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As a new mom of two kids my motto is work smarter, not harder. And to me, working smarter means prepping a big batch of easy grab-and-go meals at the start of my week to help the rest of my week run smoothly. A few meal prep recipes I’ve been loving lately are my high-protein overnight oats (great for breakfast, but also snack!), high-protein breakfast biscuits (with ham & cheese – yum!), and now these protein pancake bars. And you know who else has been absolutely loving these pancake bars? My toddler! He gobbles these up for breakfast every single morning. And trust me, if my toddler loves these bars, you will too! Give ’em a try this weekend, and thank me later when you have a weeks worth of breakfast prepped and ready for whatever life throws at you. 🙂

Why You’ll Love These Meal Prep Protein Pancake Bars

  • Over 25 grams of protein and just 300 calories per serving
  • Great for meal prep and busy mornings
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily made dairy-free
  • Low sugar and lightly sweetened
  • Made entirely in the blender
  • Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins

These bars taste like fluffy pancakes but are sturdy enough to grab, pack, and reheat throughout the week!

protein pancake bars in a storage container.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein does each pancake bar have?

Each bar contains 12+ grams of protein, depending on the protein powder and yogurt you use.

Can I freeze these pancake bars?

Yes! These protein pancake bars freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or let thaw overnight in the fridge.

What kind of protein powder did you use?

I used Aloha plant-based vanilla protein powder (this link gets you 20% off aloha!), but I’ve also made these with Vital Farms unflavored collagen powder and they’re just as delicious. Any vanilla or unflavored protein powder will work.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based protein powder
  • Egg-free: Use liquid egg substitute, I recommend the Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer
  • Lower fat: Swap coconut oil for melted butter or avocado oil
  • Add-ins: Blueberries, chocolate chips, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts
  • Extra flavor: Add cinnamon or a pinch of salt
overhead image of protein pancake bars in a sheet pan.
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Meal Prep Protein Pancake Bars

These protein pancake bars are a healthy, high-protein breakfast with over 25 grams of protein and just 300 calories per serving! Made in the blender with simple ingredients, they’re gluten-free, low sugar, and perfect for meal prep. If you love pancakes but need a quick grab-and-go option, these protein pancake bars are ideal for busy mornings all week long!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 blender
  • 1 9×13-inch sheet pan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup protein powder
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
  • 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
  • Add all ingredients to the blender, except for any mix-ins, and blend util smooth.
  • Pour the pancake batter into a grease 9×13-inch sheet pan, then top with any mix-ins you’d like. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancake bars have puffed up and are lightly golden brown around the edges.
  • Remove the pancake bars from the oven, then lett hem cool before slicing into 12 bars and either enjoying right away or storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g

My husband sat me down recently and admitted that he’s been starving in the mornings, and asked if I could help come up with a solution. And I gave it exactly half a second of thought before I said – overnight oats! So I wrote down a recipe for him and he started prepping this exact recipe of high protein overnight oats for himself every week. After the first week he circled back with me and was happy to report that not only were these oats delicious, but they really did keep him full all morning long (hard to do – he has the fastest metabolism of anyone I know, HA!). Ever since then I knew I needed to share this recipe with the world! It’s creamy, not too sweet, totally delicious, super easy to make (if my husband can make it, anyone can), and packed with 35 grams of protein.

And to top it all of? I love enjoying these oats with my protein coffee recipe for an extra 15 grams of protein to start my day!

Why You’ll Love These High Protein Overnight Oats

  • They contain a whopping 35 grams of protein per serving!
  • These oats are a healthy, balanced breakfast that keeps you full for hours.
  • Perfect for meal prep – make once, and enjoy them all week long.
  • Ready in just a few minutes!
  • These high protein overnight oats are naturally gluten-free (use certified gluten-free oats).
  • They’re ideal for a quick grab-and-go breakfast!

These oats are thick, creamy, lightly sweetened, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand!

high protein overnight oats in jars on a table.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein is in these overnight oats?

Each serving contains about 35 grams of protein, depending on the protein powder, yogurt, and milk you use.

What kind of protein powder did you use?

I used Aloha’s vanilla plant-based protein powder (use this link for 20% off!) because I love the taste and texture, but any vanilla or unsweetened protein powder will work. Even collagen powder is a great option!

