Easy & Delicious Protein Dessert Recipes

We all know the feeling– you’re on a roll with eating healthy, consistent with your workouts, and generally feeling great—until— the sugar craving smacks you upside the head. 

You’re left with three choices (humor me): (1) Crack open a pint of ice cream (2) Order your favorite dessert or (3) Whip together something that is not only sweet, but also healthy and high in protein! 

Obviously, you can have whatever you want, because at the end of the day, we can always have whatever we want. But today, you honor your hard work, consistency, and momentum and choose to go the healthy, high protein route! 

Luckily, you’ve stumbled upon the appropriate blog post! I’m sharing three of my protein-packed desserts that are anything but boring and will actually help you stay consistent toward your health goals. 

These recipes are perfect for post-workout cravings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or just a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. We'll be using a variety of protein powders, from my personal favorite plant-based option, Ritual Essential Protein, to classic whey protein. But don't worry, if you have dietary restrictions, there are plenty of options for you too!

Throughout the post, I'll also be highlighting some key nutritional information like calories, protein content, and carbs to help you make informed choices.

PB&J Protein Baked Oats (Makes 4-6 servings)

These protein oats are not only dairy-free but also pack 20 grams of protein per serving!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 bananas, mashed

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup/ agave nectar or zero-calorie sweetener of choice (more for more sweetness!)

• 3 scoops of Ritual Essential Protein 

• 1.5 cups rolled oats

• 1.5 cups non-dairy milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)

• 1 tablespoon flax or chia seeds

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• A dash of salt

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter, folded in

• 1.5 cups mixed frozen berries, thawed or warmed prior to folding in

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or individual ramekins if using.

2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix with maple syrup/agave nectar or sweetener.

3. Stir in the protein powder, rolled oats, plant milk, flax or chia seeds, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

4. Gently fold in the peanut butter and thawed/warmed berries.

5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish or ramekins.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Top with additional maple syrup, peanut butter, or fresh berries (optional).

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 300

• Protein: 20g

• Carbs: 36g

• Fat: 9g

Tip: If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal, add an additional tablespoon of maple syrup or sweetener before baking.

Strawberry Cheesecake (Single Serving)

This high-protein, low-calorie cheesecake takes less than 30 minutes and is perfect for a satisfying single-serve dessert.

Ingredients:

• 130g (1/2 cup) low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, blended!

• 30g (1/4 cup) low-fat or fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt 

• 1 scoop of Clean Simple Eats Strawberry Cheesecake protein powder(Simply Vanilla also works!)

• Stevia drops or your favorite zero-calorie sweetener to taste

• 3 strawberries, chopped

• Juice of a 1/4 lemon

• Optional: powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Stir in the Greek yogurt, protein powder, stevia drops (to taste), and lemon juice.

2. Fold in 1 chopped strawberry.

3. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish or 4-inch springform pan (greased with cooking spray).

4. Bake at 340°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. While the cheesecake is baking, microwave the remaining 2 strawberries for 45 seconds until they soften and turn into a compote.

6. Remove the cheesecake from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes, add the compote on top, and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 270

• Protein: 40g

• Carbs: 20g

• Fat: 2g

Want a No-Bake Option? 

Sometimes you just don't have the time or energy to preheat the oven. That's where no-bake protein desserts come in! These treats are perfect for busy mornings or when you're craving something sweet in a pinch.

No-Bake Banana Cream Pie (Makes 2 Servings)

This creamy and delicious pie is surprisingly high in protein and surprisingly low in guilt!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 whole banana 

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1.5 graham crackers, crushed (use 1 for a lower carb option)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and half of the banana until smooth and creamy.

2. Crush the graham crackers in a separate bag or container.

3. Divide the creamy mixture between two cups. 

4. Press some of the crushed graham crackers into the bottom of each cup.

5. Pour the banana cream mixture over the graham cracker crust.

6. Slice the remaining banana and place on top of the filling.

7. Top with the remaining graham cracker crumbs, and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 281

• Protein: 25g

• Carbs: 36g

• Fat: 4g

Tip: If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender or a handheld immersion blender for this recipe. The texture might not be as smooth, but it will still be delicious.

Here are some additional tips for success:

• Don't be afraid to substitute!  Can't find unsweetened almond milk? Try oat milk or cashew milk for a creamy texture in your baked oatmeal. No strawberry cheesecake protein powder? Vanilla or another fruity flavor will work just fine!

• Richer Taste:  For a richer oatmeal base, consider using a neutral tasting milk like soy milk or even coconut milk.

• Use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas not only add natural sweetness. Remember, you can always adjust the sweetness to your taste based on the ripeness of your bananas and your personal preferences.

More Protein Options:

While protein powder is a convenient way to add protein, it's not the only option! Here are some alternative protein sources you can explore:

• Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter are all fantastic sources of protein and healthy fats. Try adding a dollop of your favorite nut butter to your oatmeal for a bit of extra flavor and richness.

• Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with protein and fiber. Sprinkle them on top of your finished cheesecake or pie for a satisfying crunch and extra nutrients.

Protein Dessert Topping ideas

• Nut Butter Drizzle:  Melt some peanut butter or your favorite nut butter in the microwave for a few seconds until runny. Drizzle it over your oatmeal or overnight oats for an extra protein and flavor boost.

• Chia Seeds: Sprinkle a tablespoon of chia seeds over your dessert for a satisfying crunch and a bit of extra protein and healthy fats.

• Sugar-Free Syrup: Sugar-free syrups come in a variety of flavors and can be a great way to add a touch of sweetness without all the sugar.

• Fresh Strawberries: If you're lucky enough to find fresh strawberries during peak strawberry season, they'll add a burst of sweetness and fresh flavor to your protein oatmeal or overnight oats recipe.

• Frozen Fruit Options:  Frozen berries, peaches, or mangoes are all great options to keep on hand year-round. They're perfect for adding a fruity twist to your protein desserts and can be easily incorporated into overnight oats for a quick and easy grab-and-go breakfast.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started.  With a little creativity, you can create endless protein dessert variations that are both delicious and nutritious!

Did you make the recipe? What did you think?! Tell me in the comments below!

To your health and happiness, & protein intake,

x, Ashley