Bite into a delicious treat and know you’re gaining some fuel too! These protein powder cupcakes are soft, easy to make, and topped with a light, protein buttercream frosting.
They’re the best way to indulge a craving while sticking to your goals.
Want something sweet but don’t want to grab something sugar and fat-laden? Whip up a batch of these protein cupcakes!
Given that protein helps boost our immune system, repair muscles, and regulate our metabolism, increasing our daily intake is a smart choice.
And what better way to do it than with a protein dessert!
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love whipping these up not only because they curb a craving but because I can feel good about what I’m eating, not stall my energy, and keep my protein intake high.
And oh yea, cupcakes!
Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!
You’ll fall in love with these chocolate protein cupcakes because they:
Are easy to make: simple ingredients and no fancy techniques are needed to make the protein cupcakes recipe.
Protein-packed: they have 8 grams of protein per serving and that's without protein frosting.
Allergy-friendly: the protein cupcakes recipe is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo.
Flavor: rich in chocolate they make a great addition to any dessert table.
Make these protein cupcakes as indulgent as you want and reap the benefits of amped-up protein (you'll love these vanilla protein cupcakes too FYI).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though many recipes opt for Greek yogurt, this isn't one of them! One of the perks of these cupcakes is that they're entirely dairy-free. Likewise, there's no whole wheat pastry flour either as this keeps them gluten-free.
Almond flour: make sure not to use ground almonds (learn the difference between almond flour and ground almonds) as it will give the cupcakes a grittier texture.
Tapioca flour: this is a paleo-approved flour and helps to thicken the chocolate protein cupcakes as there’s no actual flour in the recipe (nope, not even coconut flour!).
Vegan protein powder: you can use chocolate or vanilla protein but for these cupcakes, a fermented powder is best (see notes).
Cane sugar: both cane and coconut sugar will work to add a hint of sweetness to the cupcakes.
Cacao powder: this powder comes with a host of benefits (learn the difference between cacao powder and cocoa) but know that cocoa powder can be used instead and that it will make the cupcakes just a hint sweeter.
Baking soda: you don’t want the cupcakes to rise too much and deflate so baking soda and salt are used in place of baking powder.
Eggs: in addition to the protein powder eggs give these cupcakes a bit more of a protein boost!
Coconut milk: make sure to use the coconut milk in the can so that the cupcakes have a “richer” feeling. This is what replaces Greek yogurt in regular protein cupcakes.
Dairy-free butter: any non-dairy butter should work. Choose one that best suits your dietary needs and beliefs.
Almond milk: you need a lot of milk for the cupcakes because vegan protein powders absorb so much! We use homemade hemp milk the most.
Apple cider vinegar: this helps make a “buttermilk” in the recipe which keeps cupcakes super light.
How To Make Protein Powder Cupcakes
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Melt the butter.
- Add in the wet ingredients one by one making sure to save the butter until last.
- Mix until no clumps remain.
- Line a muffin tray and portion out the muffin batter.
- Bake for 25 minutes and let cool fully before icing.
Step By Step Photos
Important Teaching Tips
You cannot use collagen powder or whey protein for these protein cupcakes. It will not absorb as the vegan powder does and you’ll have a wet, runny mess.
These chocolate protein cupcakes are chocolate because of the cacao powder in them. You can use either vanilla protein powder or chocolate to make them.
You can top the chocolate protein powder cupcakes with protein buttercream icing for a smooth, indulgent feel.
However, cream cheese frosting or adding a double chocolate dairy-free frosting on top works too.
If you're not using a dairy-free buttercream frosting for the cupcakes, you can always top them with sugar-free chocolate chips before baking!
How To Store Them
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 a bit more firm and moist.
In the fridge they will last 5-7 days and on the counter they're good for up to 3 days.
If the protein powder cupcakes are iced, you need to store them in the fridge.
Choosing A Protein Powder
Not all protein is created equal. Vegan protein powder tends to absorb much more than any other kind.
Learn more about how to choose a protein powder for your goals.
These protein cupcakes are made best when you use Genuine Health Protein powder.
Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder is one of my favorites because it helps you truly fuel.
Made with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this vegan powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified organic.
But my personal favorite is that this protein is fermented. This normally meals a little less "protein powder bloat" because it helps break down the grains, nuts, and legumes.
This protein powder literally gives you the best of both worlds.
Shop the Genuine Health Store on Amazon.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
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 dense in the fridge and are best eaten at room temperature.
