Pretty in Pink Breakfast Club – Protein-Packed Recipes to Fuel Mornings

As you can see, I’m feeling rosy and all about PINK breakfast today — I must be in the mood for Valentine’s Day! Check out these 10 protein-packed breakfast recipes, you’ll fall in love with the pink food, great nutrition and amazing taste!

Raspberry Beet Overnight Oats

Raspberry Beet Overnight Oats help you lessen stress on busy mornings. Whip up this pretty in pink recipe loaded with nutritious ingredients before you go to bed and wake up to an amazing breakfast. 287 cal, 40g carb (9g fiber), 9g fat, 13g protein

Raspberry Protein Pancakes with Cheesecake Topping makes a tasty breakfast that feels indulgent, but is actually “no worries” at just 243 calories and 19g protein per serving* Lower carb and gluten-free too.

Raspberry Protein Pancakes with Cheesecake Topping make a tasty breakfast that feels indulgent, but is actually “no worries” at just 243 calories and 19g protein per serving* Lower carb and gluten-free too. Super cute in a mini waffle maker!

Raspberry Cheesecake Protein Spread comes together with just a few simple ingredients and can be kept in the fridge for the week, to spread on toast, bagels or dollop into your oatmeal. Each 2 tablespoon serving has 84 calories and 8g protein.

A pretty in pink dessert that is low carb and packed with protein – and it tastes fabulous too! Recipe is super versatile to accommodate the protein powder of your choice, flavor profile, and a variety of sprinkles on top – You do You! 125 cal each, 8g protein, 5g net carb and 6g fat! A no guilt treat for your gal-pal gathering – or an anytime protein snack.

Sugar-free Strawberry Protein Cupcakes (aka “breakfast cakelettes”) seem like dessert but are balanced enough for a sweet breakfast mosh.  Make in muffin cups or a silicone flower mold. Each serving has125 calories, 8g protein, 6g fat and 5g net carb.  

You don't need a bumper crop of fresh berries to enjoy these easy strawberry cottage cheese protein waffles that are also pumped up with cottage cheese and protein powder. Idea for protein-packed mornings and meal-prep!

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Protein Waffles are a quick and easy breakfast that featuring my  basic cottage cheese protein waffle recipe, but made “berry” extra with  strawberry protein powder and freeze-dried strawberry slices ground up together and blended in the batter. Each generous-sized serving (3 waffles) has 213 calories, 5g fat, 21g protein and 20g carb

Strawberry Protein “Puppy Chow” is a human treat featuring strawberry protein powder and crushed dehydrated strawberries (plus some other good things) combined with everyone’s favorite gluten-free rice cereal. A fun snack and breakfast on the go. Each serving: 152 calories per serving with 5g protein, 15g net carb.

Strawberry Cheesecake Quinoa-Oat Breakfast Bake

Strawberry Cheesecake Quinoa-Oat Bake, it’s healthy, hearty and makes enough for a crowd – or to freeze for meal prep. Prepared with the dynamic duo of of steel cut oats and quinoa, this easy breakfast recipe provides lots of whole grains to fuel the day. Each serving has less than 200 calories, 8 grams of protein and just 7 grams of fat. 

Protein Pink Drink is my take a popular coffee-house drink. The “pink” comes from tea – try hibiscus tea or pomegranate tea. Just 60 calories per serving and only 1.4 net carb – but 7g protein to help you meet your goals.

Watermelon Beet Smoothie for Workout Recovery

Watermelon Raspberry Beet Post-Workout Smoothie is really smart and refreshing way refuel your morning workout.  Per serving: 283 calories, 6g fat, 40g carb, and 17g protein

Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade with collagen

Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade with Collagen:  In cooler weather, I can be chilled to the bone – especially once I stop running. This hot drink is a watermelon workout recovery treat that warms me up, provides all the benefits of watermelon but also with some collagen for joint and muscle management (and protein boost), plus turmeric for anti-inflammatory relief.

