I’m firmly in the camp of eat the dessert AND get the protein! 💪😋 These Protein-Packed Chocolate-Covered Greek Yogurt Rice Cakes check all the boxes when a sweet craving hits: they’re crunchy, creamy, chocolatey, fruity and ridiculously easy to make.
Think of them as a little dessert-meets-snack situation: a crisp rice cake topped with creamy Greek yogurt, protein powder and a layer of melted chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of crunchy dehydrated strawberries.
And with plenty of protein from Greek yogurt and protein powder, they’re more than just a sweet treat. They make a great high-protein dessert, afternoon snack or post-workout bite when you want something satisfying without turning to a complicated recipe.
A Rice Cake Is Just the Beginning
Let’s be honest: plain rice cakes aren’t exactly the nutritional superstar of the snack aisle. Just made from puffed rice, plain rice cakes tend to be light and low in protein, fiber, fat and many vitamins and minerals. On the upside, many varieties are made with whole grains and are naturally gluten-free, depending on the brand. But here’s where I think rice cakes really shine: they make an incredibly convenient blank canvas for nutrient-dense toppings. Instead of eating a plain rice cake and calling it a snack, pile on ingredients that bring more protein, flavor and staying power – like Greek yogurt!
Why Greek Yogurt Makes This Treat Seriously Smart for Your Body
Greek yogurt is the secret weapon here – mere 6 ounces of Greek yogurt offers15 to 20 grams of protein! I use zero-fat plain unsweetened Greek yogurt because the protein powder adds a touch of sweetness, and the chocolate topping brings even more dessert-like flavor. But you definitely don’t have to use fat-free or plain yogurt. Try 2% or full-fat Greek yogurt if that’s your preference. Or pre-flavored yogurt. You can also experiment with a plant-based yogurt if that’s a better fit for your dietary needs. The goal isn’t to make this recipe fit into one particular diet. It’s to create a treat that works for you while adding a little more protein to the day.
Chocolate Makes Everything Better
Obviously, we’re putting chocolate on these. Because life is too short for boring snacks. 😋 I usually reach for sugar-free chocolate chips. They don’t necessarily make the recipe lower in calories, but they can help reduce the carbohydrate count compared with traditional sweetened chocolate chips. That said, use whatever chocolate you love! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate or traditional chocolate chips can all work. The important part is that you get that thin, crackly chocolate layer on top. Once you melt with a skosh of coconut oil, it makes a healthy version of “Magic Shell” that firms up when chilled. So fun — see this post with more instructions and serving ideas for Healthy “Magic Shell” Dessert Topping.
Don’t Skip the Fruity Sprinkle
The finishing touch is freeze-dried fruit – strawberries for me, today! Freeze-dried fruit is lightweight, crunchy and intensely fruity. Crush it into little pieces (pro tip, put in a zip-top baggie and smash with a rolling pin) and you’ve got a colorful, naturally sweet topping that adds a fun contrast to the chocolate. And don’t limit yourself to strawberries. Try raspberries, blueberries, bananas, mango or another dehydrated fruit you love. You can even crush the fruit more finely and stir it right into the Greek yogurt mixture.
Protein Powder adds Even More Protein.
Use your favorite protein powder and “type” like plant-based or whey, etc. Chocolate, vanilla or “exotic” flavors like birthday cake or caramel would all be delicious, depending on how you want the finished treat to taste. Today, I’ve used Nourify Plus protein powder from Previnex — it’s plant-based, has added nutrients and I use it for so many of my fit foodie recipes. Use my discount code THEFITFORK to save 15% off your first purchase.
When Should You Eat These?
Pretty much whenever you want dessert. 😉 But they’re especially handy when you want something sweet with a protein boost. It’s about balance! For me, this is exactly the kind of recipe that fits my eat well, move often and enjoy your food outlook. Try one as:
- A post-workout snack
- An afternoon pick-me-up
- A healthier dessert
- A late-night sweet treat
- A quick pre- or post-run bite
- A fun addition to a high-protein snack plate
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. Protein Powder of choice
- 1 plain rice cake
- 1 Tbsp. sugar-free chocolate chips
- ½ tsp. coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp approx. freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
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In small bowl, mix together protein powder with Greek yogurt.
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Spread evenly across top of rice cake; set aside.
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In another small bowl, add chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave on high for 15 seconds, stop to stir and microwave in 5 second increments, stirring between, until smooth and glossy.
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Pour over top of yogurt and sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top.
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Set in freezer for 10 minutes to set; enjoy!
1 serving: 244 calories | 20g protein | 9g fat |24g carb
