Incorporating protein powder into your diet does not have to be boring. Here are several recipes to get you started baking with protein powder.
You're working hard to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, but sometimes you want that piece of cake. If only there were a way to enjoy dessert without compromising your fitness goals...
That's where protein powder comes in.
You can make many of your favourite desserts healthy by baking with protein powder instead of flour. Not only will this help you add more protein to your diet, but it also allows you to indulge in your favourite treats (without all the guilt).
Following a healthy diet doesn't mean you never get to enjoy dessert again. Below are some tasty recipes that will help you get some extra protein.
Beginner Tips for Baking With Protein Powder
When baking with protein powder, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your desserts turn out as rich and delicious as the less healthy versions. For example, using protein powder as a substitute for flour in a recipe can work great, but too much protein powder could cause your baked goods to come out a little tough.
Some recipes will turn out better with more added protein than others, so sometimes a little trial and error is in order. Generally speaking, you don't want to substitute more than a third of the flour in a recipe. Recipes should include moisture and fats to prevent the treat from drying out.
The composition of protein powder can significantly impact the outcome of baked goods. Different protein powders have varying protein concentrations. Higher protein content can affect the texture and moisture of baked goods. Too much protein powder can result in a dense or tough texture.
While most of these recipes use whey protein, many protein powder recipes can substitute for plant-based or vegan protein powder instead. Likewise, it is a matter of experimentation and determining what proteins meet your tastes and nutritional needs.
Important Note: The protein powders listed in this post may assist in the building of lean muscle tissue/mass when combined with regular weight/resistance training and a healthy balanced diet. Please note that certain protein powders may not be right for you. Always read and follow the label and consult a healthcare professional for more information.
1. Protein Mug Cakes
Mug cakes made with protein powder are a great way to beat cravings without letting your diet fly out the window. Plus, they are a single serving, which means you won't be tempted to binge on leftovers later.
Even better, you can make mug cakes in the microwave in just a minute! A basic vanilla mug cake is a simple and easy protein powder recipe to keep your sweet tooth in check.
Ingredients:
- One scoop of vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp coconut flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sweetener
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
Pour the mixed ingredients into a greased coffee mug, microwave until done (about 1-2 minutes), and enjoy! Thankfully, mug cakes are a flexible recipe, so you can experiment with different flavours of protein and fun add-ins like cinnamon or sprinkles.
2. Protein Powder Pancakes
One clever way to cut the gluten and sneak more protein into your diet is swapping wheat flour for chickpea flour and protein in your pancakes. This light and fluffy protein pancake recipe is an all-time favourite and will surely make for a delicious Sunday morning breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup chickpea flour (or any other gluten-free flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
In one bowl add ingredients to a mixing bowl (you can add a tablespoon of honey if you want your pancakes to be sweeter). Whisk together until there are no pockets of powder. Warm a pan at medium heat and scoop 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Flip once the bubbling on the batter has slowed or stopped. Top with butter and maple syrup and enjoy!
3. Protein Muffins
Muffins fortified with a few scoops of protein powder are a clever way to have a treat for breakfast (or any time of the day, really). One batch of muffins can provide you with healthy breakfasts or snacks for the week.
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of protein powder in any flavour of your choice
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup nut butter (such as peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
Instructions:
Pour the mixture into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Finally, add fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for even more deliciousness.
4. Protein Cookies
Who doesn't get excited about cookies? Healthy cookies are doubly exciting, and there are tons of protein powder recipes for cookies out there.
Here is a simple protein cookie recipe that can be tweaked to suit your needs or satisfy any particular craving you might have.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup protein powder in your flavour of choice
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 6 tbsp softened butter
- 1 egg
Instructions:
Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees, and you'll have warm, delicious cookies that provide an added boost of protein to your diet.
5. No-Bake Protein Balls
Protein balls are an easy and fun dessert recipe that you can customize in endless ways. Four main ingredients make up the base of protein balls. Mix up a base of these ingredients and then jazz it up however you want!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Get creative with your ingredients. Try different protein powder flavours and other mix-ins like chocolate, nuts, and fruit to find a unique combination you love. You can adjust measurements depending on how well your mixture sticks together. Store in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until they set.
6. Protein Candy
Yes, you read that right. You can make healthy candy with protein powder! These no-bake peanut butter cups make delicious protein powder desserts that will satisfy even the strongest chocolate cravings.
Chocolate Layer Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sweetener of choice
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup milk (almond or skim)
- 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
Peanut Butter Layer Ingredients:
Instructions:
In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter layer.
Line a mini muffin tin and pour about a teaspoon of the chocolate mixture into each section. Then, top that with some of the peanut butter mixture, and finish each one off with another layer of chocolate. Finally, put the peanut butter cups in the freezer until they are firm enough to remove from the tin and enjoy!
7. Protein Powder Brownies
Speaking of chocolate, no list of protein powder desserts would be complete without brownies. This treat is fudgy, delectable, and packs a protein punch.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 2/3 cup coconut sugar or another sweetener
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until done.
8. Protein Bars
The creamy peanut butter and crunchy chocolate chips blend with the rest of the ingredients to create the ideal post-workout snack.
If you continuously find yourself snacking on chips, cookies, or other sugar and fat-filled treats, then you'll love this healthy swap. Not only can you whip these together in under 10 minutes (they are no-bake!), but they also keep you full for hours. Goodbye, late-night cravings!
Find the full recipe below.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
- 1/2 cup protein powder of your choice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 3 Well Told Stress Fighter Capsules (just the powder)
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dairy-free milk
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a large flat container. Mix ingredients until thoroughly combined. Next, flatten the mixture using the back of a spoon and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Slice into rectangular bars and enjoy!
What Protein Powder is Best For Baking?
Wondering which protein powder is best for baking? Try either a whey protein concentrate powder or soy protein powder for the optimal texture in your baked goods. You can also try baking with pea protein powder.
Here are 3 protein powders to choose from:
1. Kaha Nutrition New Zealand Whey Isolate
2. Botanica Perfect Protein Vanilla Pea Protein
Find Your New Favorite Healthy Treat
Baking with protein powder is a great way to upgrade your favourite desserts to fit in with a healthy lifestyle. Experiment with different types and delicious flavours of protein powder to find your new go-to treat.
Don't forget to save this post for later!
P.S. Leave a comment below letting us know which recipe you are most excited to try! Maybe it's the protein muffins or the protein mug cake... Either way, we'd love to know.
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