How long do these oats last in the fridge?

These overnight oats last up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them perfect for meal prep.

What jars did you use?

I used this pack of jars from Amazon – 16-ounce jars work perfectly for single servings and are easy to grab on busy mornings.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk.
  • Lower sugar: Skip the maple syrup or use a sugar-free sweetener instead.
  • Extra thick oats: Add another teaspoon of chia seeds for super thick overnight oats.
  • More flavor: Stir in cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  • Add toppings: Fresh berries, nut butter, chocolate chips, nuts, or granola are some of my favorite toppings!
high protein overnight oats in a jar with fresh berries on top.
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High Protein Overnight Oats (35g protein!)

These high protein overnight oats are creamy, filling, and packed with 35 grams of protein, making them a perfect healthy breakfast! They come together in just a few minutes, are great for meal prep, and make an easy grab-and-go option for busy mornings. Naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable, these overnight oats will keep you full and satisfied all week long!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 16-ounce jar or container

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 scoop (or 1 serving) protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of your choice
  • 3/4 cup milk I used almond milk

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to an 8-ounce jar, then stir to combine and secure with a lid.
  • Store the oats in the fridge for at least 6 hours and up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 17g

It’s true! You really can add cottage cheese to almost everything. My personal favorite way to use cottage cheese is in a recipe where you won’t even taste it. Because if I’m being completely honest, I actually don’t like cottage cheese. Which is why in any recipe I use cottage cheese, like this cottage cheese cookie dough or this cottage cheese pizza crust, I can guarantee you won’t taste the cottage cheese at all! It simply adds hidden protein and nutrients, and in this smoothie specifically – makes it ultra thick, creamy, and ultimately SO delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Smoothie

  • Over 35 grams of protein in one smoothie!
  • Perfect for a healthy breakfast, post-workout meal, or filling snack.
  • Thick, creamy, and delicious – no grainy texture.
  • You can’t taste the cottage cheese at all!
  • Naturally sweetened with fruit.
  • Quick and easy to make in under 5 minutes.

This smoothie is ideal if you’re trying to increase protein intake without relying solely on Greek yogurt or protein shakes.

overhead image of cottage cheese smoothie with a straw and strawberry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you taste the cottage cheese?

Nope! Once blended, cottage cheese becomes ultra-smooth and creamy. It has a very mild flavor, so the banana, berries, and protein powder completely mask it. Even cottage-cheese skeptics will love this smoothie!

What kind of protein powder did you use?

I used a vanilla protein powder (this link gets you 20% off the protein powder I use and love!), but any vanilla or unsweetened protein powder works well. Even collagen powder would taste great and blend seamlessly into this smoothie.

How much protein does this smoothie have?

This smoothie contains over 35 grams of protein, depending on the brand of cottage cheese, milk, and protein powder you use. Even without protein powder, it’s still packed with protein thanks to the cottage cheese.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • No protein powder: Skip it – the smoothie is still high in protein!
  • Different fruit: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or mango.
  • Extra thickness: Add ice or more frozen fruit.
  • More nutrients: Blend in spinach or chia seeds for a nutrient boost!
cottage cheese smoothie with a strawberry on the side.
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Cottage Cheese Smoothie (35g protein!)

This cottage cheese smoothie is thick, creamy, and packed with over 35 grams of protein, making it a perfect healthy breakfast or high-protein snack! You can’t taste the cottage cheese at all – it blends smoothly with frozen fruit for a delicious, naturally sweet flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this protein smoothie is quick, filling, and ideal for busy mornings or post-workout fuel!
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Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 blender

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 4-5 frozen strawberries or 1/2 cup frozen berries
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 scoop (or 1 serving) protein powder optional for extra protein!

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, then pour into a glass and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 20g

It’s no secret I love cookie dough. The cookie dough obsession started with my viral healthy 4-ingredient cookie dough bark, then spiraled into an edible cottage cheese cookie dough and healthy cookie dough date bites. So up next in our cookie dough lineup are these seriously delicious collagen cookie dough protein bars. Made in just one bowl, with 7 simple ingredients – they’re totally gluten-free, dairy-free, and pack 15 grams of protein per bar! I’ve truly never found a protein bar recipe with cleaner ingredients than this one right here. I love meal prepping a double batch of these homemade protein bars, freezing half, then enjoying the other half as an afternoon protein snack all week long. So simple, healthy, and truly delicious!

