Who doesn’t love a good doughnut? That perfect combination of sweet, fluffy, and sometimes fried goodness has been tempting taste buds for generations. But if you’re like me, you might feel a twinge of guilt when indulging in these treats. The good news is that you don’t have to give up doughnuts entirely to maintain a healthier lifestyle!
I’ve spent years experimenting with doughnut recipes that satisfy those cravings while incorporating more nutritious ingredients and cooking methods. In this article, I’m sharing my collection of 28 healthier doughnut recipes that don’t compromise on flavor but offer better nutritional profiles than their traditional counterparts.
Why Healthier Doughnuts?
Traditional doughnuts, while undeniably delicious, are typically deep-fried and loaded with refined sugar, white flour, and often trans fats. A single standard glazed doughnut can contain:
- 250-300 calories
- 10-15 grams of fat (often including unhealthy trans fats)
- 20-25 grams of sugar
- Very little fiber, protein, or essential nutrients
By making some smart substitutions and using alternative cooking methods, we can create doughnuts that:
- Contain more fiber and protein
- Include less refined sugar
- Incorporate whole grains and nutritious ingredients
- Have fewer calories and less unhealthy fat
- Still taste absolutely amazing!
Let’s dive into these recipes that prove healthier can indeed be delicious!
Baked Doughnut Varieties
1. Whole Wheat Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts
These aromatic doughnuts use whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with warm cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, oil, yogurt, and vanilla.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until the doughnuts spring back when touched.
- Mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- While still warm, lightly brush each doughnut with a tiny bit of coconut oil and dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
These doughnuts contain approximately 40% less sugar and 60% less fat than traditional fried cinnamon doughnuts, plus they provide 3g of fiber per serving!
2. Protein-Packed Chocolate Doughnuts
These chocolate doughnuts aren’t just healthier—they actually provide a decent protein boost to keep you satisfied longer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour (blend rolled oats in a food processor)
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Optional: 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, mash the bananas and mix with the remaining wet ingredients.
- Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pipe or spoon the batter into the doughnut pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before adding the glaze.
- For the glaze, mix all ingredients until smooth and dip the tops of each doughnut.
Each doughnut provides around 10g of protein and significantly less sugar than traditional chocolate doughnuts!
3. Apple Cider Baked Doughnuts
Perfect for fall, these apple cider doughnuts bring seasonal flavors without the deep fryer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup apple cider, reduced to 2 tablespoons
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For coating:
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Reduce apple cider by simmering until it becomes 2 tablespoons of concentrated flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Whisk together all dry ingredients.
- Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl, including the reduced cider.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures gently.
- Pipe into doughnut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- While warm, lightly brush with coconut oil and dip in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Doughnuts

These bright, tangy doughnuts get moisture and protein from Greek yogurt and antioxidants from fresh blueberries.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups white whole wheat flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, lightly floured
For the glaze:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Combine dry ingredients and lemon zest in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, mix yogurt, honey, eggs, lemon juice, oil, and vanilla.
- Gently fold wet ingredients into dry, then fold in the floured blueberries.
- Pipe batter into the doughnut pan and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Cool completely before glazing.
- Mix glaze ingredients and dip cooled doughnuts, then sprinkle with lemon zest.
Air Fryer Doughnut Recipes
Air fryers have revolutionized healthier cooking, and doughnuts are no exception! These recipes give you that crisp exterior without all the oil.
5. Classic Air Fryer Doughnuts
The closest you’ll get to traditional fried doughnuts without the extra oil.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (or 50/50 whole wheat and all-purpose)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered monk fruit sweetener or regular powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk of choice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine yogurt, egg, oil, and vanilla.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness.
- Cut into doughnut shapes using cutters.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray air fryer basket and doughnuts with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes until golden.
- Mix glaze ingredients and dip cooled doughnuts.
These contain approximately 75% less oil than traditional fried doughnuts!
6. Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Doughnuts
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For coating:
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin, maple syrup, milk, egg, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Form into doughnut shapes on parchment paper.
- Preheat air fryer to 340°F (170°C).
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush lightly with coconut oil and dip in spiced sugar mixture.
