Baked Gingerbread Protein Donuts with Lemon Glaze {Gluten Free} #AlohaMoment

This blog is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Aloha, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #myAloha and #AlohaMoment  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

With the holiday season in full swing AND my plan to carbo-load for the Dallas Marathon (which was on Sunday, that’s another story for another day), I broke out of my normal eating routine last week to indulge in some scrumptious baked goods! Even though I had Christmas cookies and a big bun with my burger, I was mindful of not eating a ton of low-quality carb crap.

Dallas Marathon 2014 - TheFitFork.com

Despite the marathon carbohydrate mission, I wanted to keep balance in breakfast. My days are just much more productive when I’ve started off with enough protein. One trick I rely on to up my intake is to sneak protein powder into recipes for pancakes, muffins, quick breads and such. My favorite recipe coming out of the oven this week was a batch of Baked Gingerbread Protein Donuts with Lemon Icing – and these little delights are gluten-free and paleo-friendly and actually low-carb enough for me (and hopefully you) to enjoy any day!

Baked Gingerbread Protein Donuts with Lemon Glaze - Paleo & Gluten Free - TheFitFork.com

You will not believe the delicious homemade seasonal scent that wafts through the house as these donuts bake. Am I tempting you yet? Keep reading for the recipe!

Aloha Premium Protein Powder - TheFitFork.com

Yup, I stirred Aloha Premium Protein Powder right into the batter (and even icing) for these delicious baked donuts. Aloha comes either in a big tub or packets – I like the pre-portioned packets for convenience and each one features 18 grams of plant-based protein along with vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans and everyone, this great-tasting product (which comes in chocolate and vanilla) helps ensure that you’re getting the complete chain of amino acids. Plus, there are no artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, animal products, fillers or chemicals of any kind. Gluten-Free Baked Gingerbread Donuts - TheFitFork

I also want to mention that my donut recipe below is also gluten-free and fits in with a Paleo style diet – made with protein powder along with almond meal, stevia and other healthy ingredients, these donuts not only taste good but will keep you feeling good.

Baked Gingerbread Donuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Ingredients for donuts:

  • 3/4 cup almond meal
  • 1 cup gluten-free baking blend
  • 2 packets Aloha vanilla protein powder (reserve 1 Tablespoon for icing)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon stevia powder (1:2 stevia to sugar ratio)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsulphured blackstrap molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon coconut butter
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Aloha vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon stevia powder (1:2 stevia to sugar ratio)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  1.  Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
  2. In medium bowl, mix together almond meal, gluten-free baking blend, protein powder (2 packets minus 1 tablespoon), baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and stevia power,  making sure there are no clumps.
  3. In another bowl whisk together eggs; whisk in molasses, coconut oil and vanilla. Mix together these wet ingredients with dry ingredients until well-combined, but not over-stirred.
  4. Spoon batter (or use piping bag) into 12-count mini donut pan, filling approximately 2/3 full.  Bake in 350 F degree oven for approximately 12 minutes, or until turning golden brown.
  5. Remove donuts to baking rack to cool completely.
  6. Meanwhile, mix together coconut milk, coconut butter, remaining 1 tablespoon protein powder, lemon juice and stevia. Drizzle over cooled donuts and sprinkle with lemon zest.
  7. Makes 12 mini donuts.
Chocolate Berry Smoothie

Blend together one packet Aloha Protein Powder with 12 oz. almond milk, 1/2 cup frozen berries and ice, as needed.

Also as a clean-eating, fitness enthusiast, I enjoy a smoothie or recovery shake made with protein powder for my morning meal or recovery. But, I can be picky about texture, taste and macros when it comes to supplementation.  A chocolate berry smoothie made with Aloha Premium Protein Powder is one of my go-to beverages after an intense workout during warmer weather (I aim for between 10 – 20 grams of protein within 30 minutes to assist with muscle recovery). But, it’s also smart to start off the day with protein, so I often mix Aloha into a hot morning drink, in nut butter, or in all types of batter – like with the Baked Gingerbread Protein Donut recipe above!

If you’d like to sample Aloha Premium Protein Powder (while supplies last), check out their free 14 days trial (a monthly subscription, but no-hassle to cancel if not right for you). You can also follow them on Facebook (Aloha), Twitter (@aloha), Pinterest (@alohamoment) , or Instagram (@alohamoment).

What is your favorite way to use protein powder?

Pig Out (Healthfully) on Baked Pistachio Honey Donuts!

Baked Donuts with Pistachios and honey

Okay, if I didn’t get you to do a double take at this drool-icious photo of Baked Pistachio-Honey Doughnuts, then Ms. Piggy will certainly grab your attention as she shows us how to “do it like a diva” when it comes to eating these yummy green tree nuts. What a fun commercial from Wonderful Pistachios, I love it!

