No-Sugar Peanut Butter-Chocolate Protein Poke Cake

No-Sugar Peanut Butter-Chocolate Protein Poke Cake is a quick and easy dessert that works with a lower carb, less sugar lifestyle. It’s a favorite for nearly every occasion! Each serving has 186 calories, 6g net carb, 12g fat and 10g protein when prepared as directed. That’s winning!

Poke cakes bring up nostalgic memories of baking up batter in a sheet pan, poking holes in the top, and then pouring on a sauce that gets sopped up by the holes. Traditionally though, the sauces have leaned toward the high-sugar side – sweetened condensed milk, chocolate sauce, pudding, and such. This makeover poke cake recipe uses peanut butter, sugar-free chocolate chips, milk (and some protein powder!) to create a better-for-you yet still decadent cake filling.

Quick, easy and makes 9 servings!

TIPS FOR MAKING PROTEIN POKE CAKE

Cake Mix: For convenience, I used a Fit Bake low-carb yellow cake mix (7-ounce pouch) sized to make a single round layer cake or 8”X8” square cake. You can use any cake mix that you like, just be aware that the Nutrition Facts will change. ALSO, if you are using a mainstream cake mix (like Betty Crocker, etc), those are typically 15-oz for two layers (so you will need to measure out ½ of dry mix for this recipe)

Pan Size: As noted, 8×8” brownie pan will work and is my preference. A 9” round cake pan works too! Anything bigger, the cake becomes too thin. I’ve never made as cupcakes, but the recipe should yield about 12 traditional-sized cupcakes or 6 jumbo cupcakes.

Filling: Use the creamy nut putter of your choice. I did peanut butter, but you can do almond butter, etc. Sugar-free chocolate chips helped keep the carb content down, and a scoop of protein powder added some extra nutrition (really any flavor will work – chocolate, vanilla, cake batter, etc. – as long as you think it sounds good)! I used Nuzest (see below for savings)

Toppings: For convenience, I used a sugar-free non-dairy whipped topping, but you could make your own whipped cream and sweeten with stevia drops. Extra sugar-free chocolate chips and some chopped peanuts for texture and flair!

This post contains affiliate links.

5 from 4 votes
Fun and flavorful, this easy-to-make poke cake will delight peanut butter and chocolate lovers. It's a lower carb and higher protein, so you can enjoy without guilt! A sugar-free and gluten-free dessert for any occasion
Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Cooling
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

Fun and flavorful, this easy-to-make poke cake will delight peanut butter and chocolate lovers. It's a lower carb and higher protein, so you can enjoy without guilt! Sugar free and gluten free!

Course: desesrt
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake, chocolate, gluten free, low carb, peanut butter, protein powder, sugar-free
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 186 kcal
Ingredients
Cake:
  • 1 7- ounce package Fitbake Yellow Low-carb Cake Mix or similar
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt 0% fat
  • 2 tbsp water
Filling:
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ sugar-free chocolate chips divided
  • ½ cup milk of choice
  • 1/3 cup protein powder either vanilla or chocolate will work
Topping:
  • 4- oz Sugar Free Non-Dairy Topping like SF Cool Whip – ½ the container
  • 1 tbsp chopped peanuts
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. In mixing bowl, mix up cake ingredients and pour out into an 8×8” baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes.

  3. While cake is cooling, make peanut butter chocolate filling. In microwave-safe bowl, add milk, peanut butter and 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips (reserving the remaining for topping). Microwave in 20 second increments, stirring between, until chocolate melted and a smooth consistency achieved. Stir in protein powder.

  4. With end of a wooden spoon, poke holes in cake approximately ¾” apart, all over cake. Pour filling over cake, spreading around with spatula. Let cool a few minutes before spreading around whipped topping and then sprinkling with remaining chocolate chips and chopped peanuts.
  5. Cut into 9 squares. Store leftovers, covered, in fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Notes

Festive Sugar-Free Loaf Cake with Cranberry Ginger Chia Sauce

Bring a healthy balance and festive vibe to your holiday dessert spread with the delightful addition of this Sugar-Free Loaf Cake paired with Cranberry Ginger Chia Sauce.

Crafted in the classic loaf pan size*, this delectable treat is tailored for intimate gatherings, serving up to 8 portions. The uncomplicated yet luscious sweet-tart topping is a swift stove-top blend of fresh cranberries, zesty ginger, and wholesome chia seeds that simmer together into a versatile topping – part syrup, part compote.

Watch this short tutorial!

Each serving of this delicious dessert, adorned with the inspired-by-the-season sauce, boasts a modest 214 calories, 13g of fat, 13g of net carbs, and an impressive 85% daily value for vitamin D.

Beyond this reasonable nutrition profile, the versatility of the leftover cranberry ginger chia sauce is prolific. Add easy holiday flair to breakfast, brunch or desserts by drizzling it over waffles, ice cream, Greek yogurt parfaits, and more.

This Sugar-Free Loaf Cake with a sauce made from cranberries not only serves as a smart dessert choice but is also a simple yet scrumptious way to spread holiday cheer among friends and family. You could even wrap up a loaf in cellophane and add sauce to a mason jar and give as an edible holiday gift to share the joy of this guilt-free, lower carb holiday dessert.

This sugar free pound cake also freezes well.

*will also bake in three mini-loaf pans, reduce baking time to about 30-40 minutes, or until toothpick pull from center is clean

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5 from 4 votes
Excerpt Bring a healthy balance and festive vibe to your holiday dessert spread with the delightful addition of this loaf pan cake, sized for smaller celebrations. No added sugar, 214 calories, 13g of fat, 13g of net carbs, and an impressive 85% daily value for vitamin D.
Sugar-Free Loaf Cake with Cranberry Ginger Chia Sauce
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
55 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
 

Bring a healthy balance and festive vibe to your holiday dessert spread with the delightful addition of this loaf pan cake, sized for smaller celebrations. No added sugar,  214 calories, 13g of fat,13g of net carbs, and an impressive 85% daily value for vitamin D.

