Low Calorie Protein Donuts
I don’t know about you, but sometimes my sweet tooth wants a treat without the sugar crash or the guilt. Enter these Low Calorie Protein Donuts—a little bit indulgent, a lot bit smart, and 100% delicious. They’re fluffy, lightly sweet, and packed with protein, which makes them perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or just when you need a little “treat yourself” moment without derailing your day.
Trust me, these aren’t just “diet food.” They’re full of flavor, they look adorable, and yes…you can even frost them! Whether you’re a donut lover looking to up your protein intake or someone who wants a healthier version of a classic treat, these little beauties are going to become a fast favorite.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Donut tray (silicone or nonstick works best)
- Ziploc bag (for piping the batter)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Small bowl for frosting
- Oven
Low Calorie Protein Donuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These low-calorie protein donuts are a guilt-free treat packed with protein and flavor. Made with a blueberry muffin protein powder and a sugar substitute, they’re light, fluffy, and perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthy dessert.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour
- 1 scoop Level-1 Blueberry Muffin protein powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar substitute
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cup almond milk
For the frosting:
- 0.5 scoop Blueberry Muffin protein powder
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar substitute
- Almond milk, as needed to achieve frosting consistency
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a donut tray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, protein powder, and sugar substitute.
- Add the coconut oil and almond milk, and mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter into a Ziploc bag, cut off the tip, and pipe the batter evenly into the donut tray cavities.
- Bake for 10–11 minutes until the donuts are firm and lightly golden on top.
- Prepare the frosting: In a small bowl, mix the protein powder and confectioners sugar substitute. Slowly add almond milk, stirring until the mixture reaches a frosting-like consistency.
- Once the donuts have cooled, spread or pipe the frosting on top.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- Ensure donuts are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute any flavored protein powder for variety.
- Use a sugar-free frosting alternative for an even lower-calorie option.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: low calorie protein donuts, healthy dessert, protein snack, blueberry protein donut, guilt-free treat
Why You’ll Love Low Calorie Protein Donuts
These donuts are more than just a tasty snack—they’re clever, convenient, and completely customizable. Here’s why they’re a win:
Protein-Packed
Each bite is fortified with protein powder, helping you fuel your day or recover after a workout. Who says donuts can’t be functional?
Low Calorie
By swapping traditional sugar and flour for alternatives, these donuts satisfy your sweet cravings without breaking your calorie goals.
Easy & Quick
Mix, pipe, and bake. Seriously, in about 20 minutes, you’ll have a batch of donuts ready to enjoy.
Customizable
Use your favorite protein flavor or mix-ins like cinnamon, cocoa, or berries. Play around until you find your dream donut.
Guilt-Free Fun
Enjoy a frosted treat without the guilt—perfect for meal prep or a snack that feels like a splurge but isn’t.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Don’t overfill the donut molds—leave a little space for the batter to rise.
- Use a Ziploc bag for easy piping. Makes a messy tray so much cleaner.
- Frosting consistency is key: add almond milk slowly until smooth.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at 10 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
Ingredients in Low Calorie Protein Donuts
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
For The Donuts
Self-Rising Flour: The base of our donut. Gives them a soft, airy texture.
Protein Powder: Level-1 Blueberry Muffin flavor adds protein and a subtle fruity sweetness.
Granulated Sugar Substitute: Sweetens without the calories, keeping the donuts light.
Coconut Oil: Adds moisture and a gentle richness.
Almond Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and dairy-free, contributing to that tender crumb.
For The Frosting
Protein Powder: The same Blueberry Muffin flavor keeps it cohesive.
Confectioners Sugar Substitute: Adds sweetness while keeping it low-calorie.
Almond Milk: Slowly incorporated to reach a creamy, spreadable frosting consistency.
Instructions
Let’s walk through making these delightful donuts:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the donuts bake evenly and develop a soft, golden surface.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together self-rising flour, protein powder, and sugar substitute. Add coconut oil and almond milk, mixing until smooth and lump-free.
Pipe Batter: Pour the batter into a Ziploc bag, cut off a small tip, and pipe into your donut tray. This gives a neat shape without messy spooning.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 10–11 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Make Frosting: In a small bowl, combine protein powder and confectioners sugar substitute. Slowly add almond milk, whisking until it reaches a smooth frosting-like consistency.
Frost and Enjoy: Spread or drizzle frosting over cooled donuts. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for later indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: Approx. 6–8 donuts
Calories per serving: ~120–150 (depending on protein powder and sweetener)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–11 minutes
Total Time: 20–21 minutes
How to Serve Low Calorie Protein Donuts
These donuts are flexible and fun:
- Breakfast Treat: Pair with coffee or tea for a morning pick-me-up.
- Post-Workout Snack: Protein-rich and satisfying for recovery.
- Party or Brunch: Colorful frosting and toppings make them perfect for entertaining.
- On-the-Go: Store in a container and take one as a snack during a busy day.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Mix batter in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Frost right before serving for best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked batter in donut molds or baked donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost when ready.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Lover: Swap some protein powder for chocolate or cocoa powder.
- Berry Bliss: Fold in fresh or freeze-dried blueberries.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking or after frosting.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Dust lightly with cinnamon sugar substitute for extra warmth.
Additional Tips
- Make sure your coconut oil is melted but not hot—it should mix easily with the dry ingredients.
- Don’t skip cooling the donuts before frosting—they’re delicate and frosting can melt right off.
- Experiment with piping bag tip sizes for decorative frosting designs.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use another protein flavor?
A1: Yes! Vanilla, chocolate, or even peanut butter protein powders work wonderfully.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely, just use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
Q3: Can I use regular sugar instead of a substitute?
A3: Yes, but it will increase the calorie count.
Q4: How do I prevent donuts from sticking?
A4: Use a lightly greased silicone or nonstick donut pan for easy removal.
Q5: Can I make them in a muffin tin?
A5: Yes, though baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Q6: How do I store frosted donuts?
A6: Store in an airtight container in the fridge; frosting may harden slightly but still tastes great.
Q7: Can I make these vegan?
A7: Yes, by using a plant-based protein powder and dairy-free milk.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, just make sure you have enough trays or bake in batches.
Q9: How can I make frosting thicker?
A9: Add a bit more protein powder or sugar substitute slowly until you reach desired consistency.
Q10: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
A10: Definitely! Fold them into the batter gently before piping.
Conclusion
Low Calorie Protein Donuts are the ultimate guilt-free treat: fluffy, flavorful, and packed with protein. They’re quick, versatile, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee, taking them to the gym, or surprising your friends at brunch, these donuts prove you can have indulgence and nutrition in one bite.
Grab your donut tray and protein powder—it’s time to bake up a batch of happiness, one healthy donut at a time.
Low Calorie Protein Donut Recipe
Discover how to make these high-protein, low-calorie donuts:
