No-Bake Protein Brownies with Real Strawberry “Sprinkles”

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Jennifer FIsher

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 1/8^th 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.

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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!

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

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

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

Recipe Notes

Giant Peanut Butter Protein Cookie for One

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

A great way to keep your hand mindless out of the cookie jar is to bake up a single serve cookie — when it’s gone, it’s gone! My Giant Peanut Butter Protein Cookie for One tastes nostalgically amazing, yet is packed with protein so that it fills you up and you CAN be satisfied with just one.

Actually, you may even be happy and your sweet tooth satisfied with just half a cookie — it’s HUGE! I typically eat half and save the other half for later in the day, for double the yum time!

In order to avoid heating up a big oven to bake just one cookie, I made this protein peanut butter cookie in the toaster oven — I use the Instant Oven™ 18L Air Fryer Toaster Oven which is an air fryer and multi-purpose toaster oven. Only a few minutes to put the batter together and about 9 to 10 minutes to bake. In less than 15 minutes you’ll be enjoying a fresh-from-the-oven protein dessert.

Giant Peanut Butter Protein Cookie for One is HUGE, big enough to share (or not)!

Ingredients are natural peanut butter (you could swap for almond butter or, better yet, homemade sunflower seed butter), butter, egg white, coconut flour, baking soda, granulated stevia blend and a plant-based protein powder.

In terms of the best plant-based protein powder, I like the Clean Lean Protein Powder from Nuzest –it has a great nutrient profile and works for vegan, vegetarian and paleo diets. I love it for this protein powder cookie recipe and smoothies and other uses too! You can save `15% with my discount code: FITFORK .

Before baking the cookie, you want to press the dough ball out into an approximate 5″ diameter circle, and then make the fork marks which as SO nut butter cookie important. Because this protein cookie is bigger that an standard old fashioned peanut butter cookie, you can’t really to the criss-cross hatch marks. Instead, I used the tins of the for to go around the edges of the cookie with points of for going up almost to center of cookie, but not quite — this made a “center” that I then used the tips of the fork to make a bunch of little pock marks. It all looked like a flower to me in the end and didn’t puff out the design during baking either!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from purchases made through links, however price to you remains the same. Proceeds help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

5 from 4 votes

This ginormous cookie made with protein powder is a A delicious, low-carb peanut butter that will make you feel nostalgic for the treats of your childhood, but offers 20g of protein and only 7g net carb. Bake it in a toaster oven! Big enough to share, but you may not want too

Giant Peanut Butter Protein Cookie for One

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

A delicious, low-carb peanut butter that will make you feel nostalgic for the treats of your childhood, but offers 20g of protein and only 7g net carb. Bake it in a toaster oven! Big enough to share, but you may not want too!

Course: Dessert, Snack, treat

Keyword: cookie, cooking for one, peanut butter, protein powder

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 343 kcal

Ingredients

2 tbsp. butter softened
2 tbsp natural-style peanut butter
2 tbsp granulated stevia blend baking sweetener
1 tbsp liquid egg white
1/8 tsp baking soda
1 scoop Nuzest Lean Clean Protein Powder (chocolate or vanilla) or 2tbsp other protein powder
1 tbsp coconut flour

Instructions

Mix together butter, peanut butter, stevia and egg white.
Stir in baking soda, protein powder and coconut flour. Shape into big dough ball. Press out into thick circle with clean hands.
Use tins of fork to press out remainder of way to about 1/3” thickness and approx. 5” diameter.
Bake for 9 to 10 minutes. Let cook for 5 minutes on baking sheet

Recipe Notes

Easy Protein Powder Cottage Cheese Waffles – Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Posted on May 7, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

I’m still on a serious protein waffle kick, and have been refining my go-to easy waffle recipe with each batch! The outcomes have just been getting tastier and more nutritious! For example, with this protein waffle meal prep, I’ve added a bit of cottage cheese to the batter for a little extra rich flavor and protein.

These easy gluten-free protein waffles feature a plant-based protein, eggs, cottage cheese and amaranth flour for a powerful punch of protein. Only 184 cal, 13g net carb, 6g fat for a THREE WAFFLE serving that totals 20g protein! Boom! Freezer friendly, meal prep a batch for a breakfast solution on busy mornings.

In fact, I’ve packed SO MUCH protein for the modest calorie count into these waffles with cottage cheese. In addition to cottage cheese, other ingredients include egg, a plant-based protein powder and amaranth flour (or all-purpose flour, or a gluten-free baking blend flour all work). The result is a 3-waffle serving for 184 calories 13g net carb, 6g fat and 20g protein. That’s 62 calories and almost 7g protein per waffle! Boom! (note: nutrition could vary some based on exact protein powder used and % fat content of cottage cheese and milk used).

Seriously, 20-23g protein for a 216-calorie waffle stack?! These protein powder waffles even beats my favorite protein bar and is so much more satisfying to eat than a protein bar snack. This is a real meal, on a plate, with endless topping possibilities.

