30 Ways to Use Vanilla Protein Powder

If you're tired of the same old vanilla protein shake, here are 30 ways to use vanilla protein powder to make delicious high protein snacks and desserts. Some recipes call for whey protein, and others call for vegan protein powder. All are delicious!

collage of recipe images using vanilla protein powder.

Many of these recipes are easy to prepare and are a simple way to satisfy your sweet tooth while adding to your protein intake.

All of the recipes here use natural protein powder with no artificial ingredients. Most recipes are low sugar and have no added sugar, and the few that do call for coconut sugar or maple syrup are so worth it! And all of these recipes are gluten free.

High protein desserts and snacks can be super helpful with weight loss, since the protein helps keeps us full. Using nut butters in these recipes provides healthy fats, which also helps to keep us feeling satisfied.

Pro tip: use the type of protein powder called for in the recipe! Different types of protein powers mix and bake very differently and are not interchangeable in recipes.

The protein content in these healthy recipes vary depending on the type of recipe and serving size, but we're kicking it off with delicious muffins that have 31 grams of protein each!

1. Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

inside view of a chocolate chip muffin with a few more muffins in the background

Perfect as a high protein breakfast or snack, these chocolate chip muffins are great to have on hand. They have 31g protein each, thanks to plant protein, Greek yogurt, and egg whites. Stevia sweetened chocolate chips keep the sugar down to 2g per muffin. And they're so yummy!

Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins Recipe

2. Protein Rice Pudding Recipe with Cooked Rice

small mason jar full of rice pudding with a spoon pulling some out of the top with a light background

This is a great post-workout recipe, as it calls for maple syrup and is higher in carbs. Simple ingredients make this a great option for using extra cooked rice, too!

Protein Rice Pudding Recipe with Cooked Rice Recipe

3. Chia Almond Protein Cookies (Vegan)

collection of round almond cookies with white chia seeds on a flower etched dessert plate

These healthy vegan protein cookies are made with almond butter and chia seeds, and they make a great, filling snack. And with only 1g net carb each!

Chia Almond Protein Cookies (Vegan) Recipe

4. Peanut Butter Waffles (Healthy)

three quarters of a peanut butter belgian waffle topped with raspberries, and a fork in front with a bite of waffle and a raspberry

These delicious protein waffles have 29g protein and call for powdered peanut butter to cut down on fat. Topped with a fresh raspberries and a drizzle of peanut butter, this is a super delicious high protein breakfast!

Peanut Butter Waffles (Healthy) Recipe

5. Carrot Cake Protein Cookies with Cream Cheese Protein Frosting (Whey)

one frosted carrot cake cookie with a bite taken on a white background

All the flavor of frosted carrot cake with extra protein and none of the added sugar! These make a great protein snack or dessert.

Carrot Cake Protein Cookies with Cream Cheese Protein Frosting (Whey) Recipe

6. Banana Berry Protein Pancakes (Dairy Free)

a stack of fluffy protein pancakes with bananas and raspberries inside the pancakes and on top of the pancakes

A super fluffy protein pancake recipe, and made with just a few clean ingredients! 41g of protein, and your taste buds will thank you!

Banana Berry Protein Pancakes (Dairy Free) Recipe

7. Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

one bitten chocolate chip cookie being pulled from a pile of cookies

Made with almond flour and vanilla whey protein for a super soft healthy chocolate chip cookie, this recipe is my new favorite way to bake with protein powder!

Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies Recipe

8. Coconut Caramel Protein Balls

several full and one cut in half coconut caramel protein balls that are covered in chocolate and sprinkled with toasted coconut, each in a gold paper cup

The delicious flavor of Girl Scout Samoas in high-protein, low-sugar, gluten-free protein balls. A healthy, easy way to satisfy the craving!

Coconut Caramel Protein Balls Recipe

9. Protein Cupcakes (Healthy, Gluten Free Cupcake Recipe)

piece of frosted vanilla cupcake on a fork on an etched glass cake plate with cupcakes behind it.

Full of flavor and perfectly fluffy, these protein cupcakes have great taste and texture.

Protein Cupcakes (Healthy, Gluten Free Cupcake Recipe) Recipe

10. Blueberry Muffin Protein Shake with Oats and Cinnamon

blueberry protein shake topped with blueberries.

30g protein in this easy blueberry muffin protein shake! This high protein smoothie is the perfect healthy breakfast or snack.

Blueberry Muffin Protein Shake with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe

11. Cream Cheese Protein Frosting

top view of a cake frosted with cream cheese protein frosting with frosting spatula below it

1g net carb cream cheese protein frosting. Perfect for your low carb keto cakes, protein cakes, or just enjoy it with a spoon!

Cream Cheese Protein Frosting Recipe

12. Pumpkin Protein Cookies

three stacked pumpkin protein cookies with a fourth cookie angled on the side of the stack, all on a white plate with a light background

These easy pumpkin cookies are packed with flavor and protein. Naturally egg-free and gluten-free, and they have added pecans for flavor and crunch!

Pumpkin Protein Cookies Recipe

13. Key Lime Protein Chocolates

one full and one half piece of key lime filled chocolate hearts next to a slice of lime on a white plate on a lime green background

Tart lime and sweet chocolate make a delicious combination in these protein chocolates. Perfect healthy dessert or anytime treat!

Key Lime Protein Chocolates Recipe

14. BEST Protein Cheesecake Recipe (NY Style w/ Healthy Swaps)

a slice of creamy protein cheesecake being lifted and pulled from the cheesecake.

