Rich Chocolate Protein Powder Cupcakes

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!

You’ll fall in love with these chocolate protein cupcakes because they:

• Are easy to make
• Come in at 8 grams of protein
• Are dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo
• Are a rich chocolate
• Make the perfect addition to any dessert table

Make these protein cupcakes as indulgent as you want and reap the benefits of amped-up protein.

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

1. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix well.
2. Melt the butter.
3. Add in the wet ingredients one by one making sure to save the butter until last.
4. Mix until no clumps remain.
5. Line a muffin tray and portion out the muffin batter.
6. Bake for 25 minutes and let cool fully before icing.

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!

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.