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Chocolate Protein Donuts, Made Easy

By Holly Darnell, RD

November 9, 2023

What Is a protein donut? Is that even possible? A variation on the typical donut but with more protein, a protein donut will usually necessitate a protein powder (see below) in order for it be considered a legit “protein donut.” (Many so-called protein donuts out there are pretty low in protein, so make ours!)

Okay, why a protein donut? Well, protein helps promote satiety, versus the normal donut can often leave you just wanting more. Plus the nutritional profile is so much improved because the ingredients aren’t simply flour, sugar and oil.

Instead, this chocolate protein donut is full of great ingredients that don’t just deliver great taste so you won’t miss the standard donut, but they also provide you with 10 grams of protein per donut (along with 18 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fat). All this is just 132 calories per donut!

Now, to be transparent, making a protein donut that worked was challenging, so I experimented until I found the right combination of ingredients and amounts. I think you’ll love the results, as now these are protein made easy (and yummy). Let’s get to it.

Best Protein Donut Ingredients

Eggs are critical for these protein donuts, as they help the texture and mixability (like with protein pancakes). Plus they’re also a great source of protein and can help provide a wealth of important nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus and riboflavin, all of which play a key role in overall health.

Applesauce is a great natural sweetener for these donuts. Essentially a puree made from real apples, applesauce offers good amounts of fiber, vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Monk fruit is the second natural sweetener. It contains compounds that, when extracted, are an estimated 200–300 times sweeter than regular cane sugar but with no calories and no effect on blood sugar.

You can buy your gluten-free flour (try Paleo versions) or make your own. It’s pretty easy. In a big mixing bowl, mix together 1½ cups of almond flour, 1 cup of arrowroot flour, 1 cup of coconut flour and half cup of tapioca flour. Put in an airtight container and store in a dry place.

Cocoa powder is an unsweetened chocolate product made from removing cocoa butter from cacao beans. This process leaves behind a somewhat bitter-tasting powder that is rich in fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients. It still has a taste similar to dark chocolate, just not as sweet.

The last major ingredient is Bone Broth Protein Chocolate, our go-to protein source for these protein donuts. This nourishing, concentrated bone broth is three times as potent as homemade broth and makes it easy to get healthy gut, joint and inflammation support. It contains twice as much protein as other bone broth brands.

Alternatively, you can use Plant Protein Chocolate, which is made from super seeds. Whey protein is another good substitute.

How to Make Protein Donuts

You’re going to need a donut pan, so order that if you don’t have it or pick one up at a local store. Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly grease the donut pan with coconut oil cooking spray (or rub with butter) and set aside.

In a medium bowl, add almond milk, applesauce, monk fruit liquid, eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk together until combined. In a separate bowl, add the gluten-free flour blend, chocolate Bone Broth Protein powder, cocoa powder, baking soda and sea salt. Mix until combined. 

Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until batter is smooth and no lumps remain.

Spoon the batter into the doughnut pan.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

Remove from the pan by flipping upside down and place on a wire rack to continue cooling.

While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze. In a medium shallow bowl, add in powdered monk fruit sweetener, cocoa powder and almond milk. Mix until combined. 

Dip donut in the glaze and allow to set. Top with optional cacao nibs and flaky sea salt.

Other Donut Recipes

• Apple cider donuts

• Blueberry donut holes

• Double chocolate collagen donuts

• Matcha donuts

Other High-Protein Snack Recipes

• Chocolate protein bars

• Peanut butter cookies

• Chocolate chia seed pudding

• Protein banana bread

• Protein fig bars

• Banana nut muffins

• Carrot oatmeal breakfast cake

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.