Nutritional Comparison Table
Let’s see how these healthier options compare to traditional doughnuts:
Doughnut Type | Calories | Fat (g) | Sugar (g) | Fiber (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Glazed | 260 | 14 | 22 | 0.7 | 3 |
Traditional Chocolate | 300 | 16 | 25 | 1.2 | 4 |
Whole Wheat Cinnamon | 165 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 4 |
Protein Chocolate | 175 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 10 |
Apple Cider | 170 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 3.5 |
Lemon Blueberry | 180 | 6 | 7 | 3.5 | 6 |
Air Fryer Classic | 190 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 5 |
Pumpkin Spice | 160 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 4 |
7. Almond Flour Chocolate Glaze Doughnuts
These grain-free doughnuts are perfect for those following paleo or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add maple syrup, coconut oil, and extracts.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Pipe batter into doughnut pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- For the glaze, gently melt all ingredients together and stir until smooth.
- Dip cooled doughnuts into the glaze.
8. Vegan Sweet Potato Doughnuts

These plant-based doughnuts get natural sweetness and moisture from sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (baked and cooled)
- ½ cup applesauce
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups oat flour
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For topping:
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Mix mashed sweet potato, applesauce, coconut sugar, almond butter, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine dry ingredients.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
- Pipe batter into doughnut pan and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Mix coconut sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over warm doughnuts.
9. Greek Yogurt Vanilla Bean Doughnuts
These protein-rich doughnuts use real vanilla bean for authentic flavor without artificial ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups white whole wheat flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
For the glaze:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Seeds from ½ vanilla bean
- Optional toppings: unsweetened shredded coconut, crushed nuts, cacao nibs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Whisk together dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix yogurt, eggs, oil, and vanilla bean seeds.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Pipe batter into doughnut pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- For the glaze, mix all ingredients and dip cooled doughnuts.
- Add toppings of choice before glaze sets.
10. Carrot Cake Doughnuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
The flavors of carrot cake in a healthier doughnut form!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
For the glaze:
- 4 oz light cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, maple syrup, applesauce, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
- Pipe batter into doughnut pan and bake for 14-16 minutes.
- For the glaze, beat all ingredients until smooth.
- Spread or drizzle over cooled doughnuts.
Gluten-Free Options
11. Coconut Flour Doughnuts
Perfect for those avoiding grains entirely, these doughnuts are keto-friendly and low-carb.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¼ cup granulated monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
For coating:
- 2 tablespoons granulated monk fruit sweetener
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Whisk together coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add oil, milk, and extracts.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry until well combined.
- Let batter sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Pipe into doughnut pan and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Mix sweetener and cinnamon, then press warm doughnuts into the mixture.
12. Oat and Banana Mini Doughnuts

These naturally sweetened mini doughnuts are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For topping:
- 2 tablespoons nut butter of choice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Chopped nuts, seeds, or dark chocolate chips for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini doughnut pan.
- Process oats in a blender until they become flour.
- Add remaining ingredients to the blender and process until smooth.
- Pipe batter into the mini doughnut pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Mix nut butter and honey for topping.
- Drizzle over cooled doughnuts and add sprinkles of choice.
More Creative Healthy Doughnut Recipes
13. Matcha Green Tea Doughnuts
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups white whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup coconut butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- ½ teaspoon matcha powder
- Crushed pistachios for topping
14. Ricotta Lemon Doughnuts
Light, fluffy, and protein-rich thanks to the ricotta cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups white whole wheat flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered monk fruit sweetener or regular powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Lemon zest for garnish
15. Chocolate Avocado Doughnuts
Using avocado adds healthy fats and creates a fudgy texture without excessive oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed (about ½ cup)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (70% or higher)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Chopped hazelnuts for topping (optional)
16. Baked Apple Cider Doughnut Holes
These bite-sized treats are perfect for portion control.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ¼ cup
- 1½ cups white whole wheat flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For coating:
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
17-28. Additional Healthy Doughnut Recipe Ideas
Here are more creative healthy doughnut ideas to round out our collection of 28 recipes:
- Strawberry Chia Jam Filled Doughnuts: Whole wheat baked doughnuts with a pocket of homemade strawberry chia seed jam.
- Turmeric Golden Milk Doughnuts: Anti-inflammatory doughnuts with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of black pepper.
- Savory Herb and Cheese Breakfast Doughnuts: A unique twist with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a small amount of sharp cheese.
- Espresso Dark Chocolate Protein Doughnuts: Coffee-infused chocolate doughnuts with added protein powder.