The flour in this recipe can be either an all-purpose flour or a gluten-free baking blend (with a similar texture of flour, not heavy like almond flour or coconut flour). When I make gluten-free waffles, I almost always use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour for that light texture I want. I’ve also had luck with amaranth flour as an alternative.

For convenience, I like to mix the batter in a blender (don’t over blend) and pour out into my mini waffle maker. This protein waffle meal prep makes about 12 waffles (4 servings). If you don’t have a single waffle maker (which is undeniable cute), it is actually even more efficient to make in most standard 4-slice waffle irons.

Also, to moderate the carb count yet still speak to me sweet tooth, I add stevia liquid sweetener drops to the batter. If you’d like more savory waffles, just omit.

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I use the Clean Lean Protein power from Nuzest, it’s plant-based, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, non GMO. The Smooth Vanilla flavor is delicious and a very versatile option. Use Nuzest coupon code: FITFORK to save 15% .

As per toppings, when a three-waffle stack only has 184 calories, I feel liberated to pile on the toppings. Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries is always a favorite – along with a drizzle of a sugar free syrup and dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Sometimes even some mini chocolate chips!

Many of my other protein waffle recipes have been single serve. This batch makes four servings, suitable for a family breakfast or to meal prep for eating through the week. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days or slide the 3-waffle servings into storage containers and keep in the freezer for busy-day breakfasts.

Heat up in the toaster or air-fryer. Honestly, after a few minutes in the air fryer, they are crispier and maybe even more delicious than ever!

This recipe is very easy to customize by swapping the protein powder flavor. And, I recently made a batch with Matcha Cottage Cheese Protein Waffles, so delicious and a fun change. The only thing I did different was add 2 teaspoons of matcha green tea powder to the batter.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from purchases through links, however price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

5 from 4 votes

Easy Cottage Cheese Protein Powder Waffles

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Simple, freezer-friendly, gluten-free and vegetarian. Only 216 calories for THREE WAFFLES – 23g protein!

Course: Breakfast

Keyword: breakfast, cottage cheese, meal prep, protein powder, waffles

Servings: 4 3 waffles each

Ingredients

3 eggs
1/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice I used unsweetened almond milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp olive oil or oil of choice
½ cup 2% cottage cheese
1/2 cup vanilla Nuzest protein powder (or powder of choice) 60 grams
½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking flour (like bob's red mill gluten free baking blend)
¼ tsp liquid stevia drops or to taste (or not needed, depending on your sweet preferences).
1/4 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Whisk eggs with milk, vanilla and oil, stir in cottage cheese (or, you can blend all together in small blender for a smoother result – either method yields yummy waffles)..
Toss together protein powder flour and baking powder. Mix into egg mixture a little bit at a time, or until incorporated You can also pulse wet and dry mixtures together in the blender until smooth.
Mix in stevia drops to taste, more or less depending on your sweetness preference.
Heat waffle iron (either a mini waffle iron or larger 4-square iron).
Pour in batter and cook for several minutes, until indicator light goes off.
Repeat for remaining batter.
Should make 12 single waffles (or three 4-square waffles).

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 waffles
Exact calorie count varies by protein powder and flour used. But as I made them, they came in at 184 cal, 13g carb, 20g protein.

12 High-Protein Breakfast Recipes for One and Not a Single Smoothie!

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

It’s breakfast time again, it happens every single day! Looking for something quick, easy and perfectly portioned just for YOU! Here are a dozen of my favorite high protein breakfast recipes that have 20 to 30 grams of protein, the optimal amount of protein to get your day started. I also eat many of these protein breakfast ideas after a workout or before bed for muscle management and recovery! Enjoy!

Protein Nut Butter Toast with Strawberries

1 slice Dave’s Killer Power Seed Bread, toasted
1.5 Tbsp. of a protein-nut butter
3 almonds, chopped
1 tsp. sugar-free mini chocolate chips
1 large strawberry, diced

I love this hearty, sweet toast with the most! If you don’t have official protein butter, just mix in 2 teaspoons of protein powder into your traditional nut butter. 424 Calories, 30 g carb, 22g fat, 27g protein

Easy Low-carb Peanut Butter Mug Cake

3 Tbsp. peanut or almond butter
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. unflavored collagen powder
¼ tsp. baking soda
Toppings of choice

In a minimum capacity 8-ounce mug, mix together all ingredients. Use a fork to whisk around until smooth and incorporated. Microwave for 75 to 90 seconds on high power. Mug can will puff way over the rim like a souffle, and then settle back down some when cooled. While still warm, top as desired with syrups, nuts, whipped cream, etc. 377 calories, 29g fat, 10g carb, 25g protein

