How to Turn Your Favorite Desserts into Protein Powerhouses

[ad_1] <img width="800" height="534" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-turn-your-favorite-desserts-into-protein-powerhouses-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="How to Turn Your Favorite Desserts into Protein Powerhouses | MyFitnessPal" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-turn-your-favorite-desserts-into-protein-powerhouses-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-turn-your-favorite-desserts-into-protein-powerhouses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-turn-your-favorite-desserts-into-protein-powerhouses-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-turn-your-favorite-desserts-into-protein-powerhouses.jpg 1349w" /> Have a candy tooth however making an attempt to dodge the dreaded sugar crash? Similar. Positive, I’m a dietitian—however I really like dessert. And whereas these store-bought protein cookies would possibly declare to pack the punch of a sirloin steak, they normally style like disappointment. And, they price a small fortune in addition!

That is precisely why I’ve been busy within the kitchen testing simple, high-protein swaps that truly style like a deal with. As a dietitian, private coach, and cookbook creator with a critical love for sweets, I’m excited to share my high 5 go-to dessert concepts—all scrumptious, no-bake, and full of protein.

With just some easy swaps, you possibly can elevate the protein in your favourite treats.

Why Add Protein to Your Desserts?

There’s a purpose protein is trending. It performs a key position in constructing and sustaining lean muscle, supporting bone well being, immune perform, balanced blood sugar, and a wholesome weight.

Plus, powering up your candy snacks with protein might assist forestall blood sugar crashes (1). This occurs as a result of protein helps improve satiety, or that fullness issue if you eat (2).

“Consuming a candy deal with with protein offers you the sweetness you crave from a dessert with out the surplus sugar that may result in a crash later,” says Joanna Gregg, MS, RD, a MyFitnessPal dietitian. “A protein-packed dessert may assist you to skip senseless snacking, placing you one step nearer to your targets.”

Undecided the place you stand with regards to hitting your individual protein wants? Let MyFitnessPal assist you to with the Macro Tracker within the app, or head over to the free Macro Calculator.

Excessive-Protein Ingredient Swaps to Strive

Seeking to stage up your desserts? These high-protein ingredient swaps are examined, dependable, and straightforward to work into your favourite recipes.

Ingredient Swap For Strive It In BeansButter, flour Baked items, cookie doughCottage cheeseButter, cream cheese, ricottaBaked items, pancakes, sauces, spreadsGreek yogurtSour cream, heavy cream, butter Baked items, smoothies, fruit-based ice creamNuts & nut buttersSprinkles, chocolate chips Baked items, frozen desserts, bars and bitesPowdered peanut butter All-purpose flour, nut butters Baked items, smoothiesProtein powder All-purpose flourBars, cookies, pancakes SeedsSprinkles, chocolate toppings Smoothies, oatmeal, frozen dessertsSilken tofu Heavy cream Pies, custards, mousse

5 Simple Excessive-Protein Desserts

1. Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark

Star Ingredient

Greek yogurt. It’s versatile, reasonably priced, and a kitchen staple most have available. Plus, you possibly can simply make this with a non-dairy, high-protein yogurt different. Yogurt provides essential vitamins too, like calcium and probiotics, that help a wholesome intestine (3).

Why I Love It

It’s crunchy, candy, and so satisfying. And, it’s reasonably priced on a budget-friendly meal plan. Frozen berries are a game-changer too—bringing fiber and pure sweetness.

Find out how to Strive It

Slather Greek yogurt on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Thaw a cup of frozen combined berries, then swirl them into the yogurt. Add a sprinkle of hemp seeds and chopped nuts, then a drizzle of peanut butter (or different nut or seed butter) for further creaminess and a protein increase. Freeze till agency.

Professional Tip

Break bark into small items and retailer in two sealed containers for a portion-controlled snack to take pleasure in if you want a pick-me-up.

2. Cinnamon Roll Chia Pudding

Star Ingredient

Chia seeds and unsweetened soy milk—two nutrient all-stars! Chia seeds present some protein, heart-healthy omega-3s, and dietary fiber, whereas the protein from the soy milk presents up extra satiety, preserving you fuller for longer (4).

Why I Love It

It’s really easy to make and requires no cooking. Plus, you possibly can customise the flavour primarily based on seasons. Feeling fall? Stir in some pure pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice!

Find out how to Strive It

Place chia seeds, floor cinnamon, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and unsweetened soy milk in a glass jar and shake vigorously. (Use one half chia seeds to 4 elements milk). Retailer within the fridge, then earlier than consuming, drizzle date syrup, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a spoonful of your favourite high-protein granola on high.

Professional Tip

Put together a batch directly so you may have breakfast or a mid-afternoon candy deal with able to go all week lengthy.

Concerning the Consultants

Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN, CPT is a vitamin skilled, four-time cookbook creator and early vitamin pioneer within the discipline of fertility vitamin. She is the president and proprietor of the USA-based vitamin communications and consulting agency Shaw Easy Swaps.

Joanna Gregg, MS, RD is a Meals Information Curator at MyFitnessPal. She earned her Grasp’s diploma from The College of Nebraska. Her focus helps individuals discover the fitting steadiness of meals, health and wholesome residing to succeed in their optimum well being.

