Enjoy what you eat guilt-free while boosting your daily protein intake with this Protein Cupcakes Recipe. Soft, light, and naturally gluten-free, they’re made with simple pantry staples and topped with your favorite frosting for an easy dessert that still brings a little extra fuel to the celebration.
"These are so cute and I LOVE that they have all that extra protein thrown in. Planning on making these again for an end of school party for my kids. Thanks for the great recipe!" -Jean
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 1 hr
- 👪Serves: 11
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 171 kcals and 9 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Gluten-free baking flour, collagen powder, eggs, dairy-free milk, and avocado oil.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, high-protein.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Soft vanilla cupcakes are lightly sweet, protein-packed, and naturally dairy-free for an easy, better-for-you treat.
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Looking for a dessert you can whip up quickly that still feels a little healthier? These protein cupcakes are a fun option when you want something sweet but still keeping you on track, especially if you enjoy experimenting with protein desserts. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and easy to dress up for birthdays, gatherings, or just a midweek treat.
As a busy mom, I love recipes that blur the line between dessert and something a little more balanced (mainly because I have a wicked sweet tooth!). These high-protein cupcakes do exactly that, kind of like my high-protein cheesecake, letting you enjoy a treat while still sneaking in a bit of extra fuel. Even friends who aren’t “protein people” always end up loving them.
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💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: The protein cupcakes use a lot of pantry staples you probably already have on hand, so they're easy to whip up. Plus, no fancy kitchen techniques are needed here.
Texture: The cupcakes are light and soft with a subtle sweetness. They work just as perfectly as a Friday night treat as they do for a birthday party or other gathering.
Allergy-friendly: Great to bring to a party so that everyone feels included, the cupcakes are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, just like this dairy-free birthday cake recipe.
High in protein: Because these cupcakes use collagen powder, they come in with a whopping 17 grams of pure protein. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!
Ingredients and Substitutions
As a busy mom, it’s important to me to whip up recipes with ingredients I naturally have on hand. This is why, if you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry, you’ll have everything you need to make these collagen protein cupcakes!
- Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: Make sure to use baking flour and not all-purpose flour, as the way the cupcakes rise will be different. I like Bob's Red Mill flours best.
- Collagen: One of the cleanest sources of protein, and what gives these gluten-free cupcakes their high protein intake! Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet as well as the difference between collagen vs protein powder.
- Non-dairy milk: Any plant-based milk will work. We use homemade hemp milk the most.
- Sprinkles: Optional but always a hit in cupcakes. Grab naturally dyed sprinkles if that’s your thing.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
- Rich chocolate: Add 1-2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder to the vanilla protein cupcakes to give them a rich chocolate taste.
- Frosting: These collagen cupcakes use my favorite protein buttercream frosting. However, dairy-free cream cheese frosting or even Whole30 whipped cream can work as well!
- Festive add-ins: In place of sprinkles, candy canes, candied hearts, or any other festive decoration can be mixed into the cupcake batter.
How To Make Protein Cupcakes
Step 1: Combine all the dry ingredients (except the sprinkles) for the protein cupcakes in a bowl before adding in the eggs.
Step 2: Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well until no clumps remain.
Step 3: Portion the cupcake batter into a pre-lined muffin tin.
Step 4: Bake for 25 minutes before removing them from the oven and letting them cool in the muffin tray.
Step 5: Let the cupcakes cool completely while you whip up the frosting. Pipe it on.
Step 6: Decorate the cupcakes with more sprinkles or any other add-ons you enjoy.
Expert Tips To Make It
A high-quality collagen powder is key for the cupcakes (and these other collagen powder recipes), so that you know it'll blend smoothly and not be gritty. I use Perfect Supplements collagen because they're such a transparent company. If you give them a go, know that code mamabear10 saves you money.
Though a whey protein or a protein like my favorite Paleo Pro may work in place of collagen, I haven't tested it, and protein powder typically absorbs a bit differently. If you want to make protein cupcakes with protein powder, opt for these super-rich, chocolate protein powder cupcakes instead.
Try not to overmix the batter when you combine the wet ingredients with the dry. Overmixed gluten-free flour can result in super-dense baked goods.
How To Store Protein Cupcakes
If not frosted, these cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5-7 days in an airtight container.
Know that in the fridge, they will become much firmer as gluten-free flour and collagen powder tend to harden a bit when stored. To enjoy them from the fridge, let them come to room temperature before eating or icing them. Personally, I would reheat them if at all possible.
If the protein cupcakes recipe is iced, you need to store them in the fridge, and they'll stay delicious for about 3 days.
