Homemade Protein Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • They combine convenience and health—easy to make yet full of protein.
  • You can control the ingredients (no additives or preservatives).
  • They’re customizable: swap flavors or add-ins to suit your taste.
  • Great for meal prepping—make a batch and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Whole wheat flour (or oat flour or a grain-free flour mix)
  • Protein powder (whey, plant-based, or your preferred type)
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Eggs (or flax “egg” for vegan)
  • Milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
  • Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Add-ins (optional): mashed banana, berries, chocolate chips, nuts, seeds

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in any add-ins (banana chunks, berries, chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds).
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: makes about 12 standard muffins
  • Prep time: ~ 10 minutes
  • Bake time: ~ 20 minutes
  • Total time: ~ 30 minutes

Variations

  • Banana-protein version: use mashed banana (½–1 banana) in the batter and reduce some liquid to maintain consistency.
  • Berry blast: fold in blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries.
  • Chocolate chocolate: use chocolate or cocoa protein powder and add dark chocolate chips.
  • Nutty crunch: mix in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
  • Seed boost: sprinkle in chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or hemp hearts.
  • Vegan option: use flax or chia “eggs” (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg), plant-based milk and yogurt, and vegan protein powder.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Once cooled, store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual muffins or place in freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Reheating: Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a preheated oven (160 °C / 325 °F) for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What kind of protein powder should I use?

You can use whey, casein, soy, pea, or mixed plant-based protein powder. Pick one whose flavor you enjoy, and adjust sweetness accordingly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—use a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour (certified gluten-free) and ensure your protein powder is gluten-free.

Will they be dense because of the protein powder?

Too much protein powder can dry muffins, so balance with moist ingredients like yogurt, milk, or banana to keep them tender.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes—use less sweetener, or switch to a lower-glycemic option like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol, adjusting to taste.

Can I omit eggs or dairy?

Yes—use flax or chia eggs and plant-based milk and yogurt. Just ensure the protein powder is compatible with vegan diets.

Why did my muffins come out dry?

Probably too much flour or protein powder, or overbaking. Also, lack of moisture (yogurt, milk, banana) can lead to dryness.

Why aren’t they rising?

Check your baking powder and baking soda—if old, they may be less effective. Also, don’t overmix batter, and make sure oven temperature is correct.

Can I use a muffin top pan or mini muffins?

Yes—you’ll need to adjust the baking time (shorter for mini muffins, slightly longer for muffin tops) and check doneness earlier.

How do I know when they’re done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester: if it comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter), they’re done.

Can I add vegetables like zucchini or carrots?

Yes—grated zucchini or carrot can add moisture and nutrition. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture so batter doesn’t become too wet.

Conclusion

These homemade protein muffins are a tasty, versatile, and nourishing option to support your day. You can tailor them to your dietary preferences and flavor cravings, with endless possibilities for mix-ins and substitutions. Bake a batch ahead, and enjoy them as a quick breakfast, snack, or workout recovery treat.

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Homemade Protein Muffins

Homemade Protein Muffins

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Moist, nutritious, and protein-packed homemade muffins that make a perfect quick breakfast, post-workout snack, or on-the-go treat. Easy to customize with your favorite flavors and add-ins for a healthy and satisfying bite any time of day.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Protein Treat
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour or grain-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup protein powder (whey or plant-based)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
  • 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional add-ins: mashed banana, berries, chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in your chosen add-ins, such as berries, banana, or nuts.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the muffins light and tender.
  • Adjust the sweetness based on your protein powder flavor.
  • Use ripe bananas or fruit puree for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Store or freeze muffins once completely cooled to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
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