Caramel Mocha Protein Donuts

Caramel Mocha Protein Donuts are a nutritious, high-protein twist on a classic treat, delivering rich chocolate and coffee flavor with a hint of caramel drizzle—all at just 99 calories per donut. These soft, cake-style donuts are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a post-workout snack or a guilt-free breakfast option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Each donut packs 14 grams of protein, making it a satisfying, muscle-friendly snack.
• Low in Calories: At just 99 calories per donut, you can indulge without compromising your dietary goals.
• Easy and Quick: With only 13 minutes from start to finish, these are perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of coffee, cocoa, and caramel delivers a rich, mocha-inspired taste.
• Customizable: Add toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a pinch of sea salt to tailor them to your preferences.

Ingredients

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

Mocha Cake Donuts:

• Protein powder, vanilla flavor
• Coconut flour
• Confectioners sweetener (e.g., Swerve or other 0-calorie sweetener)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Large egg
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Brewed coffee, chilled

Mocha Icing:

• Brewed coffee, chilled
• Protein powder, vanilla flavor
• Confectioners sweetener
• Unsweetened cocoa powder

Caramel Drizzle:

• Walden Farms Caramel Syrup (or other low-calorie caramel syrup)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and spray a donut pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the dry donut ingredients: protein powder, coconut flour, sweetener, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
3. Add the egg, applesauce, and chilled coffee to the dry mixture. Stir until smooth and batter-like in texture.
4. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan. Smooth the tops and wipe away excess batter.
5. Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
6. While the donuts bake, mix together all icing ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
7. Allow the donuts to cool for 2–3 minutes before removing from the pan.
8. Dip the tops of the warm donuts into the icing or spoon it over the top.
9. Drizzle caramel syrup over the frosted donuts. Add optional sprinkles or toppings if desired.
10. Serve immediately or store for later.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 donuts
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes

Variations

• Fluffier Texture: Use an extra egg and omit the applesauce for a lighter crumb.
• Lower Protein Version: Reduce protein powder to 1.5 scoops and add 1 tablespoon of coconut flour to improve tenderness.
• Chocolate Caramel: Use chocolate protein powder for an extra rich base.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and reduce baking time to about 5 minutes.
• Vegan Option: Substitute egg with flax egg and use plant-based protein and syrup.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best results, reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften before serving. The icing may absorb slightly over time, so add a fresh drizzle before serving if desired.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla?

Yes, but reduce the cocoa powder slightly to balance the chocolate flavor.

How do I prevent the donuts from drying out?

Avoid overbaking, and consider adjusting the moisture level by adding an extra egg or reducing protein powder slightly.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes. Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge or microwave before serving.

What kind of protein powder works best?

A whey-casein blend is ideal for texture. Pure whey may result in a more rubbery donut.

Can I substitute the coconut flour?

Almond flour can be used, but you’ll need more of it (about 3x) as it absorbs less liquid than coconut flour.

Are these suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

They are lower in carbs, but not strictly keto due to the applesauce and coffee. Use substitutions as needed.

Can I make these without a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin instead, though the shape will differ. Adjust baking time as needed.

Is the caramel drizzle necessary?

No, but it adds flavor and moisture. You can skip it or use a sugar-free chocolate syrup instead.

How strong should the brewed coffee be?

Use chilled, medium to strong brewed coffee for the best mocha flavor.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Yes. Mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts can be folded into the batter for added texture.

Conclusion

Caramel Mocha Protein Donuts are a fast, flavorful, and fitness-friendly way to enjoy dessert or breakfast without the guilt. With their rich mocha flavor, soft texture, and protein-packed profile, they offer the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Whether you’re meal prepping or satisfying a sweet tooth, these donuts are a smart, satisfying choice.

Caramel Mocha Protein Donuts

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Caramel Mocha Protein Donuts are soft, low-calorie, high-protein donuts infused with chocolate and coffee flavors, topped with a mocha icing and drizzled with caramel syrup. Each donut packs 14g of protein and only 99 calories—perfect for a healthy, indulgent snack.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 6 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Mocha Cake Donuts:
• 2 scoops (64g) vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup (28g) coconut flour
• 2 tbsp Swerve Confectioners or 0-calorie sweetener
• 2 tbsp (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsweetened applesauce
• 4 tbsp (60g) brewed coffee, chilled
• Mocha Icing:
• 3 tbsp (45g) brewed coffee, chilled
• 1 scoop (32g) vanilla protein powder
• 1 tbsp Swerve Confectioners or 0-calorie sweetener
• 1 tbsp (5g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• Caramel Drizzle:
• 1–2 tbsp Walden Farms Caramel Syrup (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and spray a donut pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a bowl, mix all dry donut ingredients: protein powder, coconut flour, sweetener, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
3. Add the egg, applesauce, and chilled coffee. Stir until smooth and batter-like.
4. Spoon the batter into the donut pan, smoothing the tops and cleaning off any excess.
5. Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to avoid dryness.
6. While baking, mix all icing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
7. After baking, let donuts cool for 2–3 minutes, then remove them from the pan.
8. Dip donuts into icing or spoon icing over the top.
9. Drizzle caramel syrup over the iced donuts. Optionally, top with chocolate sprinkles.

Notes

• Don’t overbake—these donuts can dry out easily.
• For a fluffier texture, replace applesauce with another egg.
• To reduce calories further, use 1.5 scoops of protein powder and add 1 tbsp extra coconut flour for more tenderness.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 99
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg