8 recipes for healthy donuts

Now, everyone loves a donut from time to time, but if you're a true addict like me and you're reaching for the Krispy Kremes every single day, finding some healthier recipes can do wonders for your diet.

A healthy diet is all about balance, so in no way are we saying you can never eat that sugary, glazed, jam-filled donut from your local bakery. But, if you do find yourself consuming a lot of sugar on a daily basis, why not switch out one of your sweet treats for one of these equally tasty, but far less calorific, healthy home-made donuts.

We've collected ten great recipes for you to choose from. There should be something for everyone, so take your pick!

Protein Donuts

If these recipes weren't healthy enough, we've also found a perfect protein donut recipe that you can use to boost your workout recovery. Switch out your standard protein shake for a tastier way to pack that much-needed protein into your diet.

For those of you that are on the muscle-gaining gym grind, we're sure you can relate to the boredom of daily chicken and rice, so why not try these protein donuts to change things up.

With 6 ingredients, no eggs, yeast, or dairy - these donuts are quick and easy to make, simply add vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored protein powder to match your palette.

Take a look at the full recipe here.

Coconut Flour Cake Donuts

For a more cake-like experience, try out these coconut flour donuts. They're a bit denser and less fluffy, providing a more filling snack for your sweet tooth.

If you're thinking about going paleo, these are great place to start. The recipe combines coconut, sugar and vanilla extract alongside raw honey and chocolate chips to create a low-calorie, flavourful donut.

Check out TastyKitchen's recipe here.

Baked Red Velvet Donuts

Baked donuts are great for home cooking when you don't have a house full of fancy utensils. This recipe means you don't need a wire rack, or a donut pan to create something tasty.

These would be perfect for any occasion, but the red velvet and suggested toppings in the original recipe make them perfect for valentine's day. With a cake-like texture, a vanilla glaze and a topping of your choice, there's no reason not to try these.

Find PsHeart's full recipe here.

Espresso Glazed Vegan Donuts

If you're a fan of an espresso martini, you'll absolutely love these coffee-covered donuts. The mixture of bitter and sweet makes these a perfect post-dinner treat and they're vegan friendly too - using almond milk for the batter's base.

These are easy to make, no complicated tools are needed, and they don't take too much time. They may take a little more than simple sugary donuts, but the effort is more than worth it.

So, if you're a coffee lover and you're feeling experimental, definitely give these donuts from Minimalist Baker a go.

Baked Nutmeg Donuts

For a little change to usually raspberry and strawberry filled donuts, why not try the berries on top?

This recipe combines nutmeg - which can sometimes be overwhelming - with the sweetness of berry icing to create mouth-watering bliss.

Remember, you can always switch out the recommended flour for gluten free flours and do the same for dairy product substitutes.

Check out the full Vintage Mixer recipe here.

Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Now for a seriously healthy option, these Greek yoghurt and Cinnamon donuts pack a flavour punch but omit all the sugary calories you'll find in a regular donut.

They're light and tasty, so you can enjoy these completely guilt free!

Take a look at the full recipe here at DamnDelicious.

Baked Hot Chocolate Donuts

These baked donuts are a perfect substitute for anyone who loves hot chocolate (and who doesn't?). Featuring everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe packs the same flavour punch but switches out unhealthy ingredients for much healthier options.

With coconut oil, sweet maple syrup, and whole wheat flour, you won't cut a huge hole out of daily recommended sugar intake. Try out the Brit & Co baked donut recipe for a healthy alternative that still delivers a tasty chocolate glaze, and you can add dark chocolate chips too.

Olive Oil Mini Donuts

Made with lemon juice and rosemary, these mini donuts are a refreshing change to the standard donut. These sweet bites are perfect for a small snack or dessert.

Dry ingredients include whole-wheat flour, baking powder, small quantities of white and powdered sugar, while lemon juice and honey add something a little different to the donut batter.

Try out the HeavyTable recipe here.