- Fig and Walnut Spelt Doughnuts: Ancient grain spelt flour doughnuts with chopped dried figs and walnuts.
- Gingerbread Molasses Mini Doughnuts: Warming spices and blackstrap molasses make these mineral-rich and flavorful.
- Lavender Lemon Oat Doughnuts: Delicate floral notes pair with bright lemon in these oat-based treats.
- Cherry Almond Doughnuts: Almond flour base with chopped cherries and almond extract.
- Chai Spiced Sweet Potato Doughnuts: Complex chai spices complement the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
- Cocoa Mint Doughnuts: A refreshing combination of chocolate and mint in a healthier form.
- Pecan Maple Bacon Doughnuts: A small amount of crisp turkey bacon adds smokiness to these maple-pecan treats (can be made vegetarian by omitting bacon).
- Zucchini Bread Doughnuts: Like zucchini bread in doughnut form, adding vegetables and moisture without extra fat.
Serving Suggestions
These healthier doughnuts pair wonderfully with:
- Fresh fruit for added nutrients and natural sweetness
- Unsweetened coffee or espresso
- Herbal teas like peppermint, rooibos, or chai
- Plant-based milk alternatives
- Coconut water for hydration
- Homemade fruit compotes as dipping sauces
- A dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein
Storage Tips
To keep your healthier doughnuts fresh:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
- Freezer: Most of these doughnuts freeze well for up to 3 months. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Glazes: Apply glazes just before serving if possible, as they may soften during storage.
Nutritional Benefits
Many of these healthier doughnut recipes provide significant nutritional advantages:
Ingredient | Benefits |
---|---|
Whole wheat flour | Higher in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals |
Almond flour | Provides protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats |
Greek yogurt | Adds protein and calcium with less fat than oil |
Coconut oil | Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) |
Oat flour | Rich in soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol |
Avocado | Provides monounsaturated fats and potassium |
Sweet potato | High in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants |
Matcha | Contains L-theanine and antioxidants |
Coconut sugar | Lower glycemic index than refined sugar |
Maple syrup | Contains minerals and antioxidants |
Common Q&A
Q: Can I make these doughnuts without special pans?
Yes! If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can:
- Make doughnut holes using a mini muffin tin
- Create a makeshift doughnut pan by forming foil into rings on a baking sheet
- Use a regular muffin tin and place a small ball of foil in the center of each cup
Q: How do I make these recipes vegan?
Most recipes can be adapted by:
- Replacing eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg)
- Using plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt
- Choosing maple syrup or agave instead of honey
- Substituting plant milk for dairy milk
Q: Can I reduce the sugar even further?
Absolutely! Try these strategies:
- Use mashed ripe banana or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness
- Add cinnamon, vanilla, or other spices which enhance perceived sweetness
- Try monk fruit sweetener or stevia as zero-calorie alternatives
- Focus on toppings like unsweetened coconut flakes or crushed nuts rather than sugary glazes
Q: Why are my baked doughnuts dry?
This usually happens because of:
- Overmixing the batter (mix just until ingredients are combined)
- Overbaking (check a few minutes before suggested time)
- Not enough moisture in the recipe (add 1-2 tablespoons more yogurt or milk)
- Too much flour (measure by spooning into cups, not scooping)
Q: Can children help make these recipes?
Absolutely! Kids can:
- Mix dry ingredients
- Help measure and add wet ingredients
- Assist with piping batter into pans
- Dip cooled doughnuts into glazes and toppings
- Create their own flavor combinations
Q: Do these healthier doughnuts taste as good as regular doughnuts?
While the texture and flavor profile will be different from deep-fried traditional doughnuts, many people find these healthier versions equally satisfying in their own way. The key is to approach them as a different, more nutritious treat rather than expecting an exact replica of a bakery doughnut.
Conclusion
Who says you can’t have your doughnut and eat it too? These 28 healthier doughnut recipes prove that with some smart ingredient swaps and baking techniques, you can enjoy these beloved treats without derailing your health goals.
Whether you’re looking for higher protein options, lower sugar alternatives, or just ways to incorporate more nutrients into your occasional indulgences, there’s a recipe here to satisfy your doughnut cravings.
The best part? Many of these recipes are simple enough for weekday breakfasts but special enough for weekend brunches or celebrations. So preheat that oven, break out the doughnut pan (or improvise!), and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade, healthier doughnuts.