Fluffy Protein Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze

Who says donuts can’t be both delicious and packed with protein? These fluffy protein donuts are the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze—without the dry, chalky texture that some protein treats have.

If you’re looking for a quick, high-protein snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping you on track with your fitness goals, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Protein Donut Recipe

Key Benefits

High in protein – Thanks to Greek yogurt and protein powder, each donut is packed with protein
Quick & easy – Takes just 5 minutes of prep and 16 minutes of baking
Low-carb & gluten-free – Made with almond flour instead of traditional flour
Kid-friendly & fun – Who can say no to sprinkles on a donut

Taste & Texture

Light and fluffy with a slight crisp on the edges
Not too sweet—just the right balance of vanilla and cream cheese flavor
The glaze adds a creamy, rich finish that makes these taste like a bakery treat

Dietary Attributes

Gluten-Free
Low-Carb

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

½ cup Greek yogurt
2 eggs
3 tbsp butter
1 ¼ cups almond flour
½ cup protein powder
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp water
⅓ cup cream cheese
1 tbsp butter (for the glaze)
4 tbsp sweetener
⅓ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp candy sprinkles
Cooking spray

Notes on Quality

Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer texture
Choose a high-quality protein powder with a neutral or vanilla flavor to enhance the taste
For the best results, use blanched almond flour rather than almond meal for a finer, lighter texture

Possible Substitutions

Swap almond flour for oat flour if you’re not following a low-carb diet
Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option
Replace sweetener with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the donut pan with cooking spray
In a bowl, whisk the yogurt, butter, and eggs until smooth
In a separate large bowl, combine almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms. Stir in water if needed to adjust the consistency
Fill the donut pan with the batter, smoothing the tops slightly

Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until a skewer inserted into a donut comes out clean
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack
Prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, butter, sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth
Drizzle the cooled donuts with the glaze and top with sprinkles

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off to fill the donut pan evenly
Let the donuts cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting too much

Common Mistakes

Overbaking will make the donuts dry—check at the 12-minute mark with a toothpick
Using a protein powder with a strong artificial flavor can overpower the donuts

Time-Saving Tips

Make the glaze while the donuts bake so everything is ready at the same time
Bake the donuts in advance and store them without glaze, then glaze them fresh before serving

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve these donuts with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast
Pair with a protein-packed smoothie for a post-workout snack

Presentation Ideas

Dust with extra sweetener or cocoa powder for an elegant touch
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glaze for a richer treat

Beverage Pairings

Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, a matcha latte, or a protein shake

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Keep in the fridge for up to a week for longer freshness

Reheating Methods

Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them before eating
If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use whey or plant-based protein powder? Yes, both work, but plant-based powders may make the texture slightly denser
Can I make these egg-free? Try replacing eggs with flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version

Troubleshooting

Why are my donuts dry? Make sure not to overbake and use a high-quality protein powder
Why did my glaze turn out runny? Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature and mix well to get the right consistency

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative
For a keto version, stick to a zero-carb sweetener like erythritol

Flavor Twists

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist
Mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate version

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For a festive touch, swap sprinkles for crushed peppermint at Christmas or drizzle with orange zest in the fall

Conclusion

These protein donuts prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition. They’re the perfect combination of soft, slightly sweet, and protein-packed. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, looking for a guilt-free dessert, or just craving something delicious, these donuts will hit the spot.

If you love breakfast treats, check out these other delicious recipes: Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Classic French Toast, and French Omelette with Fines Herbes.

For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Pinterest at Cooking with Callie.

Print