Description
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a guilt-free treat packed with whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. They are easy to make, baked to perfection, and a great high-protein snack or breakfast option that combines indulgent chocolate flavor with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Dark chocolate chips
- Crushed nuts
- A drizzle of natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan, ensuring the pan is well coated to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients to ensure they are well combined and aerated.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, thoroughly mix the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should remain thick but pourable.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops evenly with the back of a spoon for uniform donuts.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
- Cool Down: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer carefully to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Add Toppings: Once cool, optionally top the donuts with dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or drizzle with natural peanut butter to add extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce as a healthy substitute for oil or butter to keep the donuts moist and lower in fat.
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts; a few lumps are okay.
- These donuts are best eaten within 2-3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature or can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
- You can freeze the baked donuts for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy chocolate donuts, protein donuts, baked donuts, whole wheat donuts, low-fat snack, high-protein breakfast
