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If you’ve been hunting for a treat that feels indulgent yet keeps your nutrition goals on track, then I am beyond excited to share this Protein Donuts (Under 100 Calories!) Recipe with you. These donuts are the perfect balance of fluffy and cakey, boasting over 12 grams of protein each while staying under 100 calories—making them an absolute game-changer for anyone craving something sweet without the guilt. With just six simple ingredients, whipped up in under 20 minutes, this recipe is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Protein Donuts (Under 100 Calories!) Recipe truly wonderful is how straightforward and purposeful every ingredient is. Each one plays a key role—from giving the donuts their soft texture, cocoa-rich color, to that perfect protein boost.
- 1/4 cup protein powder: I used chocolate plant-based for a rich flavor and that impressive protein punch.
- 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour: Essential for giving these donuts a fluffy, cakey rise without extra fuss.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and beautiful color, elevating every bite.
- 3/4 cup granulated sweetener of choice: Keeps it sweet without the sugar spike—choose your favorite low-calorie version.
- 6 tablespoons sunflower oil: A neutral-flavored oil that ensures moist, tender donuts without overpowering taste.
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk of choice: I used unsweetened almond milk, but any plant or dairy milk works to bring it all together smoothly.
- For the glaze: 3 cups powdered sugar substitute, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup milk to create a luscious, guilt-free chocolate coating.
How to Make Protein Donuts (Under 100 Calories!) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 180C/350F—this gives you the perfect gentle heat for softly baking these donuts. Grease your 12-count donut pan with cooking spray to ensure the donuts release easily once baked, setting the stage for flawless results.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your protein powder, self-rising flour, cocoa powder, and granulated sweetener. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly distributes all flavors and leavening agents evenly, making sure each donut has that wonderful cakey texture you’re dreaming of.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Batter
Pour in your sunflower oil and milk gradually, stirring continuously until a thick batter forms. If you find the batter a little too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk to reach the ideal consistency—thick but easily spoonable.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a ziplock bag and snip off one corner to craft a makeshift piping bag. This trick helps you neatly and evenly fill each donut cavity without the mess or uneven lumps, setting the foundation for evenly baked, picture-perfect donuts.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your donuts for 13 to 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in one comes out clean. This step locks in the airiness while ensuring they’re cooked just right inside—soft, tender, and fully set.
Step 6: Cool Before Glazing
Once baked, let your donuts cool right in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key since glazing warm donuts would just melt the glaze rather than creating that glossy, delightful coating.
Step 7: Make and Apply the Glaze
To whip up the glaze, combine your powdered sugar substitute and cocoa powder. Slowly stir in the milk until you get a thick, glossy mixture that’s just perfect for dipping. Dip each donut and place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze firm up, creating that irresistible chocolate shine.
How to Serve Protein Donuts (Under 100 Calories!) Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or a dusting of extra cocoa powder right after glazing. These little touches enhance both the crunch and the visual appeal while complementing the rich chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these protein donuts with fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast and extra creaminess. They also make a great companion to your morning coffee or a post-workout smoothie, rounding out your meal with balanced nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking donuts on a tall cake stand or threading them onto a wooden skewer for a delightful donut kebab. You can even drizzle a little melted dark chocolate or mix your glaze with flavored extracts like mint or orange zest to customize the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These donuts keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, storing them in the fridge helps maintain freshness for up to a week while keeping the glaze intact.
Freezing
Want to prep in advance? Freeze the cooled, unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Gently reheat donuts in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh their softness. If glazed, try reheating uncovered to avoid melting the glaze excessively.
FAQs
Can I use whey protein instead of plant-based protein powder?
Absolutely! Whey protein will work just fine in this Protein Donuts (Under 100 Calories!) Recipe. It may slightly alter the texture, producing a denser donut, but the protein content and taste remain deliciously satisfying.
What kind of sweeteners can I use?
The recipe works well with any granulated sweetener of your choice, whether that’s erythritol, stevia blends, or monk fruit. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 sugar replacement to maintain the right sweetness and texture.
Are these donuts gluten-free?
These donuts aren’t gluten-free as written because of the self-rising flour. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free self-rising flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture and rise.
Can I make these donuts without cocoa powder?
While cocoa powder gives these donuts their signature chocolate flavor, you can omit it and add vanilla or cinnamon to create a different but equally delightful taste experience.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
For a thicker glaze, use less milk and add a little more powdered sugar substitute. For a thinner glaze, increase the milk amount gradually until you reach the desired consistency for dipping or drizzling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Protein Donuts (Under 100 Calories!) Recipe a try—it’s a fresh way to enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s high in protein, easy to make, and utterly delicious. Once you taste that fluffy, chocolaty goodness with the perfect glaze, it’s hard to believe they’re under 100 calories. Trust me, these donuts will become your new favorite snack or breakfast go-to that you’ll keep coming back for!
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PrintProtein Donuts (Under 100 Calories!) Recipe
Deliciously fluffy and cakey Protein Donuts made with just 6 simple ingredients, featuring over 12 grams of protein each and under 100 calories. These chocolate-flavored donuts are baked to perfection and finished with a rich cocoa glaze using a powdered sugar substitute, making them a guilt-free treat perfect for a high-protein snack or breakfast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chocolate plant-based protein powder
- 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sweetener of choice
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons sunflower oil (neutral flavored)
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk of choice (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar substitute
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 12-count donut pan generously with cooking spray to ensure the donuts do not stick, then set it aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder, self-rising flour, cocoa powder, and granulated sweetener. Mix well to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix Batter: Pour in the sunflower oil and milk into the dry mixture. Stir until a thick batter forms. If the batter seems too thick to pipe, add a little more milk incrementally until it reaches a thick but pipeable consistency.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter into a ziplock bag and cut off one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling about 3/4 full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake Donuts: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick into a donut; it should come out clean when fully cooked.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the donuts and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar substitute and cocoa powder. Slowly add the milk while stirring until the glaze is thick and glossy but still dip-able.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze to coat evenly. Set the glazed donuts back on the wire rack and allow the glaze to firm up before serving.
Notes
- If your batter is too thick to pipe easily, add more milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- You can use any milk of choice for both the batter and glaze. Unsweetened almond milk is a great low-calorie option.
- Use a neutral flavored oil like sunflower or canola to keep the taste balanced.
- The granulated sweetener and powdered sugar substitute can be any sugar alternatives suitable for baking, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
