Soft, fluffy, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, these easy baked high protein donuts are a healthier treat you can make at home with simple ingredients. They are baked instead of fried, packed with vanilla whey protein, and perfect for breakfast, meal prep, or a post-workout snack.

Be sure to check out the video and tips below.

They’re easy to make in a donut pan in the oven or air fryer and come together with pantry staples like flour, eggs, milk, and protein powder.

Jump to:

• 🎥 MY LATEST VIDEO
• For the Donuts
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
• Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
• Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Prepare the Donut Pan
• Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
• Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
• CHOCOLATE PROTEIN DONUTS
• HIGH PROTEIN GLAZED DONUTS
• SPRINKLES
• Can I use almond milk?
• Why are my protein donuts dry?
• What protein powder works best?
• Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

❤️ WHY YOU WILL LOVE THESE PROTEIN DONUTS

• Baked instead of fried
• Soft and fluffy texture
• Easy to make in under 30 minutes
• Perfect healthy snack or breakfast
• Delicious cinnamon sugar coating
• Great for meal prep

🎥 MY LATEST VIDEO

🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED

For the Donuts

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup vanilla whey protein powder
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Olive oil spray
• Cinnamon sugar mixture

🍩 BEST PROTEIN POWDER FOR DONUTS

Vanilla whey protein powder works best in baked protein donuts because it helps create a soft, fluffy texture. Whey protein also adds sweetness and boosts the protein content without making the donuts dry.

For the best results:

• Use vanilla whey protein
• Avoid overly absorbent plant proteins
• Don’t overmix the batter

👩🏼‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

flour, vanilla whey protein powder, sugar, cinnamon

Whisk until evenly combined.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in: milk, eggs, melted butter

Mix until a smooth batter forms.

Do not overmix or the donuts may become dense.

Step 3: Prepare the Donut Pan

Spray the donut pan with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Pour the batter evenly into the donut molds.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

Oven Method

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 18–20 minutes or until just cooked through.

Air Fryer Method

Air fry at 180°C for about 20 minutes until lightly golden and cooked in the center.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Remove the donuts from the pan and lightly spray them with olive oil spray.

Dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.

ARE PROTEIN DONUTS HEALTHY?

These healthy protein donuts are a lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts because they’re:

• baked instead of fried
• higher in protein
• made with less sugar
• easy to portion for meal prep

They make a great high protein breakfast, snack, or healthier dessert option.

💖 PROTEIN DONUT VARIATIONS

CHOCOLATE PROTEIN DONUTS

Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the batter.

HIGH PROTEIN GLAZED DONUTS

Top with a simple protein glaze made from protein powder and milk.

SPRINKLES

Add colourful sprinkles ont op of a protein glaze.

HOW TO STORE

Store the donuts in an airtight container for:

• 2 days at room temperature
• up to 5 days in the refrigerator

You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

❓ FAQ

Can I use almond milk?

Absolutely. Any milk works in this recipe.

Why are my protein donuts dry?

Protein powder absorbs moisture quickly. Avoid overbaking and overmixing the batter.

What protein powder works best?

Vanilla whey protein creates the softest texture and best flavor.

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

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