These Birthday Cake Protein Donuts are a fun and festive way to enjoy a sweet treat while staying on track with your health goals. Flavored with cake batter extract and studded with colorful sprinkles, these donuts are packed with protein and baked to fluffy perfection — perfect for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with clean protein and made with wholesome ingredients
Soft, cakey texture with a fun birthday cake flavor
Made with oat flour for added fiber and whole grains
Baked, not fried — a healthier alternative to traditional donuts
Sweetened naturally and customizable to your dietary needs
Great for meal prep or quick snacks
Simple ingredients and minimal prep time
Kid-approved and adult-friendly
Easily adapted to gluten-free diets
No need for special toppings — just sprinkles and glaze

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the donuts:

Vanilla protein powder
Baking powder
Salt
Sprinkles
Oat flour
Egg
Vanilla almond milk
Plain yogurt
Cake batter extract

For the glaze:

Vanilla yogurt
Vanilla protein powder
Vanilla almond milk
Sprinkles (for topping)

directions

Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or oil.
Mix dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla protein powder, baking powder, salt, sprinkles, and oat flour until well combined.
Add wet ingredients
Add the egg, almond milk, yogurt, and cake batter extract to the bowl. Mix with a hand mixer on high speed until the batter is smooth.
Pipe the batter
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with the tip snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan molds.
Bake
Bake the donuts for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze
In a bowl, combine the vanilla yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and a splash of almond milk. Whisk until smooth. Adjust sweetener if desired.
Glaze the donuts
Dip each cooled donut into the glaze. Top with additional sprinkles for a festive finish.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 6–8 donuts
Prep Time: 13 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Variations

Use flavored yogurt: Swap in birthday cake or vanilla-flavored yogurt for even more cake flavor.
Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Vegan version: Use a flax egg, plant-based yogurt, and dairy-free protein powder.
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oat flour.
Low-carb alternative: Swap oat flour for a lower-carb flour blend if preferred.

storage/reheating

Storage: Keep glazed donuts in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Reheating: Briefly warm unglazed donuts in the microwave for 10–12 seconds if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used in place of oat flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Oat flour provides a softer, more tender crumb.

2. What if I don’t have cake batter extract?

Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute, though it won’t have the same distinctive birthday cake flavor.

3. Are these donuts gluten-free?

They can be if you use certified gluten-free oat flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes. Vanilla whey or plant-based protein powders work, but textures may vary. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

5. How do I keep the glaze from being too runny?

Use only a small amount of milk and mix thoroughly. If it’s still too thin, add a bit more protein powder or yogurt to thicken.

6. Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The donuts are flavorful enough on their own, but the glaze adds moisture and extra sweetness.

7. What can I substitute for almond milk?

Any milk (dairy or non-dairy) can be used, including oat, soy, or cow’s milk.

8. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well and adds even more protein. Just note that the batter may be slightly thicker.

9. Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan is best for this recipe. If unavailable, use a muffin pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

10. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. These donuts keep well in the fridge and are great for prepping breakfast or snacks for the week.

Conclusion

These Birthday Cake Protein Donuts bring the party to your plate with bright flavor, festive sprinkles, and a surprisingly nutritious profile. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert, post-workout treat, or a fun weekend bake, these donuts check every box. Quick, easy, and packed with protein — this is one sweet recipe you’ll want on repeat.