If you are searching for a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, look no further than the Protein Donuts with Banana and Chocolate Nut Butter Glaze Recipe. These baked donuts boast a soft, cakey, and fluffy texture enhanced by the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Topped with a luscious chocolate nut butter glaze, this recipe combines wholesome, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients to create a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Each bite is an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures that will make you forget these donuts are packed with protein, making them a fantastic choice for breakfast, snack time, or a guilt-free dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay of seven small white and black bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients: one bowl contains beige chopped or mashed bananas, another has a light brown smooth liquid, a third bowl holds a golden syrupy liquid, a fourth bowl is filled with a powdery off-white flour, and the fifth bowl contains a crumbly, pale yellow mixture. Nearby, a single brown egg, a small glass of white milk, and a small white dish with a reddish-brown spice sit on a dark gray cloth. The scene is bright and softly lit, with a clean and simple style. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to achieving that perfect balance of taste and texture in these protein donuts. Each component plays a crucial role—whether adding moisture, depth of flavor, or structural integrity—making this recipe straightforward but impressive.

Almond flour: Provides a moist and tender crumb with a subtle nutty flavor.
Buckwheat flour: Adds earthiness and helps maintain a fluffy donut texture, while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
Vanilla protein powder (dairy-free, gluten-free): Enhances the protein content and lends a delightful hint of vanilla.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for lightness and rise.
Ground cinnamon: Offers warm spice undertones that pair beautifully with banana.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out all the flavors.
Mashed banana: Naturally sweet and moisture-rich, binding the dough lovingly.
Natural smooth peanut butter: Adds creamy richness and depth, split between the batter and the glaze.
Honey: Provides a subtle floral sweetness and helps keep the donuts tender.
Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the batter moist without overpowering flavors.
Large egg: Binds ingredients for structure and stability in the final donuts.
Dark chocolate chips (dairy-free): Melts into a decadent glaze with the nut butter for topping.
Chopped raw peanuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and visual appeal to finish.

How to Make Protein Donuts with Banana and Chocolate Nut Butter Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 12-cavity mini donut pan. This step ensures your donuts will release easily after baking without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, buckwheat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. This blend creates the wholesome base of your donuts, distributing the leavening and spices evenly for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the natural smooth peanut butter (half a cup), honey, unsweetened almond milk, and the large egg, whisking until you have a well-combined, smooth mixture. The bananas provide sweetness and moisture while peanut butter adds richness to this blend.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until everything is incorporated into a thick batter. The batter’s thickness contributes to the cake-like feel of the donuts, so don’t be tempted to thin it out too much.

Step 5: Bake Your Donuts

Fill each cavity of the donut pan with the batter using a spoon or piping bag for neatness. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking these at 350°F ensures even cooking and a perfect rise without drying out the donuts.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare the Glaze

After baking, let your donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, place the dark chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in two 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy—this will be your irresistible glaze.

Step 7: Glaze and Garnish

Dip the top of each cooled donut into the chocolate nut butter glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then return them to the wire rack. Generously sprinkle chopped raw peanuts on top for an added crunchy texture that complements the creamy glaze perfectly.

How to Serve Protein Donuts with Banana and Chocolate Nut Butter Glaze Recipe

A pile of nine round baked donuts with a medium brown color and a slightly rough texture sits on a black cooling rack. The donuts have a small hole in the center and appear thick with a crunchy outside. The black rack rests on a white marbled surface that has small pieces of nuts scattered near the top right corner. A wooden cutting board is partially visible in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider additional toppings to elevate your donuts’ appearance and flavor. A light dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of extra peanut butter, or even some fresh banana slices can add a lovely visual contrast and extra flavor bursts. Chopped peanuts add both crunch and an inviting rustic look.

Side Dishes

These protein donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy almond milk latte for a fulfilling breakfast or afternoon snack. For something refreshing, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a simple green smoothie to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Protein Donuts with Banana and Chocolate Nut Butter Glaze Recipe into a centerpiece by arranging them on a tiered cake stand for brunch parties or celebrations. Wrap individual donuts in parchment paper tied with twine for thoughtful grab-and-go gifts, or stack them artistically on a vibrant platter to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The glaze will firm up nicely, holding its shape and flavors, while the donuts stay moist and fresh. They are best enjoyed within 6 to 7 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these donuts over a longer period, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps them fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing or dipping.

Reheating

To revive the warm, fresh-baked feel, gently microwave a donut for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out. If glazed, microwaving might soften the chocolate, so a brief toaster oven warm-up without the glaze can work well before dipping or adding fresh glaze.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can be excellent substitutes. Just keep in mind some nut butters are more runny or stronger in flavor, which may slightly alter the glaze texture or taste.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This particular version uses an egg and honey, which are not vegan. However, you could swap the egg for a flax or chia egg and replace honey with maple syrup to make this recipe vegan-friendly while keeping delicious flavors intact.

What protein powder works best for these donuts?

A vanilla-flavored, dairy-free, and gluten-free protein powder works best to complement the banana and cinnamon flavors without overpowering. Pea protein or plant-based blends often yield the fluffiest texture.

Can I make these donuts without protein powder?

While the protein powder contributes to texture and added protein, you can omit it and compensate by slightly increasing the almond or buckwheat flour. Keep in mind the donuts may be less protein-rich and slightly denser.

How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges will also pull away slightly from the pan for a perfect bake.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you embrace the joy of making and savoring this Protein Donuts with Banana and Chocolate Nut Butter Glaze Recipe. It’s a warm hug of sweetness and nourishment that feels like a special treat but fuels your day like a power snack. Once you try these donuts, they might just become your go-to for weekend breakfasts, post-workout refuel, or anytime you want a little wholesome indulgence. Happy baking and even happier eating!