I have not tried prepping this protein cupcake batter ahead of time and freezing it. I do not think it will work though ad protein powder would make the batter too thick upon thawing.
While some protein powders can be directly added to a pre-made cake mix, vegan protein powder can not. Vegan protein powder absorbs too much liquid and adding it will alter the texture of the cake or cupcakes.
Other High-Protein Dessert Recipes You'll Love
- Peanut butter protein cups
- Protein zucchini bread
- Collagen protein donuts
- Flourless protein brownies
- Cookies and cream protein shake
- Chocolate chip protein powder muffins
- Dairy-free gluten-free protein brownies
- Chocolate protein fluff
- High protein snack recipes
High Protein Chocolate Cupcakes (Gluten-Free)
Video
Equipment
- Cupcake liners
Ingredients
- 2 cups Almond flour
- ½ cup Tapioca flour
- ¼ cup Vegan protein powder Works best with Genuine Health Protein
- ½ cup Cane sugar or coconut palm sugar
- ¼ cup Cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 3 Eggs
- ½ cup Coconut milk from a can
- ⅓ cup Almond milk
- 4 tbs Almond milk
- ⅓ cup Dairy-free butter
- 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Melt the butter.
- Add in the wet ingredients one by one making sure to save the butter until last.
- Mix until no clumps remain.
- Line a muffin tray and portion out the muffin batter.
- Bake for 25 minutes and let cool fully in the muffin tray before icing.
Notes
- You cannot use collagen powder or whey protein for these protein cupcakes. It will not absorb as vegan protein powder does and you’ll have a wet, runny mess.
- These chocolate protein cupcakes are chocolate because of the cacao powder in them. You can use either vanilla protein powder or chocolate to make them.
- You can top the chocolate protein cupcakes with protein cupcakes frosting for a smooth, indulgent feel.
- You DO need both the almonds milks listed in the recipe card.
- However, cream cheese frosting or adding a double chocolate dairy-free frosting on top works too.
- Paper cupcake liners work well for this recipe though we personally prefer the silicone ones.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Rebecca Blackwell says
I made these for our nieces and nephews and then let them eat them for breakfast thus solidifying my place as the cool aunt who lets them eat cupcakes for breakfast. Thanks for a delicious protein-packed cupcake recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Omg haha you are totally cool for that, clever thinking!
Jade says
These turned out so fluffy and yummy! The protein was a surprise and fun twist. Thank you for sharing!
fitasamamabear says
So happy you enjoyed them!
Elizabeth S says
Yummy. The tapioca and almond flour gave these cupcakes a really good texture. I also loved the added protein. They didn't make me feel sluggish after eating them.
fitasamamabear says
They definitely give just the right amount of energy!
JD Alewine says
The fact that these are packed with protein is only icing on the cupcake! But seriously, these taste amazing!
fitasamamabear says
Haha best ever right?
Ali says
Loved these! The combination of tapioca and almond flour gives fantastic texture - and I love there's protein powder in them too. The best treat ever!!
fitasamamabear says
So happy you like them!
Katie Jacques says
these protein powder cupcakes are amazing! Fluffy, filling, and full of flavor!
Bella B says
I have never thought to add protein powder to cupcakes until I tried these and now I think I will do it with all my recipes! Such a great idea and recipe. We all loved them.
fitasamamabear says
Hehe it's a fun twist sometimes!
Relle says
What a great way to get more protein in my day and so yummy. Thank you for sharing.
fitasamamabear says
It's the best of both worlds!
tianna says
I love a chocolate cupcake recipe, and it is even better with protein powder.
fitasamamabear says
Chocolate cupcakes are life necessities lol
Heidi Bruaw says
I always love a good chocolate cupcake, but even better when they're healthy and packed with protein! These were so good and I didn't feel bad about eating them. I added chocolate chips to the top instead of frosting and had them as a little treat after dinner.
fitasamamabear says
Mmmm chocolate chips on top would be yummy. SO happy you loved them!
Shruthi says
I've been watching my macros this year to increase protein intake and really loved making these cupcakes as a great dessert (plus source of protein!) Definitely making these every week here on!
fitasamamabear says
It literally is the best of both worlds lol
Erin says
Baking with protein powder can yield some funky results, but these cupcakes were awesome! I followed the recipe exactly and used the protein powder you recommended. Thanks so much!
fitasamamabear says
Omg it totally can lol and there were definitely funky results while trials were happening lol glad you liked the cupcakes!