Sometimes you just need a sweet, salty treat to start your day. These Maple Bacon Protein Donuts give you that bakery flavor right at home.
They are light, fluffy, and packed with staying power. You can feel good about serving these to your family. This recipe is a great way to make breakfast feel special without the sugar crash.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These donuts are a winner because they balance protein with incredible taste. They are perfect for meal prep during busy back-to-school weeks. Your kids will think they are getting a dessert for breakfast.
You will love that they are baked, not fried. This keeps your kitchen clean and your heart happy. It is a cozy, comfort food choice for crisp fall mornings.
How These Maple Bacon Protein Donuts Come Together
Making these is much simpler than you might think. You just whisk your dry ingredients and fold in the wet ones. There is no messy frying or oil involved here.
A simple donut pan does all the hard work for you. Even beginners can master this recipe on their first try. The sweet maple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge. They combine for a nutrient-dense breakfast that tastes like a treat.
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 scoops (60g) vanilla whey protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp maple extract
- 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol
- 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 4 slices cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and coat a six-cavity donut pan with non-stick spray.
- Whisk together oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt in a primary mixing bowl.
- Combine applesauce, egg, 1/4 cup maple syrup, maple extract, and Greek yogurt in a secondary bowl until homogenous.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and distribute evenly into the donut pan cavities.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts are springy to the touch.
- Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk the powdered erythritol, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and almond milk to create a smooth glaze.
- Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze and immediately garnish with crumbled bacon bits.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm with a hot cup of coffee. They also pair beautifully with a side of fresh berries. For a fun weekend brunch, set out extra bacon bits.
Your guests will love the sweet and salty combination. Set the table, pour some juice, and enjoy a slow morning. These are also great for a quick post-workout snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze them for a quick grab-and-go snack.
To reheat, just pop one in the microwave for 15 seconds. This keeps the texture tender and soft. It is the best way to keep them tasting fresh.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the maple extract for that deep, rich flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the donuts from getting tough.
- Use a piping bag to fill the pan cavities easily and cleanly.
- Make sure the donuts are completely cool before adding the glaze.
- For a fall harvest party, serve these alongside warm apple cider.
- Upgrade the topping by using thick-cut, maple-smoked bacon.
- Check your protein powder label to ensure it is gluten-free if needed.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the bacon for chopped pecans for a vegetarian version.
- Use turkey bacon to lower the fat content even more.
- Try chocolate protein powder for a different flavor profile.
- Swap maple syrup for honey if you want a milder sweetness.
Common Questions
Can I use a different protein powder?
Yes, but whey-casein blends usually bake the best. Pure whey can sometimes make baked goods a bit dry.
How do I know when they are done?
They should spring back when you touch the top lightly. You can also use a toothpick to check the center.
Will kids really eat these?
Absolutely, the maple glaze and bacon are huge hits with picky eaters. They won’t even know they are eating protein-packed treats.
I hope these donuts bring a little sweetness to your busy mornings. They are such a fun way to start the day with your family. Happy baking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 scoops (60g) vanilla whey protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sal t
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large eg g
- 1/4 cup sugar -free maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp maple extract
- 1/4 cup non -fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol
- 2 tbsp sugar -free maple syrup (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 4 slices cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and coat a six-cavity donut pan with non-stick spray.
- Whisk together oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt in a primary mixing bowl.
- Combine applesauce, egg, 1/4 cup maple syrup, maple extract, and Greek yogurt in a secondary bowl until homogenous.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and distribute evenly into the donut pan cavities.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts are springy to the touch.
- Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk the powdered erythritol, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and almond milk to create a smooth glaze.
- Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze and immediately garnish with crumbled bacon bits.
