The Best Protein Cupcakes (Healthy)

Pump up your protein with these healthy protein cupcakes! Vanilla flavored cupcakes with a protein cream cheese frosting made with wholesome ingredients. Plus, they're super easy to make!

I am happy to share that I partnered with Naked Nutrition to bring you these delicious protein-filled cupcakes! Their Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder bakes up perfectly in this recipe and is an excellent addition to every baker's kitchen. Bring on the healthy desserts!!

I love creating healthy dessert recipes with all the flavor and texture we expect from the classic version. You know, the kind of dessert where you ask yourself, "Is this really healthy?"

Don't get me wrong; these cupcakes don't taste like traditional buttercream cupcakes. But the texture and flavor are very similar.

You may have difficulty believing they're made with ground oats and whey protein powder. Now let's talk about the health benefits.

Jump to:

• Are these cupcakes healthy?
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe FAQs
• Want more protein dessert recipes?
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Are these cupcakes healthy?

The answer: Yes! Here are five reasons why:

1. We replace the butter in traditional cupcakes with olive oil. Olive oil is an excellent source of antioxidants and healthy fats. I bake with it all the time, and no one ever suspects.
2. They are refined sugar-free. I use Sweetleaf Stevia Drops and maple syrup to sweeten the cupcakes. Stevia is a natural sugar substitute with zero calories. Maple syrup and stevia give the perfect amount of sweetness without a ton of sugar.
3. No flour! We use oat flour instead, which is just old-fashioned ground oats. Oats are whole grain and full of fiber and nutrients our bodies need.
4. Each cupcake has 9 grams of protein! Protein is essential for building and maintaining lean muscle mass, and if you can get it in a cupcake- why not?
5. Did I mention that Naked Whey Protein Powder is sourced from grass-fed cows? This is so important because not only is it better for the animals and environment, but it's also healthier for us. If you're interested, here is more about the health benefits of grass-fed whey.

Ingredients

All of the recipe ingredients are easy to find. Here's what you'll need:

For the cupcakes:

• Oat Flour–  Oat flour is sold in stores, but it's also super easy to make at home. Simply blend old-fashioned oats in a high-speed blender until the oats become a fine powder (about 30 seconds to a minute). Store your oat flour in an air-tight container for up to three months. 
• Whey Protein Powder- I recommend Naked Whey from Naked Nutrition. They source from small dairy farms where the cows are grass-fed and raised without growth hormones. Plus, their whey protein powder is free of any additives. I love to bake with it and add it to smoothies.
• Cornstarch- A small amount of cornstarch helps to thicken and bind the cupcakes.
• Baking Powder- You'll need baking powder to help the cupcakes rise. Be sure to use fresh baking powder that's not expired. Not sure? To test your baking powder, mix a small amount with a few tablespoons of hot water. If it fizzes, it's still good.
• Salt- Any fine grain salt will do.
• Maple Syrup and Stevia- I use Sweetleaf Stevia Drops and maple syrup to sweeten the cupcakes. Stevia is a natural sugar substitute with zero calories. There are many different brands on the market, so feel free to use whichever you prefer. Just read the label and add the equivalent of ½ cup of sugar. If you choose to omit the stevia, you will need to add ½ cup of any granulated sweetener. I do not recommend adding more maple syrup because it will mess up the wet-to-dry ratio. 
• Egg- You'll need one large egg, and I always recommend buying pasture-raised eggs. They are the healthiest and kinder to the animals.
• Olive Oil- As I said, I use olive oil for its health benefits, but feel free to use canola or vegetable oil if that's what you have.
• Milk- Regular dairy or plant-based milk (like almond milk) will work just fine.
• Vanilla Extract- Pure vanilla extract is best, but imitation works too.

For the frosting

• Cream Cheese- I use the reduced fat (Neufchatel) cream cheese. Of course, you can go with full-fat if you prefer.
• Greek Yogurt- Get a thick brand such as Fage or Chobani, and be sure that it's unsweetened.
• Maple Syrup and Stevia- Like the cupcakes, I use Sweetleaf Stevia Drops and maple syrup to sweeten the frosting. I think combining the two lends the best flavor, as stevia alone can be a bit bitter. If you choose to omit the stevia for the frosting, add ¼ cup of any powered sweetener such as regular confectioner's sugar. 
• Whey Protein Powder- I use the same Naked Whey Protein Powder for the frosting and cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract- Pure vanilla extract is best, but imitation works too.
• Salt- Don't forget a pinch of salt.

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcakes

• In a large bowl, sift or whisk together the oat flour, whey protein powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. I recommend sifting for the best texture. Set aside.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, egg, olive oil, milk, vanilla extract, and stevia.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until everything is just incorporated. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes.
• Stir the batter once more, and divide it between the lined muffin cups. Bake for 11-13 minutes. Mine were perfect at 12 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the frosting:

• In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt on medium until smooth and creamy. Be sure to stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary.
• Add the maple syrup, protein powder, stevia, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low for 30 seconds and then on high for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Frost your cupcakes as desired. This is a loose frosting, so if you want to pipe it on, I recommend using a large round tip. I use the Wilton 1A Round Decorating Tip.

Recipe FAQs

Want more protein dessert recipes?

Check these out:

Double Chocolate Protein Mug Cake (made with oats)

Healthy Protein Brownies

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

Silken Tofu Pudding (Easy)

Banana Protein Cookies

Please let me know how you like the protein cupcakes in the comments. Your feedback means a lot to me, and your star ratings encourage other readers to try this recipe.

Enjoy!

Crystal

📖 Recipe