15 Satisfying High-Protein Desserts You Need to Try
We’ve all been there: It’s late, you ate dinner a while ago, and you’re craving something sweet, but you want to avoid a sugar crash. This is when having a high-protein dessert handy is clutch. Yes, it is possible to satisfy the desire for desert with something that’s also nutritious. “Choosing a high-protein dessert can help maximize satiety and promote steady blood sugar control,” says Paige Heiden, M.S., R.D.N., a nutritionist at Culina Health.
But how do you know if something has enough protein in it? Opt for desserts that contain high-protein ingredients and swaps such as eggs, low-fat Greek yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese (which is more commonly used in baking now!), coconut flour, almond flour, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes and protein powders, suggests Heiden. While everyone has different nutritional needs and priorities, you can use the homemade high-protein dessert ideas below as a foundation for your own healthy nighttime treats and adjust ingredients accordingly.
Delicious high-protein desserts
Frozen Greek yogurt bark
“Any dessert with a Greek yogurt base is one to go for,” says Lisa Andrews, MEd, R.D., L.D., owner of Sound Bites Nutrition. “Greek yogurt is higher in protein and lower in sugar than traditional yogurt.” The best part about frozen yogurt bark is that it’s super easy to make. Just spread the Greek yogurt on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle berries, bits of dark chocolate or nuts on top before placing it in the freezer. Two to four hours later, just break it up into smaller pieces. Andrews says she likes topping her bark with slivered almonds for crunch and an extra boost of protein, while Heiden notes that berries provide you with a fiber boost.
Dark chocolate cherry milkshake
When you don’t have anything premade on hand, a milkshake is the perfect quick and easy high-protein dessert. “Blend unsweetened milk of your choice, unsweetened cocoa powder, unsweetened frozen cherries, Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips to create a refreshing, high-volume dessert,” suggests Heiden.
Cheese plate
Whether you’re a fan of brie, cheddar, gruyere or all of the above, the right cheese plate can be a high-protein dessert that also makes you feel a little fancy. Slice a couple of kinds of cheese and pair them with apples, pears, nuts and maybe a little drizzle of honey.
Chia pudding
“Chia seeds are known for their appetite-killing fiber, but it’s also the protein that’s working in your favor,” says Andrews. “I combine chia seeds with Greek yogurt or milk to make a delicious, high-protein dessert.” How about blueberry coconut chia pudding or milk and honey chia pudding?
Greek yogurt parfait
“Greek yogurt is thick, creamy, and full of protein,” says Andrews. “You can use plain or vanilla yogurt, your favorite fresh or frozen berries and a few spoonfuls of granola or chopped nuts between layers. Nuts will add more protein than granola and less sugar.” Or, Heiden suggests sprinkling chocolate chips on top, “to end the night with something sweet and satisfying.”
Chocolate peanut butter hummus
Hummus is no longer just a savory dip. Add a little honey, peanut butter and cocoa powder, and you’ve got a tasty, healthy dessert hummus. Enjoy it with any fruit you love, but it goes particularly well with strawberries.
Baked fruit with cottage cheese
There’s something so surprisingly comforting about cooked fruit. In the summer, try grilling peaches. In the winter, opt for some spiced baked apples. Serve it with a creamy, small-curd cottage cheese.
Custard
“Custard is an egg- and milk-based dessert, making it the perfect high-protein combination,” says Andrews. “You can use low-fat milk to reduce the saturated fat content and add cocoa, cinnamon or flavored extract to change the flavor.”
Greek yogurt panna cotta
This is one high-protein dessert you need to make a head — but the extra prep time is worth it! Greek yogurt panna cotta is a fun and healthy twist on the traditional Italian dessert. Plus, it pairs well with nearly any fruit.
Dark chocolate bark
Choose a high-quality dark chocolate and melt it onto a lined baking sheet. Then add your favorite nuts (like almonds, pecans, walnuts or pistachios) and let it cool. Break it into smaller pieces and store them in the fridge for when you need a little chocolate bump.
Fruit smoothie
Think of smoothies as the fruitier version of the high-protein milkshake mentioned above. Use milk and/or yogurt as your base, and then mix in some seasonal fruit for a treat that tastes good and won’t leave you feeling hungry in the middle of the night.
Fruit and nut bars
You might not think of a snack bar as dessert, but they can be chewy and sweet and a good source of protein, says Andrews. The great news is they’ll last for a week so you’ll have an easy dessert to grab several days in a row.
Hot chocolate
Yes, you read that right: hot chocolate may be just the protein-forward dessert you’re looking for on a cold evening. “Whisk unsweetened milk of your choice, chocolate protein powder and unsweetened cocoa powder together in a mug,” says Heiden. “Cover and heat for 30 to 60 seconds, then mix well. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of marshmallows on top for the perfect sweet treat as you head into the fall and winter seasons.”
Roasted chickpeas
Crispy chickpeas don’t need to be reserved for savory snack situations. In fact, this maple-cinnamon recipe should satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing ample protein and fiber.
Banana “ice cream”
When you’re longing for a big bowl of traditional ice cream (which is usually loaded with sugar), try making your own healthier version and see if that hits the spot. Just blend frozen banana pieces with your favorite type of milk until you get the consistency you like. Then top with nuts, berries, or dark chocolate.
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