Delicious Protein-Packed Apple Cider Donuts with Oats and Cottage Cheese

When fall arrives and leaves start to change, the warm aroma of apple cider donuts fills the air. These seasonal treats can be heavy on sugar and calories. But what if you could relish this classic delight with a boost of protein and nutrition? That's where these apple cider donuts come in, made with wholesome oats, cottage cheese, and low-sugar applesauce. Enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn while also taking care of your health.

In this post, we'll walk you through the ingredients, recipe, and tips for creating these nutritious and delicious apple cider donuts.

Freshly baked apple cider donuts cooling on a rack

Ingredients

To whip up these protein-packed apple cider donuts, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats: Rich in fiber, oats help keep you full, making them a great addition to any snack.

  
  

• 1 cup cottage cheese: This creamy ingredient not only adds texture but also packs a protein punch, with about 28 grams of protein per cup.

  
  

• 1/2 cup low-sugar applesauce: Provides moisture and natural sweetness, cutting down on added sugars by as much as 50% compared to traditional recipes.

  
  

• 1/2 cup protein powder: Opt for a flavor that you enjoy, like vanilla or chocolate, to elevate the taste of these donuts.

  
  

• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.

  
  

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A quintessential spice that beautifully complements the apple flavor.

  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: This aromatic spice adds warmth and depth to your donuts.

  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

  
  

• 1/4 cup almond milk (or your preferred milk): Achieves the ideal batter consistency for your treats.

  
  

• Optional toppings: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a light glaze made from powdered sugar combined with almond milk.

  
  

These straightforward ingredients will yield donuts that not only taste good but are good for you too!

Instructions

With your ingredients ready, let’s create these scrumptious donuts step-by-step.

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even baking for your donuts.

   
   

2. Prepare your donut pan: Lightly grease the donut pan with cooking spray or oil to avoid sticking.

   
   

3. Blend the oats: In a blender or food processor, blend the rolled oats until you reach a fine, flour-like consistency. This helps create a smooth dough.

   
   

4. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, low-sugar applesauce, and almond milk. Stir until everything is well-mixed.

   
   

5. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

   
   

6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing for the best texture.

   
   

7. Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 of the way full.

   
   

8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done.

   
   

9. Cool and enjoy: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For added flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a light glaze.

10. Makes 12 donuts. Serving size 2 donuts

    
    

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your apple cider donuts turn out just right:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh applesauce and cottage cheese enhance flavor and texture, making a noticeable difference in your finished product.

  
  

• Experiment with flavors: Try adding extras like chopped apples, walnuts, or a splash of vanilla extract to customize your donuts.

  
  

• Store properly: Keep these donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months for longer storage.

  
  

• Reheat before serving: For the best taste, reheat your donuts in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

  
  

Final Thoughts

These protein-packed apple cider donuts let you indulge in a seasonal favorite without sacrificing your health goals. With oats, cottage cheese, and low-sugar applesauce, they're satisfying and nutritious.

Enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or post-workout fuel. Gather your ingredients and follow the recipe to savor the delicious flavors of fall in every bite. Happy baking!