Protein Cupcakes FAQs
You can store these cupcakes on the counter in a sealed container for 1-3 days or in the fridge in a container for 3-5 days. They do become a bit crunchier in the fridge and are best eaten at room temperature.
I have not tried prepping this protein cupcake batter ahead of time and freezing.
Sure! Know that whichever flavor of collagen powder you use will change the flavor of the cupcakes. And know what protein powder cannot be substituted in.
Yes, you can freeze unfrosted protein cupcakes once cooled. Store them in an airtight container so that they don't get smushed and know that they'll stay good for up to 8 weeks. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight or to room temperature before icing them.
Though they do contain sugar, these protein cupcakes are a healthy dessert alternative. Not only are they dairy-free and gluten-free but the 17 grams of protein in them helps counter the sugar rush and keep you full longer than traditional desserts will.
More Protein Desserts You’ll Love
If you tried this Vanilla Protein Cupcakes Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Vanilla Protein Cupcakes (Gluten-free)
Video
Equipment
- Silicone muffin liners
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups 1:1 Gluten-free baking flour
- ¾ cup Collagen powder
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ cup Sugar
- 2 tbs Sugar
- 3 tbs Avocado oil
- ¾ cup Dairy-free milk
- ½ tb Vanilla extract
- ⅛ cup Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (except the sprinkles) and mix well.
- Add in the wet ingredients one by one and mix until no clumps remain.
- Line a muffin tray and portion out the batter.
- Bake for 25 minutes and let cool fully before icing.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Jem says
So tasty! And I love the added benefit of protein and less sugar. The kids loved them so they are a keeper in my book.
fitasamamabear says
Right?! And such an easy twist.
Minnie says
Love the extra nutrition you snuck in there while everyone was busy celebrating and eating a delicious cupcake 😉 So smart!
fitasamamabear says
Haha gotta get it in somehow!
Nikki says
They turned out soft and light. Love that they are healthy. Not worrying of having more than 1 piece specially on your birthday.
fitasamamabear says
Exactly!
Krista says
These cupcakes are moist and fluffy just like traditional ones. I'm making another batch for a friend's birthday!
fitasamamabear says
Wahoo! You're a good friend lol
Yennefer says
Just followed the recipe to the tee and I loved how they turned out. They were soft, moist and really yummy.
fitasamamabear says
Happy to hear it!
Elizabeth S says
I made these for my best friend's birthday and she absolutely loved them. The cupcake was moist, tender, and had the perfect amount of flavor. She said she would make these over and over again!
fitasamamabear says
Aw, this makes my day. Thanks for giving them a go!
Jessica says
I never want my kids to feel deprived on special occasions, but I just can't stand the idea of giving them "empty" foods. They love the taste of these protein cupcakes, and I love feeling like I've snuck some substance into their treats. Win win!
fitasamamabear says
Omg this sums me up perfectly. It's so nice to be able to hand them something that looks indulgent and similar to other things but you can feel GOOD about!
Rebecca says
It's nobody's birthday around here, but we are always craving birthday cake so I gave these cupcakes a whirl. SO good!!! They absolutely satisfied our craving for a treat without giving us anything to feel guilty about.
fitasamamabear says
Haha you and me both! Glad you enjoyed them! We devour them lol
Addison says
These cupcakes were so soft! I loved that they are higher in protein and gluten free.
fitasamamabear says
Definitely a huge win, glad you liked them!
Sharon says
Loved 'em! And it wasn't even my birthday. Don't tell anyone! Haha. I was searching for collagen cupcakes and found myself here. These are a really tasty way to get that protein. Thanks!
fitasamamabear says
Haha that's amazing that you stumbled on the site, thanks for clicking through! really happy you loved these!
GRETA says
I loooove how it came out. So delicious and easy to make. Highly Recommend.
fitasamamabear says
Glad you loved them!
Gina says
Love the added collagen to help tame the sugar spike you'd typically get from a traditional cupcake. These are such a great way to indulge!
fitasamamabear says
Exactly! It's nice to curb the "high" a bit.
Shruthi says
As a vegetarian, I've been trying to increase my protein intake and I realize I didn't have to just make protein shakes all the time - loved making a batch of these and munching on them as a snack instead of my usual muffins! So delicious.
fitasamamabear says
Protein shakes are great... but they get boring! Glad I can give you a few more sweet options 😉
Sandi says
I absolutely love the added protein. It helped prevent a lot of sugar buzzed kids at our party.
fitasamamabear says
Omg yes. Lol nice to curb that "high" a little bit eh?
Liz says
This is the best way to satisfy my sweet tooth in a healthy way! So yummy!
fitasamamabear says
Right?! Cupcakes are a staple lol