Soft & Fluffy Protein Donuts – A Guilt-Free Sweet Treat That Fuels You

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying donuts that taste indulgent but actually support your fitness goals, this Soft & Fluffy Protein Donuts recipe is for you. These baked protein donuts deliver the perfect blend of light, cake-like texture and sweet donut flavor — without all the sugar and oil of traditional ones.

They’re packed with protein, easy to make, and irresistibly fluffy — perfect for breakfast, post-workout snacks, or a healthy dessert that won’t derail your diet.

Forget dense or rubbery “health” donuts. These taste just like your favorite bakery-style treat — only with more nutrients and fewer regrets.

Why You’ll Love These Protein Donuts

• Soft, Moist & Fluffy: You won’t believe they’re made with protein powder — no dryness here!
• High in Protein: Each donut packs around 10–12 grams of protein, depending on your powder.
• Low in Sugar & Calories: Naturally sweetened and baked, not fried.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Change up the flavors — chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, or even pumpkin spice!

Whether you’re hitting the gym or just craving something sweet without the crash, these donuts are your new go-to.

Ingredients for Protein Donuts

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup vanilla protein powder (whey, casein, or plant-based)
• 1/2 cup almond flour (for moisture and softness)
• 1/4 cup oat flour or coconut flour (optional for texture balance)
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (adds moisture and fluffiness)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp sweetener of choice (monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol)

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 2–3 tbsp almond milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: a few drops of sugar-free maple syrup or sprinkle of cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or coconut oil.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together protein powder, almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure an even, airy texture.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk eggs, Greek yogurt, almond milk, coconut oil, vanilla, and sweetener until smooth.

4. Combine Wet & Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix or the donuts may become dense.

If the batter seems too thick (depending on your protein powder), add 1–2 tablespoons more almond milk until smooth and pourable but not runny.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.

6. Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back lightly when touched.

7. Cool Completely

Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cooling is key — it sets the structure and prevents breaking.

8. Make the Protein Glaze

Whisk together protein powder, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and place on parchment paper to set.

9. Optional Toppings

Sprinkle with cinnamon, crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate (sugar-free if preferred).

Soft & Fluffy Protein Donuts

Baked protein donuts that are soft, moist, and full of flavor — a healthy high-protein treat for breakfast or post-workout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 8 donuts

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 145

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup vanilla protein powder
• 0.5 cup almond flour
• 0.25 cup oat or coconut flour optional
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 0.33 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
• 0.25 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp sweetener monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol

Protein Glaze

• 0.25 cup vanilla protein powder
• 3 tbsp almond milk adjust for consistency
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Donut pan
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Spoon or pipe batter into donut pan, filling each ¾ full.
6. Bake 10–12 minutes or until golden and springy.
7. Cool 5 minutes, remove from pan, and cool completely.
8. Whisk glaze ingredients and dip cooled donuts. Let glaze set before serving.

Notes

Use whey isolate for best texture. Store in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze unglazed for 2 months.

Tips for Perfect Fluffy Protein Donuts

✅ Use a blend of flours. Almond flour adds moisture, while oat or coconut flour creates structure.
✅ Choose the right protein powder. Whey isolate gives a light and fluffy result; plant-based versions work but can be denser — add extra milk if needed.
✅ Don’t overmix! Stir until combined; overmixing toughens the batter.
✅ Cool before glazing. Glaze too early, and it will melt off.
✅ Store smartly. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5.

Flavor Variations

You can transform this base recipe into endless delicious varieties!

1. Chocolate Protein Donuts

Replace 2 tbsp of protein powder with unsweetened cocoa powder and add 1 tbsp extra sweetener. Glaze with chocolate protein glaze.

2. Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Add 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp nutmeg to the batter. Top with cream cheese glaze (cream cheese + sweetener + vanilla).

3. Strawberry Shortcake Donuts

Mix in 1/4 cup chopped freeze-dried strawberries into the batter and glaze with vanilla protein icing.

4. Peanut Butter Bliss Donuts

Add 2 tbsp powdered peanut butter (PB2) to the dry mix. Top with peanut butter protein glaze.

5. Pumpkin Spice Donuts (Seasonal Favorite!)

Replace 1/4 cup Greek yogurt with pumpkin puree, add 1 tsp pumpkin spice, and glaze with vanilla-cinnamon icing.

Serving Ideas

Enjoy these donuts:

• As a grab-and-go breakfast with coffee or a protein shake
• As a post-workout treat to replenish muscles
• As a dessert with a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream
• Or with friends and family who won’t even guess they’re healthy!

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep for up to 5–6 days in the fridge.
• Freeze: Freeze unglazed donuts in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Nutrition Information (per donut, approx):

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 5g net
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: <1g

(Note: Exact macros depend on your protein powder and sweetener choice.)

Why Protein Donuts Are Better Than Regular Donuts

Regular donuts are fried in oil and loaded with refined flour and sugar, often spiking your blood sugar and leaving you sluggish.

Protein donuts, on the other hand, are:

• Baked, not fried
• Packed with high-quality protein
• Low-carb and low-sugar
• Full of fiber and healthy fats
• Satisfying, without the crash

They’re a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to mean giving up the foods you love.

Fun Fact: Donuts Meet Fitness

The first donuts date back to the 1800s, but fitness enthusiasts have reinvented them for the modern world. With protein powders, almond flour, and natural sweeteners, you can now enjoy a donut that fuels your body and fits your goals.

So go ahead — make a batch of Soft & Fluffy Protein Donuts. You’ll satisfy your sweet tooth and your macros in one delicious bite.