These cinnamon sugar donut holes just take minutes to make. They are delicious for breakfast, on-the-go snacks, and really any time of day! They store well in the fridge, and freeze great too.
Weekend Traditions
Do you remember these chocolate cake donut holes? It’s time for another version! As much as I love chocolate, for some reason I honestly have to say I prefer this cinnamon sugar version. Maybe it just seems a bit more classic/nostalgic for donut holes. I have fond childhood memories of going to get donuts with my dad and brothers on Saturday mornings growing up. It was so exciting to pick out our favorite donuts. I called them “BIG donuts,” probably because they were so huge to me compared with powered sugar donut holes we sometimes had. While I still love a deliciously fresh bakery donut (I’m team cake donuts!), I enjoy baking at home. I get so excited about making healthier baked goods (or in this case, no bake) taste just as delicious as classic/traditional recipes.
These donut holes are adapted from this amazing recipe . LOVE this blog, her message (fellow RD!), and her recipes! I’ve literally made dozens of recipes over the years from her blog. I was blown away at the cake-like texture that coconut flour provides to recipes.
Ingredients and Substitutions
On that note, there really isn’t a good substitute for the coconut flour as it has completely different properties than other flours. If you’ve ever used coconut in recipes before, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!
As for the protein powder, I initially tested this recipe using my go-to plant-based protein powders (Vega is my all-time favorite; also Orgain). However, I also tested this recipe with whey protein, but needed to add an additional tablespoon of coconut flour. Different protein powders will have different consistencies; I’ve found plant-based protein powders to be thicker than whey-based. So just keep in mind you may have to adjust based on what type you’re using!
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon sugar donut holes are 100% appropriate and perfect for a pre-workout snack, post-workout snack, as a part of breakfast, snacks on the go, sweet treat after dinner, etc. I love adding these to a yogurt bowl with fruit (sautéed apples are YUM) and vanilla Greek yogurt (loving full-fat…so creamy!). They are husband and kid-approved too!
- ½ cup dates (about 90-100 grams)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- ½ cup (1 serving, 46 grams) vanilla protein powder*
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch salt, to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder + ½ teaspoon cinnamon, to coat donut holes into
- In a food processor or high-speed blender (such as a Vitamix or Ninja), process dates until broken down and they form a ball of "dough."
- Next, add the rest of the ingredients and process until combined.
- Roll into approximately 12-18 donut holes.
- In small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder and cinnamon. Roll donut holes into coating.
- Keep in fridge to keep firm, or the freezer for longer storage. SO delicious!!
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