7 Unexpected Ways to Eat Protein for Dessert
By Dana Holloway
It seems like the whole world is obsessed with protein these days. And you can find it anywhere, from protein shakes to plant-based protein to even protein water. But did you ever think of getting protein from desserts? Talk about a dream come true—you can (almost) feel guilt-free while eating dessert. And why not fill up and fuel your body while eating everyone’s favorite part of the meal?
1. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
The peanut butter in these bars packs some protein to help keep you full while satisfying some serious cravings. I’d take these over Reese’s peanut butter cups any day.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 16
Ingredients:
½ cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, divided
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Line an 8″x8″ or 9″x9″ pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, microwave the butter for 1 minute or until the butter is completely melted. Add in 1 cup of the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar. Stir until completely combined.
3. Spread mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Place in the refrigerator.
4. In a small bowl, microwave 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the chocolate chips until melted, about 30-45 seconds (note: this depends on the strength of your microwave). Stir until smooth. Spread over peanut butter layer.
5. Chill until firm, about 1 hour. Cut and serve!
2. Blueberry and Greek Yogurt Cookies
Who says Greek yogurt, the protein champion of breakfast, can’t be delicious at dessert, too? These delicious cookies will satisfy any sweets craving you have while keeping your health on point. Check it out here.
3. Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake
Skip that energy-sapping milkshake for this delicious protein shake. It tastes exactly like a peanut butter cup, but with all the energy and muscle-restoring benefits of protein. Get the recipe here.
4. Frozen Greek Yogurt Banana Poppers
Nothing’s more tempting than ice cream or popsicle on a hot summer’s day. But say no to all that added sugar and yes to these frozen, creamy bites. The combination of banana and protein-filled Greek yogurt are sure to fill you up.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Ingredients:
Bananas
Greek yogurt (any flavor)
Directions:
1. Scoop your favorite flavor of greek yogurt into a bowl.
2. Slice bananas into ½-inch slices.
3. Roll banana slices in yogurt using a fork.
4. Place coated banana slices on parchment paper or wax paper, and freeze for at least 1 hour before eating.
5. Enjoy!
5. Quest Bar Girl Scout Cookies
When Girl Scout Cookie season starts, I say goodbye to eating healthy. But now you can have the best of both worlds by making Girl Scout Cookies out of Quest Bars. They’re packed with protein, and you won’t even notice the difference. Check out these five recipes for all your favorite cookies, whether it’s Samoas or Thin Mints.
Move over Chobani, there’s a classier way to enjoy Greek yogurt. This panna cotta is sure to impress, and you’ll get all the protein and delicious tartness of the Greek yogurt, too. Find out how here.
Bite-sized, easy to pack, healthy, and delicious? These mini protein balls have it all. Imagine your favorite power bar, but homemade and way cuter. They’re the perfect dessert with all the power of protein. Get all the info here.
Need more protein? Check out these links:
Photo by Meredith Davin, Connie Fan, bitememore.com, Abigail Wilkins, Meredith Davin, Nguyen Le, Keni Lin and Rachel Conners.
Tile Art by Erik Mace for Yahoo Food
Spoon University is a food network for our generation, where all the content is produced by college students. They cover everything from simple recipes and local restaurants to dining hall hacks and healthy living tips.
