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    Home » Healthy Recipes » Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts

    Chocolate Glazed Protein Donuts

    Jump to Recipe
    Two fingers holding up a chocolate glazed protein donut with sprinkles with more donuts behind it.
    Close up of a protein donut with chocolate glaze and sprinkles and a bite out of the donut.
    Two fingers holding up a chocolate glazed protein donut with sprinkles with more donuts behind it.
    Two fingers holding up a chocolate glazed protein donut with sprinkles with more donuts behind it.
    Close up of a protein donut with chocolate glaze and sprinkles and a bite out of the donut.
    Two pictures of protein donuts with chocolate glaze and sprinkles the top image a close up of a bite taken out of the donut.

    Soft, fluffy donuts topped with a sticky, dairy-free chocolate glaze. These protein donuts make the perfect healthy dessert when you want something sweet but also something fueling.

    I have an advertisement relationship with the ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here

    Made with vegan protein powder, these protein donuts are baked in the oven until perfectly fluffy. Then, dipped into a honey-based chocolate glaze you’ll never go back to normal donuts again!

    Two fingers holding up a chocolate glazed protein donut with sprinkles with more donuts behind it.

    Don’t think you can’t have your cake and eat it too- you can (this protein mug cake is literally just that)! These protein donuts give you the best of both worlds: a sweet, sugar-like indulgence combined with a bit of fuel to tide you over.

    Learn how to make protein donuts and whip up a batch to keep in the fridge for when a craving hits. As a certified nutrition coach, I love that these protein donuts are:

    • Made with easy ingredients
    • Dairy-free and gluten-free
    • Easy to whip up
    • A healthier variation of a classic treat
    • A hit with kids
    • Customizable
    • Delicious

    With 10 grams of protein, these donuts are just a fun way to bump up your daily intake while enjoying a sweet treat. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Though almond flour, unsweetened almond milk, and coconut flour are common gluten-free pantry staples. You won't find any of them here (though they are te base of these paleo candy cane donuts)!

    Vegan protein powder: the kind of protein powder you choose will alter the texture and the flavor of the donuts. If using a fermented pea protein powder the donuts will be a bit chewier. If using a non-fermented powder they will be fluffier.

    Unsweetened applesauce: in a pinch yogurt should work here but know that it’s the applesauce that keeps the donuts from becoming too thick and dense.

    Peanut butter: almond butter works as well. In fact, any nut butter can be subbed in. just make sure that you use fresh nut butter that’s a bit runny, otherwise the batter doesn’t blend as well.

    Xantham gum: this is used to make the donuts hold together and give them that classic light but chewy texture.

    Honey: this protein donut recipe uses honey to both sweeten and thicken the donuts. So, unfortunately, sugar-free maple syrup can't be used in its place.

    Egg: unfortunately you can’t sub for flax egg in this protein powder donut recipe as they just don’t hold together the same.

    Multiple ingredients for protein donuts in measuring cups with text labbels and a pruple silicone mold beside them.

    How To Make Protein Donuts

    1. Combine the applesauce, peanut butter, honey, and egg. Mix well.
    2. Add in the dry ingredients and mix well.
    3. Portion into a silicone donut pan and smooth them out.
    4. Bake for 15 minutes.
    5. Let cool fully before dipping into the chocolate glaze.

    Step By Step Photos

    Vanilla being poured into a steel bowl with eggs and almond butter.
    Steel bowl with protein powder and flour with a spatula beside it.
    A spoon of raw donut batter bbeing portioned into a purple silicone mold.
    Raw protein donuts in a purple silicone mold.
    A fork of melted chocolate above a steel bowl full.
    Protiein donut being dipped into a steel bowl of melted chocolate.

    Important Teaching Tips

    The protein donuts recipe works best if you use a silicone donut mold. Using a steel tray makes them very difficult to get out even if greased.

    As it is, make sure to cool fully in the mold before removing them.

    Since the donuts are very light, they’re also very delicate. It works best if you chill them in the fridge for an hour or two before glazing. However, you can do it once they’re cooled. Just know that you have to be extra careful.

