Healthy Vanilla Cake Protein Donuts [grain-free + no added sugar]

1 month ago 36

I love donuts. Always have. But the typical kind from a bakery? They hit hard, and not just in flavor. I’m talking sugar crashes, sluggish afternoons, and a total macro-bomb. So I decided to develop my own version: something light, sweet, protein-packed, and actually satisfying. That’s how these vanilla cake protein donuts came to life.

They’re soft, fluffy, and made with ingredients I feel good about, like Raw Organic Whey Protein (code HEALTHYHELPER saves $$!) and NuNaturals Monkfruit Stevia Sweetener. Best of all, they taste like the real thing. This recipe is now a regular in my kitchen, especially when I want a treat that doesn’t derail the day.

Why I Make These Protein Donuts Weekly

After trying what felt like a dozen protein donut recipes, this is the one that stuck. Here’s why:

They’re high in protein and actually taste like donuts, not dense bricks
I can sweeten them naturally, without any sugar alcohols
They’re gluten-free and easy on digestion
The recipe is simple, fast, and works every time
The frosting actually makes them feel like a treat, not a compromise

If you’re on a fitness journey, cutting sugar, or just want a better-for-you breakfast option, these check all the boxes.

The Protein & Sweetener Combo I Swear By

I’ve been loving Raw Organic Whey Protein (code HEALTHYHELPER saves $$!). The ultra-fine organic whey gives these donuts their soft, cakey texture, and the neutral flavor pairs perfectly with almond flour.

To sweeten things up without actual sugar, I go with NuNaturals Monkfruit Stevia MonkFruit Sweetener. It blends smoothly into both the batter and the glaze without that weird aftertaste or cooling effect that some sweeteners have.

Healthy Vanilla Cake Protein Donuts

Healthy Vanilla Cake Protein Donuts [grain-free + no added sugar]

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For the donuts:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
2 large eggs
3 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
1¼ cups almond flour
½ cup Raw Organic Whey (code HEALTHYHELPER saves $$!)
⅓ cup NuNaturals Monkfruit Stevia Sweetener (code HEALTHYHELPER saves $$!)
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp water (adjust as needed for consistency)

Ingredients for the Glaze:

⅓ cup cream cheese (softened)
1 tbsp butter (melted)
4 tbsp NuNaturals Monkfruit Stevia Sweetener (code HEALTHYHELPER saves $$!)
⅓ tsp vanilla extract

Optional:

1 tsp dye-free rainbow sprinkles
Cooking spray for greasing the donut pan

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, whey protein, sweetener, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry. Stir in the water until a thick, spoonable batter forms.
Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan, smoothing the tops.
Bake for 12–16 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops spring back slightly.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
While they cool, mix together the cream cheese, melted butter, monk fruit sweetener, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
Once donuts are fully cooled, drizzle with glaze and finish with sprinkles if you’d like.

Healthy Vanilla Cake Protein Donuts [grain-free + no added sugar]

Tips for the Best Texture

I’ve learned that baking time matters a lot here; don’t overdo it. Check at the 12-minute mark. If the batter feels overly thick before baking, just add a bit more water or milk until it smooths out. And make sure to let them cool before glazing, or you’ll have a melty mess on your hands.

Fun Flavor Ideas

This base recipe is super flexible. You can:

Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired twist
Use chocolate protein for a chocolate donut version
Stir in sugar-free chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even crushed freeze-dried berries

Sometimes I bake the batter in a mini muffin tin instead of a donut pan; it works just as well.

Healthy Vanilla Cake Protein Donuts [grain-free + no added sugar]

How I Store & Reheat Them

I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They also freeze well if you skip the glaze before storing. I like to microwave one for about 10 seconds to soften it before eating. It brings back that fresh-baked feel in seconds.

Final Thoughts

These vanilla protein donuts are my go-to whenever I want something sweet but don’t want to sacrifice how I feel afterward. They’re simple, macro-friendly, and made with ingredients that work just as hard as I do.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, grabbing something post-workout, or just want a better breakfast option, I think you’ll love these as much as I do. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out. I’d love to hear what you think or see your spin on them!