Chocolate Cherry Protein Donuts

Be still my chocolate-loving heart.

I don’t know about you but I always end up doing a double-take whenever I see Black Forest cakes inside bakery displays or even when I just scroll past a photo online. What can I say, I’m a sucker for those maraschino cherries, and I’ve been known to make a killer version myself.

I don’t care what the folks who run fashion week say. Red, black, and white will always be a look I would 100% support any time of the year.

But as we know, it’s what’s on the inside that counts… I have always been a big fan of the combination of cherries and chocolate. I’m one of those people who actively looked forward to cherry season wherever life took me (seriously, I will eat a 2lb bag in a sitting if someone doesn’t stop me) and I’ve never been one to say no to chocolate. I’m a simple girl who knows how to appreciate the good things in life!

I feel like every bakery or cafe has its own signature Black Forest Cake, but I love how everyone always tries to make sure they’re made with rich chocolate layers and that each bite is a decadent one. Definitely respect the hustle.

So yes, I’m a big Black Forest cake fan. BUT… I do have a few issues about it that stop me from walking out of every bakery with a huge box.

First, it kind of looks *too* fancy, a little *too* extra. Now I did say I loved the aesthetics, but that’s actually part of the problem. It looks too iconic. Too pretty. I’m all for buying yourself cakes on regular days (because everyone deserves good cake every day!) but something about Black Forest cakes just screams that it’s for special occasions.

And now you’re probably thinking- Micah, you’re a chef! You love baking! Why not just bake your own at home?!

Well… beauty takes time. And lots and lots of effort. Effort that I don’t really see myself investing to just for an ‘any day everyday’ cake craving.

But I do see myself deserving to satisfy my own random cravings so I decided to come up with the perfect solution!

Love the taste of Black Forest Cake but hate all the hard work that goes into perfecting one? Say no more- I’ve got you covered.

Take a bite out of these Black Forest-inspired Chocolate Cherry Donuts and sink your teeth into edible chocolate cherry heaven!

Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Protein DonutsChocolate Cherry Black Forest Protein Donuts

These Chocolate Cherry Protein Donuts are a literal dream come true. Plus, using dried cherries and rich dark chocolate takes the recipe to a whole new level.

They’re a delicious, protein-packed dessert that is super easy to throw together! You don’t have to wait for the next big occasion- these Chocolate Cherry Protein donuts are perfect for any day of the year.

If you end up loving this recipe, check out my other protein donuts recipes!

Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Protein Donuts

Author: Micah Siva
Makes: 6

Ingredients

• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup plant based chocolate protein powder
• ⅓ cup dried cherries, chopped
• ¼ cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• Pinch sea salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsweetened plant based milk
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Generously grease a donut pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, cherries, chocolate, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt,
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, syrup, coconut oil and vanilla. Pour into the dry mixture, stirring to combine.
4. Pipe into the donut pan.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. Enjoy!