Put pink power into your breakfast or post-workout refuel with these amazing delicious, nutritious and easy protein recipes that feature "pink" ingredients like strawberries, raspberries watermelon , hibiscus-- even beets!
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Also, to keep you in a PINK mood, learn How the Color Pink Impacts Your Workout and Fitness Mood.

Sugar-Free Strawberry Protein Cupcakes with Vanilla Ganache Icing

I “heart” strawberries, cupcakes, licking icing out of the bowl and all sweet things. But, I also love sugar free dessert recipes and avoiding traditional sugar and adding more protein into my diet to support my active lifestyle and workout recovery. My recipe for Sugar-free Strawberry Protein Cupcakes (or “protein cakelettes” if you will!) satisfies my cravings and feels like a special gourmet treat (although so simple to make).

I love to use protein powder and alternative sweeteners to create healthier dessert options that will satisfy my sweet tooth yet not wreak havoc on my (mostly) healthy diet.

Clean Lean Protein Powder from Nuzest is my favorite! Save 15% with code FITFORK

These little cupcakes with strawberry protein powder are fun and easy to make – and enjoy in your healthy lifestyle without guilt! Each cupcake has approximately 125 calories, 8g protein, 6g fat and 5g net carb. Honestly, I’ve had a couple for breakfast today, and I’m standing by that as a smart choice!

SUGAR-FREE PROTEIN CUPCAKES & VARIATIONS

The cool thing about this protein powder cupcakes recipe is that it can be tweaked here and there to suit your preferences!

VARY the protein powder type: I used Nuzest strawberry protein powder (FITFORK is my 15% discount code). It’s a plant-based and easy to digest IMO, but you can also use a whey protein. I’m also thinking collagen powder would work too, but I haven’t tried that yet.

SAve 15% on Nuzest protein powder with code FITFORK

CHANGE the flavor: I have a fondness for recipes with strawberry protein powder, but you can also use vanilla, chocolate, birthday cake or whatever flavor you like! I used Strawberry Clean Lean Protein (plant-based) from Nuzest. Save 15% with code FITFORK.

SWAP the sweetener: I used erythritol, but any granulated sweetener that measures approximately 1-to-1 with regular table sugar will work. Look and stevia, monk fruit, xylitol, and blends. Coconut sugar will also work . . . or even traditional brown sugar or table sugar. No judgement.

LEVEL UP your baking vessel: Try a silicone cupcake mold like shown (3.5 oz. capacity), a standard muffin tin (also 3.5 oz), 4- to 5-oz ramekins, or even a 9” round cake pan.

SWITCH UP the icing: Instead of sugar-free vanilla chips, use any type of baking chip such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter, etc. All will work well to make a ganache-style icing.

ADD ON any type of topping: While the vanilla strawberry ganache icing is still warm, any type of small topping décor will adhere well – a different crushed dehydrated fruit options, chopped nuts, sprinkles, coconut shreds are all other yummy ideas!

Silicone molds make this protein cupcake feel fancy, but standard muffin tins or ramekins work too!

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5 from 6 votes
A pretty in pink dessert that is low carb and packed with protein – and it tastes fabulous too! Recipe is super versatile to accommodate the protein powder of your choice, flavor profile, and a variety of sprinkles on top – You do You! 125 cal each, 8g protein, 5g net carb and 6g fat! A no guilt treat for your gal-pal gathering – or an anytime protein snack.
Sugar-Free Strawberry Protein Cupcakes with White Ganache Icing
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 

A pretty in pink dessert that is low carb and packed withprotein – and it tastes fabulous too! Recipe is super versatile to accommodate theprotein powder of your choice, flavor profile, and a variety of sprinkles ontop – You do You!  125 cal each, 8g protein,5g net carb and 6g fat! A no guilt treat for your gal-pal gathering – or ananytime protein snack.

Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: cake, cupcake, protein powder, strawberry
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 125 kcal
Ingredients
  • cup strawberry or vanilla protein powder I used Nuzest Plant-based
  • cup low-carb sweetener like erythritol or xylitol (or another approx. 1:1 cup sugar sub equlivalent)
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • cup gluten-free baking blend flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
  • ¼ cup sugar-free white chocolate or vanilla baking chips
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
  • optional 2 tbsp powdered dehydrated strawberries (if you want the icing to be pink)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. In medium bowl, toss together all dry ingredients including protein powder, sweetener, coconut flour, gluten-free flour, and baking powder.
  3. In glass liquid measuring cup, whisk two eggs into milk and pour over dry ingredients. Stir into combined well.
  4. Place a generous ¼ cup spoonful of batter into cooking vessel that has been coated with cooking spray or paper liners. This could be a silicone mold (doesn’t need spray), a standard muffin tin, a 5 to 6 ounce ramekin or even an 9” cake pan (cooking time will be a bit longer for cake).
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top lightly browning and toothpick inserted into center pulls clean (not gooey). For a 9” cake pan, ad 5 to 7 more minutes and test for doneness the same way.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. With a rolling pin, crush up dehydrated strawberries (if using them to make icing pink) in a small zip baggie.
  7. Make white ganache icing by adding white chocolate or vanilla baking chips and cream to small, microwave-safe bowl and microwaving in 20-30 second increments, stirring between each until smooth.
  8. Next, stir in crushed dehydrated strawberries (if using them) into vanilla ganache icing. Use a spoon to drizzle over each cupcake and use back of spoon to spread around. Sprinkle with more dehydrated strawberries or any other decorative topping of your choice.
Recipe Notes

No-Bake Protein Brownies with Real Strawberry “Sprinkles”

Satisfy your sweet tooth in a lower-carb and protein-boosted way with this easy recipe for No-Bake Protein Brownies with Real Strawberry “Sprinkles.”

It’s a seemingly decadent strawberry chocolate brownie is actually a homemade brownie protein bar that is low in sugar and higher in protein. Macros for each generous slice of this homemade protein brownie: 219 calorie, 16g fat, 14g carb (6g net carb), 8g dietary fiber, 12g protein.

 Almond meal, unsweetened cocoa powder, and protein powder make the low-carb, protein-rich base that is held together by sugar-free syrup (or the sticky sweetener of your choice like real maple syrup or honey). There is no need to bake this homemade protein brownie, you simply press into the pan (I used a 1/8th sheet pan size with dimensions of about 9” x 6” – you can also use an 8”-diameter cake pan).

I came up with this chocolate protein powder recipe idea at the beginning of the year, as I was clearing out all our holiday treats but still craving a healthy sweet treat – I’m a chocolate lover for sure! You can use most any variety of chocolate protein powder (for example whey or plant-based).

I use Clean Lean Protein in Rich Chocolate flavor, a plant protein powder from Nuzest that is easy to digest, has a great texture, and can work with most types of diets including keto, gluten-free, paleo and more.

Here’s a don’t-miss-deal: you can always save 15% at Nuzest HERE with my code FITFORK

What makes this fudgy protein brownie extra special is the rich chocolate ganache topping. Making a ganache (a shiny thin layer of chocolate icing) seems so fancy and like you need major chocolatier skills – but it’s easy. The standard ganache formula is 2:1 chocolate to heavy cream. So, for a heaping ¼ cup chocolate chips, that would be 2 tablespoons of cream. It’s as easy as putting both in a microwave safe small bowl and heating at 70% power for about 1 minute, and stirring quickly afterward until smooth and glossy (return to microwave in 15 second increments if not melted thoroughly).

And, the strawberries on top! I’m calling them sprinkles – I took freeze-dried strawberries and coarsely crushed them before sprinkling on top of the still-warm ganache. You could substitute any other type of freeze-dried fruit, or swap out for nuts, seeds, and/or coconut.

Nuzest Plant-Based Protein Powder - save 15% with code THEFITFORK15

These no-bake protein brownies should be placed in the fridge for 30 minutes to set up before slicing. Store any leftovers in the fridge too, for up to 1 week. ENJOY!

