Fudge Brownie Donuts with Chocolate Frosting
These fudgy Brownie Donuts are a baked donut that is moist and delicious. Each bite is filled with a decadent chocolate flavor, especially with the chocolate coating on top.
They can be made gluten-free friendly, are easy to make and perfect for the chocolate lover!
These donuts are for the chocolate lover. They’re rich, indulgent and incredibly tasty.
One of the best parts of this recipe is that they are easy to make and actually use healthier ingredients than a typical donut.
It adds protein powder to keep you full and satisfied for a long period of time.
Whether you’re enjoying these donuts for a sweet breakfast or dessert, you will not be disappointed.
Ingredient Notes
- Gluten Free Flour or Regular All Purpose Flour – Both kinds of flours will work in this recipe. However, I don’t recommend using any other type of flour.
- Cocoa Powder – I use an unsweetened cocoa powder, however, any type will work.
- Chocolate Protein Powder – A vegan protein powder usually works best in any baking recipe instead of a whey protein powder.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents used in cake-style donuts to make them rise, resulting in a dense, soft, and fluffy texture.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil is a great alternative to vegetable oil for making baked donuts, adding a delicate, fruity flavor and a moist texture. However, you wouldn’t want to use it for fried donuts.
- Egg – Eggs add moisture to the dough, which prevents the final product from becoming dry and crumbly.
- Milk – Milk adds moisture and richness, helping to create the dense, tender, and “cakey” crumb that is characteristic of cake donuts.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – It is not used as a primary flavoring but is included for its chemical reaction with baking soda, which helps with leavening, moisture, and texture.
- Chocolate Chips – Used for the chocolate glaze on top of the donuts
- Coconut Oil – Mixed with the chocolate to create a thin and glossy chocolate glaze
What is the best protein powder to use?
When I use protein powder in baking, I always prefer to use a vegan option. This is because a whey protein powder will dry out the baked good.
In this recipe, I used Orgain’s Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder. It adds extra chocolate flavor to the batter while also fueling your body with extra protein.
The protein helps to balance out the carbs and sugar in this recipe. This leaves you feeling satisfied and fueling your body while satisfying your chocolate cravings!
How to Make Brownie Donuts with Chocolate Frosting
The full-detailed instructions are written out in the recipe card below. Use these images to help guide you as needed when following the directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
I use a regular all purpose flour for this recipe. However, you can also use a gluten-free all purpose flour if needed. They both come out delicious!
Substitute the protein powder with 1/3 cup of flour and 1 tbsp cocoa powder.
Yes, you can use any neutral oil at a 1:1 ratio.
The donuts are done baking when they have risen and a toothpick comes out clean. You want to make sure the donuts don’t overbake as they will dry out.
Nope! These are just as delicious plain as they are with the silky and rich chocolate frosting.
Store at room temperature for 2 days in a sealed container or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
There are 10 grams of protein in each donut!
Brownie Donuts with Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil, or other neutral oil
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup gluten free flour, or regular all purpose flour
- 2 servings vegan chocolate protein powder, should be about 1/2 cup
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Chocolate Frosting
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
- 1 tsp coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
- Start by mixing together the milk and apple cider vinegar, set aside
- Combine the granulated sugar, olive oil and milk mixture together in a large mixing bowl
- Once combined, fold in the cocoa powder and other dry ingredients
- Make sure to not overmix the batter then transfer it to a piping bag. You can use a ziploc bag and cut the corner as well
- Pipe the batter into the donut pan until all the donut molds are filled
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until donuts have risen and a toothpick comes out clean
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack
- While the donuts are cooling, let's make the chocolate frosting!
- Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small mixing bowl
- Heat for 30 seconds and stir. The chocolate will need some more time to melt, do an additional 10 seconds until it reaches a silky and smooth consistency
- Once the chocolate frosting is complete, dip the donuts into the glaze or drizzle it on top
- Top with sprinkles, flaky sea salt or anything else your heart desires
- Enjoy!