Healthy Cinnamon Sugar Protein Donuts (Paleo)

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These cinnamon sugar protein donuts are made with almond flour and protein powder, sweetened with coconut sugar and topped with cinnamon sugar. They're healthier than your average donut since they're baked instead of fried and made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are gluten free, dairy free and paleo friendly.

Freshly baked protein donuts coated in cinnamon sugar.

I've been on a protein donut kick lately with my gluten free protein donuts and chocolate protein donuts (both of which are amazing)!

Forgoing the chocolate this time, I opted for these delicious cinnamon protein donuts. They're moist and tender, with a sweet cinnamon sugar flavor. These protein donuts are made with a mixture of almond flour, tapioca starch and hemp protein powder and sweetened with coconut sugar.

Rather than fried, these protein donuts are baked in the oven using a donut pan. The fact that they're baked, packed with protein and made with just a handful of simple ingredients makes them a healthy donut option the whole family will love.

Why You'll Love these Protein Donuts

gluten free and grain free - made with almond flour, tapioca starch and protein powder
dairy free - no milk or butter in this homemade donut recipe
baked - these donuts are baked instead of fried
paleo friendly - made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about eating

Ingredients

The full recipe for these cinnamon sugar protein donuts can be found in the recipe card below, but here's a list of what you'll need:

blanched almond flour - these donuts are made with almond flour, but if you need them to be nut free, tigernut flour would be a great option.
protein powder - I have tested this recipe with hemp protein powder and pumpkin seed protein powder; both are great for this recipe.
tapioca starch - this is required to achieve the proper donut texture. The best substitute is arrowroot starch.
coconut sugar - for both the donuts and the topping.
cinnamon - for both the donuts and the topping.
baking soda - for the rise
salt - enhances the flavors
large eggs - binds the ingredients. I have not tested an egg substitute, but if you do, then let me know how the donuts turn out in the comment section below.
yogurt - I used dairy free coconut yogurt, but any type of yogurt will work for this recipe.
vanilla extract - added for flavor
avocado oil - after baking, I brush the donuts with avocado oil so that the cinnamon sugar topping sticks. Any neutral flavored liquid oil or spray will work.

Ingredients in cinnamon sugar protein donuts.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Protein Donuts

The batter for these donuts is made in one bowl, poured into a donut pan (I recommend silicone donut molds), and then baked in the oven. Here are the steps:

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease 7 slots of a donut pan. (I used avocado oil.)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry donut ingredients.

Mix in the wet ingredients and whisk the batter until it has a smooth, even consistency.

Batter in greased donut pans, ready to bake.

Pour the batter into your greased donut pan, filling each slot just below the rim.

Place the donuts in your oven and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

After baking, let the donuts cool in the mold for 10 minutes before removing them. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, slightly larger than the donuts, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the topping.
Brush the tops of the donuts with avocado oil, then dip them in the cinnamon sugar topping.

Bite of a donut to show the inside texture.

Tips and Tricks

Measure ingredients by weight - although I give measurements by volume, it's best to measure the flours by weight. This ensures accuracy and will result in a better end product.
Use one of the recommended protein powders - I have tested these donut with hemp protein and pumpkin seed protein. If you choose to use another type of protein powder, you may not get desirable results.
Bake the donuts in a silicone mold - silicone molds are great because they make it easy to remove the donuts once they have cooled.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or the fridge up to 5 days. For longer storage, place the donuts in a plastic bag, separating each donut with a piece of parchment paper and freeze for up to one month.

FAQ

How can I make these protein donuts nut free?

To make these donuts nut free, swap the almond flour for tigernut flour.

Can I use any type of protein powder?

I have only tested these donuts with hemp protein powder and pumpkin seed protein powder. While other protein powders may work, I cannot guarantee results.

Looking for more healthy, baked donut recipes? Check these out: