This protein donut recipe (or is it doughnut?) is gluten and grain free, low carb and SO easy to make. The recipe can also be adapted to muffins, or made into a loaf as well.
Protein Donuts - Eat for Results & Comfort
Oh man, you have to try these! I’m honestly not really into sweets, but once in a while, I love a little guilt-free indulgence and these donuts do NOT disappoint. The thing I love about creating healthy, clean, low carb treats is that it's allows you to eat the comfort foods you want to eat while still achieving the health and weight loss results you want. It's a win win!
The key thing that makes this recipe stand out from others you’ll find is that it’s made with xylitol and PB2. If you’re starting a low-carb diet, both of these will be a pantry must-have. Xylitol provides a sweet flavor without the calories and insulin spike and PB2 (or just plain peanut flour) is a great alternative for regular baking flour.
What you need to know about xylitol
- It has a bit of an aftertaste (but you might not notice it)
- It’s a little less sweet than sugar, so you may need a bit more if you’re swapping out your regular sugar in recipes
- It’s made of natural substances - mostly tree bark, so it’s not like artificial sweeteners at all!
- It does give some folks stomach upset
- It can be deadly for dogs.
I know that’s a wide range of facts, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you try it. Personally, I love it. If you don’t want to use xylitol, you can use any other sweetener you want, but just be aware that it will alter the macros!
What you need to know about PB2
As I mentioned, this is a defatted peanut flour (basically all the fat is removed from peanuts and then they they are pulverized into a flour) so it's ideal for baking. However, PB2 is just a brand name. There are many peanut flours on Amazon (just search). You can definitely fine cheaper brands and the plain peanut flour doesn't contain any sugar. I would recommend using that if you can find it.
What you’ll need for this protein donut recipe
- PB2 or just plain peanut flour (it’s cheaper and it doesn’t have sugar added)
- Almond or coconut flour
- Xylitol or your sweetener of choice
- A single serving of yogurt - I always recommend Fage 0%
- An egg and egg whites
- Your favorite Vanilla protein powder (I used Designer Whey)
- Vanilla extract, baking powder & salt
- Chocolate chips - I used Ghirardelli Dark 60% chocolate chips, but you can also use low carb/keto chocolate chips
Equipment needed for this protein donut recipe
If you want to make a donut, then you’ll need a donut baking pan, but this recipe is easily adapted to a loaf pan or muffin tin. Just use what you have (although I do recommend getting yourself a donut baking pan. They’re so fun and this one fits in my toaster oven!)
What about glazed protein donuts?
I knew you were going to ask about that ????. If you want to add a glaze, it’s super simple, but again - it’s not reflected in the macros below, so it will add calories and personally, I think they’re the Bombay just the way they are. To make a simple glaze, mix together 1/2 cup of Swerve Confectioners sugar (it has zero carbs and it’s SO good) and 1/4 cup of almond milk and once your donuts are baked and cooled, just dip them in the sugar mixture and let it harden.
Want more protein treat ideas? I've got plenty:
Macro |Nutrition Facts: 69 calories, fat 2.3g, carbs 5.6, fiber 1.2, protein 8g
Protein Donuts - Low Carb, Gluten Free
Protein Donuts? Yes please! These are super easy to make, full of protein, but super low carb. I LOVE them!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pb2
- 1/4 almond
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (or Shakeology)
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- 1 eggs
- 1/2 cup egg white
- 1/2 cup xylitol, or your favorite sweetener
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- Grease your donut, muffin or bread tin
- Put dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- In another small bowl, combine wet ingredients well, then add to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Pour ingredients into your preferred baking pan and bake for about 15 minutes (until slightly brown on top)
- Let cool and devour!
Notes
Nutrition facts: Cals 69, fat 2.3g, carbs 5.6, fiber 1.2, protein 8g
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Nutrition Information
Yield 12 Serving Size 1 donutAmount Per Serving Calories 69Total Fat 2.3gCarbohydrates 5.6gNet Carbohydrates 6.8gFiber 1.2gProtein 8g
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and ADHD Coach. As the founder of The Fit Habit, she shares ADHD-friendly self-care, food & fitness inspiration, along with practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
Claudia
Hi Caren,
How many grams are in 1 scoop of your protein powder? Thanks!