donuts delish but the added protein makes them good for me! Yum!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      January 31, 2023 at 7:34 am

      Haha now you can eat them more often!

      Reply
  4. Bella B

    January 30, 2023 at 11:46 am

    5 stars
    We loved this one! Always appreciate finding good dairy free and gluten free recipes. Will be making this one again.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      January 31, 2023 at 7:34 am

      Happy to hear it!

      Reply
  5. Gina

    January 30, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    5 stars
    Cinnamon sugar donuts bring back childhood nostalgia like crazy for me. These were delicious and love that they've got a bit more nutrition than the typical recipe.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      January 31, 2023 at 7:34 am

      They remind me of being a kid too! Funny how certain flavors do that. Glad you like them!

      Reply

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DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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Cinnamon sugar protein donut on a cooling rack with more donuts around ti and cinnamon beside it
Cinnamon sugar protein donuts stacked with the top donut having a bite out of it.
Close up of a cinnamon sugar protein donut with a bite out of it on a cooling rack with more donuts around ti and cinnamon beside it
Cinnamon sugar protein donuts stacked with the top donut having a bite out of it.