Enjoy what you eat guilt-free and boost your daily protein intake with these protein cupcakes! Soft, light, and full of fuel these gluten-free cupcakes are worth waiting for.
Made with healthy pantry staples so they come together quickly, the protein cupcakes are topped with your favorite frosting and they the best way to celebrate.
Looking for a dessert to whip up in a pinch that everyone will enjoy?
Why not make these protein cupcakes (along with a few other protein desserts).
These high protein cupcakes are the perfect blend of sweet indulgence and protein-packed fuel. Dress them up for whatever occasion and know you’re getting some nutrients in with your dessert.
Hot tip: even people who are not protein-obsessed will love these cupcakes!
I know that there’s a delicate balance between everyday healthy meals and dessert. However, I can’t deny that I love blending the two of them to enjoy the best of both worlds.
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.
Versatile: the cupcakes 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.
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 You’ll Need
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!
And though you might expect some whole wheat pastry flour or cocoa powder, there's none of that in here!
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.
Egg: this helps bind the cupcakes so you do need it as I haven’t tried flax-egg in this recipe.
Avocado oil: make sure to use avocado and not coconut oil so that the cupcakes have a consistent texture.
Baking powder: this is what helps the cupcakes rise to perfection.
Non-dairy milk: any plant-based milk will work. We use homemade hemp milk the most.
Sugar: I opted for cane sugar for the recipe but I’m sure coconut palm sugar would work as well.
Vanilla extract: the better quality your vanilla the more potent the flavor will be.
Sprinkles: optional but always a hit in cupcakes. Grab naturally dyed sprinkles if that’s your thing.
How To Make Protein Cupcakes
- Pre-heat 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.
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.
Important Teaching Tips
You cannot use chocolate protein powder for these protein cupcakes (or any protein powder). It will absorb too much liquid and the cupcakes will come out funky. Learn more about how collagen powder and protein powder differ.
If you want to make protein cupcakes with protein powder, opt for these super-rich, chocolate protein cupcakes instead.
The batter makes either 12 really small cupcakes or 11 normal-size ones.
You can top the protein cupcakes with protein cupcakes frosting for a smooth, indulgent feel. If you want a chocolate protein frosting, just add a dash of cacao powder to the mixture.
However, dairy-free cream cheese frosting or adding a double chocolate dairy-free frosting on top works too.
Make sure to let them cool completely before icing them though.
How To Store Protein Cupcakes
If not frosted, these cupcakes can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge in an airtight container.
Know that in the fridge they will become much more firm as gluten-free flour and collagen powder tend to harden a bit when stored.
In the fridge they will last 5-7 days and on the counter they're good for up to 3 days.
To enjoy them from the fridge, let them come to room temperature before eating or icing them.
If the protein cupcakes recipe is iced, you need to store them in the fridge.
Choosing Collagen Powder
It’s no surprise that these protein cupcakes are made with collagen powder!
All the protein without the bloat.
I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.
Learn about collagen vs bonet broth as well as how to increase protein intake.
Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.
And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.
Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.
I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it. Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Easy to mix, this collagen powder adds a protein punch to anything you pair it with. Made from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows there are no pesticides, hormones, or filler agents. Just put collagen protein. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Cupcakes
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 subbed in.
Though you may be able to use whey protein powder, vegan protein powder won't work for these protein cupcakes as it absorbs too much liquid.
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.
Other Protein Desserts You’ll love
- Cinnamon sugar protein donuts
- Collagen donuts
- Flourless protein brownies
- Chocolate glazed protein donuts
- Gluten-free chocolate protein donuts
- Cookies and cream protein shake
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- High protein cookies
- High protein pancakes
- Chocolate protein fluff
- High protein snack recipes
- Gluten-free dairy-free desserts
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
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"
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