Lemon Protein Donuts Recipe

Introduction

These Lemon Protein Donuts are a bright and refreshing treat that’s both healthy and satisfying. Packed with protein and zesty lemon flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free snack. Easy to make and naturally gluten-free, these donuts will brighten your day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons almond flour
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar or sugar alternative
• 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (e.g. Clean Simple Eats)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Small pinch of salt
• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (for thinning glaze if needed)
• Lemon Glaze:
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons plain dairy-free yogurt
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine all the donut ingredients. Use an electric mixer on medium to high speed to blend until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Step 3: Grease a 6-hole donut pan and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Pour or pipe the batter evenly into the six donut molds.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep donuts moist.
6. Step 6: While the donuts bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the yogurt, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
7. Step 7: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 3–4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Once cool, spoon the lemon glaze over each donut. If the glaze is too thick, thin it with a little unsweetened almond milk.
9. Step 9: Optionally, sprinkle additional lemon zest on top for extra brightness. Enjoy your fresh lemon protein donuts!

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite vanilla protein powder to customize flavor and nutrition.
• For an extra lemony punch, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
• Swap coconut sugar for maple syrup or another sweetener if preferred.
• To make these vegan, use a flax egg and a plant-based yogurt for the glaze.
• If you don’t have a donut pan, bake the batter in muffin tins and adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If glazed, keep them chilled to maintain the glaze’s texture. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead. Adjust baking time to about 12–15 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What protein powder works best for this recipe?

A mild vanilla-flavored protein powder works best, as it complements the lemon without overpowering the taste. Clean Simple Eats or any plant-based or whey vanilla protein powder are great options.

Lemon Protein Donuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 142 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 donuts 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delight in these light and fluffy Lemon Protein Donuts, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a guilt-free treat. Made with almond flour, protein powder, and a zesty lemon glaze, these baked donuts combine wholesome ingredients with vibrant citrus flavors, delivering a healthy boost of protein and a refreshing taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Donuts

• 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons almond flour
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar or sugar alternative
• 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (e.g. Clean Simple Eats)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Small pinch of salt

Glaze

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons plain dairy-free yogurt
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (for thinning glaze if needed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the donuts at the right temperature.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all the donut ingredients. Using an electric mixer on medium/high speed, mix until the batter is fully blended, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure an even mixture.
3. Prepare Donut Pan: Grease a 6-hole donut pan thoroughly and spray lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Fill Donut Molds: Pour or pipe the batter evenly into the six donut molds to ensure uniform baking across all donuts.
5. Bake Donuts: Bake the donuts for 15–17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to keep them moist and tender.
6. Prepare Glaze: While the donuts are baking, whisk together the plain dairy-free yogurt, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make the lemon glaze. If the glaze is too thick, thin it with 3 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk.
7. Cool Donuts: Once baking is done, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 3–4 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack for full cooling.
8. Glaze Donuts: After the donuts have cooled completely, spoon the prepared lemon glaze over each donut, ensuring even coverage.
9. Optional Topping and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle additional lemon zest on top for extra citrus flavor, then enjoy your protein-packed lemon donuts!

Notes

• For a lower sugar version, use a sugar alternative like erythritol or stevia in place of coconut sugar.
• If you cannot find dairy-free yogurt for the glaze, use plain Greek yogurt if dairy is acceptable.
• Adjust thickness of the glaze by adding almond milk gradually to achieve the desired consistency for easy spreading.
• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• These donuts can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw completely before glazing.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest slightly in the batter or glaze.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Lemon Donuts, Protein Donuts, Gluten Free Donuts, Healthy Donuts, Baked Donuts, Almond Flour Donuts, Low Sugar Donuts