Nine High Protein Dessert Recipes to Help You Hit Those Macro Goals

Photos via Fit Foodie Finds / Feeding My Addiction / Healthy Hacks

We’re always making sure we get enough protein during meals, in our snacks, and always after a workout. But at the end of a long day, sometimes there’s nothing better than dessert. And if you’re going to eat dessert, why not use it as a vehicle for a little extra protein?

These high protein dessert recipes are all relatively simple to make and many contain fewer than ten ingredients. And you don’t have to stick to these recipes for dessert—they also make good afternoon snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you going until dinner.

1. Birthday Cake Bars
Via Feeding My Addiction 

These no-bake, high protein cake bars are made with oat flour, almond flour, peanut flour, and vegan protein powder. They are suitable for those that are gluten-free and can also be made vegan.

2. Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies
Via Healthy Hacks  

With all the flavor of carrot cake, but in bite-size form, these cookies are a delicious healthy dessert recipe. When rolling the dough, wet your hands to keep it from sticking to them.

3. Flourless Protein Brownies
Via Running on Real Food 

These fudgy brownies are made with only five ingredients: bananas, unsweetened applesauce, cocoa powder, vegan protein powder, and chocolate chips. If you want the brownies to be extra fudgy and rich, store them in the refrigerator.

4. Caramel Mocha Donuts
Via Mason Woodruff 

Get your coffee and chocolate fix with these donuts. Each one is filled with 14 grams of protein and contains only 99 calories. These donuts also have a tendency to dry out quickly, so be extra cautious to not overcook them.

5. High-Protein Cheesecake
Via VM Fitness 

This cheesecake will satisfy your cheesecake craving, but with lighter ingredients and more protein. You can make an optional cinnamon swirl topping for the cheesecake, or you can top with your fruit of choice.

6. Protein Peanut Butter Cups
Via Fit Foodie Finds 

Turn your favorite candy up a notch with these protein-filled peanut butter cups. The filling can be adjusted depending on how drippy you want it to be—add more protein powder for a less drippy filling, and vice versa. Store the cups in the freezer.

7. Chocolate Chip Protein Pillow Cookies
Via Protein Cakery 

For these soft cookies, it’s recommended to use whey protein for the best results. These cookies have chocolate chips, but you can always add dried fruit or nuts in addition to the chocolate.

8. Healthy Peanut Butter Mousse
Via Desserts with Benefits 

Instead of protein powder, this recipe uses tofu and blends it with peanut flour and almond milk to create the light, creamy texture. When serving the mousse, top it with peanuts or a sprinkle of chocolate chips.

9. Dark Chocolate Cherry Protein Bites
Via Asia Bradlee 

These bite-size desserts are loaded with fiber from the dates and sour cherries, while providing plenty of protein. The dates have a tendency to stick to the sides of the food processor, so while you’re making these bites it’s recommended you stop halfway through, scrape down the sides, and continue processing the mixture.