Some people assume that eating nuts is a no-no, but that is so wrong! Nuts, including pistachios, can be part of a healthy lifestyle that embraces exercise along with a balanced diet. In general, nuts are packed with protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats not to mention a host of other vitamins and minerals.  From the almond to the walnut, each variety of nut offers its own unique mix of nutritional perks – some nuts are healthier for you than others. It happens to be National Pistachio Day (2/26) and I want to give a huge shout out to this small little nut that packs a big nutritional punch.

heart healthy pistachio

A one ounce serving of shelled pistachios has 49 kernels, 160 calories and a variety of different vitamins, minerals and beneficial phytonutrients.  For example, pistachios are rich in copper and manganese, and a good source of thiamin and phosphorus. Per serving, pistachios also offer 20% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin B6 and 12% of the DV for fiber. Goodness knows, we could all use a little more fiber! In terms of fat content, pistachios have a bit less fat than most other nuts, although they are still about 75% fat (that’s why you should stop at a handful). The good news is the fats in pistachios are the “good” kind of fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, and have been linked to supporting healthy cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

purse snacks

Another thing I love about pistachios is that they are portable and ready for an outdoor adventure (like me) and versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or dressed up (like me). Yeah, the shell might be a protective layer, but once you get down to the meat of a nut, then you’ll be glad you went to all the trouble!  I always have a small pack in my purse or gym bag to snack on!

In honor of National Pistachio Day on February 26th, I’ve whipped up a healthy recipe with a bunch of these little green guys. So, crack open a can of pistachios and get cooking, this addictive recipe for Baked Pistachio Honey Donuts is both delicious and nutritious. Plus, the baked donut recipe is gluten-free, so you can enjoy all you want without worry.

baked protein pistachio donuts thefitfork

Baked Pistachio Honey Doughnuts Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Paleo-friendly cooking spray (I used Kelapo Coconut oil spray) or simply rub down tins with a bit of coconut or walnut oil.
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 1/4 cup ground unsalted, roasted pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup +1 Tbs almond milk
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup ground unsalted, roasted pistachios
  • ¼ cup honey
  • Sea salt grinder

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly spray mini donut pan with baking spray.

Combine the coconut flour, almond meal, ¼ cup ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; mix well. In another bowl, whisk the egg* and then whisk in almond milk*, honey, applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract. *It is best to start with the egg and milk at room temperature so that the coconut oil doesn’t congeal back up.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Spoon the batter into the doughnut molds.  Bake for approximately 15 minutes until lightly golden brown around the edges.  Allow to fully cool before topping.

To make the topping, if necessary, chop the pistachios. Microwave ¼ cup honey in microwave-safe bowl for approximately 20 seconds until hot.  Generously spoon over the tops of the doughnuts and then sprinkle with ground pistachios and a light dusting of sea salt.

Yield: 12

jennifer fisher - thefitfork.com - salted pistachio chocolate cookies

Another popular pistachio treat that I’ve gone back to time and time again is my recipe for Paleo Pistachio Chocolate Cookies.  Chocolate + pistachios = pure happiness!

Baked-and-Better Chocolate Protein Donut Recipe for National Donut Day!

It’s all about donuts this week; National Donut Day is on Friday, June 1st! Keep reading for donut recipe below!  As far as guilty pleasures go, this sweet treat ranks right up there as a go-to goodie whether morning, noon or night. While more than 10 billion donuts are made per year in the United States alone, I never really imagined that health-conscious runner types would be consuming their fair share. But, apparently so – and not even behind closed doors! Case in point, the annual Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh, NC that attracts nearly 8,000 sugar-slash-jogging junkies who run 2.5 miles, stop and eat a dozen donuts each and then turn around and gut it back to the finish. Even one of my own favorite hometown races, Chuy’s Hot to Trot in Austin, serves up glazed sugar donuts and the company of “Elvis” himself as a post-race treat.

Of course, eating these carbo-bombs on a regular basis is not such a good thing; at some point your body is going to rebel — and that’s going to manifest as sugar crashes, unwanted weight and slower finish times. But don’t start grieving the goodbye just yet. My recipe for Baked Chocolate Protein Donuts will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you fueled up through the morning with 7.5 grams of protein (each) – that’s more than an egg!

Baked-and-Better Chocolate Protein Donuts

For Donut Batter:

  • 3/4 cup almond flour (also called Almond Meal)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 3/4 cup whole-grain flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 3 tablespoons Truvia sweetener (Stevia)
  • ¼ cup egg whites
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/3 cup water
  • Baking spray

For Glaze:

  • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325. Mix first eight ingredients together in medium mixing bowl. Add egg whites, canola oil, stirring until well-combined. You can add a tad more or less water to achieve desired batter consistency which should be fairly thick. Mist mini donut pan with baking spray. Fill each mold 1/2 full with batter with a spoon or using a Ziploc bag to “pipe” in. Bake 8 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

In small microwave safe bowl, heat chocolate chips 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between until completely melted and smooth.  Stir in milk and vanilla.  While glaze is still warm, dunk tops of each donut in glaze or drizzle across the tops with a spoon. Makes 12 mini donuts.

Nutritional Information (per 1 donut with glaze):  Calories 106, Total Fat 5.4g (1.0 saturated, 1.2 polyunsaturated, 2.8 monounsaturated), Cholesterol 0.2mg, Sodium, 54mg, Potassium, 143mg, Total Carbohydrate 9.1 g (dietary fiber 2.0g, sugars 2.0g), Protein 7.5g.

Note: if you don’t have a mini-donut pan, you can substitute a muffin pan. Or, hook yourself up with one through the Amazon link below. Also, you’ll find some of the other “stuff” used in this baked doughnut recipe.