The creamy texture of this crustless protein cheesecake makes it just as indulgent as the original. The recipe is a high protein version of a family cheesecake recipe, and it's just as delicious!

BEST Protein Cheesecake Recipe (NY Style w/ Healthy Swaps) Recipe

15. Pecan Protein Bites

close up of freshly cut pecan protein squares, each topped with a pecan half

These delicious pecan protein bites have all the flavor of pecan pie in a no-bake, gluten-free, protein treat. Also a great recipe for protein bars!

Pecan Protein Bites Recipe

16. Vanilla Avocado Pudding

three servings of vanilla avocado mousse in shot glasses on a beige background

Avocado and vanilla bean give this vanilla avocado mousse delicious flavor and texture, and whey powder gives it a boost of protein!

Vanilla Avocado Pudding Recipe

17. Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse

raspberry cheesecake mousse in shot glasses with a fresh raspberry on each

Creamy and bursting with flavor, this no-bake raspberry protein cheesecake mousse is keto friendly and delicious!

Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse Recipe

18. Vanilla Cashew Protein Cookies (Vegan)

a stack of eight flower shaped cashew butter cookies on a dark background

These cashew butter cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth protein treat! Ingredients for these vegan protein cookies include plant protein and nut butter.

Vanilla Cashew Protein Cookies (Vegan) Recipe

19. Mini Pumpkin Pies (Gluten Free, High Protein Recipe)

seven mini pumpkin pies with fall shaped pie crust cookies on them next to a bright orange mini pumpkin on a flower etched glass cake stand

These perfectly portioned mini pumpkin pies are a healthier version of pumpkin pie with added protein and no added sugar. Perfect for the holidays or any day!

Mini Pumpkin Pies (Gluten Free, High Protein Recipe) Recipe

20. Sopapilla Protein Cheesecake Bars

a square sopapilla cheesecake bar on a white plate on a wood table

These low carb sopapilla protein cheesecake bars are full of flavor, and they make a great keto or low carb snack. 8g protein and 1g carbs per piece!

Sopapilla Protein Cheesecake Bars Recipe

21. BEST Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake Recipe

Sweet and delicious low carb protein donuts that are gluten-free and easy to make. Made with vanilla whey protein powder.

BEST Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake Recipe Recipe

22. Black and White Protein Cookies (Whey, Gluten-Free)

one whole and one half of black and white protein cookies

A NYC classic cookie, reimagined to have extra protein and no added sugar. Still delicious!

Black and White Protein Cookies (Whey, Gluten-Free) Recipe

23. Healthy Peach Ice Cream

small white dish of melting peach ice cream with fresh cut peaches on top, a spoon in the dish, and three peaches in the background on a brown wooden table

A creamy and delicious two-ingredient peach protein ice cream. Made with peaches and natural vanilla whey protein powder.

Healthy Peach Ice Cream Recipe

24. Healthy Sweet Potato Cupcakes

inside view of one frosted healthy sweet potato cupcake on a white plate

A great way to use extra sweet potatoes! These sweet potato cupcakes make a great high protein breakfast or snack.

Healthy Sweet Potato Cupcakes Recipe

25. Individual Pumpkin Cheesecake

single serving of pumpkin cheesecake in a ramekin with a spoon in it

This individual pumpkin cheesecake is a low sugar, high protein, creamy pumpkin treat!

Individual Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

26. Lemon Ricotta Protein Pancakes

stack of 6 thin lemon ricotta pancakes on a white plate with one and a half lemons in the background and a purple linen napkin underneath

These Lemon Ricotta Protein Pancakes are flavorful, hearty, and just like the lemon ricotta pancakes you'd find at a cute little downtown café. Lemon juice and lemon zest give just the right amount of citrus twist.

Lemon Ricotta Protein Pancakes Recipe

27. Protein Popsicles (Low Calorie)

vanilla popsicles with strawberries on a white plate

Simple, refreshing, and low calorie, these protein popsicles are a delicious summer treat! High protein and with no added sugar.

Protein Popsicles (Low Calorie) Recipe

28. Peach Cobbler Protein Shake (Gluten Free Smoothie)

A deliciously indulgent pineapple protein cheesecake that is gluten-free, high-protein, and lower in carbs. A terrific flavor combination!

Peach Cobbler Protein Shake (Gluten Free Smoothie) Recipe

29. Protein Pumpkin Pie (Easy, Delicious, Healthy Recipe)

three slices of high protein pumpkin pie in the pie dish, with sugar free whipped cream on top.

A few simple ingredient swaps make this high protein, low sugar, and gluten free pumpkin pie holiday-worthy!

Protein Pumpkin Pie (Easy, Delicious, Healthy Recipe) Recipe

30. Raspberry Coconut Protein Cookies (Whey)

bitten coconut raspberry cookie - white cookie with bright raspberry pieces - with a fresh raspberry behind it all on a white plate

Bursting with fresh raspberries, these raspberry coconut cookies are also packed with protein and coconut. Easy delicious protein cookies!

Raspberry Coconut Protein Cookies (Whey) Recipe

I hope you've enjoyed this collection of vanilla protein powder recipes. This site is full of healthy protein powder recipes, so I hope you'll have a look around! And please follow us on social to hear about our latest recipes. @proteincakery

If you'd like more info about using protein powder in recipes, subscribe here to get my Protein Baking Cheat Sheet and check out my posts on the best protein powders for baking and the best protein powder for coffee.