These Kodiak pancake protein donuts are like if a pancake and a donut had a baby. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and a fun way to get your kids involved in the process! Each protein donut contains 7 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber for a fun and healthy snack or breakfast treat.
A healthier version of a donut made with Kodiak Cakes Flapjack Mix, Greek yogurt and hemp hearts for extra protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
My mother-in-law has got my kids hooked on decorating cookies and cakes – so they are always asking me to bake. Making these donuts is always a fun experience with my kids and I often let them decorate with frosting after. It’s much healthier than cookies or baking a cake – and just as delicious.
Reasons to Try These Protein Pancake Donuts:
This post does contain an Amazon affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, I receive a small compensation if a purchase is made – but I only link products I LOVE.
Ingredients
You will also need a silicone or aluminum donut mold.
Kodiak Cakes Flapjack and Waffle Mix (1 cup): My favorite pancake mix of all time, Kodiak Cakes is made with 100% whole wheat flour and it’s high in protein.
Greek Yogurt (1/2 cup or one 5.5 ounce container): I used Chobani vanilla Greek yogurt for some extra flavor. Customize and use whatever flavor you want!
Water (3/4 cup): Feel free to experiment with the amount of water used in this recipe – I found 3/4 cup was about the right consistency for 6 donuts.
Hemp Hearts (3-5 Tbsp.): Adds a rich, nutty flavor and additional protein. My favorite brand is Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts. Feel free to substitute with chia seeds, or omit completely.
Maple Syrup or Honey, Optional: Lightly brush the top of each donut with syrup or add 1-3 tablespoons to the pancake batter, if desired. Another option is dipping the donut into maple syrup when eating it.
Topping/Add-In Ideas:
Protein Donut Step-By-Step Instructions
If you love pancakes AND donuts then you’re sure to enjoy this recipe.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray your donut baking pan with cooking spray.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Measure out 1 cup of Kodiak Cake Pancake Mix and pour it into a bowl. Add a 5.5 ounce container of yogurt, water, and hemp hearts. Mix until well combined.
Pour the batter into the molds.
Spray a silicone or aluminum donut mold with cooking spray.
Pour the batter into the molds and use a spoon to distribute the batter evenly throughout each mold, about 3/4 full. This recipe makes about 6 servings. It’s okay if they fill up the entire mold!
Gently press in any diced fruit or addition you like.
Bake for 18-20 minutes.
Watch the donuts around the 12-15 minute mark and check for doneness. If fruit was added, the cooking time will be longer due to the increased water content.
If no fruit was added, the donuts will likely be done sooner!
Allow to cool in pan for at least 10 minutes.
Pull the donuts out of the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Carefully remove the donuts when cooled – using a knife around the edges if needed.
Brush some maple syrup around the edges of each donut. Store in an airtight container for 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months!
Get Your Kids Involved
My kids love to bake, and these donuts are a bit healthier than cake and cookies. Plus, getting your children in the kitchen helps improve eating habits and they’re more likely to try something they helped create.
Warning: if you open the door to decorating with frosting, they might just spend the whole time eating the frosting off the fork.
See below for their donut creations! I like to keep a few for myself, without any frosting – and they can have the rest.
Additional Tips
- Pour the pancake batter into a piping bag for easy filling.
- The smaller you dice the fruit up, the better. It will also help remove some excess moisture.
- Add more water for thinner pancake donuts.
- Don’t have a donut mold? Just use this batter to make pancakes!
- Make a large batch and freeze them for a quick, healthy snack that can be easily thawed or heated in the microwave.
- Make these with your kids for a FUN idea when you’re bored at home in the winter
If You Liked These Protein Donuts, Try These High Protein Snacks:
— Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Protein Pudding
— The Best Oreo Protein Shake
— High Protein Banana Pudding with Chessmen Cookies
Kodiak Cake Protein Pancake Donuts {Easy & Kid-Approved}
Ingredients
- 1 cup Kodiak Cake Flapjack and Waffle Mix
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, vanilla flavor or plain (1 5.5 oz. container)
- 3/4 cup water
- 3-4 Tbsp. hemp hearts (optional, or sub with chia seeds)
- Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Add-In Ideas
- Blueberries
- Diced strawberries or raspberries
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Measure out 1 cup of Kodiak Cake Pancake Mix and pour it into a bowl. Add a 5.5 ounce container of yogurt, water, and hemp hearts. Mix until well combined.
- Spray a silicone or aluminum donut mold with cooking spray. Pour the batter into the molds and use a spoon to distribute the batter evenly throughout each mold, about 3/4 full (should make about 6 donuts – it's okay if you overfill).
- Add in some diced strawberries or raspberries, blueberries, or mini chocolate chips. Note: cooking time may be longer if fresh fruit is added due to the water content.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking around the 12-15 minute mark for doneness.
- Pull the donuts out of the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Carefully remove the donuts when cooled – using a knife around the edges if needed.
- Brush some maple syrup around the edges of each donut. Store in an airtight container for 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months!
Notes
- Pour the pancake batter into a piping bag for easy filling.
- Add more water for thinner pancake donuts.
- Don’t have a donut mold? Just use this batter to make pancakes!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 6 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 110 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 4.7g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat 0.5g | 3% |
| Cholesterol 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 76mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate 15.7g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.1g | 7% |
| Total Sugars 8.9g | |
| Protein 7.4g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 33mg | 3% |
| Iron 10mg | 57% |
| Potassium 58mg | 1% |
My 2 year old loved making these – and eating them!