Change up your protein powder game with these easy and delicious protein powder recipes. From hearty breakfasts to protein bars to protein desserts, you’ll actually look forward to meeting your protein goals!
Here’s some truth: before I started writing recipes, you couldn’t PAY me to take protein powders.
For years, I always associated them with gritty, overly sweet, fake-tasting shakes. But the more I found myself cooking, the more I got into fitness to stay in shape.
That was when I realized how hard it is to actually get enough protein in my day. Now, I love cooking with protein powder.
Each of these recipes is more creative than your average protein shake, yet they’re just as nutritionally dense and will make fitting in your daily protein feel like a treat!
If you’ve ever walked through the protein section of a vitamin shop, you know there are a LOT of options. In the end, it comes to cost, flavor, texture, and nutritional density. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Whey protein powder. Derived from cow’s milk, whey is a complete protein that’s absorbed quickly. It comes in the most flavor options, and I like it for its ability to dissolve quickly in liquid. It’s best in protein shakes, smoothies, and baking.
Casein protein powder. Also derived from cow’s milk, casein is thicker and creamier than other proteins, so you’ll need more of it to compensate. I prefer it in overnight oats or creamy desserts.
Soy protein. A popular plant-based protein, soy is also a complete protein with a similar texture to whey protein. I prefer it in dairy-free desserts and dairy-free breakfast recipes.
Pea protein. Derived from yellow peas, it’s not quite a complete protein, so it’s often blended with other vegan proteins. It can sometimes have an earthy flavor, so I prefer it in pancakes or homemade protein bars.
Brown rice protein. A thick protein powder that mixes well and comes in a variety of flavors. Like pea protein, it can sometimes have an earthy taste, so stick to vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder.
My best advice is to use whatever protein powder is recommended in the recipe since the balance of ingredients and protein structure can make all the difference.
No-bake treats
We love using protein powder in no-bake dessert recipes. It is an easy swap for flour and can add plenty of flavor.
Protein pudding– When I learned you could make pudding by combining Greek yogurt and protein powder, I was instantly hooked.
Protein cookie dough– As if edible cookie dough couldn’t get better! All you need are three ingredients, a few seconds, and voila! Sweet and satisfying protein cookie dough.
Protein granola bars– Soft, chewy granola bars that come together in minutes and offer 20 grams of protein per bar.
Protein rice krispies– My childhood favorite snack gets a makeover. Gooey, marshallow-filled, with tons of protein.
Protein balls– A base recipe with just 4 ingredients, I’ve also included a bunch of flavor variations to keep things interesting.
Protein milkshake– Okay, I grew up on Wendy’s milkshakes and these legit taste the same, minus all the nasties. Also, chocolate, vanilla, AND strawberry flavor options.
Protein fudge– Rich, creamy, and ready in under 5 minutes.
Protein cheesecake– One of my FAVORITE desserts to make that don’t taste healthy at all.
Desserts & baked goods
When I first started incorporating more protein into my diet, the first thing I did was learn to bake with it. It’s such a simple swap that makes even a protein donut feels like a more nutritious choice.
Protein mug cake– When the sweet cravings strike, we like to make mug cakes, and when we can sneak in 25 grams of protein at the same time, that’s even better.
Protein brownies– Yes, that’s right, rich, gooey, fudgy brownies with crinkly tops that double as a healthy post-workout snack.
Protein ice cream– Sweet, creamy, customizable ice cream made with no ice cream maker!
Protein cookies– Not only do you get protein from the powder, but you get even more from the peanut butter and eggs. Plus, they do NOT taste like boring protein cookies.
Protein cupcakes– Naturally sweetened with mashed bananas and coconut sugar, this is one of my favorite vegan and gluten-free cupcake recipes.
Protein banana bread– Light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh banana flavor, this eggless, dairy-free banana bread recipe packs 18 grams of protein per slice.
Lenny & Larry protein cookies– I used to buy these by the box until I realized I was spending a fortune, so I made this copycat recipe that includes the base plus 10 flavors!
Protein muffins– The easiest baked goods to get your protein in are light, fluffy, and studded with chocolate chips.
Protein donuts– These cakey and fluffy donuts are chocolate flavored and seriously taste too good!!
Breakfast protein recipes
I’ve found that if I start my day with a lot of protein, I don’t crash by midday, and I feel focused for hours.
Protein overnight oats– The perfect make-ahead breakfast that boasts over 30 grams of protein.