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Dough Protein Bars

These cookie dough protein bars taste just like edible cookie dough, but with a healthy, nourishing twist! They’re no-bake, gluten-free, dairy-free, and made in just one bowl with 7 simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeks and meal prep. Each bar packs 15 grams of protein, making them a satisfying snack, dessert, or post-workout treat you’ll actually look forward to snacking on!

a bite taken out of a collagen cookie dough protein bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What collagen powder did you use?
I used Vital Proteins Collagen Powder, but Further Foods Collagen works just as well. Any unflavored collagen powder will work here without affecting the taste or texture.

Can I use a different nut or seed butter?
Yes! Cashew butter makes these bars extra creamy, but peanut butter works great too. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a solid substitute – just note it may slightly change the flavor.

How much protein is in each bar?
Each bar contains about 15 grams of protein, primarily from the collagen powder and nut butter, making them a great high-protein snack option!

Storage Tips

Store these cookie dough protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months and let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying. They’re best served chilled for that classic cookie dough texture.

overhead image of sliced collagen cookie dough protein bars.
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Collagen Cookie Dough Protein Bars

These cookie dough protein bars taste just like classic cookie dough, but are made with simple, better-for-you ingredients and 15 grams of protein per bar. They’re no-bake, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them the perfect easy snack, dessert, or post-workout treat. Made in just one bowl with 7 ingredients, these healthy cookie dough protein bars are a must-make for meal prep.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×4-inch loaf pan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 3/4 cup creamy cashew butter or peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup collagen
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g

The self-proclaimed protein cookie queen (hi, it’s me!) is at it again with yet another quick, easy, and ttoally delicious protein cookie recipe! My single serve protein cookie was such a big hit, I received soooo many requests to make a full batch version. Well, I present to you – a rich, chewy, slightly fudgy, protein-packed cookie made with just 3 ingredients! Honestly, if I hadn’t tried them myself, I’d think these 3 ingredient protein cookies were too good to be true. They’re just as delicious as any other cookie, but pack in a whopping 20 grams of protein each!

Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Protein Cookies

  • Ridiculously simple – only three main ingredients and 10 minutes in the oven!
  • Naturally healthy – made with real food, no refined sugars and totally gluten-free.
  • High-protein & satisfying – perfect for post-workout snack or quick breakfast treat.
  • Totally customizable – add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What protein powder did you use?
I used the Be Well By Kelly vanilla protein powder, which mixes in perfectly and keeps these cookies soft and chewy.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work beautifully – just use the same amount.

How much protein is in each cookie?
Each cookie contains around 20 grams of protein, depending on your protein powder brand and mix-ins.

close up of 3 ingredient protein cookies with a bite taken out.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Chocolate Lovers: Fold in ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
  • Nut-Free/Vegan: Use sunflower seed butter and dairy-free protein powder.
  • Low-Sugar: Swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts or unsweetened shredded coconut.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for seasonal flavor!

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Mash the banana very well for an even and smooth batter!
  • If the dough is too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of non-dairy milk.
  • For crispier edges, flatten the cookies a little more before baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
overhead image of 3 ingredient protein cookies with a bite taken out.
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3-Ingredient Protein Cookies (20g protein each!)

These 3 ingredient protein cookies are soft, chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with protein for the perfect healthy snack or post-workout treat! Made with banana, peanut butter, and protein powder, they’re quick to make, totally customizable, and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. If you’re looking for an easy high-protein cookie recipe that tastes amazing and comes together in minutes, this is it!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 5 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter or any nut/seed butter
  • 1/2 cup protein powder

Optional:

  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips or any mix-ins you'd like!

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mash the banana in a bowl until mostly smooth, then mix in the peanut butter and protein powder.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips or any mix-in you’d like, then scoop 2 tablespoon-sized mounds of cookie dough onto the parchment paper. Slightly wet your hands, then use them to gently press and flatten each cookie slightly.
  • Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges, then remove from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack before serving or storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g