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4.3 min readPublished On: June 3, 2024

Indulge guilt-free with this healthy twist on classic treats.

Sweet Satisfaction

Donuts, donuts, donuts! Who doesn’t love a good donut — a guilty pleasure that will make for a restless night’s sleep? But what if I told you that you can have that donut and not lose any sleep at all?

Enter a healthy protein donut, a great idea for those who love to indulge and aren’t afraid to tap into those creative juices to swap some ingredients. Let’s dive in. 

When it comes to ingredients, you have options. We can nix the less-than-healthy ingredients and replace them with wholesome ingredients to decrease calories and increase nutritional value without cheating on textures and flavors. 

Here’s a look at some of those options: 

Fats:

You can use healthier fats. In this recipe, I use peanut butter, which is necessary to create the moisture, tenderness and richness. It also helps as a binder for the dry ingredients.

Sugars:

Agave is good in moderation as a sweetener, but also has a lower glycemic index compared to some sugars and helps control blood sugar spikes in the body. Honey also has a lower glycemic index, and it contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Mashed banana is a great swap in baking because it adds moisture as well as flavor. It is also a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. 

Almond milk:

This milk alternative has a mild nutty flavor; it is thick and creamy and adds moisture to the donut. 

Greek yogurt:

This is a great source of protein that helps add moisture and a bit of tanginess to help with the counterbalance of multiple flavors in the batter.

Vanilla extract or flavoring:

Vanilla is an aromatic commonly used in baked goods that enhances the way food tastes. Be careful, however, as a little goes a long way.

Oat Flour:

This is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. It contains fiber and nutrients that are present in whole oats. It also imparts a mild nutty, slightly sweet flavor and works great with other ingredients to retain moisture.

Almond flour:

This is another popular gluten-free option and low-carb alternative. It adds moist texture and flavor to most recipes. It is also a source of protein. 

Protein powder:

Whey protein is a powder derived from milk during the cheese making process. It also contains essential amino acids to help with muscle building and recovery. In baking, it adds a slight sweetness as well. Vanilla flavored is best or a neutral one. 

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is great for helping regulate blood sugar levels. It also has an umami flavor profile that helps meld other flavors together to create a harmonious flavor palate in your mouth. 

Protein Donuts

½ cup oat flour (65 grams)

½ cup vanilla protein powder (40 grams)

½ cup almond flour (55 grams)

1 tsp. baking powder (4 grams)

½ tsp. cinnamon (2 grams) 

½ tsp. pink sea salt (4 grams)

1 Tbsp. Greek protein yogurt (15 grams)

3 tsp. honey (15 grams)

3 tsp. agave (15 grams)

1 egg (45 grams)

½ cup peanut butter (60 grams) 

¼ cup almond milk (60 grams)

¾ cup mashed banana (2 medium) (175 grams)

1 tsp. vanilla flavor (5 grams)

  1. Blend all wet ingredients in a small blender until thoroughly mixed so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Fold the wet mixture into the dry mix.
  3. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes.
  4. Preheat your donut maker to the manufacturer’s recommend temperature (the donut maker I use can be found on Amazon, https://a.co/d/0irFjdl).
  5. I set dial to 175 degrees and spray lightly with a neutral high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil.
  6. Set the timer for 2.5 minutes and remove when golden.
  7. For best results, serve and eat the donuts while still warm. 

1 // Chocolate Sauce

1 Tbsp. Dutch cocoa powder (15 grams)

1 tsp. instant espresso powder (2 grams)

1 Tbsp. maple syrup (20 grams)

½ tsp. vanilla extract (2 grams)

1 Tbsp. agave (20 grams)

1 tsp. coconut water (5 grams)

salt (optional)

Mix all ingredients using a small handheld blender, then transfer the mixture into a container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2 // Caramel Sauce

Toast cashews (set oven at 350 degrees F and cook for eight to 10 minutes until fragrant and golden brown)

1 tsp. water (5 grams)

2 Tbsp. maple syrup (40 grams)

1 Tbsp. honey (20 grams)

1 tsp. heavy cream powder or vanilla 

½ tsp. vanilla flavor or extract (2 grams)

Pinch of salt (optional)

Coffee creamer (2 grams)

  1. Place all ingredients into a mini blender and puree until there are no lumps.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a sealed container and refrigerate for 7 to 10 days.

3 // Strawberry Sauce

½ cup frozen strawberries (60 grams)

2 Tbsp. maple syrup (40 grams)

¼ cup coconut water (60 grams)

  1. Blend with a small handheld blender on high speed until smooth.
  2. You can adjust the thickness and make thinner by adding more coconut water.
  3. Store in a sealed container for up to five days. 

4 // Protein Whipped Cream

¼ cup heavy cream (62 grams)

½ tsp. vanilla flavoring (2 grams)

1 tsp. vanilla protein powder (5 grams)

  1. Load the ingredients into your favorite whipped cream dispenser.
  2. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to use it.
  3. Once loaded, put the sealed top back on and shake until homogeneous, without any visible separation or clumps.
  4. Then, add the nitrogen canister for your dispenser and shake 8 to 10 more times.
  5. It should be ready to discharge.

Nutritional Info

Calories:35

Total Fat:2.2

Protein: 4.9

Total Net Carbs: 5

Calories: 80

Total Fat: 3.6

Protein: 1.3

Total Net Carbs: 11

About the Author: Louis Santiago

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Louis Santiago is the chef and owner of Chef’s Concept Kitchen, located at Ageless Beauty Med Spa in Leesburg. He has been in the culinary field since 1997 and in the community since 2000. He worked for the Morse family of The Villages®, opening numerous country clubs for them, most notably Cane Garden Country Club, where he was chef for more than 14 years.

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