How Sweet It Is: 10 Creative Recipes Using Protein Powder
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Even if you regularly toss in protein powder to boost your smoothie's nutrition, sometimes you need a break from the blender. Skip that shake, and try one of these inventive recipes instead. Each has a sweet twist to help incorporate the powder and hit your daily recommended protein intake deliciously.
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Single-Serve Pancake
The sky-high protein content in this quick single-serve vanilla pancake recipe comes from the combination of low-fat cottage cheese and protein powder. In under 10 minutes, you can have a satisfying, 350-calorie breakfast treat.
Total protein (per pancake): 38 grams
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Breakfast Bars
These easy and quick gluten-free breakfast bars can be made the night before and enjoyed the following morning. Munch down two bars, and that's a 350-calorie breakfast full of protein.
Total protein (per two bars): 17 grams
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Pre-Workout Bites
Skip all the prep, and opt for this quick pre-workout snack that reserves your energy for your workout. These peanut butter protein balls taste like chocolate chip cookie dough but offer the perfect blend of protein and carbs for a strength-training session.
Total protein (per two balls): 9 grams
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Protein Cake
Celebrity trainer Holly Perkins created this molten lava cake that adds both a chocolate protein bar and a scoop of protein powder to the mix. This double dose is the secret to this recipe's sky-high protein content.
Total protein (per cake): 20 grams
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Post-Workout Bar
These satisfyingly chewy protein bars are the perfect snack for after a workout. They taste so sweet and cookie-like that your taste buds will call them dessert, plus they're vegan, which keeps cholesterol levels down.
Total protein (per bar): 13 grams
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Cherry Energy Chunks
Protein and carbs is the magic post-workout combo, and these cherry almond chunks offer what you need with a low calorie count. You'll love their soft center and satisfying crunch.
Total protein (per three chunks): 7 grams
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PB and Banana Snack
For a pre- or post-workout snack, this banana and peanut butter snack couldn't be easier. The banana offers quick carbs, and the peanut butter offers a little protein. For a more refreshing treat, try freezing it.
Total protein: 14 grams
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Almond Protein Pancakes
Looking for a stack of pancakes full of protein? You'll flip for almond protein pancakes; made with whole-wheat flour, they're topped off with a rich-tasting yet light banana cream sauce.
Total protein (per three pancakes with sauce): 30 grams
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Brownie Bites
Bring a dose of protein powder to a classic dessert. These chewy and tasty brownie bites have the flavor and texture you're craving. You'll be glad to know these cholesterol-free treats are also vegan, so you can lick the spoon without worry.
Total protein (per two bites): 10 grams
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Strawberry-Banana Recovery Popsicles
For a quick, cool, and low-cal post-workout treat, these strawberry protein-powder popsicles are the perfect treat. This will be your go-to post-workout snack all Summer long.
Total protein (per popsicle): 10 grams