Chocolate Chip Cookie Protein Cake
This chocolate chip cookie protein cake is our favorite way to satisfy our sweet tooth while meeting our protein goals! With a simple base and pools of melty chocolate in every bite, it tastes just like our five-star chocolate chip cookies but provides over 30 grams of protein!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cookie Protein Cake
Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies? Whether we’re talking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, or even edible chocolate chip cookie dough, we’re huge fans. However, day to day, we try to limit our treats. So, when a craving hits, we often make this healthy protein cake instead!
- Unlike a traditional cookie cake that’s just cookie dough in cake form, this recipe is made with minimal refined sugar, gluten-free, and provides healthy fats.
- A single serving provides over 30 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber, meaning it keeps you full and satisfied for hours. No sugar crash here!
- All the ingredients are combined in a bowl, baked in one pan, and are ready to eat in just over 30 minutes.
Try this chocolate chip protein cake for yourself, and you may never go back to regular cake or cookies again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete ingredients and instructions!
- Unsweetened Applesauce – This adds natural sweetness, keeps the cake soft and moist, and reduces the amount of fat needed, while adding nutrients.
- Protein Powder – We recommend using a vanilla protein powder. We use vegan, but whey protein also works.
- Dark Chocolate Chips – We use sugar-free chocolate chips to keep the added sugar low! Substitute milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate, if preferred.
Tip: Use mini chocolate chips for bits of chocolate in every bite! They distribute more evenly and don’t sink as much as regular-sized chocolate chips.
- Egg – One whole egg and one egg white give the cake structure and enhance the rich flavor. We haven’t tested this recipe with egg substitutes, and we can’t guarantee your results if you do.
- Almond Butter – Look for creamy almond butter for a smooth batter. Cashew butter will also work. Or, you can substitute peanut butter, but keep in mind that it has a much stronger flavor.
- Coconut Flour – Do not substitute any other type of flour. The moisture content won’t be the same.
- Baking Powder – Make sure it’s fresh for the fluffiest consistency!
- Almond Extract – This adds a subtle nutty taste and extra depth, but you can omit it if you don’t have any almond extract on hand.
How to Make This High-Protein Cookie Cake
- Combine. Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until a smooth batter forms.
2. Bake. Transfer the cake batter to a greased pan, and bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Be careful not to overbake, or your cake is likely to become dry!
3. Top. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cake while warm. Then, add a few sea salt flakes, and cool for a few minutes. This not only prevents you from burning your mouth but also helps the cake set! Enjoy warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also never go wrong with chocolate sauce, caramel, or sprinkles.
How to Store
This chocolate chip cookie protein cake is best served right away. However, on the off chance you have leftovers, you can cover the cake or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or, wrap individual slices with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen cake in the fridge overnight. Then, enjoy leftovers cold. Or, warm them for a few seconds in the microwave.
Common Questions
If your high protein cake turns out dry, it’s likely either because it was overbaked or it needed more moisture. Adjust the batter, depending on the type of protein you use (see notes in the recipe card), and keep a close eye on your oven!
We don’t recommend it! A bigger pan will likely cause your cake to turn out dry, and a smaller pan may cause it to be gooey in the center.
Of course, everyone’s definition of healthy is different. However, this recipe is low in refined sugar, naturally gluten-free, and provides good-for-you fats, fiber, and protein, which makes it far healthier than a standard cake!
More High-Protein Treats
Chocolate Chip Cookie Protein Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Batter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup (about 45 grams) vegan vanilla protein powder (see notes)
- 1/2 Tablespoon sugar free dark chocolate chips
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white or 2 Tablespoons egg whites
- 2 teaspoons almond butter or any nut butter
- 2 teaspoons coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (see notes)
Toppings
- 1/2 Tablespoon sugar free dark chocolate chips
- flaked sea salt
- whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Spray non-stick cooking spray into a 6" diameter round glazed cast iron pan or any small oven safe skillet.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together all cake batter ingredients until the batter is smooth.1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/3 cup (about 45 grams) vegan vanilla protein powder, 1/2 Tablespoon sugar free dark chocolate chips, 1 egg, 1 egg white or 2 Tablespoons egg whites, 2 teaspoons almond butter, 2 teaspoons coconut flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes (ours takes 21 minutes). Be careful to not overbake or the cake will be dry. The top should be set and the edges a golden brown.
- Remove the cake from the oven and promptly place the dark chocolate chips on top. Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top too!1/2 Tablespoon sugar free dark chocolate chips, flaked sea salt
- Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before eating. Top with whipped cream, if desired.whipped cream
Notes
Nutrition
Did you enjoy this Chocolate Chip Cookie Protein Cake Recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!
Enjoying cake for breakfast is one of the few luxuries of being an adult – ha! I love this healthy option for breakfast or dessert. So yummy!
Was this post sponsored? Wondering because I don’t see a disclosure but it looks like it’s sponsored.
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I have added a disclosure to the beginning. 🙂