52 Recipes With Protein Powder

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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!

Protein Powder recipes.

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!

Table of Contents
  1. What are the different types of protein powders?
  2. No-bake treats
  3. Desserts & baked goods
  4. Breakfast protein recipes
  5. Protein smoothies & drinks
  6. Protein bars
  7. Savory protein powder recipes
  8. Frequently asked questions
  9. Full list of recipes

What are the different types of protein powders?

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. 
  • Peanut butter protein balls– My favorite quick protein ball recipe, packing 10 grams of protein per ball. 
  • 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.
protein rice krispies.

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!!
protein muffins.

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 cinnamon rolls.

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 shake.

Protein bars

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 granola 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.
protein in mac and cheese.

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

protein pudding recipe.
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!
Check out this recipe
5 from 105 votes
peanut butter protein balls recipe.
Snack
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These peanut butter protein balls are the ultimate no bake snack using just 4 ingredients! 10 grams of protein each and NO added sugar needed
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 463 votes
protein cookie dough recipe.
Dessert
Protein Cookie Dough
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!
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 976 votes
protein granola bars recipe.
Snack
Protein Granola Bars
This 4-ingredient protein granola bar recipe takes 10 minutes to make and yield thick, chewy and satisfying bars. 20 grams of protein each.
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 263 votes
protein rice krispies recipe.
Dessert
Protein Rice Krispies
These protein rice krispies are a healthy take on our favorite childhood snack. 4 ingredients, no baking, and over 15 grams of protein each!
Check out this recipe
5 from 76 votes
protein balls recipe.
Snack
4-Ingredient Protein Balls
An easy 5-minute recipe for homemade protein energy balls made with 4 ingredients! Chewy, easy and made in one bowl.
4 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 848 votes
protein milkshake recipe.
Snack
Protein Milkshake Recipe
This creamy, decadent protein milkshake recipe uses simple ingredients and packs over 30 grams of protein. I love the endless flavor combinations!
Check out this recipe
5 from 11 votes
protein fudge recipe.
Dessert
Protein Fudge
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!
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
4.92 from 56 votes
protein cheesecake recipe.
Dessert
Protein Cheesecake
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.
1 hour
Check out this recipe
5 from 108 votes

Desserts and baked treats

protein mug cake recipe.
Dessert
Protein Mug Cake Recipe
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. 
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 1433 votes
protein brownies recipe.
Dessert
Protein Brownies
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.
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 1633 votes
protein ice cream
Dessert
Protein Ice Cream (3 Ingredients!)
This no churn protein ice cream recipe is a guilt-free frozen dessert made with just 3 ingredients! It's creamy, smooth, and made in a blender.
2 minutes
Check out this recipe
4.98 from 684 votes
protein cookie recipe
Snack
Protein Cookies (4 Ingredients!)
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!
12 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 2162 votes
protein cupcakes recipe.
Dessert
Protein Cupcakes
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!
20 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 162 votes
protein banana bread recipe.
Dessert
Protein Banana Bread
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!
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 1039 votes
Copycat Lenny Larry Cookies
Dessert
Lenny And Larry Cookies
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.
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
4.94 from 102 votes
protein muffins recipe.
Dessert
Protein Muffins (5 Ingredients!)
This recipe for protein muffins are perfectly moist, fluffy, and need just 5 ingredients! Each muffin packs in 20 grams of protein.
12 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 1270 votes
Protein donuts
Snack
Protein Donuts (Under 100 Calories!)
These protein donuts are fluffy, cakey, and need just 6 ingredients to make! Packed with over 12 grams of protein and less than 100 calories each!
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 349 votes