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5 from 6 votes
Satisfy your sweet tooth mindfully with this easy recipe for No-Bake Protein Brownies with Real Strawberry “Sprinkles.” Deliciously chocolate and seemingly decadent dessert or snack, but only 219 calories, plus low carb with 6g net carb, and 12g protein.
No-Bake Chocolate Protein Brownies with Real Strawberry “Sprinkles”
Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: brownies, chocolate, fudge, protein powder
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 219 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 cup almond meal
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup chocolate protein powder
  • ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup or can sub real syrup, just more carbs
  • 3 to 4 tbsp water
Topping
  • 2 ounces sugar free chocolate chips about heaping ¼ cup
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • ½ to 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries* or other freeze dried fruit (or nuts, seeds and coconut for a swap)
Instructions
  1. In bowl, mix together almond meal, cocoa powder and protein powder. Add syrup and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir until combined and making a cohesive dough. If too crumbly (like because of super thick syrup, mix in the additional 1 tbsp water).
  2. Press dough into approximate 9” x 6” rimmed pan. In ramekin, add chocolate chips and cream. Microwave for 1 minute on High. Stir until smooth and spread over top of protein mixture. Place freeze-dried strawberries in plastic bag and crush with bottom of cup or rolling pin until coarsely powdered. Sprinkle of chocolate topping. Set in fridge for 30 minutes before cutting into 6 squares.

  3. Store leftovers in air-tight container in fridge for up to 7 days

Recipe Notes

No-Bake Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bomb for One

This better-for-you, no-bake, single-serving dessert is an explosion of flavor without fallout.  Only 200 calories per the single ginormous bomb of deliciousness! All the adjectives I crave in a quick dessert – creamy, juicy, chocolatey, and healthy!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this single-serve strawberry recipe stuffed with cream cheese and covered in a no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookie. Gluten-free, no added sugar.

Cooking for one dessert recipes are a favorite of mine – I can make just enough to satisfy me at the time, without lots of leftovers sitting around tempting me. Plus, I have young adult sons – they tend to want decadent desserts while I go for the more mindful recipes that fuel my sports goals.

This strawberry cheesecake bomb is based on a childhood favorite recipe, no-bake oatmeal cookies. You just quickly microwave unsweetened cocoa, milk and sugar option (old days we used real sugar, today I’ve used a lower-carb monk fruit blend). Be careful it doesn’t boil over your bowl. Immediately stir in nut butter of choice, oats and coconut.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this single-serve strawberry recipe stuffed with cream cheese and covered in a no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookie. Gluten-free, no added sugar.

While this quick strawberry dessert sets up for 5 minutes in the freezer, hull an extra-large strawberry (or two smaller ones) and stuff with a bit of cream cheese (no need to sweeten it, this no-bake dessert recipe is already sweet enough.

Just mush and mold the cookie dough over the stuffed strawberry, then pop in the freezer for another 5 minutes to firm up. It’s not the most attractive thing as a whole, but when you slice it open or bite in you see the layers – that vibrant red of the berry pops and the cream cheese, well, looks so creamy!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this single-serve strawberry recipe stuffed with cream cheese and covered in a no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookie. Gluten-free, no added sugar.
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This strawberry dessert for one is gluten-free and 200 cal per serving with 12g fat, 24g net carb, 6g protein! Enjoy!!!!!   

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No-Bake Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bomb
Ingredients
  • 2.5 Tbsp. granulated sweetener cup-for-cup sugar alternative
  • 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 Tbsp. milk
  • 1 Tbsp. creamy nut butter
  • 1 Tbsp. old-fashioned oats
  • 1 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 extra-large strawberry or two smaller
  • 1 tsp. cream cheese
Instructions
  1. Mix together sweetener, cocoa powder, and milk. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, watching to ensure it doesn’t overflow. Remove, immediately stir in nut butter, oats and coconut. Stick in freezer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, hull strawberry and stuff with cream cheese. Remove dough from freezer, mold around strawberry. Return to freezer for 5 minutes to set up. Remove and enjoy!
Recipe Notes

This strawberry dessert for one is gluten-free and 200 cal per serving with 12g fat, 24g net carb, 6g protein! Enjoy!!!!!

