With regards to breakfast pastries, the donut is arguably king. Unfortunately, like most sweets, regular donuts will not be exactly healthy or well-balanced. But what if we told you there was a way you could possibly have your donuts and gain muscle, too?
Enter: Protein donuts, a healthier tackle the breakfast favorite, will enable you to hit your macros while having fun with the beloved morning treat.
If protein-packed donuts sound perfect, then you definitely’ve come to the precise place. We have got the perfect recipes for protein donuts. And, I promise breakfast is about to get a complete lot sweeter!
Table of Contents:
- What Are Protein Donuts?
- Advantages of Protein Donuts
- How To Make Protein Donuts
- The Best Protein Donut Recipe
- What Is The Best Protein Powder For Making Protein Donuts?
- 4 Additional Protein Donuts Recipes
- How To Eat Protein Donuts When Bulking & Cutting
- How To Store Protein Donuts
- Are Protein Donuts Healthy?
What Are Protein Donuts?
Protein donuts, sometimes known as pronuts, are a high-protein alternative to regular donuts. While an everyday donut might bring you excellent joy, sadly they aren’t supplying you with the macros mandatory for constructing muscle.
By making protein donuts ourselves, we are able to create a delicious snack that is also filled with essential macros to assist hit our fitness goals.
Advantages of Protein Donuts
While regular donuts give us little or no dietary value, protein donuts can play a key part in any athlete’s eating regimen. Arguably, certainly one of the toughest parts of gaining muscle is getting adequate amounts of protein per day.
Protein donuts are an awesome solution to help reach your macro goals, whether you eat them at breakfast or for dessert. They may also be an awesome post-workout treat, providing a balance of protein and carbohydrates which are perfect to replenish the muscle.
Regardless of the time of day, protein donuts are an awesome source of additional protein.
Easy methods to Make Protein Donuts
There will likely be more protein donut recipes afterward in this text, but I wanted to start out with a basic one which’s easy to make. If you will have ever tried baking donuts or other pastries, like protein muffins, you understand it may possibly get complicated the more ingredients you add.
I wish to keep things so simple as possible and this recipe definitely “takes the cake” for protein donuts. These fluffy, healthy protein donuts give us every thing we love about donuts but are filled with protein and under 100 calories each.
Keep a watch out for the recipe card, which is directly below the recipe I’m about to go over. Screenshot it and reserve it in your phone, so you’ve a straightforward solution to reference the recipe whenever you’re able to make these donuts!
The Best Protein Donut Recipe
Be at liberty so as to add in your favorite items to assist increase the flavour or dietary value of this recipe. Adding items comparable to nuts, salt, chia seeds, and dried fruit could make your protein donuts healthier and higher tasting.
Plus, whenever you incorporate high protein nuts and seeds, you are going to further increase your donut’s protein count.
Donut Ingredients:
- ¼ cup protein powder of your alternative (vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored work best)
- 1¼ cups of self-rising flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup granulated sweetener of your alternative
- 6 tbsp canola oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp milk of your alternative ( almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk all work great)
Glaze Ingredients:
- 3 cups confectioners sugar substitute
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk of your alternative
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit and grease a 12-count donut pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a big bowl.
- Add within the oil and milk, whisking them together until the batter is smooth. If too thick, add extra milk.
- Transfer the batter to a plastic ziplock bag. Cut a corner of the bag to evenly distribute the batter within the donut pan.
- Bake for 13-Quarter-hour, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar substitute with the cocoa powder.
- Slowly add the milk into the powder mixture until it’s nice and thick.
- Dip each donut within the glaze then place on a wire rack face up until firm.
In search of some customization suggestions? Here’s an awesome one! In case you prefer to make vanilla frosting as a substitute of chocolate, swap out the cocoa powder for ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
One donut incorporates 100 cal, 6g net carbs, 4g fat, and 12g protein.
What’s the Best Protein Powder for Making Protein Donuts?
We wish our protein donuts to be plump and moist, so selecting the precise protein powder is crucial. Whey protein is usually essentially the most commonly used protein powder in cooking, however it will not be beneficial for each protein donut recipe.
Baking with standard whey might be tricky, because it tends to be very drying in higher doses, and is healthier used for thinner items, comparable to cookies.
Whey concentrate is the popular form of whey for donuts, as whey isolates are horrible for baking. For that reason, a whey mix is a a lot better option, because it combines whey isolate, casein, and milk proteins. We recommend brown rice or casein protein powder as well when baking donuts, as these are inclined to be thicker.
In search of some great protein powder recommendations? Take a look at these 14 Best Protein Powder Supplements!
4 More Delicious Protein Donuts Recipe
In case you’re on the lookout for a less basic recipe that does not require you to customize it yourself, I’ve got you covered! Only a warning: You’ll have a tough time deciding which to make first.
