Baking with protein powder means replacing some of the flour in a recipe with protein powder. You can use protein powder in cakes, muffins, brownies, biscuits, cupcakes and scones, whilst choosing which type of powder (whey, vegan or casein) to use. Below you’ll find six of our favourite protein powder bakes, plus tips and advice on which powder works best in the oven.
Can you bake with protein powder?
Yes. Replace about a quarter to a third of the flour with protein powder and keep the rest of the recipe the same. Protein powder absorbs more moisture than flour, so add a splash of milk, a plant-based drink or an extra egg if the batter becomes too dry.
What type of protein powder should you use for baking?
For most baked goods, whey or vegan protein powder works best; casein gives a denser, slightly firmer texture. Choose the type that suits your recipe and your preference. Unflavoured powder is the most neutral, whilst a flavoured powder (vanilla or chocolate) will help determine the flavour of your bake.
- Whey : milk protein that produces light, airy results and is ideal for cakes, muffins and pancakes. Check out the whey range or our organic plain whey .
- Vegan : made from peas, rice or fava beans, suitable for vegan baking. Check out the vegan protein range or the vegan vanilla protein .
- Casein : a milk protein that is digested slowly and gives a denser texture, ideal for brownies. Read more about exactly what casein is . Check out the casein range or our organic plain casein .
Want to read more background information? Check out the benefits of protein powder.
Six protein powder recipes to make at home
1. Vanilla and chocolate protein cake
A light and fluffy vanilla and chocolate cake, made with whey or vegan protein powder in the batter. Delicious with a cup of coffee or as a snack. Check out the recipe for the vanilla-chocolate protein cake.
2. Chocolate protein brownies
Moist brownies with a rich chocolate flavour. By replacing some of the flour with protein powder (whey or casein works well here), you get a dense, moist texture. View the recipe for the chocolate protein brownies.
3. Cherry and chocolate muffins
Muffins with cherry and chocolate chunks, ideal for baking in advance and taking with you. Simply mix the protein powder (whey or vegan) into the batter. View the recipe for cherry and chocolate muffins.
4. Nut protein biscuits
Crunchy biscuits with nuts, perfect as a snack on the go. You make them by adding whey or vegan protein powder to the dough. View the recipe for the nut protein biscuits.
5. Vanilla cupcakes
Soft vanilla cupcakes, with or without a topping of your choice. The protein powder (whey or vegan) replaces some of the flour in the batter. See the recipe for vanilla cupcakes.
6. Protein raisin scones
Light and fluffy scones with raisins, delicious with a cup of tea or as a snack. Simply replace some of the flour with protein powder (whey or vegan) and follow the rest of the recipe as normal. Check out the recipe for protein raisin scones.
Prefer something that doesn’t require an oven? Check out our smoothie recipes with protein powder or the overnight oats with apple and cinnamon.
Tips for baking with protein powder
- Don’t replace all the flour: stick to about a quarter to a third, otherwise your bake will turn out dry.
- Protein powder absorbs moisture. Add a splash of milk, a plant-based drink or an extra egg if the batter becomes too thick.
- Bake at a slightly lower temperature and keep an eye on the oven, as baked goods made with protein powder brown more quickly.
- Use plain protein powder if you want the other flavours to come through, or a flavoured protein powder if you want to enhance that flavour.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use protein powder in any baking recipe?
In most recipes, yes. Replace some of the flour (about a quarter to a third) with protein powder and adjust the amount of liquid slightly. Recipes that rely entirely on a light texture, such as a classic sponge cake, are a bit trickier.
Which protein powder is best for baking?
That depends on your recipe and your taste. Whey and vegan protein powder are the most versatile; casein gives a denser texture. Plain protein powder allows the other flavours to come through best.
How much flour can you replace with protein powder?
Aim for about a quarter to a third. You can use more, but your bake will quickly become dry. If the batter is dry, add a little extra liquid.
Why would you add protein powder to your baked goods?
Protein powder is a simple way to add protein to your baked goods. Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. Want to know how much protein you need each day? Read our guide on how much protein you need each day.
Ready to bake? Choose your protein powder from the protein collection and get started with one of the recipes above.