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One is nearly as big as yo’ face, but go ahead and eat the whole thing  – if you can! The entire homemade protein cookie has 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein – half would make a great post-workout snack and the whole thing can sub for a mini meal on the go – like a busy day breakfast!

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One is nearly as big as yo’ face, but go ahead and eat the whole thing  - if you can! The entire homemade protein cookie has 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein – half would make a great post-workout snack and the whole thing can sub for a mini meal on the go – like a busy day breakfast!

It’s super easy to make one of these protein powder cookies with Clean Lean Protein (Strawberry) from Nuzest – a plant-based, gluten-free, no-added-yucky-or-questionable-ingredient protein powder I love.  

Save 15% on Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder with code THEFITFORK15

I actually made this massive single-serving cookie recipe for one in my toaster oven, so easy and convenient! Of course, a regular oven works too!

Save 15% at Nuzest with code FITFORK

NOTES:

Flour: I used a gluten-free flour blend, but you can swap for the flour of choice. However, this may vary the macros and texture.

Cook in Oven or Toaster Oven: I cooked in my Omni Plus Air Fryer / Toaster Oven – however, the first one I tried on “air fry,” burned quickly but on the “toaster” feature at 350F degrees, it worked perfectly  — about 8 to 10 minutes in a toaster oven or conventional oven.

Protein Powder: Again, I used Nuzest, a plant-based protein powder. Use my Nuzest discount code FITFORK to save 15% (if they aren’t already having a better deal)! You could also swap in an equal portion of whey protein. The texture is somewhat dense, due to a high volume of protein powder (I wanted a 30g+ protein cookie). If you want something lighter and fluffier, cut the protein powder in half and mix back in with an equal swap of more flour – a traditional flour or gluten-free baking blend will work best.

Toppings: I topped with sugar-free white chocolate chips and fresh strawberries, but honestly, you could add almost anything – nuts, seeds, dried fruit, etc. Just lightly press everything into the raw dough.

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One is nearly as big as yo’ face, but go ahead and eat the whole thing  - if you can! The entire homemade protein cookie has 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein – half would make a great post-workout snack and the whole thing can sub for a mini meal on the go – like a busy day breakfast!
Press strawberries and white chocolate chips into the dough!
Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One is nearly as big as yo’ face, but go ahead and eat the whole thing  - if you can! The entire homemade protein cookie has 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein – half would make a great post-workout snack and the whole thing can sub for a mini meal on the go – like a busy day breakfast!
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission from purchases, however the price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

5 from 5 votes
Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One is nearly as big as yo’ face, but go ahead and eat the whole thing - if you can! The entire homemade protein cookie has 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein – half would make a great post-workout snack and the whole thing can sub for a mini meal on the go – like a busy day breakfast!
Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One is nearly as big as yo’ face, but go ahead and eat the whole thing  – if you can! The entire homemade protein cookie has 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein – half would make a great post-workout snack and the whole thing can sub for a mini meal on the go –like a busy day breakfast!

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: low carb, Paleo
Keyword: cooking for one, nuzest, protein powder, single serve, strawberry
Servings: 1 cookie
Ingredients
  • 1 large egg whisked
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 1 Tbsp. granulated monk fruit sweetener
  • 1 tsp. beet root powder *optional
  • 2 scoops 25g Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder, Strawberry Flavor
  • 2 Tbsp. flour of choice**
  • Pinch baking soda
  • 1 fresh strawberry sliced
  • ½ Tbsp. sugar-free white chocolate chips about 12 -15
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350F. Mix together egg, coconut oil, beet root powder (*optional, but makes cookie pinker). Mix in protein powder, flour (**I used a gluten-free baking blend), and baking soda. Stir until clumped together and them knead with hands into ball. Flatten into circle, approximately 5.5” round. Top with sliced strawberries and white baking chips, lightly pressing in. Bake for appox. 8 – 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Recipe Notes