Fluffy Greek Yogurt Cake Donuts – Quick & Healthy Recipe

Clean Plates Project
Aug 14
3 min read

If you love donuts but want a healthier option, you're in for a treat! This Fluffy Greek Yogurt Cake Donuts recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with protein. It’s a great choice for health-conscious eaters and fitness lovers. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can bake up these delightful donuts that satisfy your sweet cravings without the guilt.

What makes these donuts even better is their versatility. You can customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings. Whether you prefer them plain, glazed, or simply dusted with powdered sugar, these Greek yogurt donuts are a fantastic addition to your breakfast or snack time. Let's jump right into the recipe!

Ingredients

To make approximately 8-10 fluffy donuts, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 egg (optional, for extra fluffiness)
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
¼ cup sugar (I prefer to use 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease your donut pan to prevent sticking. I used a pan with donut cutouts in it!

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, egg (if using), melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Aim for a smooth blend. Greek yogurt in this recipe provides a creamy texture and boosts the protein content, making these donuts healthier than traditional recipes. A 1-cup serving of Greek yogurt has about 20 grams of protein, which helps keep you satisfied.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture. If you like, sprinkle in the cinnamon too. Gently fold the flour into the batter until just mixed. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to denser donuts.

Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. This gives the donuts room to rise without overflowing during baking.

Bake the Donuts

Pop the donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. They are done when they spring back lightly when touched. Monitor them closely to avoid overbaking, which can make donuts dry.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack. After cooling, you can glaze them or dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Customization Ideas

One of the best parts of this donut recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Here are some suggestions:

Flavor Variations: Stir in blueberries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. For instance, adding ½ cup of chocolate chips provides a delicious, sweet contrast to the tanginess of Greek yogurt.
Glazes and Toppings: Experiment with various glazes, like a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also top them with fresh fruit to create a refreshing finish. For example, sliced strawberries and a drizzle of honey make an excellent topping. I also did Dubai chocolate and brown sugar cinnamon.
Spices: Feel free to substitute cinnamon with nutmeg or cardamom to create unique flavors that suit your palate. Just a dash can change the flavor profile significantly.

These ideas will keep your donut creations exciting and cater to various tastes.

Nutritional Benefits

These Greek yogurt cake donuts are not just tasty; they also offer several nutritional benefits. Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, which can help you stay full longer. By using self-rising flour, you simplify the recipe and avoid adding extra leavening agents.

Baking instead of frying significantly cuts down on calories and unhealthy fats. In fact, baked donuts can have up to 70% fewer calories than their fried counterparts. This makes these donuts a smart choice for satisfying your sweet tooth without straying from your health goals.

Wrapping It Up

With just a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch of fluffy Greek yogurt cake donuts that are both healthy and delicious. This recipe is a great way for anyone to indulge in a sweet treat while keeping their nutrition on track. Whether you have them for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, these baked donuts are sure to become a household favorite.

So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a delicious and nutritious donut experience. Happy baking!