Protein Packed Alternatives to Some Sweet Treats

Think you have to give up sweets altogether to follow a macro-friendly nutrition plan? Think again! These recipes each pack in a little protein . . . so you can have your cake (or donuts, or cookie dough, or peanut butter and chocoloate, or Butterfingers) and eat it too!

Protein Donuts

2 Tbls coconut flour

2 Tbls milk or water

1 Tbls vanilla whey protein

2 Tbls applesauce

1/4 tsp baking powder

pinch of sweetener

Combine ingredients in a bowl and then transfer to two donut tins.  Bake at 350 for 20 mins.  Can frost with greek yogurt mixed with whey protein plus sweetener.

Cookie Dough Sweet Hummus

1 can (400g) chickpeas rinsed and drained

1 scoop vanilla whey protein

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

Mix all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.  Add in mix-ins of your choice!  These can be chocolate chips, small pieces of your favorite protein bar, etc.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

2 Tbls peanut butter

1 Tbls honey

1/2 serving vanilla whey protein

1/4 cup quick oats

about 20-30 mini MMs

Combine ingredients, adding more wet or dry ingredients as needed.  Form into balls and store in airtight container.  This is a GREAT snack for kids.

Butterfinger Bars

In a pot, combine 1 cup peanut butter and 1/3 cup honey. Melt on the stovetop on medium heat. Slowly stir in cornflakes, crushing as you stir. Fill with as many cornflakes as you can so that they are still completely covered by the honey/peanut butter mixture. Press into a greased 9x9 glass dish. In the same pot, combine 1/3 cup of chocolate chips with a splash of milk or water. Melt and smooth onto honey/peanut butter/cornflake mixture. Cool in the fridge and cut into squares.