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:
- 7 grams of protein per donut. If you’re trying to consume a diet higher in protein, it can be tricky thinking of high protein snacks. The protein content will also help to keep you fuller for a longer period of time.
- Healthy snack for adults and kids alike, high in iron and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Fun and healthy-ish way to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
- Super easy to make – using a boxed pancake mix.
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.
How to Make These Donuts
Ingredients
You will also need a silicone or aluminum donut mold. Good thing they are super affodable!
- 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:
Note: adding ingredients into the donuts before baking can create a mushier texture because of the added moisture. They may need a few more minutes, or add fruit on top after baking.
- Diced raspberries or strawberries.
- Blueberries.
- Mini chocolate chips.
- Frosting and sprinkles.
Step-By-Step Directions
If you love pancakes AND donuts then you’re sure to enjoy this recipe. Change it up with fun add-ins!
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray your donut baking pan with cooking spray.
- 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 and use a spoon to distribute the batter evenly throughout each mold, about 3/4 full. This recipe makes about 6-8 servings. It’s okay if they fill up the entire mold!
- Gently press in any diced fruit or addition you like. I recommend adding very little as fruit does add moisture.
- 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.
- 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 Like These Donuts, Try These High Protein Snacks:
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)
- Blueberries
- Diced strawberries or raspberries
- Mini chocolate chips
Method
- 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 (or about 1/2 cup), 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 6-8 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!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
My 2 year old loved making these – and eating them!
I am so glad to hear that! Thank you for commenting!