Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about chocolate donuts—soft, cakey, rich with cocoa, and just the right amount of indulgent. But what if you could enjoy that same chocolatey joy with a little more nourishment packed into each bite? These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts strike that perfect balance between comfort food and feel-good fuel.
This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen during those in-between moments—like after a workout when you’re craving something sweet but still want to stay on track, or lazy weekend mornings when you want to treat yourself without the sugar crash. I first started making these when I was trying to find a better alternative to store-bought protein bars, and honestly, once I nailed this recipe, there was no going back. The donuts are soft, chocolatey, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat—without feeling heavy.
What’s more, they’re baked instead of fried, made with simple pantry staples, and are totally gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free. Whether you’re following a paleo lifestyle or just looking to add a little protein to your snack game, this recipe is about to become a regular in your rotation.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
¼ cup almond butter
⅓ cup maple syrup
¼ cup almond milk
½ cup chocolate protein powder (unsweetened or naturally sweetened)
¼ cup cocoa powder
3 tbsp coconut flour
¼ tsp baking soda
⅛ tsp salt
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (dairy-free, if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with a bit of coconut oil or non-stick spray. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and simply call them donut muffins (they’ll taste just as amazing).
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond butter, maple syrup, and almond milk until smooth and creamy. This combo creates the perfect moist texture while keeping things light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. The batter will be thick—that’s totally normal! Once everything is fully combined, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ of the way full. You can also use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) to make this part a little less messy.
Step 5: Bake
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should be firm and spring back when gently pressed.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling fancy, you can drizzle a little melted chocolate on top or dust them with cocoa powder. But honestly? They’re perfect just as they are.
Notes
These donuts are delicious straight from the oven, but they’re also great the next day—moist, chocolatey, and perfect with your morning coffee or post-workout smoothie. If you’re craving variety, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a fun twist.