Chocolate Protein Donuts: Better Than Dessert

How to make high protein chocolate donuts that taste like dessert but pack 12g muscle-building protein per donut.

sarah thompson for recipes by clare
By Sarah Thompson
Updated on Fri, 01 Aug 2025 20:32:33 GMT

High protein chocolate donuts recipe changed everything for me after my son asked why “healthy food has to taste like cardboard.” I was exhausted from making protein treats that nobody actually wanted to eat. These chocolate protein donuts pack 10-12 grams of muscle-building protein per donut while tasting like genuine dessert.

I’ve served these to my teenagers’ friends without mentioning they’re healthy, and they disappear faster than regular donuts. The secret is using quality chocolate protein powder with Dutch-processed cocoa for that rich, bakery-style flavor. At only 120 calories each, you can enjoy these guilt-free as a post-workout snack or breakfast boost.

The batter comes together in one bowl, bakes in just 12-14 minutes, and delivers that perfect cake-donut texture we all crave. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Chocolate Donuts Recipe

I’ve made these countless times for meal prep, and they never disappoint. The chocolate protein powder creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days, unlike typical protein baked goods that turn into hockey pucks overnight. The combination of Greek yogurt and almond milk keeps them tender while boosting the protein content even higher. They’re ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy mornings when you need real fuel, not empty calories. My family loves how they taste like dessert but actually support their fitness goals.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store these protein donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for optimal freshness. I recommend freezing individual donuts in zip-top bags for up to 3 months – just microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked texture, just like I do with my blueberry cheesecake protein bites for a quick dessert fix.. Pro tip from my kitchen: layer parchment paper between stored donuts to prevent sticking. For the best experience, serve them slightly warm with a drizzle of nut butter or enjoy them straight from the fridge as a convenient grab-and-go snack.

What to Serve with Chocolate Protein Donuts?

These versatile donuts pair beautifully with both breakfast and post-workout meals for balanced nutrition.

Strong Coffee or Matcha: The rich chocolate flavor complements bold coffee perfectly, while the protein helps sustain your energy throughout the morning without the typical caffeine crash.

Nut Butter and Banana: Split a donut and add almond butter with banana slices for a complete breakfast that delivers healthy fats, additional protein, and natural sweetness.

Greek Yogurt Bowl: Crumble half a donut over Greek yogurt with berries for an indulgent parfait that feels like dessert but fuels your muscles.

Pre-Workout Smoothie: In my kitchen, I often pair these with a simple protein smoothie or this high-protein double chocolate s’mores bowl for serious muscle-building power before intense training sessions.

Conclusion

These high protein chocolate donuts prove that healthy eating doesn’t require sacrifice. They’re incredibly easy to make and deliver the satisfaction you’re craving while supporting your fitness goals. Give this recipe a try – your taste buds and muscles will thank you!

High protein chocolate donuts recipe showing finished donuts on cooling rack

High Protein Chocolate Donuts

Healthy chocolate protein donuts that pack 10-12 grams of protein per donut and taste like dessert but fuel your muscles like a champ.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup flour whole wheat or gluten-free blend
  • 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder unsweetened, Dutch-processed preferred
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 large eggs or 2 flax eggs for vegan
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or applesauce
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup almond milk unsweetened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Donut pan (silicone or non-stick metal)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan thoroughly.
  2. In large bowl, whisk together flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniform brown color with no lumps.
  3. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Use spatula to gently fold until just combined – don’t overmix. Stop when no dry streaks remain.
  5. Spoon or pipe batter into donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
  6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Test doneness by lightly pressing top – should bounce back.
  7. Let sit in pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms.

Notes

Don’t overmix batter as it leads to dense, tough donuts. Fill cavities only ¾ full to prevent overflow. Use fresh baking powder and baking soda for proper rise. Any protein powder works but chocolate gives best flavor.
High Protein Chocolate Donuts Recipe 12g Protein Per Donut Under 100 chars

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