Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition — soft, chocolatey, satisfying, and packed with protein to keep you energized. They taste like a dessert but fuel your body like a balanced snack, making them ideal for breakfast, post-workout treats, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, and use wholesome ingredients like protein powder, Greek yogurt, and cocoa powder to create a moist, tender donut that feels surprisingly decadent. I tried these with a scoop of chocolate whey and a splash of almond milk, and they came out incredibly fluffy and rich — like a bakery donut without the guilt. These donuts prove you can enjoy chocolate in a healthier, protein-packed way without sacrificing flavor.
Print
Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts: A Guilt-Free, High-Protein Sweet Treat
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Soft, moist, and chocolatey, these Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are baked—not fried—and packed with protein for a satisfying breakfast, post-workout snack, or guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely blended oats)
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together oat flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, almond milk, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the glaze: melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip donuts and let set.
Notes
- Use whey or plant-based protein; texture may vary slightly depending on type.
- Swap oat flour for almond flour for a lower-carb version.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
- Store donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Protein powder: Use whey or plant-based chocolate protein powder for structure and flavor.
All-purpose flour or oat flour: Creates a tender donut crumb while keeping them light.
Cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor — opt for unsweetened cocoa powder.
Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Greek yogurt: Adds moisture, protein, and a soft, cake-like texture.
Eggs: Bind the batter and help the donuts rise.
Milk: Use almond milk, low-fat milk, or any preferred milk to loosen the batter.
Maple syrup or honey: Provides natural sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and gives warmth.
Chocolate chips (optional): For extra chocolate goodness — choose dark chocolate for a healthier option.
When I made these, I stirred in a handful of mini dark chocolate chips — they melted into the donuts beautifully and made each bite extra satisfying.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together protein powder, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter should be thick but pourable — add a splash of milk if needed.
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling each about ¾ full. If using chocolate chips, sprinkle or fold them into the batter beforehand.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
For added indulgence, drizzle with a light chocolate glaze made from cocoa powder, milk, and a bit of maple syrup — or enjoy them as is for a healthier option.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Makes 8–10 donuts
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–12 seconds for a warm, soft texture.
Variations and Customizations
Peanut Butter Chocolate Donuts
Swirl peanut butter into the batter or drizzle a PB topping over cooled donuts.
Mocha Protein Donuts
Add instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-chocolate boost.
Double Chocolate Donuts
Fold in extra dark chocolate chips for maximum chocolate intensity.
Mint Chocolate Donuts
Add a touch of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
Gluten-Free Version
Use oat flour or a gluten-free 1:1 blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Banana Chocolate Protein Donuts
Mix in mashed ripe banana for added sweetness and moisture.
Vegan Option
Use plant-based protein powder, a flax egg, and dairy-free yogurt.
Coconut Chocolate Donuts
Add shredded unsweetened coconut into the batter or sprinkle on top.
Almond Joy Style
Add coconut, almonds, and chocolate chips for a candy-inspired version.
Maple Glazed Donuts
Whisk maple syrup with cocoa powder for a glossy, rich glaze.
FAQs
What protein powder works best?
Whey gives the fluffiest texture, but plant-based powders also work — just add extra milk if the batter is too thick.
Can I make these without flour?
Use oat flour for a flourless option; almond flour won’t hold the structure as well.
Do they taste like traditional donuts?
They’re lighter and less sweet, but still chocolatey, moist, and satisfying.
How do I prevent them from drying out?
Don’t overbake — remove them as soon as they spring back.
Can I use a muffin pan instead?
Yes! Bake as mini muffins for 10–12 minutes.
Can I add frosting?
Absolutely — a light chocolate glaze or protein icing works well.
Are they good for meal prep?
Yes, they store and freeze beautifully and make great grab-and-go snacks.
Can I lower the sugar?
Use sugar-free syrup or reduce the maple syrup slightly; adjust milk to maintain moisture.
Can I add collagen powder?
Yes, mix a scoop into the batter — it won’t affect texture significantly.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt, plant-based milk, and vegan protein powder.
Conclusion
Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts prove that nutritious treats can be just as delicious as traditional baked goods. Soft, chocolatey, and protein-packed, they offer the perfect balance of flavor and fuel — ideal for breakfasts, snacks, or post-workout rewards. With countless ways to customize and a quick baking time, these donuts fit seamlessly into any routine. Once you try them, you’ll want a fresh batch ready every week — because healthy eating should always taste this good.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!