You can have your cake and meet your wellness goals, too. If you’re trying to hit your protein goals without giving up sweets, you’re in luck — the world of high-protein desserts has exploded with options that are both delicious and functional. Whether you’re fueling post-workout recovery or just trying to curb cravings the smart way, these desserts offer a sweet treat with a solid protein punch — we’re talking 20 grams or more per serving.
Here are 7 of the best high-protein dessert options that will help you reach your daily protein goals and will be a treat you can feel good about enjoying.
7 High-Protein Dessert Recipes That Taste as Good as They Fuel
#1 Protein Mug Cake
Protein: ~25g per serving | Makes 1 serving
Ready in under 2 minutes, protein mug cakes are a go-to when you’re craving something sweet. Mix one scoop of protein powder with almond flour, baking powder, almond milk, and a dash of cocoa powder — microwave, and boom: a fluffy cake in a mug. Bonus points for adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for added protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop protein powder (whey or plant-based, ~20–25g protein)
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate flavor)
- Optional: 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
- Optional topping: 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
Directions:
Step #1: Mix all dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug: Protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder (if using).
Step #2: Add almond milk and stir until a smooth batter forms. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk (1 tsp at a time).
Step #3: Optional: Fold in chocolate chips.
Step #4: Microwave on high for 45–60 seconds. Watch it rise! Don’t overcook it, or it’ll get rubbery.
Step #5: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or nut butter, if desired.
Tip: For a moister cake, add 1/2 mashed banana or 1 tsp nut butter to the batter.
#2 Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
Protein: ~20-25g protein per serving | Makes 4 servings
The internet has recently rediscovered cottage cheese, and turning it into a protein-packed cheesecake might be its greatest evolution yet. Blend low-fat cottage cheese with eggs, a scoop of vanilla protein powder, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Bake and chill for a creamy dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor or protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based, ~20–25g protein)
- 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: zest of ½ lemon or ½ tsp cinnamon for a flavor twist
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step #2: Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor until silky smooth (no lumps!). Cottage cheese should be fully incorporated.
Step #3: Pour mixture into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 6-inch or 8-inch round baking dish, ramekin, or pie pan.
Step #4: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly wobbly.
Step #5: Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best!) to firm up.
Step #6: Serve chilled. Optional toppings: fresh berries, Greek yogurt, sugar-free jam, or a drizzle of nut butter.
#3 High-Protein Greek Yogurt Bark
Protein: ~20g protein per serving | Makes ~5 servings
Spread Greek yogurt on a baking sheet, swirl in some protein powder and natural peanut butter, then top with berries, granola, and dark chocolate chunks. Freeze until solid, break into pieces, and you’ve got a high-protein treat that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 2 scoops vanilla (or unflavored) protein powder (whey or plant-based, ~20–25g protein)
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (drippy-style works best)
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.)
- 1/4 cup granola
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate chunks or chips
Directions:
Step #1: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
Step #2: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with protein powder until smooth and fully combined.
Step #3: Spread the yogurt mixture evenly onto the prepared tray — about 1/4 inch thick.
Step #4: Drizzle peanut butter over the surface and gently swirl it in with a knife or toothpick.
Step #5: Top with berries, granola, and dark chocolate chunks. Press toppings in slightly so they stick.
Step #6: Freeze for 3–4 hours, or until completely solid.
Step #7: Break into pieces and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Tip: For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
#4 Chocolate Protein Avocado Mousse
Protein: ~20g protein per serving | Makes 2 servings
Creamy, rich, and sneaky-healthy. Blend ripe avocado with chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa, almond milk, and a touch of stevia or maple syrup. The result? A decadent mousse that’s loaded with healthy fats and over 20g of protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based, ~20–25g protein)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or more, to blend)
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup or stevia (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (enhances the chocolate flavor)
Directions:
Step #1: Scoop the avocado into a blender or food processor.
Step #2: Add the protein powder, cocoa powder, almond milk, sweetener, vanilla (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Step #3: Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed. Add a splash more almond milk if it’s too thick.
Step #4: Chill for 30 minutes (optional, but improves texture and flavor).
Step #5: Serve topped with cacao nibs, sliced strawberries, coconut flakes, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Tip: Want it fluffier? Blend in 2–3 tbsp Greek yogurt.
#5 Protein Ice Cream (a.k.a. “Nice Cream”)
Protein: ~20g protein per serving | Makes 1 large serving
Who needs a pint of high-sugar ice cream when you can make your own protein version at home? Blend frozen bananas with whey or plant-based protein, a splash of milk, and your flavor of choice (like peanut butter, cocoa, or vanilla extract). Chill it again for a soft-serve consistency. Add toppings like crushed nuts or protein cereal for crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium frozen banana (sliced before freezing)
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based, ~20–25g protein)
- 2–4 tbsp milk of choice (start small — almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
- Optional flavor boosters (choose one or more): 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, dash of cinnamon, or pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Step #1: Add frozen banana slices, protein powder, and 2 tbsp milk to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Step #2: Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times. Add more milk (1 tbsp at a time) only if needed for blending.
Step #3: Stir in optional flavor boosters or blend them in with everything else.
Step #4: Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency OR freeze for 30–60 minutes for a firmer, scoopable texture.
Top with: Crushed nuts, protein cereal, chia seeds, dark chocolate chips, or fresh berries.
#6 Chickpea Protein Blondies
Protein: ~20g protein per square | Makes 4 large squares
Don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em. Chickpeas provide a creamy base for these flourless blondies. Toss them in a blender with nut butter, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and baking powder. Bake until golden. You’d never guess they’re packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup natural nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 1.5 scoops vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based, ~20–25g protein)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step #2: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step #3: Blend chickpeas, nut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, and salt in a food processor or high-speed blender until smooth.
Step #4: Fold in chocolate chips or other mix-ins if using.
Step #5: Spread the batter evenly into the baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step #6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and edges are set. The center should still be a little soft — it firms up as it cools.
Step #7: Cool completely, then slice into squares.
#7 Protein Pudding Parfait
Protein: ~20g protein per serving | Makes 2 servings
Layer a homemade protein pudding (protein powder, Greek yogurt, almond milk) with granola, fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips. This makes for a dessert that feels indulgent but fuels your muscles, too.
Ingredients:
Protein Pudding Base:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based, ~20–25g protein)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (adjust for thickness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Sweetener to taste (optional — stevia, honey, or maple syrup)
Toppings (per serving):
- 2–3 tbsp granola
- 1/4 cup fresh berries or sliced banana
- 1 tsp dark chocolate chips
- Optional: chia seeds, nut butter drizzle, or coconut flakes
Directions:
Step #1: Mix the Greek yogurt, protein powder, almond milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add more milk for a thinner texture, or keep it thick like pudding. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Step #2: Layer in a jar or glass: Start with a spoonful of pudding, then a layer of fruit, a sprinkle of granola, and repeat. Top with chocolate chips and any other desired toppings.
Step #3: Chill for 10–15 minutes if you want it cold and set (optional).
Step #4: Serve and enjoy with a spoon.
Tips: Want a chocolate version? Use chocolate protein + 1 tsp cocoa powder.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Without Sacrificing Your Goals
Whether you’re on a wellness journey or just trying to boost your protein intake, dessert doesn’t have to be a cheat meal. With a little creativity — and high-protein ingredients — you can transform classic treats into protein-packed powerhouses that actually work for your goals.