Egg, Cheese & Leftover Grain Waffle

2 large eggs
1/2 cup pre-cooked grain like rice, oats or quinoa (I used a rice-quinoa blend)
2 Tbsp. shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a mini waffle iron. Mix together egg waffle ingredients in bowl and pour into hot iron (should make 2 to 3 waffles). If you don’t have leftover rice, you can use from a ready-to-eat rice pouch. Leave batter in waffle iron for a couple minutes, until indicator light goes off. Top with salsa, guacamole or other toppings of choice. 324 calories, 19g fat, 19g carb, 20g protein

60 Second Beef & Veggie Mug Omlete makes getting a healthy breakfast one less thing to worry about!

Quick Egg & Beef Mug Omelet

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons pre-cooked ground beef (or leftover taco meat)
1 Tbsp. shredded cheese
¼ cup blend of veggies like chopped tomatoes, chopped spinach, green onions, etc.

Spray one large microwave-safe mug (14-oz) or bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Add 2 egg and 2 tablespoons water; whisk with fork. Stir in cheese and vegetables. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 30 seconds. Remove from oven; stir. Continue to microwave on HIGH 30 to 60 seconds or until eggs are just set. Let cool, season with salt and pepper, as desired. 220 calories, 13g fat, 4g carb, 24g protein

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can be whipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless task of errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.

Cinnamon Protein Waffles (Gluten-free)

Whip up a stack of these satisfying waffles in minutes, they smell and taste delicious – especially with some sugar-free maple syrup. I use a little mini-waffle iron and make one at a time, or a big 4-square iron will work too (to make all at once). I use banana flour to keep lower carb and gluten-free, but you may swap flours. Protein boost thanks to a plant-based protein powder, Nuzest. Get a discount code and the entire recipe on this POST . Makes 4 small waffles, 220 calories, 8g fat, 9g carbs, 27g protein

Power into the day fueled by chocolatey waffles made with protein powder. Only takes minutes to make, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and moderate in carbs. A single-serve recipe, but simple to scale up for meal prep. Enjoy 28 grams of protein per serving!

Double Chocolate Protein Waffles (Gluten-Free)

Hello, chocolate!! These Double Chocolate Protein Waffles seem so indulgent, you may think it’s dessert! But a plant-based chocolate protein powder and just a few mini sugar-free chocolate chips make this sweet protein breakfast in the mini waffle maker, suitable for a morning meal! This mini waffle recipe uses banana flour too. Get a Nuzest discount code and the entire recipe on this POST. 330 cal, 28g carb, 14g fat, 28g protein,

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 Breakfast Cookie for One (Gluten-free)

A cookie as big as yo’ face and nutritious enough for breakfast – I call that a win-win! Actually, this cookie is so filling, sometimes I just eat half and save the other half for later in the day. Get entire recipe on POST. 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein

Giant Cherry Almond Protein Breakfast Cookie – 25 grams protein in this one!

Vanilla Pear Quinoa Breakfast “Bake”

A delightful change from oats, this recipe that uses leftover quinoa is “make-to-mouth” in just 5-6 minutes. If you don’t have leftover or meal-prepped freezer quinoa, a ready-to-eat quinoa will do. A deliciously warm and satisfying way to fuel adventures. Get full recipe on my IG POST. 526 calories, 20g protein, 44g net carb, no added sugar, and a whopping 14g dietary fiber.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Chia Pudding with Pecan Praline Crumble makes a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast, snack or healthy dessert. Natural sweeteners used to keep the carbs low and cottage cheese to help boost the protein -- plus more than 1/2 daily requirement for fiber! For more clean eating recipes, visit thefitfork.com

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Chia Puddings (with Praline Topping)

Just the right sweet and spiced so nice! This delicious chia seed pudding hits just under 20g protein, but it is just too amazing not to share! Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient for that creamy texture and protein boost. Also, not a single serve, but makes three that you can space out for breakfasts through the week. Get full recipe on my POST . 357 calories, 26g total carb (10g net carb, 16g fiber), 18g protein.

This no added sugar cheesecake dessert features cottage cheese and collagen blended until creamy -- sugar free chocolate chips and strawberries put this no-bake, no crust, lower carb, single-serve recipes over the top.

Chocolate Chip Breakfast “Cheesecake”

Is it dessert, is it breakfast – you decide!! Creamy blended cottage cheese is the secret ingredient (I use 2% to keep it creamy) along with collagen from Great Lakes Wellness (use code THEFITFORK to save 10%). Sugar-free mini chocolate chips for the win, too! Get full recipe on my POST. 193 calories, 11g carb, 29.5g protein per serving

Margarita Protein Mug Muffin

Sweet-tart, this limey treat makes a nice snack or way to start the day – especially if you are ready to be whisked away to a tropical vacation! Get recipe on POST. 155 cal, 5g fat, 6g carb, 20g protein

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission through sales generated through links, however the price to you remains the same. Thank you for supporting The Fit Fork.

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One

Posted on March 21, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

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!

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.

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

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

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