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These high-protein cupcakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened. With no flour, no eggs, and over 20 grams of protein per serving, they’re the perfect guilt-free dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth!
I have a raging sweet tooth, so when I can satisfy my cravings and pack in my daily protein, I consider it a win-win.
This is why I love to make high-protein sweet treats like brownies, rice krispies, and these protein cupcakes. These cupcakes turn out light and fluffy, just like traditional cupcakes, but with added protein, thanks to the combination of protein powder and almond butter.
When we’re in the baking mood and need a healthy but satisfying treat, nothing beats these cupcakes.
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
- Just 5 ingredients. You’ll only need 5 ingredients to make these moist and fluffy cupcakes, and one of them is optional!
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free. There’s no flour, dairy, or eggs in this recipe, so long as you use a vegan protein powder.
- Packed with protein. Between the protein powder and almond butter, you’re looking at a whopping 20 grams of protein per cupcake.
- Customizable. Almost all the ingredients you’ll need can be customized to suit your preferences or save you a trip to the store. Plus, you can add whatever frosting you want, and I’ll be sure to leave a few suggestions later on.
What we love most about these cupcakes is how versatile they are. Since they’re made with only wholesome ingredients, I see no reason we shouldn’t have them as breakfast alongside some protein coffee.
Ingredients needed
You’ll only need five ingredients, including optional sugar, to make these healthy cupcakes. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- Mashed banana. Instead of eggs, mashed bananas can help bind the batter and make it smooth and creamy. Not a fan of bananas in your baking? Swap it for canned pumpkin, mashed sweet potatoes, or applesauce for the same creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Almond butter. To thicken the batter and add richness. Make your own or opt for the storebought kind.
- Cocoa powder. For the chocolate flavor. I prefer dark chocolate cocoa powder, but any kind will work.
- Protein powder. For protein and as a flour substitute. Use your favorite brand in either vanilla or chocolate.
- Coconut sugar. Optional for extra sweetness. This can be swapped for any sweetener of your choice or omitted.
How to make protein cupcakes
Step 1- Prep work: Preheat the oven to 350F/175C and line a 6-count muffin tin with muffin liners.
Step 2- Combine ingredients: Using a high-speed blender or mixing bowl, combine all of your ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour the cupcake batter into each muffin tin, filling until almost full.
Step 3- Bake and serve: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely in the muffin tin, then frost if desired and serve.
Recipe tips and variations
- Choose the protein powder wisely. I prefer casein, brown rice, or pea protein for baking as they blend well and don’t dry out baked goods as much as whey protein powder does.
- Avoid overbaking the cupcakes. Remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted comes out clean since they’ll continue to cook as they’re cooling.
- Make mini cupcakes. Use a smaller muffin tin and make double the cupcakes. Just remember to cut the baking time in half, as smaller cupcakes will bake faster.
- Don’t forget the frosting. All good cupcakes require frosting, of course! Try this healthy frosting or this easy 2-ingredient dairy free frosting.
- Add some mix-ins. Toss in some chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts to level up the flavor.
- Swap the almond butter. Use peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, homemade Nutella, or any nut butter you prefer.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the cupcakes fresher for longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to one week.
To freeze: Store cooled, unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 6 months. Allow the leftover cupcakes to thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
Compared to regular cupcakes, these protein cupcakes are a far healthier alternative since they contain very little added sugar, they’re gluten-free and high in protein and healthy fats.
Ideally, casein, pea, or brown rice protein are the best options for baking since they thicken the batter and won’t dry out the cupcakes when they’re baked.
More high-protein desserts to try
- Cheesecake– Rich and creamy cheesecake with over 30 grams of protein per serving.
- Donuts– Fluffy, cakey, low-calorie donuts that taste just as decadent as regular donuts.
- Chocolate chip cookies– Chewy and chocolatey cookies made with only 4 ingredients.
- Pudding– Smooth and creamy pudding you can enjoy in a wide variety of flavors.
- Pumpkin balls– Satisfy your pumpkin spice craving while sneaking in your daily dose of protein and fiber.
Protein Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup banana mashed
- 1/2 cup almond butter I prefer almond butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup protein powder see above content for tested recommendations
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar optional*
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and line a 6 count muffin tin with muffin liners.
- In a high speed blender (or mixing bowl), combine all your ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into each muffin tin, filling until just full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a oothpick comes out just clean. Allow to cool in the muffin tin completely.
I will make this for sure. But instead of almond butter will take peanut butter.
These were delicious – reminded me of two bite brownies after being in the fridge. Thank you!
Are you using a chocolate flavored protein powder plus the cocoa powder? Thx
Yes I am but you can use plain protein powder.
How did you make the frosting?
Check out this post- https://thebigmansworld.com/2016/03/23/healthy-flourless-fudge-brownies/
Sounds delicious!! But how much is “1-2 scoops of protein powder”?
Hi Linda! Usually around 32-34 grams per single scoop 🙂
Ok, thanks! <3
I made these delicious brownies today, I followed the recipe exactly and used Ghirardelli cocoa and Vega one daily essentials protein, 1 scoop. These were great, I’m about to have my second one with some unsweetened almond milk, thanks!!
😀 yum!!!!!
My batter was super thick. Didn’t pour. I just grabbed some batter with my hands and smashed in the muffin tins. In the oven now! We shall see 🙂
Hi Heather! Sounds like you used a really great and thick protein powder- Fingers crossed!
I gotta biggy for ya 😉 Have ya ever made a quadruple batch of these??? I need to make for my daughter’s classroom birthday party so should I make several batches or can I just multiply the recipe?? THEN, if I use the other recipe (wo protein) how long should I cook in in tins?
Hi! I haven’t, but feel free to experiment and see! 🙂
I don’t have time Arman that’s why I asked you silly HaHa
I’m currently out of town and will need to make these quickly Monday morning before school (yikes–I’m feeling stressed already)
Haha! No worries, all the best!
What flavor protein powder did you use/recommend? Chocolate or can it be vanilla?
Either works, I prefer chocolate for the more evident chocolate flavor 🙂
Will this work with hemp protein powder? Thanks!
I’d like to try these for my granddaughter, age 8, diagnosed with Type I diabetes. How many carbs in each muffin (I’d use all you say with VegaSport pea protein. Thanks.
Hi Joyce! For sure- if you go to myfitnesspal and add in that protein powder to the other ingredients, it will provide it for you 🙂
I love mini versions of foods. I can justify eating 100 in one sitting!
Hahaha, right? 😀
Yummy! Looking delicious. Definitely worth trying!
🙂 Enjoy, Agness!
I like mini muffins, but prefer to devour one large muffin. 🙂 And these look so good!
🙂 You and me, both Joanne!
Whenever I make something mini-sized, I have five of them instead of one large-version of them! Ohhhhh well.. 😉 Anyhow, brownies always win my heart. I am totally stoked to try these out!
Please do, I think you’d love it!
My recent snacking was not super healthy. I was snowed in, so I blamed it on my depressed state of hating winter. In short, I snacked on bugle chips and wine. These clearly look much healthier.
OMG I LOVE BUGLE CHIPS….until I was told it was for the young’ns!
These brownies look insane, Arman! I want to eat 5 in one sitting! I hear ya on the random pans…and I own several. Like a cast iron pan to make teddy bear shaped cornbread muffins. Yup, you read that right. It’s sitting right here in my basement. Along with my exercise equipment, office and beer fridge. And soon I’ll be adding these brownies to that list. 🙂
Omg, a teddy bear shaped cornbread muffin? That might be useful for the forthcoming kiddie parties you have to look forward to 😀