Macro-Friendly Desserts to Make or Buy

Written By Malia Frey

Macro-friendly desserts are sweet treats that provide protein, along with carbohydrates and some fat. Desserts are usually quite high in sugar which can upend the balanced nutrition that you’ve worked hard to attain throughout the day. But protein-rich desserts help keep your nutritional balance in tact.

It doesn’t matter if you love to bake or hate to spend more than a minute in the kitchen, there are macro-friendly dessert recipes and ideas below to fit every skill level and every palate.

If you’re looking for more recipes, pick up a copy of Macro Diet for Dummies. It’s a great basic nutritional resource to keep in your kitchen and its full of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and dessert recipes.

Macro-Friendly Chocolate Desserts

High-Protein Chocolate Mug Cake

Servings: 1
Protein per serving: 12–15g

Ingredients:

  • 1 scoop (25g) chocolate protein powder

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tbsp almond flour

  • 1/4 tsp baking powder

  • 2 tbsp cottage cheese (blended or mashed for smoothness)

  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt

  • 1/4 cup almond milk (or dairy milk for extra protein)

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix the protein powder, cocoa powder, almond flour, and baking powder.

  2. Stir in cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  3. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

  4. Microwave for 50–70 seconds until just set but still slightly gooey in the center. (Microwave times vary.)

  5. Let cool for a minute before enjoying!

Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) or sprinkle of chopped nuts if you prefer.

Chocolate Protein Chia Pudding

Servings: 2
Protein per serving: 10–12g

Ingredients:

  • 1 scoop (25g) chocolate protein powder

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 3 tbsp chia seeds

  • 3/4 cup milk of choice (dairy milk for more protein)

  • 1/4 cup cottage cheese (blended for a smooth texture)

  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl or jar, whisk together the protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt.

  2. Blend the cottage cheese with the milk until smooth, then mix it into the dry ingredients.

  3. Stir in the chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

  4. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.

  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until thick and pudding-like.

  6. Stir again before serving and add your favorite toppings!

Optional toppings include dark chocolate shavings, vanilla Greek yogurt, crushed nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.) or berries (strawberries, raspberries, etc.).

More chocolatey high-protein dessert recipes to check out:

Frozen Desserts With Protein

Chocolate Protein Ice Cream

Servings: 2
Protein per serving: ~10–12g

Ingredients:

  • 1 scoop (25g) chocolate protein powder (or a flavor of your choice)

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)

  • 1/4 cup cottage cheese (blended for a smooth texture)

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup almond milk (or dairy milk for more protein)

  • A pinch of salt

  • 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

  2. Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to keep it soft.

  3. Once it reaches the desired consistency, scoop and enjoy!

  4. If frozen too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.

Optional toppings can include chopped nuts, a drizzle of nut butter, dark chocolate shavings or berries.

Vanilla Protein Fudge Pops

Servings: 6 pops
Protein per pop: 6–8g

Ingredients:

  • 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder (or a flavor of your choice)

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (blended for smooth texture)

  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/3 cup milk of choice (dairy milk for more protein)

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

  2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds (or small cups with sticks).

  3. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

  4. To remove, run the mold under warm water for a few seconds, then enjoy!

Optional add-ins include chocolate chips, berries, peanut butter or espresso powder.

More recipes to check out:

High-protein Baked Desserts

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cookies

Servings: 10 cookies
Protein per cookie: 8–10g

Ingredients:

  • 1 scoop (25g) chocolate protein powder

  • 1 cup almond flour (or oat flour for a firmer texture)

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • A pinch of salt

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (blended for smoothness)

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice

  • 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Stir in chocolate chips if using.

  5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet and slightly flatten them.

  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until firm around the edges but soft in the center.

  7. Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying!

Add in extra nuts, chocolate chips or sea salt flakes for extra flavor.

Cinnamon Roll Protein Blondies

Servings: 9 squares
Protein per square: 6–8g

Ingredients:

  • 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder

  • 1 cup almond flour (or oat flour for a firmer texture)

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp cinnamon (plus extra for topping)

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (blended for smooth texture)

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice

  • 1/4 cup almond butter (or cashew butter for a milder flavor)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)

Cinnamon swirl (optional):

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla, and egg until smooth.

  4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.

  5. Pour the batter into the baking pan and spread evenly.

  6. (Optional) Mix maple syrup and cinnamon for the swirl, then drizzle over the batter and swirl with a knife.

  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

  8. Let cool, then slice into squares and enjoy!

More recipes to check out at other websites:

Macro-Friendly Desserts to Buy

Many of these desserts can be purchased in your local supermarket. Brands like Eggo, Yasso, and Halo Top are widely available in the freezer section. Some of the other treats listed here are available on Amazon, so I have provided links. *

*Please be advised that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Malia Frey
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