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Apple Cider Donuts with Protein

By Holly Darnell, RD

September 20, 2024

Fall is a magical time of year, with a slight crisp in the air, leaves starting to turn colors and … apple cider donuts, of course!

Now, the average apple cider donut, even the lovely ones at the farmer's market, isn't exactly full of healthy ingredients. We at Ancient Nutrition, however, want to give you some of these seasonal treats that you can feel good eating. Here's an apple cider donut recipe with protein and that's delicious!

Apple Cider Donut Ingredients

Bone Broth Protein

Bone Broth Protein is a nourishing, concentrated bone broth that is 3x as potent as homemade broth and makes it easy to get healthy gut, joint and inflammation support. It also is a very workable protein powder for recipes like apple cider donuts. (Similarly, you can also use Ancient Nutrition's vanilla bean whey protein in this recipe.)

Butter

People are often terrified of saturated fat, but when saturated fat is obtained from healthy sources in moderation, like grass-fed butter and coconut oil, it provides the body much-needed fuel. (Also try our Salted Caramel Blondies that use butter and Bone Broth Protein.)

Coconut sugar

Okay, it's not that different than regular sugar but does have more flavor along with some trace nutrients.

Sour cream

Sour cream is an underrated donut ingredient, as it imparts a great flavor and texture. You can use vegan sour cream as well.

Apple cider

It's full of antioxidants and superior to plain ole apple juice, which many brands add sugar or corn syup to (yuck!). Pick some up at the market or make your own apple cider (our recipe uses apple cider vinegar, too, so it's good for your gut) to be used in the glaze for these donuts.

Paleo flour

While you can use almost any flour, a so-called Paleo flour will provide more nutrients, including protein. You can also make your own by mixing 1½ cups almond flour, 1 cup arrowroot flour, 1 cup coconut flour and ½ cup tapioca flour in a bowl. Put in an airtight container and store in a dry place until ready to use.

Egg

Just like a pancake, one egg can go a long way for this recipe, providing some lift along with healthy fats.

Other ingredients

Speaking of pancakes, this recipe also calls for baking powder and baking soda to make sure each donut rises properly. Sea salt and vanilla extract are also included to help create a balanced flavor.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

First, before you make these apple cider donuts with protein, decide whether or not you want to apply the glaze. It does give them a nice and extra sweetness, but will also add some calories and sugar grams. (See the nutritional information below.) No judgement from us!

Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly grease a donut pan with coconut oil cooking spray. Don't have a donut pan? You can use a muffin tin and some aluminum foil to makeshift it.

Next reduce the apple cider by simmering in a small saucepan over low heat until left with just three-fourths of a cup. Stir occasionally. Start checking the cider around 10–15 minutes, and continue simmering until you have ¾ cup. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, coconut sugar, egg and vanilla. Whisk to combine.

In a separate medium bowl, add in the flour mixture (see above), Bone Broth Protein Pure (or vanilla whey protein), sea salt, baking powder and baking soda.

Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients and then add in cooled apple cider. Whisk until combined.

Spoon the batter into the donut pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to continue cooling.

While the donuts are cooling, you can optionally make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, coconut sugar and apple cider until combined. Dip donut in the glaze and allow to set.

Leftovers can be kept well covered at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Other Donut Recipes

• Chocolate protein donuts

• Blueberry donut holes

• Double chocolate collagen donuts

• Matcha donuts

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.