Protein oatmeal– If you prefer your oats warm, you’ll love this recipe. It’s made with simple ingredients and is endlessly customizable.
Protein granola– I like to add this to a bowl of Greek yogurt with some fresh berries for a nutrient-dense breakfast. Plus a few chocolate chips–just for me!
Protein pancakes– We probably make these more than regular pancakes.
Banana protein pancakes– Adapted from my original pancakes but this time with the addition of banana.
Protein chia pudding– Another easy make-ahead breakfast recipe made with fiber-packed chia seeds, cocoa powder, milk, maple syrup, and, of course, a scoop of protein powder.
Protein waffles– Light, fluffy, and made with only three ingredients, this is the perfect weekend brunch recipe.
Protein cinnamon rolls– Fluffy, gooey, and soft rolls that taste like the real thing. They also only need one rise.
Protein bread– With just 80 calories per slice, this high-protein bread toasts beautifully and makes great sandwiches, too.
Protein cereal– Yes, this is the kind you can dunk in your milk, and it remains crispy and crunchy!
Protein bagels– Just 3 main ingredients and no yeast or boiling needed.
Protein smoothies & drinks
Of course, protein powders are most commonly used in shakes and smoothies, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring!
Protein coffee– You better believe we figured out how to work protein into EVERY meal of the day, even your morning coffee.
Oatmeal smoothie– This smoothie is a nutrient powerhouse, being made with rolled oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, chia seeds, and creamy peanut butter.
Snickers protein shake– In case you can’t tell, I don’t mess around when it comes to shakes. This one literally tastes like a Snickers in a glass but with as much protein as a Snickers protein bar.
We always keep some protein bars on deck. They’re a great snack in between meals, and I love treating myself to one after a workout.
Homemade protein bars– This is my OG recipe that forms the base of many of my protein no bake recipes. It’s just 4 simple ingredients and easy to customize.
Protein cereal bars– Just 4 ingredients, and these remind me so much of my favorite childhood cereal snacks.
Banana protein bars– Mashed bananas make up the base of these bars for the ultimate protein snack.
Cinnamon protein bars– I was inspired to make these after trying Quest’s cinnamon roll protein bars.
Savory protein powder recipes
Confession- I LOVE to recreate traditional high carb dinners with a protein-packed makeover!
Protein pizza– I could eat this every single night because it tastes like real-deal pizza! Over 30 grams of protein and low in calories, too.
Protein pasta– Thanks to the addition of protein pasta and cottage cheese, this simple pasta bake is now a protein powerhouse!
Protein mac and cheese– The addition of unflavored protein powder in the sauce makes this a complete meal in itself.
Protein chips– Think of these as a high-protein Doritos fix!
Protein popcorn– A simple 3 ingredient recipe that takes minutes to make.
Frequently asked questions
Can I substitute flour in my recipes for protein powder?
No, I would not recommend swapping out flour in a recipe for protein powder. While both are dry ingredients, protein powder has completely different baking properties to flour. I recommend making one of the recipes you see here which have been tested replacing flour or substituting some of it out.
Which brand of protein powder is best?
While there are many brands of protein powder on the market, I’ve found that Optimum nutrition, Dymatize, and Growing Naturals protein powders are the most versatile, work well in recipes and standard protein shakes, and are affordable.
Full list of recipes
To make things super easy for you, I’ve included picture cards for all the recipes, including their cook time and key features. Click on any of them to go directly to that recipe.
No Bake Treats
Dessert
Protein Pudding Recipe
This protein pudding recipe is thick, creamy and satisfying and takes seconds to prep. 54 grams of protein per serving. Watch how I make this in my kitchen in the video below!
My protein cookie dough recipe needs just 3 main ingredients to make, and it tastes like actual cookie dough! Ready in minutes, each serving packs in over 30 grams of protein. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
This protein fudge is a rich and decadent dessert that comes together effortlessly and packs a whopping 15 grams of protein per serving. Creamy peanut butter, protein powder, and a melted chocolate drizzle combine to make the healthiest and most delicious fudge you’ve ever had!
This protein cheesecake is rich and creamy and packs in up to 30 grams of protein per slice! It's a simple recipe that works with or without protein powder.
This protein powder mug cake tastes like a gooey brownie but is completely guilt-free! It bakes up in just one minute and makes the best healthy single serving dessert.
These protein brownies are super fudgy, gooey, and need just four ingredients to make! No flour, no eggs, and no butter needed, they make a guilt free dessert fix.