High Protein Breakfasts

protein overnight oats recipe.
Breakfast
Protein Overnight Oats
These protein overnight oats needs just 4 ingredients to make and is perfectly thick and creamy. Over 30 grams of protein per serving.
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 115 votes
protein oatmeal recipe.
Breakfast
Protein Powder Oatmeal
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!
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 135 votes
protein granola
Breakfast
Protein Granola
This protein granola recipe needs just 4 ingredients to make but yields the most crunchy and cluster-filled granola. 22 grams of protein per serving.
13 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 187 votes
protein pancake recipe.
Breakfast
Easiest Protein Pancakes
These thick and fluffy protein pancakes make a healthy and wholesome breakfast. No flour, high fiber, and ready in minutes.
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 184 votes
banana protein pancakes recipe.
Breakfast
Easiest Banana Protein Pancakes
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.
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 94 votes
protein chia pudding recipe.
Breakfast
Protein Chia Pudding
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!
Check out this recipe
5 from 61 votes
protein waffles recipe.
Breakfast
Protein Waffles
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.
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 602 votes
protein cinnamon rolls recipe.
Dessert
Protein Cinnamon Rolls
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!
25 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 16 votes
protein bread recipe.
Breakfast
Protein Bread
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.
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 206 votes
protein cereal
Breakfast
4-Ingredient Protein Cereal
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!
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 88 votes
protein bagels recipe.
Breakfast
Protein Bagels
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!
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 128 votes

Protein smoothies and shakes

protein coffee recipe.
Drinks
Protein Coffee Recipe
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.
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 78 votes
cinnamon roll protein shake recipe.
Breakfast
Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake
My cinnamon roll protein shake is thick, creamy, and tastes like dessert! It’s full of cinnamon flavor and keeps you satisfied for hours! 
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 18 votes
oatmeal smoothie recipe.
Breakfast
Oatmeal Smoothie
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.
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 232 votes
chocolate caramel breakfast shake
Breakfast
Snickers Protein Shake
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!
1 minute
Check out this recipe
4.95 from 34 votes
chocolate protein shake recipe.
Snack
Chocolate Protein Shake
Learn how to make this thick and creamy chocolate protein shake recipe in seconds. With over 30 grams of protein, it leaves you satisfied for hours!
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 18 votes
peanut butter protein shake recipe.
Snack
Peanut Butter Protein Shake
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!
Check out this recipe
5 from 10 votes
coffee protein shake recipe.
Snack
Coffee Protein Shake
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!
Check out this recipe
5 from 11 votes

Protein Snacks and Bars

protein bar recipe.
Snack
Homemade Protein Bars (4 Ingredients!)
These homemade protein bars need just four ingredients to make and are healthier and better tasting than anything store bought!
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 1012 votes
Homemade Low Carb CRUNCH Protein Bars
Snack
Protein Crunch Bars
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!
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 92 votes
carrot cake protein bars
Snack
Carrot Cake Protein Bars
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.
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 105 votes
cookie dough protein bars recipe
Snack
Cookie Dough Protein Bars (3 Ingredients!)
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!
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 391 votes
Easy homemade no bake gluten free vegan protein bar recipe
Snack
Oatmeal Protein Bars
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!
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 212 votes
easy chocolate protein bars
Snack
No Bake Chocolate Protein Bars
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!
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 141 votes
no bake cookies and cream protein bars
Snack
Cookies and Cream Protein Bars
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!
Check out this recipe
5 from 149 votes
Soft and chewy no bake mint chocolate chip protein bars recipe
Snack
Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
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!
5 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 38 votes
snickers protein bars
Snack
Snickers Protein Bars (No sugar!)
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!
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 219 votes
banana protein bars recipe.
Snack
Banana Protein Bars
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.
Check out this recipe
5 from 77 votes
cinnamon protein bars recipe.
Snack
Cinnamon Protein Bars
Soft, chewy, and laced with warm cinnamon flavor, these no-bake cinnamon protein bars are SO easy to make…and even easier to eat!
Check out this recipe
5 from 52 votes

Savory protein powder recipes

protein pizza recipe
Main Course
Easiest Protein Pizza
This protein pizza packs in over 30 grams of protein per serving! The dough needs just 2 ingredients and it tastes like any good pizza.
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 122 votes
protein pasta recipe
Main Course
Protein Pasta
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!
40 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 89 votes
protein mac and cheese recipe.
Main Course
Protein Mac And Cheese
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!
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 21 votes
protein chips recipe.
Snack
Protein Chips Recipe
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. 
12 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 61 votes
protein popcorn recipe
Snack
Protein Popcorn
Give snacktime a protein boost with this protein popcorn recipe. Ready in minutes, it’s easy to customize and packs over 30 grams of protein!
1 minute
Check out this recipe
5 from 77 votes

Arman Liew

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.

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