A delicious recipe for baked vanilla protein donuts made with a blend of oats and flour, whey protein, eggs, whipped cottage cheese, and maple syrup. When that donut craving strikes, these baked healthier donuts are the perfect solution!

overhead photo of glazed vanilla protein donuts with Fruity Pebbles on a platter and a single donut with a fork on a plate below

These donuts are delicious and we love them, with a cake-like texture and the perfect amount of sweetness. One of these protein donuts (without glaze or topping) is only 136 calories, 8 grams of protein, 14 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of fat! How about them macros?! I love them glazed, but also love them plain topped with a little butter spread and puréed strawberries. So delicious!

If you like your protein donuts plain with some peanut butter or homemade jam spread on top, you definitely need to check out my favorite recipe for Homemade Strawberry Jam (no refined sugar. For another tasty variation, I cut them in half, spread peanut butter on one side and jam on the other, making my own epic version of a PB&J. I often double the recipe and freeze the unglazed donuts for meal prep.

vanilla protein donuts on a white platter topped with glaze and Fruity Pebble cereal

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These protein-packed donuts actually come out moist and delicious! They were teenager approved and let me tell you, that's a big thumbs up!
The macros on these moist protein donuts are great. I even helped myself to a second. 😉
Vanilla protein donuts are delicious pre or post-workout fuel.
Top them with a classic donut glaze or a protein-packed frosting.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the donuts:

Whole Oats- you'll grind them in a food processor or blender to a fine flour texture
Flour- this recipe calls for unbleached all-purpose flour. I use and recommend King Arthur brand. You can also use King Arthur's measure-for-measure gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version (just make sure you use certified GF oats).
Quest vanilla milkshake protein powder- I tested out a few other vanilla protein powders and did not get the same moist fluffy donut texture. Quest uses a protein blend and is great for baking. The vanilla milkshake flavor is perfect for this recipe.
Baking powder +salt- This duo plays a role in supporting the dough, so it rises into a soft fluffy donut. Additionally, salt makes everything sweet taste just a bit sweeter.
Eggs- You'll use two whole eggs for this recipe.
Maple syrup- go with a good quality real maple syrup for adding the perfect amount of natural sweetness.
Milk- I use unsweetened almond milk for this recipe, but regular milk works too.
Cottage cheese- adds moisture and extra protein to this recipe. Make sure to blend it before adding it to the batter.
Oil- avocado oil, olive oil, and melted and cooled coconut oil can be used for this recipe.
Cooking spray- Baker's Joy is recommended but go with a regular cooking spray if making gluten-free donuts.

For the protein glaze:

Quest vanilla milkshake protein powder
milk of choice
melted butter

For the classic glaze:

powdered sugar
milk of choice
vanilla extract

How To Make Protein Donuts

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and spray a donut pan with non-stick spray.

Step 2. Grind the oats in a food processor until it reaches the consistency of flour. Make sure to measure the oats before grinding. Blend cottage cheese until smooth (you'll use ¼ cup of blended cottage cheese for the batter). Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon until combined and smooth.

Step 3. Pour batter evenly into the six molds of the donut pan. If you have smaller donut pans it may make 7 donuts. Bake for 12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean (do not overbake).

baked vanilla protein donuts on a wire rack — *I doubled the recipe to make 12 donuts.

Step 4. Whisk the frosting ingredients together, stirring the milk and protein powder together first until smooth, then stirring in the cooled melted butter until a frosting consistency is achieved. If making the classic glaze, stir all ingredients together in a small bowl.

donut glaze stirred in a small gray bowl with a spoon

After donuts have cooled completely, brush, dunk, or drizzle with your glaze of choice.

Top with 1 tablespoon of your favorite cereal, mini chocolate chips, or another tasty topping, right before serving. Enjoy immediately. These donuts are best enjoyed freshly baked. Lean muscle fuel never tasted so good!

protein donuts on a cooling rack coated in glaze and sprinkled with fruity pebbles

Protein Donut Tips

I used Quest's Vanilla milkshake whey protein powder in my donut and frosting recipe with great results. Quest protein powders work well in baked goods because they are made with a casein and isolate blend. Protein powders differ in baked goods. Whey isolate will dry out a recipe, so a casein/isolate blend or a whey protein concentrate will yield the best results. Just remember, if you switch up the ingredients it will change the nutrient profile. A tablespoon of the Fruity Pebbles cereal adds 8 calories and 2 carbs to each donut. Feel free to sub the cereal with mini chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, crumbled mini heath bars, coconut, sprinkles, or any other epic dessert topping. Make your own tasty version.

side view of protein donuts glazed and sprinkled with fruity cereal on a rack

Baking Tips

A good non-stick pan is essential for making great baked donuts. I love the Wilton Perfect Results Non-Stick Steel Donut Pan. I never have issues with sticking using this pan and they pop out quickly and easily. I used silicone pans for a while, but they tend to hold onto odors and it was affecting the taste of my baked goods. I've switched back to steel and really happy with the results. My donuts come out looking like this...

holding up a baked donut that did not stick to the pan

I also recommend using a good non-stick baking spray, like Baker's Joy. It already has a little flour in the spray for easy release. Works like a charm every. single. time.

Storing & Freezing

Only glaze donuts and add topping if eating right away. After they have cooled, you can store the extra unglazed donuts in a sealed container in the freezer. Pop in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm, brush with glaze, then add your toppings. The classic glaze will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The protein frosting is best prepared fresh. Storing is not recommended.

More Protein-Packed Recipes

Blueberry Protein Donuts

Strawberry Protein Donuts

Sweet Potato Protein Muffins

If you love this protein donut recipe I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!

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a vanilla protein donut with glaze and fruity cereal on a cooling rack

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Amee Livingston

Hi, I'm Amee and I'm completely obsessed with all things fitness, recipe makeovers, and creating tasty, time-saving, recipes. Born and raised in South Carolina, I have a deep love for southern food culture. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Cancer Exercise Specialist, recipe developer, and freelance content creator. I believe that anyone can be an amazing home cook, and there's nothing better than family time around the table!