Introduction to Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts
Let me tell you, life can get crazy. Between juggling work, family, and a million to-do list items, finding time to whip up a delightful treat is often the last thing on my mind. That’s why I adore these Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts! They’re not just a treat; they’re a quick solution for a hectic day. Packed with protein and bursting with the sweet goodness of berries, they make the perfect healthy indulgence. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy morning or treating your loved ones, these doughnuts won’t leave you feeling guilty at all!
Why You’ll Love This Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts
These Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike! They’re incredibly easy to make and bake up in just 30 minutes. Imagine indulging in a treat that’s not only delicious but also filled with protein and nutrients. Plus, the irresistible aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll love how guilt-free and satisfying these doughnuts are!
Ingredients for Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts
Getting your ingredients together is the first step toward creating these delightful Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The base of your doughnuts that gives them structure and a delightful texture.
- Vanilla protein powder: This not only boosts protein but also adds a rich vanilla flavor. Choose whey or plant-based, based on your preference.
- Granulated sugar or coconut sugar: Sweetness is essential! Coconut sugar is a lovely alternative if you want a more caramel-like flavor.
- Baking powder: This helps our doughnuts rise and become fluffy. A key player for that bakery texture!
- Ground cinnamon: Adding warmth and spice, cinnamon makes these doughnuts taste cozy and indulgent.
- Baking soda: Another leavening agent that ensures our doughnuts don’t turn dense. It works in harmony with the baking powder.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall sweetness and balances out the flavors!
- Eggs: These are our binding agents, giving the doughnuts moisture and richness.
- Unsweetened Greek yogurt: Creamy and packed with protein, it gives these doughnuts their deliciously moist texture while reducing the need for oil.
- Unsweetened applesauce: A fantastic natural sweetener and a great way to cut down on fat. Plus, it adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Milk of choice: You can use dairy or non-dairy. Just helps to create that dreamy batter consistency!
- Melted coconut oil or unsalted butter: Either will enrich the doughnuts, adding moisture and flavor. Coconut oil gives a hint of tropical goodness!
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the dessert-like taste. Vanilla is always a classic choice!
- Mixed berries: Fresh or frozen, they allow for bursts of fruity goodness in every bite. Feel free to pick your favorites!
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon for topping: A simple mixture that adds a lovely sweet-crunch to the finished product.
- Melted butter for brushing: Gives a beautiful glaze to the doughnuts and helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere.
You can find the exact measurements at the bottom of this article, where they’re clearly laid out for you. Happy baking!
How to Make Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheating the oven is crucial for our Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts. It ensures even baking and perfectly fluffy results. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, give a gentle greasing to your nonstick doughnut pan. This way, our treats will slide right out with ease!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to combine our dry ingredients. Start with the all-purpose flour, protein powder, and sugars—whether you choose granulated or coconut sugar, they both work wonderfully. Next, add the baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and just a touch of salt. Whisk everything together until the mix looks uniform. This step is key for making sure every bite of your doughnut is deliciously flavored. Trust me; nobody wants a clump of salt!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy. Then, stir in the Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, and milk until you have a smooth blend. The melted coconut oil or butter goes in next, followed by that heavenly splash of vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients creates a creamy base. It will contribute to the moist texture that makes these doughnuts so irresistible. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra vanilla goodness?
Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry together! Pour the creamy mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or spoon, gently stir until combined. But here’s the catch: avoid overmixing! A few lumps are perfectly fine. This helps keep those doughnuts light and fluffy—just what we want for our Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts!
Step 5: Incorporate Berries
Next, let’s fold in the mixed berries. Be careful here; gently fold them into the batter, using a spatula. We want to distribute the berries without breaking them. These little gems bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Can you imagine biting into one of these doughnuts and experiencing that sweet berry surprise?
Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan
Grab a spoon and start filling your prepared doughnut pan. Aim to fill each cavity about three-quarters full. This will allow them to rise beautifully without overflowing. If you have a piping bag, it works wonderfully for a mess-free fill. Just make sure to leave some room for the doughnuts to grow!
Step 7: Bake the Doughnuts
It’s time to pop the pan into the oven! Set your timer for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into a doughnut; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Your kitchen will be filled with that amazing cinnamon aroma, making it hard to wait!
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the doughnuts cool for about 5 minutes. This step is essential for easy removal. Then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. While they’re still warm, use a pastry brush to coat them with melted butter. Finally, sprinkle or dip them into a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This adds that sweet, crunchy finish that makes these Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts irresistible!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for a better blend. Take eggs and yogurt out in advance.
- Mix batter gently to keep it light and fluffy—overmixing leads to dense doughnuts.
- Experiment with different berries based on what’s fresh or in season.
- For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container to keep them moist.
Equipment Needed
- Doughnut pan: A nonstick pan works best. If unavailable, use muffin tins for similar results.
- Mixing bowls: Keep two sizes handy—one for dry and one for wet ingredients.
- Whisk and spatula: Essential for mixing and folding, making your life easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements will lead to delicious results!
Variations of Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of mini dark chocolate chips for a delicious twist. They bring a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the berries.
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate some zest from an orange or lemon into the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens up the doughnuts.
- Nuts for Crunch: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the berries beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to suit dietary needs while keeping the deliciousness intact.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or oat milk, and opt for dairy-free yogurt as substitutes to make these doughnuts totally dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts with a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea for a delightful morning treat.
- Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to add a burst of color and flavor to your breakfast table.
- For a special touch, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.
- Consider presenting them on a beautiful platter, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for that elegant touch.
FAQs about Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts
As a passionate home cook, I often get questions about baking and recipe adjustments. Here are some common inquiries I’ve encountered about these Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts:
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to gently fold them in while still frozen to prevent the batter from turning purple.
How do I store leftovers?
These delicious doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them and then reheating as needed!
Can I substitute the protein powder?
You sure can! While I recommend using vanilla protein powder for flavor, you can swap it for another flavor or leave it out entirely. Just adjust the flour slightly to maintain the consistency.
What other flavors can I add?
The world of flavor possibilities is wide open! You can mix in different spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth, or even add some cocoa powder for a chocolatey version. The choice is yours!
Are these doughnuts suitable for kids?
They totally are! Packed with protein and nutrients, these doughnuts serve as a healthier treat for kids. They won’t feel guilty indulging, and you can feel good about serving them!
Final Thoughts
Making these Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts has been nothing short of a delightful experience for me. The joy of biting into a warm, fluffy doughnut that bursts with berries is simply unmatched. More than just a treat, this recipe provides a healthier indulgence that keeps me energized throughout my busy day. As I share these doughnuts with my family, I can see their faces light up with happiness. There’s something beautifully rewarding about creating healthy versions of our favorites. I hope you enjoy baking—and savoring—these doughnuts as much as I do! Happy baking, friends!
Print
Protein Cinnamon Berry Doughnuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and nutritious protein-packed doughnuts infused with cinnamon and berries, perfect as a healthy indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a nonstick doughnut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, protein powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs. Add Greek yogurt, applesauce, milk, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and homogeneous.
- Pour wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or spoon, gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Carefully fold mixed berries into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Spoon batter into prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean.
- Remove pan from oven and allow doughnuts to cool for 5 minutes. Transfer doughnuts to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- While doughnuts are slightly warm, use a pastry brush to coat each with melted butter, then sprinkle or dip into cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Keep the doughnuts stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of berries based on personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