Course: Dessert
Keyword: cake, chirstmas, cranberry, holiday, sugar-free
Servings: 8 serving
Ingredients
Cake:
  • 8 oz unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar substitute with 1:1 measuring equivalency I used Puyre Granulated Stevia Blend
  • 1/3 cup Eggland’s Best liquid egg whites from carton
  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking blend
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract clear if you want cake whiter
  • 12 oz reduced-fat milk 1%, room temperature
Sauce:
  • 6 oz fresh cranberries rinsed
  • 1 cup 100% cranberry juice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar substitute with 1:1 measuring equivalency
  • 1 tbsp fresh-grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp white chia seeds
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 335ºF and 9” x 5” loaf pan with baking spray.
  2. Combine milk, oil & vanilla; set aside
  3. Combine flour, baking powder & salt; set aside
  4. In large bowl (or stand mixer), add butter and cream until smooth. Sprinkle in sugar substitute, mix together for several minutes until smooth.
  5. Drizzle in room temperature egg whites to butter mixture, mixing on low.
  6. Add in 1/2 of dry ingredients to the egg white/butter mixture, mix on low until just combined. Then add remaining liquid and dry ingredients and mix until everything well combined and smooth.
  7. Add batter into prepared loaf and bake at 335º F for 50 – 55 minutes or until a toothpick pulls clean from center. If baking mini loaves, start checking them with a toothpick at 30-35 minutes, or when they look set and lightly golden ..

Sauce:
  1. While cake is baking, prepare sauce. Add cranberries, juice, ginger, chia seeds and sugar substitute to medium sauce pan and stir frequently over medium heat until bubbling. After that reduce temp to medium low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until thickened some and cranberries have popped. Use fork to help mash up cranberries some, if needed. Store leftovers in fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Notes

Lemon Chia Seed Protein Snack Cake with Collagen

Lemon is flavor favorite of mine, especially around spring when I’m looking for a light, bright, sweet-tart taste so yummy for treats!

A light, bright, yummy snack cake featuring collagen protein. Only 142 cal per slice and 10g protein. This Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake a treat for a healthy dessert, post workout snack or even breakfast.

My Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake is a no-guilt option that is easy to whip up and offers 10 grams of protein, along with 12g net carbs, and6g fat for 142 calories per serving.

This lemon protein cake is great for a healthy dessert, post-gym snack, or anytime you are craving something sweet put looking to keep your lower-carb and strong. High protein low carb desserts like this Lemon collagen cake also makes a great breakfast.

I used Collagen from Great Lakes Wellness, my discount code will save you 10% – THEFITFORK10off

save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off

I’m a big fan, and have used it for years to optimize my wellness and boost my protein intake at the same time. If you ever have any questions about using collagen powder in recipes, shoot me an email.

TIPS FOR MAKING LEMON CHIA SEED CAKE WITH COLLAGEN:

  • I used a standard 9” round cake pan, but you can substitute an 8” square pan, or a 12-count cupcake pan (standard size, not jumbo)
  • Fresh lemon juice gives a bolder, brighter flavor. One larger lemon yields about ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) fresh juice, which is what this recipes calls for. However, in a pinch, you can substitute bottled lemon juice and skip the lemon zest (or use a dehydrated lemon zest).
  • Store leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 5 days, or “meal prep” by packaging up individually in zip-top baggies and stick in the freezer for a thaw, grab-and-go breakfast or snack on your busy days.
  • Lemon protein desserts can be customized into the citrus dessert of your choice by swapping out lemon juice for lime juice, grapefruit juice or orange juice in the cake and glaze parts of the recipe.
A light, bright, yummy snack cake featuring collagen protein. Only 142 cal per slice and 10g protein. This Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake a treat for a healthy dessert, post workout snack or even breakfast.
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Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake with Collagen
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 

A light, bright, yummy snack cake featuring collagen protein. Only 142 cal per slice and 10g protein. This Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake a treat for a healthy dessert, post workout snack or even breakfast.

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, workout
Keyword: cake, chia seeds, collagen, high protein, lemon
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 142 kcal
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup gluten-free baking flour
  • 1/2 cup unflavored collagen powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/3 cup granulated stevia blend
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Glaze:
  • 1 tbsp collagen powder
  • 2 tbsp stevia blend preferably powdered
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven 350F.
  2. Mix together dry cake ingredients: flour, collagen, baking soda, stevia, and salt, and chia seeds.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, yogurt, lemon juice and oil. Pour into dry ingredients; stir until smooth.
  4. Pour batter into standard 9″ cake pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, invert from pan.
  5. In small bowl, mix glaze ingredients. Use a fork to make small prices in cake for glaze to settle. Pour glaze over top. Cut into 8 slices.; Enjoy!
  6. Note, if using an 8" square pan, baking time will be the same. IF using 12-count cupcakes, reduce time to 15 minutes.

Recipe Notes

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!

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

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

Low Carb Peanut Butter Mug Cake – 3 Ingredients!

Mornings are hard, mug cakes are easy. And, my 3 Ingredient Nut Butter Mug Cake can is so ridiculously easy. It’s satisfying snack for evaaaryone, but if you are specifically following a low-carb, keto, gluten-free, diary-free and/or sugar free diet, this one is for YOU! Almond Joy Sheet Pan Pancake - gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, keto, low carb

Whip up a low carb mug cake, start to finish, in under 2 minutes . . . then sit back, enjoy and put your to-do list on hold for just a bit.  Read on to get the nut butter mug cake recipe:  Continue reading