1. Double Chocolate Protein Powder Donuts:
Sometimes it’s difficult being a chocolate lover when weight-reduction plan. Fortunately, this guilt-free recipe for double chocolate protein donuts ensures you may follow macros counting and still enjoy chocolate.
You will note canned pumpkin within the ingredients but don’t fret, you won’t have the option to taste the pumpkin. This is solely used for texture and to thicken the donuts and might be swapped out for those who select.
And with 11 grams of protein per serving, that is an awesome solution to stay heading in the right direction while fueling your muscles.
Donut Ingredients:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- ⅜ cup liquid egg whites, or 2 whole egg whites
- ½ cup canned pumpkin
- 2 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener
- 1 tbsp applesauce
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Chocolate Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 serving fat-free cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 tbsp sugar-free chocolate syrup
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit, greasing a 12-count donut pan.
- Mix all ingredients right into a large bowl until even.
- Spoon out or pipe the batter right into a six-donut pan.
- Bake for Quarter-hour.
- To make the frosting, mix the cream cheese, chocolate syrup, and protein powder until smooth.
- Allow the donuts just a few minutes to chill before applying the frosting.
- Dip the donuts within the frosting, allowing them to harden.
This recipe yields six donuts, with a macro breakdown of 90 calories, 11g protein, 9g carbs, and under one gram of fat per donut.
2. Gluten-Free Almond Flour Vanilla Protein Donuts:
This recipe is a gluten- and dairy-free option that uses almond flour as the bottom. This recipe is super easy because all of the ingredients might be mixed in a single bowl, which makes the cleanup much easier.
This delicious recipe is great for breakfast or dessert and may enable you to reach your macro goals.
Donut Ingredients:
- 1½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup sugar-free maple syrup, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1½ tbsp maple syrup, at room temperature
- 1 tsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk, room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Rainbow or chocolate sprinkles for added topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit, and grease a 12-count donut pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour, protein, baking powder, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Add maple syrup, eggs, coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract into the identical bowl.
- Mix ingredients until all ingredients are combined evenly.
- Spoon out or pipe (a plastic bag with a cut corner works well) mixture into 12 donuts.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when evenly pressed.
- Place donuts on a wire rack and let cool for at the least two minutes before applying the icing.
- To combine the icing, mix the cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl.
- Once the donuts are cool, apply the icing to every donut. Let donuts sit on a wire rack until the icing is solid.
This recipe provides you with 12 donuts, with each donut being 210 cal, 13 net g carbs, 13g fat, and 8g protein.
3. Pumpkin Spice Protein Donut Recipe:
Regardless of what time of 12 months it’s, pumpkin spice protein donuts are a success. Pair certainly one of these donuts with some protein coffee, and also you’re in for a serious treat.
Each of those doughnuts is almost fat-free and under 100 calories each.
Donut Ingredients:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 scoop whey protein powder, vanilla
- ⅜ cup liquid egg whites, or two whole egg whites
- ½ cup canned pumpkin
- 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce, or an additional 1-2 tbsp canned pumpkin
- 1 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 2 oz fat-free cream cheese, room temp or softened
- ¼ cup fat-free evaporated milk
- 1 scoop protein powder, vanilla
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit; grease a six-count donut pan.
- Start with the protein powder and blend all of the ingredients in a big mixing bowl until a good consistency. If the protein powder is just too thick, add some additional applesauce or pumpkin.
- Spoon out or pipe the mixture into six donuts.
- Bake for Quarter-hour.
- To make the frosting, mix the cream cheese, evaporated milk, and protein powder. If the cream cheese isn’t at room temperature, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Allow donuts to chill for just a few minutes, then apply frosting to every donut.
This recipe will yield six pumpkin spice protein donuts. Please note you may substitute the pumpkin for about ⅔ the quantity of applesauce.
Each donut could have 95 calories, 9.5g carbs, and 12.5g protein with lower than a gram of fat.
4. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts Recipe:
There all the time must be a peanut butter flavored recipe! Certainly one of the staples in lots of bodybuilders’ and athletes’ diets, peanut butter is a wonderful source of protein and healthy fats.
As well as, this delicious snack is low in sugar and gluten-free.
Donut Ingredients:
- 2 scoops vanilla casein protein
- 5 tbsp powdered peanut butter
- 3 tbsp calorie-free sweetener (pure maple syrup, agave, or honey are high quality)
- 3 tbsp coconut flour (peanut or oat flour is high quality)
- ¼ tbsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup egg whites (2 large egg whites)
- 3 tbsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp natural creamy peanut butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Glaze:
- 6 tbsp powdered peanut butter
- 4-5 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or other milk)
- 3 tbsp calorie-free sweetener
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ⅛ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit and grease a six-count donut pan.
- Mix the protein, powdered peanut butter, flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, chocolate, and vanilla extract.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients, gently folding them backwards and forwards until a thick batter is formed.
- Add chocolate chips.
- Spoon or pipe out six donuts into the pan using the batter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a knife comes out clean with no batter.
