A Donut You’ll Never Regret
Let’s be honest: the words “donut” and “healthy” rarely land in the same sentence, let alone the same recipe. But what if we told you that a low calorie protein donut recipe could completely flip your wellness game, offering post-yoga energy, guilt-free snacking, and muscle-loving macros?
No deep fryer. No sugar crash. Just soft, fluffy baked protein donuts made with clean ingredients and stacked with 12 grams of plant-based protein, each under 100 calories. This guide will walk you through how to bake these wellness wonders at home, with recipe tips, storage hacks, variations, and pairing ideas for your yoga lifestyle.
Looking for inspiration? Try this oatmeal chocolate lava cake for another guilt-free treat!
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What Makes This Low Calorie Protein Donut Recipe Different?
Under 100 Calories and Packed with 12g Protein
Most donuts are a sugary, deep-fried indulgence, but not these. Each donut in this low calorie protein donut recipe clocks in at fewer than 100 calories while still packing 12 grams of protein. That’s enough to support muscle recovery after your yoga flow or keep you full between meals.
Instead of empty carbs and processed fats, this donut is made from a smart blend of self-rising flour, cocoa powder, and plant-based protein powder.
Eggless, Dairy-Free, and Yeast-Free: Health-Conscious Baking at its Best
Traditional donuts rely on eggs, butter, and yeast. But this recipe? 100% dairy-free, yeast-free, and optionally vegan. No bloating. No sluggish digestion. Just clean, whole ingredients designed to nourish your body and support your yoga practice.
Check out how somatic yoga helps reduce stress, a great pairing with a light protein snack like this one.
Ingredients Breakdown – Clean, Minimal, & Powerful
Best Protein Powders for Baking: Plant-Based vs. Casein
Protein choice matters. For moist, cakey donuts, casein or brown rice protein powder works best. Whey tends to dry out during baking. Use unflavored, chocolate, or vanilla based on your flavor preferences.
| Protein Type | Texture After Baking | Flavor Note |
| Brown Rice Protein | Soft, cakey | Neutral, slightly nutty |
| Casein Protein | Fluffy, moist | Rich and creamy |
| Whey Protein | Dry, rubbery | Overpowers other flavors |
Other Low-Calorie Swaps (Natural Sweeteners, Dairy-Free Milk, etc.)
- Flour: Self-rising flour makes it fluffy and saves time
- Cocoa Powder: Adds deep flavor without sugar
- Sweetener: Use stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol to lower the calories
- Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is light and vegan-friendly
- Oil: Choose sunflower or coconut oil for a source of clean, healthy fats.
Step-by-Step Guide – How to Make Low Calorie Protein Donuts
Mixing, Shaping, and Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
- Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing a 12-donut baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: protein powder, flour, cocoa powder, and sweetener.
- Add in wet ingredients: milk and oil. Mix until thick but pourable
- Transfer batter to a Ziploc bag, cut one corner, and pipe into donut pan
- Bake 13-15 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean
Don’t overbake! They’ll firm up more while cooling in the pan.
Optional Glazes: Chocolate, Vanilla, or Fruity
For a chocolate glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar substitute
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk (add gradually until glossy)
For a vanilla version, leave out the cocoa and mix in a dash of vanilla extract instead. Add a few crushed blueberries for a vibrant purple glaze!
Discover great ideas like this raspberry spinach salad with avocado and walnuts for a nourishing meal to accompany your dessert.
Wellness Benefits of Low Calorie Protein Donuts
Muscle Recovery After Yoga or Workouts
Your body craves protein after movement. These donuts provide the necessary amino acids to rebuild muscle tissue, ideal after a power vinyasa or restorative session.
High Protein, Low Sugar = Stable Energy & Reduced Cravings
Unlike traditional sweets, these donuts won’t spike your blood sugar. You’ll feel satisfied longer, helping you avoid binge-eating or post-workout crashes.
Don’t miss our guide on restorative yoga poses for digestion, a great practice to pair with protein intake.
Flavor Variations to Keep It Fresh
Funfetti, Vanilla Bean, Blueberry Burst
- Vanilla Bean: Use vanilla protein powder and skip cocoa
- Funfetti: Add sprinkles inside and on top of vanilla glaze
- Blueberry: Fold in ½ cup thawed blueberries and top with berry glaze
Seasonal Wellness Twists (Pumpkin Spice, Matcha Green, etc.)
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 tsp pumpkin spice + canned pumpkin puree
- Matcha Green Tea: For antioxidant benefits, mix in ½ tsp of matcha green tea powder.
- Cinnamon Roll: Add cinnamon + make a powdered glaze with almond extract
Looking for inspiration? Try this healthy mukbang recipe roundup with clean comfort meals.
Storage, Meal Prep, and On-the-Go Convenience
How to Store for Maximum Freshness
- Store in airtight container in the fridge up to 7 days
- Freeze up to 6 months. Defrost in fridge overnight
Prep Ahead for Busy Yoga Days or Snack Attacks
Make a double batch and freeze half. That way, you always have a ready-to-go clean snack after yoga, hikes, or busy mornings.
Pairing Low Calorie Protein Donuts with Yoga Routines
Ideal Post-Yoga Snack for Recovery
These donuts pair perfectly with light movement or cool-down yoga, giving your muscles protein without bloating.
Best Yoga Sequences to Complement a High-Protein Diet
- Morning boost: 7-minute yoga flow
- Afternoon unwind: Restorative sequences post-lunch
- Evening digestion: Gentle stretches with a cup of tea and half a donut
For more healthy recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Low Calorie Protein Donuts
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
- 1¼ cups self-rising flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup granulated sweetener stevia/erythritol
- 6 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
Glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar substitute
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup almond milk
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan using nonstick cooking spray or a brush of oil to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the protein powder, self-rising flour, cocoa powder, and granulated sweetener until well combined and no clumps remain.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Stir in the sunflower oil and unsweetened almond milk. Mix thoroughly until a thick but smooth batter forms. If the batter is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of extra almond milk.
Shape the Donuts
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or Ziploc bag. Snip off one corner and carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full to allow for rising.
Bake to Perfection
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 13–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. The tops should spring back lightly when touched.
Cool Completely
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This helps them firm up without overbaking.
Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar substitute and cocoa powder. Gradually add your milk of choice, stirring until the glaze is thick, smooth, and glossy.
Dip & Set
- Once donuts are fully cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack for a few minutes to allow the glaze to firm up.
Nutrition
FAQs about Low Calorie Protein Donut Recipe
What is the lowest calorie type of donut?
Typically, baked protein donuts like these are the lowest in calories. They avoid deep-frying and use natural sweeteners and lean protein sources.
How many calories are in a protein donut?
These donuts contain under 100 calories each, making them an excellent option for weight-conscious or active individuals.
Are protein donuts good for you?
Yes! Especially when made with clean ingredients, protein donuts offer nutrients, support recovery, and curb sugar cravings.
How to make a low calorie protein shake?
Combine 1 scoop of plant-based protein, ½ frozen banana, 1 cup almond milk, and ice. Blend until creamy. Optional: Add cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chia seeds for extra benefits.
