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Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Donuts, with Vanilla Maple Glaze

By Julia Trigo

June 2, 2026

Soft, fluffy and perfectly spiced — these cozy donuts taste like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Made with wholesome ingredients and a touch of vanilla maple glaze for that extra sweetness (without the refined sugar), these donuts are also more balanced in their macros compared to the average donut. They’re also gluten-free.

Each bite is powered by Ancient Nutrition’s Vanilla Bean Whey Protein, adding a rich, creamy flavor and high-quality protein from grass-fed sources to help support lean muscle, satiety and recovery.

These nourishing yet indulgent cinnamon vanilla protein donuts are perfect for slow mornings, meal prep or a post-workout treat you’ll actually look forward to.

Key ingredients

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum): It provides the structural foundation of the donuts while making them suitable for those avoiding gluten. Depending on the blend, it may contain a variety of grains and starches that contribute carbohydrates for energy. This flour creates the main body and texture of the donuts. The added xanthan gum helps mimic gluten's elasticity, improving structure and preventing the donuts from becoming crumbly.

• Almond flour: It provides healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, and plant-based protein. Almond flour adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle nutty flavor while helping create a softer, richer crumb.

• Ancient Nutrition’s Vanilla Bean Whey Protein Powder: Whey protein delivers high-quality complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids, helping support muscle maintenance and satiety. The protein powder boosts the protein content of the donuts while adding vanilla flavor and contributing to their structure and texture.

• Ground cinnamon: It contains beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols and provides antioxidant activity. Cinnamon adds warmth, sweetness and the classic flavor profile that makes these donuts taste like a bakery-style cinnamon treat.

• Eggs: They provide high-quality protein, healthy fats, choline and essential vitamins and minerals. Eggs act as a binder, helping hold the ingredients together while contributing moisture, richness and structure.

• Melted coconut oil: It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be used by the body as a quick source of energy. Coconut oil adds moisture and tenderness, helping create a soft, cake-like texture while preventing the donuts from drying out.

• Pure maple syrup: It provides natural sweetness along with small amounts of minerals such as manganese and zinc. Maple syrup sweetens the donuts while adding moisture and helping create a soft texture and lightly caramelized flavor.

• Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Milk may contribute protein, calcium and other nutrients depending on the variety used. It helps bring the batter together, creating a smooth consistency while contributing moisture to the finished donuts.

• Maple butter: It’s made from concentrated maple syrup and provides natural sweetness along with trace minerals. Used as a topping or glaze, maple butter adds rich maple flavor and a smooth, creamy finish that elevates the donuts.

• Vanilla bean pod (seeds scraped): Vanilla beans contribute small amounts of beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants. The seeds add authentic vanilla flavor and the signature speckled appearance that gives the glaze a gourmet, bakery-style look.

How to make protein donuts

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a silicone donut pan with coconut oil. Preparing the pan beforehand helps ensure the donuts release easily after baking and develop an even shape.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the batter.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. This mixture provides the moisture, sweetness, and richness that help create a soft, tender donut.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the final texture. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut molds, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for the donuts to rise while baking.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the maple butter until it becomes soft and pourable. Stir in the vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated, creating a rich and flavorful maple vanilla glaze.

Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over each donut. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. The result is a batch of soft, protein-packed cinnamon vanilla donuts with a sweet maple vanilla finish.

Julia Trigo, who runs delight-fuel, is a vocationally trained cook from Austria, food nerd and lover of fitness. Her goal is to help people achieve complete health and well-being by sharing her knowledge of healthy living and clean cooking with fresh and whole foods.