- For the glaze, stir together all ingredients until smooth.
- Let the donuts cool for just a few minutes then add the chocolate glaze.
This recipe yields six protein donuts. The macro breakdown for one donut is 175 calories, 16g protein, 7g net carbs, and 8g fat.
How To Use Protein Donuts When Bulking
Counting macros is an awesome way of reaching your fitness goals, and getting a greater understanding of your eating regimen. While the precise specifics are depending on your body type, the commonly accepted macro breakdown when following a bulking workout and eating regimen is 40% protein, 30% carbohydrates, and 30% fats.
Carbohydrates are only as if no more essential than protein at constructing muscle, so it is vital to extend your carbs when seeking to bulk. Many of the recipes you’ll find in this text are very low in fat, so the high percentage of protein and carbohydrates makes these perfect for constructing muscle.
Easy methods to Use Protein Donuts For Fat Loss & Cutting
Protein donuts are a wonderful tool for bulking, but have they got a spot in a fat-loss eating regimen? Yes!
If fat loss is your goal, there are numerous different options on the market, so you have to determine what works best for your individual body. One school of thought regarding fat loss revolves around a low-carb eating regimen, or the more extreme version, keto, which involves nearly zero carbs.
A typical low-carb eating regimen would have a macro breakdown of 40-50% protein, 15-25% carbs, and 30-35% fats. A more balanced fat-loss eating regimen may need 40% protein, 40% carbs, and 20% fat, generally generally known as the “40/40/20 eating regimen.” Whatever method you select, it is right to have higher amounts of protein than carbs, with little to no fat.
Not many weight reduction diets include regular donuts, so be thankful you may splurge on sweets and never suffer the burden gain consequences. Protein donuts are a rather more nutritious option than regular donuts and might be an awesome snack when counting calories.
But don’t be fooled! No person ever lost weight by consistently eating donuts, and we definitely wouldn’t recommend every day consumption if seeking to burn fat.
Baking Suggestions For Making The Best Protein Donuts
Make sure to monitor your protein donuts once they are baking, as it is vital to not overcook them.
Many protein donut recipes will proceed to cook through the cool-down period, so it’s higher to take them out early than overbake. In case you don’t have a donut pan, you may as well use a muffin pan or something similar.
One other essential tip is to make sure that your eggs, maple syrup, and milk products are mixed at room temperature. Coconut oil needs to be in liquid form and kept warm to forestall clumping.
Easy methods to Store Protein Donuts
After your labor making delicious protein donuts, you will need to refrigerate them for max freshness. Most protein donuts will stay fresh for per week when refrigerated in a container with a sealed lid.
In case you need to store your protein donuts long-term, place them in a ziplock bag and within the freezer. This may keep them fresh for as much as six months!
Are Protein Donuts Healthy?
Protein donuts are extremely healthy relative to a typical coffee shop donut. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean they’re healthy – I mean, they’re donuts, in spite of everything!
In comparison with a typical pastry, these recipes have far less sugar and fat than normal donuts, but they need to still be treated with caution. Using protein treats comparable to protein donuts will make it easier when facing a strict eating regimen, as they won’t kill your macros.
Protein Donuts: A Delicious Addition To Your Eating regimen!
Now that we’ve taught you every thing to learn about protein donuts, it is time to try our recipes! Protein donuts are one other example of protein-infused treats that will help reach our fitness goals. Made with high-quality protein and healthy, low-calorie ingredients, these treats provide dietary value that regular donuts don’t have.
Baking your individual high-protein treats ensures you understand every ingredient and macronutrient going into your body. As with all of our recipes, be at liberty to customize them to suit your personal taste preferences. Adding in other items can increase flavor in addition to dietary value, so we encourage you to place your individual special twist on these delicious, muscle-building treats.
In search of more great protein-packed recipes? Take a look at our articles on the 6 Best Recipes For Protein Cookies, The Best Muscle-Constructing High Protein Oatmeal Recipe, and the 4 Best Recipes For Protein Muffins!
Need an awesome protein powder to make use of for baking? Take a look at these 14 Best Protein Powders!
References:
- Liew, A. (2021, November 10). Protein donuts- under 100 calories each! The Big Man’s World ®. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://thebigmansworld.com/protein-donuts/
- Mullins, B. (2022, September 1). Protein Donuts. Eating Bird Food. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/protein-donuts/
- Nutritionist Mom. (2016, April 27). Peanut butter chocolate chip protein donuts. Nutritionist Mom. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from https://nutritionistmom.com/blogs/blog/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-pronuts
- Woodruff, M. (2021, November 2). 90-calorie double chocolate high protein donuts recipe. Kinda Healthy Recipes. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from https://masonfit.com/chocolate-protein-donuts/
- Woodruff, M. (2021, November 2). Pumpkin spice protein donuts: A 95-calorie high protein donut recipe.