    Make sure the glaze is just coming off the warmer. As it cools it starts to thicken and harden making it extra tricky to dip the donuts.

    Crucial Products

     These vanilla protein donuts are made best when you use Genuine Health Protein powder.

    Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder is one of my favorites because it helps you truly fuel.

    Made with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this vegan protein powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified organic.

    But my personal favorite is that this protein is fermented. This normally meals a little less "protein powder bloat" because it helps break down the grains, nuts, and legumes.

    This protein powder literally gives you the best of both worlds.

    Shop the Genuine Health Store on Amazon.

    Chocolate glazed protein donuts on a cooling rack some with sprinkles on top.

    Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Donuts

    How do you store protein donuts?

    These vanilla protein donuts are best stored in the fridge in an air tight container. They do firm up slightly when chilled but they’re still delicious. You can also let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving them.

    Can you freeze the protein donuts?

    Unfortunately, this protein donuts recipe wasn't made to freeze. Once frozen, moisture gets into the air pockets of the donuts and when thawing it tends to make them just a wee bit soggy. They’re best eaten when stored in the fridge.

    Can you sub whey protein for vegan?

    Vegan protein powder absorbs much differently than whey protein powder. If subbing in whey protein you would probably need to increase the amount of xantham gum slightly so that the donuts hold together.

    Chocolate glazed donuts with sprinkles ona cooling rack.

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    Two fingers holding up a chocolate glazed protein donut with sprinkles with more donuts behind it.

    Gluten-Free Protein Donuts

    These chocolate glazed protein donuts are oven baked and gluten-free! They're a tasty dessert with a little bit of fuel added in.
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Cooling time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, post-workout, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 283 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • 1 Donut pan

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup Unsweetened applesauce
    • ½ cup Peanut butter natural
    • ¼ cup Honey
    • ¼ cup Vanilla vegan protein powder
    • 1 tbs Vanilla vegan protein powder
    • ¾ teaspoon Xantham gum
    • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
    • 1 Egg
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
    • Chocolate Glaze
    • 2 tbs Coconut oil
    • 2 tbs Honey
    • 2 tbs Cacao powder
    • 1 tbs Coconut milk

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
    • Combine the applesauce, peanut butter, honey, and egg. Mix well.
    • Add in the dry ingredients one by one and mix. The mixture will thicken.
    • Use a spoon and silicone spatula to portion the batter into the donut pan. Take care to shape them slightly.
    • Bake for 15 minutes and let cool completely before removing from the mold.
    • When you're ready to make the glaze, add the coconut oil and honey into a small sauce pot and heat on low.
    • When the coconut oil melts, remove from the heat and whisk in the two other ingredients.
    • Very carefully, remove the donuts from the molds and dip them gently into the glaze (they're delicate!). Place them on parchment paper to sit.
    • Top with sprinkles if you wish.

    Notes

    • These protein donut recipe works best if you use a silicone donut mold. Using a steel tray makes them very difficult to get out even if greased.
    • As it is, make sure to cool fully in the mold before removing them.
    • Since the protein donuts are very light, they’re also very delicate. It works best if you chill them in the fridge for an hour or two before glazing. However, you can do it once they’re cooled. Just know that you have to be extra careful.
    • Make sure the glaze is just coming off the warmer. As it cools it starts to thicken and harden making it extra tricky to dip the donuts.
    • Makes 6 larger ish donuts or 7 smaller ones.
    Disclaimer:

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

    Nutrition

    Calories: 283kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 10gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 172mgPotassium: 258mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword dairy-free, gluten-free, healthy dessert, high-protein
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Camilla

      December 12, 2022 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I love donuts and so pleased to have found a healthier recipe.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:28 pm

        Donuts are an easy win in this house, glad to give you a new one to try!

        Reply
    2. Lisa

      December 12, 2022 at 1:55 pm

      5 stars
      The doctor said I need to up my protein in the morning. So I made these to bring into work on our weekly donut day. Even my coworkers were impressed.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:28 pm

        Omg yay! So happy you gave them a go, definitely a yummy way to boost intake.

        Reply
    3. MacKenzie

      December 13, 2022 at 12:05 am

      5 stars
      These were delicious and I love the added protein.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:29 pm

        Glad to hear it!

