These double chocolate protein donuts are indulgent, ultra-fluffy, and moist, with a brownie-like texture. Topped with a decadent dark chocolate glaze, they taste just like the real deal. Ready in only 30 minutes, these protein donuts are crafted with naturally low-carb ingredients and packed with 7 grams of protein, making them a delicious and satisfying treat.
We’re all about instant gratification here. And guess what? In just 30 minutes, you could be sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly-baked donut. They’re the perfect quick fix for a busy morning, a post-workout treat that doesn’t taste like cardboard, or a sweet way to wind down after a day’s hustle.
Each of these donuts packs only 3g of net carbs and boasts a whopping 7 grams of protein. Whether you’re watching your carbs, avoiding gluten, or just trying to keep things on the healthier side, these donuts have got your back.
What Are Protein Donuts?
Protein donuts are a great choice for those who want to increase their protein intake since they are fortified with protein powder and other high-protein ingredients.
This addition boosts the protein content, making them a more nutritious option compared to regular donuts. They’re often favored by fitness enthusiasts, those following a high-protein diet, or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to satisfy their sweet cravings.
Protein donuts can be baked or air-fried to reduce the amount of oil used in traditional frying methods. They come in various flavors, from classic chocolate or vanilla to more inventive varieties, and can be topped with different glazes or toppings.
Ingredients Needed
You will need only a few an easy to find ingredients to make these delicious gluten-free protein donuts. Here is a list of everything you will need:
For The Protein Donuts
- Almond Flour and Coconut Flour – use superfine almond and coconut flour to obtain the best texture.
- Sweetener – feel free to use your favorite low-carb sweetener as long as it is powdered to ensure it combines well. I usually use Erythritol, Swerve, Monk Fruit, or Allulose.
- Protein Powder – I used zero carbs chocolate protein powder.
- Cocoa Powder – use the best quality cocoa powder that you can find for an intense flavor.
- Baking Powder – helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- Butter – you will need unsalted butter. Or you can replace it with the same amount of coconut oil for dairy-free protein donuts.
- Egg Whites – ensure that they are at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract – use the best quality you can find for an intense, delicious flavor.
- Salt – to enhance all the flavors.
For The Glaze
- Chocolate Chips – I used sugar-free dark chocolate chips, but you can also use a dark chocolate bar and chop it into small pieces.
- Coconut Oil – helps the glaze become smooth and shiny.
How To Make Double Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
This gluten-free dessert recipe is the dream of any chocolate lover since it’s super delicious and easy to make. Here is everything you need to do to enjoy the best donuts:
Preheat The Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
Use a brush or paper towel to lightly grease a donut pan with either coconut oil or softened butter. Whether you’re using a silicone or nonstick metal pan, this step will help ensure your donuts release easily after baking.
Making The Chocolate Protein Donuts Batter
Whisk the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whisk 3 large egg whites vigorously until they become frothy. This incorporates air and helps give the donuts a lighter texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: To the frothy egg whites, gently stir in 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 cup of almond milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these until well blended, ensuring the butter is fully incorporated into the egg mixture.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Start with 1/2 cup of almond flour, followed by 2 1/2 tablespoons of coconut flour, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of chocolate protein powder, 1/2 cup of sweetener, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix everything until a slightly thick dough is formed. It should be smooth, slightly thick, but not too runny.
Baking Protein Donuts
Fill the Donut Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each one about three-quarters full. Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to smooth the tops. This will ensure your donuts have a nice, even shape.
Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into a donut; it should come out clean when they’re ready.
Cooling the Donuts: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove. Then, use a silicone spatula to gently lift the donuts out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze
For the glaze, place 4 tablespoons of chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool and the glaze is slightly cooled but still fluid, dip the top of each donut into the glaze. Gently shake off any excess glaze and return the donut to the wire rack.
Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to firm up on the donuts. This can take about 15-20 minutes. The glaze should be glossy and hold its shape once set.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Double Chocolate Protein Donuts are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a delicious treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips and Variations
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your donuts towards the end of the baking time. Remember, they continue to cook from residual heat even after being removed from the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry donuts, so aim for a soft, moist texture.
- Glaze Variations: In addition to the classic chocolate glaze, feel free to experiment with different flavors. A vanilla glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of vanilla extract and milk.
- No donut pan? No problem! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake. The baking time might need a slight adjustment, so keep an eye on them.
- Add-In Fun: Customize your donuts by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter. This adds texture and an extra flavor punch.
- Protein Powder Choices: Feel free to use your favorite protein powder. While chocolate enhances the double chocolate experience, using vanilla or even a coffee-flavored protein powder can add a unique twist.
- Spice It Up: For a warming touch, especially in cooler seasons, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge – you can store these chocolate donuts in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer – place the unfrosted donuts in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Batter: You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the batter come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then fill the donut pan and bake.
More High Protein Recipes
- Keto Protein Bars
- The Best Double Chocolate Protein Pancakes
- High Protein Strawberry Smoothie
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls – Low Carb Energy Bites
- High Protein Low Carb Pizza Crust – 2 Ingredients Keto Pizza Crust
Double Chocolate Protein Donuts
Description
Ingredients
For The Donuts:
- 3 large egg whites
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 1/2 tbsp coconut flour
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup sweetener
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
For The Glaze:
- 4 tbsp chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C and grease a donut pan. I used a silicone donut pan, but a nonstick metal pan works just as fine.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.3 large egg whites
- Add the melted butter, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the egg whites. Whisk until well incorporated.3 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup almond milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the almond flour, coconut flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix until a slightly thick dough forms.1/2 cup almond flour, 2 1/2 tbsp coconut flour, 3 tbsp cocoa powder, 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder, 1/2 cup sweetener, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth out the tops.
- Bake the donuts for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- For the glaze, microwave the chocolate chips and coconut oil for about 2 minutes or until completely melted, stirring occasionally.4 tbsp chocolate chips, 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Let the glaze cool slightly, then dip each donut into the glaze.
- Place the glazed donuts back on the cooling rack until the glaze firms up.
Video
Notes
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer requires preheating, this step is crucial for even cooking.
- Place the donut batter into donut molds or shape them if you’re using free-form. Carefully place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and cooked through. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s good to check them around the 8-minute mark.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