These protein cookies are thick, chewy, and made with just 4 ingredients! No flour and no sugar needed, they taste delicious and pack in over 20 grams of protein!
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!
This protein banana bread is moist, fluffy, and made in just one bowl! It's an eggless and dairy free recipe that packs in over 18 grams of protein per slice!
These copycat Lenny Larry cookies are soft, chewy, and pack a whopping 15 grams of protein per cookie! With over 10 flavor combinations, you’ll be finding excuses to make these every day of the week.
This protein oatmeal is thick, creamy, and packs in over 30 grams of protein per serving! Easy to customize and makes a healthy and filling breakfast. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
These fluffy banana protein pancakes keep you full for hours! Made with 6 wholesome ingredients, they have a sweet banana flavor and are a perfect post-workout meal.
My protein chia pudding needs just four simple ingredients and less than two minutes prep. It's creamy, high in fiber, and packs in over 30 grams of protein. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Light, fluffy, and perfectly crispy protein waffles that need just four ingredients to make! Ready in minutes, I love how each serving has 20 grams of protein.
These protein cinnamon rolls are fluffy, gooey, and taste exactly like any good cinnamon roll out there. I love how each roll packs in over 20 grams of protein!
Easy homemade protein bread that has a tender crumb and chewy and fluffy texture! It needs just 6 ingredients to make and toasts like real sandwich bread.
Once you learn how easy it is to make my protein cereal at home, you’ll NEVER buy it at the store again! Made with 4 ingredients, it's crispy and crunchy, and each bowl packs over 20 grams of protein! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
These protein bagels need just three key ingredients to make and pack in over 20 grams of protein each! No yeast needed, you can make them without protein powder!
This protein coffee is your surefire way to add protein to your morning beverage! Perfect hot or cold, it makes the best quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
This oatmeal smoothie is thick, creamy, and packed with healthy and wholesome ingredients! Ready in seconds, it's perfect for a fast and delicious breakfast.
This Snickers protein shake turns your favorite chocolate bar into a healthy, creamy, delicious shake. It tastes just like dessert, but you’d never guess it contains a whopping 25 grams of protein!
This creamy peanut butter protein shake takes seconds to make and packs in over 20 grams of protein. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
This coffee protein shake recipe combines rich, refreshing coffee flavor with protein-packed ingredients. Over 20 grams of protein per serving. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
These protein crunch bars taste exactly like the classic candy bar, but they’re way healthier! Loaded with peanut butter, chocolate, and crunchy rice cereal, they have an addictive crispy bite and irresistible flavor!
These healthy no bake carrot cake protein bars taste exactly like a soft and fluffy carrot cake but in a healthy snack bar form! Packed full of protein, fiber and with no added sugar, it's the perfect snack recipe to have on hand! Vegan and gluten free.
These cookie dough protein bars are full of fiber, healthy fats, and have NO added sugar. With over 20 grams of protein per bar, I love how they taste just like raw cookie dough!
These oatmeal protein bars are made with 4 key ingredients and come together in minutes. The results are chewy, satisfying bars perfect for a grab-and-go snack or to keep the hunger pangs at bay!
These are the best chocolate protein bars made with simple ingredients and NO baking required. I always have a few on hand for an easy grab-and-go snack!
These cookies and cream protein bars are soft, chewy, and made with healthy ingredients. Ready in 10 minutes, I love how they pack over 14 grams of protein!
Learn how to make mint chocolate chip protein bars. Made with wholesome ingredients, each bar is packed with over 10 grams of protein. Absolutely no baking required!
Healthy Homemade Snickers Protein Bars (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free) which tastes just like the original candy bar, but with a sugar free and low carb makeover! A quick, easy and portable snack or dessert which takes minutes to whip up and can be made with or without protein powder!
My sweet and chewy banana protein bars are the ultimate post-workout treat or midday snack. Made with simple ingredients, they pack in over 20 grams of protein.
This high protein pasta recipe packs in over 35 grams of protein per serving! Cozy, comforting, and made in just ONE dish, it comes together in minutes!
This high protein mac and cheese needs just 6 main ingredients to make and yields the most creamy and dreamy mac ever. I love how it tastes like the real thing. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
This protein chips recipe is easy to make with a handful of wholesome ingredients. They’re fun to customize with your favorite chip flavors and are perfect for dipping! 13 grams of protein per serving.
I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.
Wow! I am fitness lover and really love protein recipes. This page I will save!