        Reply
    4. Sharina

      December 13, 2022 at 8:08 am

      5 stars
      Made these with the whole fam and we enjoyed them so much! Our donuts turned out to be so beautiful and delicious glazed with our all-time favorite chocolate glaze. We'll surely have these again. Thanks for these wonderful recipe Shelby!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:29 pm

        Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm so happy you guys enjoyed them!

        Reply
    5. Mandy Applegate

      December 13, 2022 at 8:43 am

      5 stars
      I was craving something sweet after a hard workout and these fitted the bill and were so good!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:29 pm

        Hehe yes!

        Reply
    6. Relle

      December 13, 2022 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      You had me at chocolate. Always looking for ways to get more protein in. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:30 pm

        Chocolate is literally a life staple in my house haha

        Reply
    7. Katie Jacques

      December 13, 2022 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      oh my goodness these donuts are so perfect!!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:30 pm

        Hehe thank you!

        Reply
    8. Bernice Hill

      December 13, 2022 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      These protein donuts are a substantial treat but still incredibly delicious. My family loved them!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:30 pm

        Happy everyone enjoyed them!

        Reply
    9. Colleen

      December 14, 2022 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      It seems impossible that these delectable donuts could be this healthy! I love that this protien is fermented, too. Extra points for gut health. Great recipe!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 15, 2022 at 8:30 pm

        Haha definitely a little sneaky.. the best part!

        Reply
    10. Judith

      December 17, 2022 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      A great healthy snack recipe.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 18, 2022 at 5:41 am

        Thanks!

        Reply
    11. Sage Scott

      December 17, 2022 at 10:02 am

      Oh, yum! And while this recipe won't work for vegans (egg + honey), we alpha gals can eat vegan + eggs + poultry + fish/seafood with our food allergy so neither is an issue. I love that it includes protein powder as I'm always still struggling to get enough protein in my diet as I adjust to my new normal with alpha-gal syndrome.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 18, 2022 at 5:41 am

        Ah that's awesome that you can fit it into your diet needs! Everyone needs donuts lol

        Reply
    12. Gina Abernathy

      December 17, 2022 at 9:48 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at chocolate and donuts! A great and tasty recipe.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 18, 2022 at 5:42 am

        Lmao right?!

        Reply
    13. Any bany

      December 18, 2022 at 5:19 am

      5 stars
      We all enjoyed these donuts so much! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        December 18, 2022 at 5:42 am

        Sp happy everyone loves them!

        Reply
    14. Kristen

      December 20, 2022 at 11:39 am

      These sound great, and I wanted to give them a try. Not a fan of protein powder at all though, so I ground some flax, hemp and chia together and adjusted the amount a bit and it worked great! The kids loved them and so did my hubby.

      Reply
    15. Michelle

      January 21, 2023 at 8:44 am

      Yum! I love the healthy twist on these donuts! Perfect for your kiddos! Such a great recipe!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        January 24, 2023 at 8:11 pm

        Right?! It's a nice blend of healthy indulgence.

        Reply
    16. Tina

      January 21, 2023 at 8:52 am

      5 stars
      I love that the glaze is dairy free and that the instructions are super easy to follow!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        January 24, 2023 at 8:11 pm

        Appreciate that!

        Reply
    17. Amber Hollis

      January 21, 2023 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      Always nice to have a fun way to get added protein in my kids! These are delicious !

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        January 24, 2023 at 8:11 pm

        Haha can't go wrong with donuts!

        Reply
    18. Judith

      January 21, 2023 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      These doughnuts are a tasty way of getting an energy boost! And I love that the are so quick and easy to make.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        January 24, 2023 at 8:11 pm

        Definitely full of energy lol

        Reply
    19. nancy

      January 23, 2023 at 1:43 pm

      5 stars
      protein donuts with sprinkles and glaze? Yes please! I never thought was making them this way but its nice to get a energy boost that i don't feel too guitly about

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        January 24, 2023 at 8:16 pm

        It's a nice balance between indulgence and not terrible for you hehe

        Reply
    5 from 16 votes

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