If your protein shake routine is getting old fast, never fear… New, tasty protein powder recipes are here! Consuming an adequate amount of protein is essential for supporting a healthy metabolism and helping muscles recover from intense workouts. And while we love a good protein shake, these recipes incorporate protein powder in new and exciting ways. From pizza crust and breakfast muffins to lemon coffeecake and sweet potato bread, this list of inventive recipes will inspire you to think outside the shaker bottle! You can have your cake and eat protein, too!
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20Unexpected Protein Powder Recipes
1. Protein Rice Krispie Treats
You might cut down on the sugar and gluten in this yummy dessert (or snack) recipe, but you won’t risk the flavor. Natural peanut butter replaces processed marshmallows and ups the protein count to eight grams per piece, along with protein powder. Make a batch, then store the rest for that sweet treat later.Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
2. Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Brownie Bars
Smooth and velvety, these bars are what chocolate dreams are made of. Generously spread the mint fudge frosting (made of spinach, avocado and bananas) on a gluten-free brownie fortified with hemp protein. Photo and Recipe: Lori and Michelle / Purely Twins
3. Protein Pizza Crust
The perfect base for your next pizza creation, this dough is gluten-free and has 9.5 grams of protein per serving. Make sure the crust is baked fully before adding your toppings and broil for another five to ten minutes. Mamma mia, you’ve got a delicious meal! Photo and Recipe: Maria / Maria Mind Body Health
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4. Protein Molten Lava Chocolate Cake
Ten grams of protein in cake? Chocoholics, your dreams just came true. This slimmed down version of a classic dessert has a third less fat than the original. Plus, you don’t even need an oven to whip up this quick and easy recipe.Photo and Recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
5. Lemon and Blueberry Protein Coffeecake
Just as tasty as a regular breakfast pastry, this treat is gluten-free, sugar-free and packs nearly 16 grams of protein per slice! Top with Greek yogurt for an exceptional and healthy dessert or post-workout meal. Photo: Viviane / Chocolate Chili Mango
6. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Grain free, dairy free and vegan, these bites are perfect for anyone who’s on-the-go and likes to snack. They pack a whole five grams of protein per ball so they’re way better for you than anything you’d find in a vending machine.Photo and Recipe: Lee Hersh /Life by Daily Burn
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7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bar
Our favorite flavors (chocolate and peanut butter, of course) come together in this easy-to-make snack. With just eight ingredients, you can whip these up in under an hour — and have leftovers to eat all week.Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by Daily Burn
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8. Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal
Start your day with “proatmeal,” oatmeal with 19 grams of protein! Molasses, dates and cinnamon come together in this festive breakfast that’s easy to make. And you can reheat it on the fly. Photo and Recipe: Christal / Nutritionist in the Kitch
9. Spinach Frozen Yogurt
Sneak some iron into your diet with this creamy fro-yo that tastes nothing like spinach. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the yogurt mixture in ice cube trays. Then throw the cubes in a blender. Photo and Recipe: Erika / The Pancake Princess
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10. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Get your chocolate fix with better-for-you fudge cups that taste just like your favorite store-bought brand. Use stevia, honey and coconut oil instead of butter and sugar. Share your treats with friends or store them in the fridge for up to one week.Photo and Recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
11. Coconut Protein Balls
Taste the tropics with this pre- or post-workout snack. If the five grams of protein per ball isn’t enough for you, consider added a few extra scoops of protein powder into the mix. Photo and Recipe: Olena / iFood Real
12. Banana Nutella Protein Muffins
Don’t monkey around with unsatisfying foods! These 165-calorie muffins pack eight grams of protein each. Add chocolate chips, berries or nuts to the batter if you want to change things up. Photo and Recipe: Perry Santantachote / Life by Daily Burn
RELATED:16 Brilliant New Uses for Your Muffin Tin
13. Tiramisu Protein Pancakes
Get ready to flip for these caffeinated flapjacks that pack a whopping 46 grams of protein per serving! In between the pancakes, layer the healthy sweet filling that’s made from cottage cheese, banana and coffee extract. Photo and Recipe: Heather / Kiss My Broccoli
14. Brownie Batter Overnight Protein Oatmeal
The ultimate breakfast — ready in less than 15 minutes. You’ll start your day on a healthy note thanks to this blend of almond milk, Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, oats and protein powder. Allow the mix to sit overnight for softer oats, which you can enjoy cold or warm.Photo and recipe: Katie Farrell / Dashing Dish
15. Chocolate-Banana Protein Pancakes
Your day can’t go wrong when your morning begins with 22 grams of protein in these pancakes! Chocolate protein powder, ground flax seeds, eggs, almond milk and banana provide a nutritious breakfast. If you have a sweet tooth, we recommend drizzling a bit of honey instead of syrup. Photo and Recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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16. Sweet Potato Rosemary Bread
For a warm and comforting meal, pair a savory slice of this gluten-free bread with a hearty soup. With no yeast or rising time, the bread will be fairly dense but packs 12.5 grams of protein per serving. Photo: Viviane / Chocolate Chili Mango
17. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies
These gluten-free treats are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while boosting your protein intake. If you’re allergic to peanuts, swap in a different kind of nut butter.Photo and Recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by DailyBurn
18. No Bake Protein Cookies
Cookies that don’t require an oven? Count us in! Nature’s candy known as dates provide all the sweetness you need in these good-for-you cookies. The recipe alsoincludes rolled oats, peanuts and peanut butter.Photo and recipe: Olena / iFOODReal
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19. Healthy Carrot Cake Quinoa Protein Loaf
Introducing your guilt-free, go-to dessert. This moist loaf packs lots of flavor courtesy of the citrus zest, applesauce, apple pie spice (or cinnamon) and grated carrots. Even better: It takes less than six minutes to make when you pop it in the microwave.Photo and recipe: Jessica / Desserts with Benefits
20.Oreo-Esque Protein Cookies
Less than 10 minutes, four ingredients and a love for chocolatey goodness — the only three requirements for pulling off these yummy oreo-like cookies. With whey protein powder in the cookie and the filling, you’ll get 10 grams of the muscle-building macro in each piece. You also get 9 grams of fiber.Photo and recipe:Anna Sward / Protein Pow
Originally posted on December 25, 2013. Updated April 2017.