3. Sugar Cookie Dip Dessert Nachos

Star Ingredient

Chickpeas! These sturdy and versatile beans work nice in all kinds of candy treats. Plus, they pack plant-based protein and double as a serving of greens too (5).

Why I Love It

Toss all elements in a blender and voilà—this magnificence involves life! You may serve it to a crowd and please everybody. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in added sugar.

Find out how to Strive It

Pop open a can of chickpeas, rinse, drain, and toss right into a meals processor. Add in low calorie sweetener of alternative (I like allulose), some non-dairy milk (begin with ½ cup), some oat flour for texture, and a few salt. Course of till clean, including extra milk if you'd like a thinner consistency. Spoon over sliced apple. High with seeds or chopped nuts for a enjoyable, protein-filled sprinkle.

Professional Tip

Portion management a priority right here? Enlist the assistance of these transportable containers with lids so you possibly can simply portion into particular person servings and luxuriate in a wholesome, grab-and-go deal with slathered on a banana.

<img width="1024" height="643" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-1024x643.jpg" alt="The high-protein cinnamon roll recipe we're drooling over | MyFitnessPal" class="wp-image-54709 size-full" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-1024x643.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-300x188.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-768x482.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-500x315.jpg 500w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-752x472.jpg 752w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-269x169.jpg 269w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-444x280.jpg 444w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe-299x188.jpg 299w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/healthier-cinnamon-roll-recipe.jpg 1504w" /> You may additionally like

The Excessive-Protein Cinnamon Roll Recipe We’re Drooling Over

4. Chocolate Peanut Butter “Good” Cream

Star Ingredient

Cottage cheese. Sure, there’s one more reason to hop on this pattern! This protein powerhouse (it packs 12 grams in ½-cup) helps create a better-for-you ice cream whereas nonetheless offering a creamy mouthfeel with no unusual aftertaste (6).

Why I Love It

It’s really easy. You toss a couple of elements in a blender and all of a sudden you’ve received one thing that feels fancy however takes lower than 5 minutes. It’s nice for a heat summer season day if you need one thing cool and refreshing however packs a bit extra dietary bang per chunk!

Find out how to Strive It

Toss cottage cheese in a blender with frozen banana slices, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, some powdered peanut butter, and a drizzle of honey. Course of till creamy and clean. Portion right into a bowl and high with chopped peanuts for texture.

Professional Tip

Nonetheless not into cottage cheese? Greek yogurt will work as an alternative.

5. Cheesecake Jars

Star Ingredient

One other recipe utilizing that Greek yogurt. It truly is a celebrity! Along with the protein, it additionally packs calcium, probiotics, and potassium (3).

Why I Love It

It’s a no brainer recipe that may make you're feeling such as you’re indulging in a particular deal with from The Cheesecake Manufacturing unit with out the calorie overload. Plus, these cute jars come collectively in lower than 10 minutes and work nice for a summer season BBQ or a self-serve indulgence after a protracted day.

Find out how to Strive It

Add Greek yogurt to a bowl. Combine in some whipped cream cheese, a sprinkle of your most popular low-calorie sweetener, vanilla extract, after which portion into mason jars and refrigerate. When able to take pleasure in, high with crushed graham crackers and microwaved frozen berries for that naturally candy antioxidant topping.

Professional Tip

Make quite a lot of flavors to fulfill your candy tooth. Craving cookies and cream? Swap the grahams and berries for a crushed Oreo on high.

Often Requested Questions (FAQs)

What's the finest protein powder to make use of in desserts? This will depend on private choice and dietary wants. “Select what works for you primarily based on allergic reactions, preferences and taste. Intention for 20-25 grams protein per scoop, decrease in sugar (<10g carb) and one which isn’t filled with synthetic sweeteners,” says Gregg.

Can I eat protein desserts every single day? This will depend on your protein wants, however concentrate on selection. For those who take pleasure in Sugar Cookie Dip in the future, swap it up for the Frozen Yogurt Bark the subsequent so that you provide your physique a greater variety of vitamins.

How a lot protein ought to a dessert need to rely as “high-protein”? There’s some crimson tape round this, which means a meals should have 10 grams or extra of protein to technically be thought-about “high-protein” from a authorized standpoint (7). However, everybody’s protein wants are totally different. Let MyFitnessPal assist you determine your private macro wants.

Do high-protein desserts assist with weight reduction? Analysis suggests a high-protein weight loss plan can improve satiety and might help weight reduction (2). Nevertheless, energy nonetheless rely, so concentrate on portion management, steadiness, and moderation.

What if I don’t like protein powder? Are there different choices? Completely, relying on what you’re whipping up, you possibly can enlist the assistance of a unique protein swap. For instance, a cup of nonfat Greek yogurt packs 25 grams of protein right into a blended frozen dessert, whereas a cup of unsweetened soymilk supplies 7 grams of the celebrity and works properly in smoothies, mousses, and chia pudding (8,9).

Can I eat protein desserts as a post-workout snack? Sure, they will make a wonderful restoration snack after your exercise, delivering the important amino acids your physique wants to assist restore and construct lean muscle.

The Backside Line

Skip the expensive packaged sweets and check out considered one of these protein-packed desserts as a substitute—each delivers 10+ grams of protein to help your targets. Including protein to your treats might assist you to really feel fuller, help extra secure blood sugar, and contribute to muscle and immune well being.