These healthy, low-carb fried vanilla protein donuts make the perfect breakfast or dessert. I have made donuts once before. My Dairy Gluten Free Protein Donuts are amazing. They are cake donuts, so they weren't fried. I decided I wanted to take it a step further. These donuts are low-carb, dairy-free, gluten-free, and are fried in coconut oil.
If you check out the macros on this recipe you will notice it appears to be high in fat for just 1 protein donut. 9 grams of the fat come from the coconut oil. According to WebMD, coconut oil’s saturated fat is made up mostly of medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs. Your body handles them differently than the longer-chain fats in liquid vegetable oils, dairy, and fatty meats. Studies suggest the MCT-saturated fat in coconut could boost your HDL or “good” cholesterol. This makes it less bad for your heart health than the saturated fat in animal-based foods like cheese and steak or products containing trans fats.
LDL "bad cholesterol": forms plaque that blocks the arteries
HDL "good cholesterol": removes the LDL
In summary, coconut oil appears high in saturated fat, but this fat is vastly different from the saturated fat found in food that is not good for the body.
I was able to keep the carb count low in this recipe by using coconut flour instead of standard flour. Coconut and almond flours are great substitutes for recipes that call for flour. Most oils are free of carbs. Frying these donuts does not add additional carbs.
Table of Contents
Healthy Low-Carb Vanilla Protein Donuts
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Equipment
Ingredients
Donuts
- ⅓ cup coconut flour
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 20-28 grams
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons sweetener
- 2 egg whites
- 1 egg
- t teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 tablespoon powdered sweetener
- 1-2 cups coconut oil enough to fill the skillet and coat one side of the donuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Spray a donut pan with cooking spray.
- Whisk the egg and egg whites together. Add the almond milk, applesauce, vanilla extract, and stir.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients, then add to the wet ingredients.
- Spoon the batter into the donut molds. Bake for 23-25 minutes.
- Allow the donuts to cool and then remove from the molds.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil to the pan. Allow the oil to become hot, about 2 minutes.
- Add the donuts to the skillet and fry on each side for about 20-30 seconds.
- Remove the donuts from the skillet and top with powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Platter Talk says
What a great idea! Healthy donuts. These look absolutely delicious.
staysnatched says
Thanks so much. I saw yours and thy look incredible!
Gillian Thompson says
These look very interesting indeed, and hardly any prep time. I'll save this to my doughnut pinterest board for later.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I hope you enjoy them. Yes, they are very easy to make.
valentina says
OMG you so had me at "breakfast dessert!" My favorite type of meal! Love these!
staysnatched says
Also my favorite type of meal 🙂
Sara | Belly Rumbles says
I had no idea that your body processed coconut oil differently to other fats. I knew it was supposedly better for you, but I had no idea how. I like the idea of being able to have a fried treat once in a while and know that it is a healthy one. Your donuts look amazing.
staysnatched says
Thank you! Coconut oil has so many health benefits. It's great for the skin as well.
Julia says
Nice video! I also like using apple sauce in my baking, use it instead of eggs and oil. I definitely need to buy a donut pan soon.
staysnatched says
I may need to try using a little more applesauce in place of eggs. I've discovered it as a great substitute for oil, but I think you're onto something. I could create more vegan recipes without eggs.
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
LOVE your photos, love the video, and I'm drooling over these doughnuts!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
9 grams of protein in a donut?! Love it! They look delicious too!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
Love the addition of protein powder. This will keep you fuller longer
Mary says
I love the idea of a healthier donut! Makes a higher protein diet more accessible!
Amber Bennett says
You had me at doughnuts - protein was the icing on the cake! ☺️
Laura says
So, is there something I could substitute for the protein powder? I have someone who has been put on a strict protein limitation in my house, would love to make these, but was wondering if I could substitute something else and still retain the vanilla flavor?
Laura says
Or would you think I could just eliminate it, and the vanilla extract should be enough?
staysnatched says
Hi Laura! Try eliminating the protein powder and using Vanilla Almond Milk instead of Unsweetened Almond Milk.
Kolina says
How much apple sauce ?
staysnatched says
2 tablespoons