High Protein Vanilla Donut Cake Baked in a Square Pan

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By Gianna Poulef

Vanilla Donut Cake Baked in a Square Pan

Thank you for being here — truly. Recipes like this High Protein Vanilla Donut Cake are why I love baking with intention. It has that soft, nostalgic donut texture we all crave, but it’s baked instead of fried and powered by oat flour, Greek yogurt, and protein powder.

This is the kind of cake I make on a quiet weekend morning, slice into squares, and enjoy all week with coffee. It’s simple, lightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying without being heavy. If you love protein-packed bakes that still feel like a treat, be sure to subscribe by email so you don’t miss what’s coming out of my oven next

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is a High Protein Vanilla Donut Cake?

It’s a one-pan baked cake inspired by classic vanilla donuts. Instead of frying, this version is baked in a square pan and enriched with protein powder and Greek yogurt for a tender crumb and balanced nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein
  • Soft, donut-like texture
  • Naturally sweetened
  • Easy one-bowl recipe

What Does It Taste Like?

Light vanilla flavor, fluffy and moist like a cake donut, with a clean sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

This Now, Make It Later!

For the Vanilla Donut Cake

  • 1½ cups oat flour
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Vanilla Glaze

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools Needed

Substitutions & Additions

  • Use plant-based protein powder if needed
  • Swap oat flour for almond flour (slightly denser)
  • Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar instead of glaze

How to Make High Protein Vanilla Donut Cake

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8×8-inch pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk eggs, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, milk, and vanilla.

Step 4: Combine

Add wet ingredients to dry and stir gently until smooth.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into pan and smooth the top. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Glaze (Optional)

Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over slightly warm cake.

What to Serve with Vanilla Donut Cake

  • Hot coffee or cappuccino
  • Fresh berries
  • Greek yogurt
  • A light dusting of powdered sugar

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Don’t overmix the batter
  • Use fine oat flour for best texture
  • Let cake cool slightly before slicing
  • Glaze while warm so it melts in

Storage Instructions

  • Store covered at room temperature 2 days
  • Refrigerate up to 5 days
  • Freeze individual slices up to 2 months
  • Reheat gently before serving

General Information

Baked donut cakes are inspired by classic cake donuts but skip the frying step. Adding protein powder and Greek yogurt boosts nutrition while keeping the crumb tender and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cake very sweet?

No — it’s lightly sweet and balanced.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free oat flour.

What protein powder works best?

Vanilla whey or plant-based both work well.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes — bake in a 9×13-inch pan.

Conclusion

This High Protein Vanilla Donut Cake baked in a square pan is simple, nourishing, and endlessly versatile — perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert. If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love:

Interactive Elements

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Share your slices on Pinterest and tag me https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

NutrientAmount
Calories210
Fat5g
Saturated Fat2g
Carbs28g
Sugar12g
Protein10g
Fiber3g
Print
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High Protein Vanilla Donut Cake Baked in a Square Pan


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

High Protein Vanilla Donut Cake is a soft, baked cake donut made with oat flour, Greek yogurt, and vanilla protein powder. Naturally sweetened and baked in a square pan.


Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups oat flour

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1½ teaspoons baking powder

Pinch of salt

2 large eggs

⅓ cup honey or maple syrup

½ cup Greek yogurt

⅓ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pan.

2. Whisk dry ingredients together.

3. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl.

4. Combine wet and dry until smooth.

5. Pour batter into pan.

6. Bake 30–35 minutes.

7. Cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix.

Use fine oat flour.

Glaze while warm if desired.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
High Protein Vanilla Donut Cake Baked in a Square Pan
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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