Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts (Gluten Free, Paleo) Recipe
Introduction
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a delicious, guilt-free treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. They’re gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and packed with protein to keep you energized. Plus, the rich chocolate glaze adds an indulgent finish without the extra sugar.

Ingredients
- 1 cup blanched almond flour (95g) spooned & leveled
- 1/2 cup hemp protein powder (35g) spooned & leveled
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (32g) spooned & leveled
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup yogurt (unsweetened coconut yogurt recommended)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp almond butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 6 slots of a donut pan and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, hemp protein powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: Add the eggs, maple syrup, yogurt, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into a plastic bag, cut a small hole in one corner, and pipe the batter evenly into the greased donut pan, filling each slot nearly to the top.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the donuts comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Refrigerate if you want to speed up the cooling process.
- Step 7: To make the glaze, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Use a microwave in 20-30 second intervals stirring between, or melt in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Step 8: Stir in the almond butter until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
- Step 9: Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack or parchment paper.
- Step 10: Chill the glazed donuts in the fridge or freezer until the glaze is set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
- For a sweeter glaze, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey when melting the chocolate.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin pan and bake for about 15 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Storage
Store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to one month. Reheat by bringing to room temperature or warming briefly in the microwave. Always add the glaze before chilling for best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein powder?
Yes, you can substitute hemp protein with other plant-based or whey protein powders, but the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Are these donuts suitable for a vegan diet?
These donuts contain eggs and yogurt, so they are not vegan as written. You could try vegan egg replacers and plant-based yogurt to adapt the recipe.
PrintHealthy Chocolate Protein Donuts (Gluten Free, Paleo) Recipe
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a delicious and nutritious treat that combines gluten-free and paleo-friendly ingredients. Packed with protein from hemp powder and almond flour, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup and coconut yogurt, these donuts offer a guilt-free indulgence perfect for breakfast or a snack. Finished with a rich dark chocolate and almond butter glaze, they make a perfect healthy dessert option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup blanched almond flour (95g) spooned & leveled
- 1/2 cup hemp protein powder (35g) spooned & leveled
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (32g) spooned & leveled
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp almond butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 6 slots of a donut pan with coconut oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, hemp protein powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, maple syrup, unsweetened coconut yogurt, and vanilla extract with the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fill Donut Pan: Pour the batter into a plastic bag or piping bag, cut off a small corner, and pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan slots, filling each nearly to the top.
- Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the donuts are firm and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For faster cooling, place them in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Glaze: Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, or melt gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the almond butter until smooth.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate almond butter glaze and place them back on a wire rack or parchment paper to set.
- Set the Glaze: Refrigerate or freeze the glazed donuts until the topping is firm and set, then serve.
Notes
- For even easier filling of the donut pan, use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner cut.
- Ensure donuts are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These donuts can also be frozen before or after glazing for extended storage.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup according to your taste.
Keywords: healthy chocolate protein donuts, gluten free donuts, paleo donuts, protein donuts, chocolate almond donuts, healthy snack, breakfast donut

