Frozen Protein Dessert

This Frozen Protein Dessert is hands down the BEST Summer treat for all fitness lovers. Made with just 3 ingredients in minutes, this chocolate frozen yogurt has over 44 grams of protein for under 250 calories!

Why this is the best protein dessert?

If you are looking for a new post workout snack, I got you. This frozen chocolate dessert comes with over 40 grams of protein. And do you know what’s the best thing? It’s whipped up in minutes with just 3 ingredients. Yes, you heard it right. 3 ingredients only: Greek yogurt, protein powder and cocoa powder. 

Look no further friend, you’ve just found your new favorite protein snack. Or dessert however you want to call it…It literally tastes like a chocolate bomb. But low calorie and macro-friendly!

And if you are still not convinced…Here’s why you will love this recipe:

• Best macros: 44 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbs and 5 grams of fats. For just 248 calories. Do I need to add something?
• Simple ingredients: Greek yogurt, protein powder and cocoa is all you need to put together this chocolate protein dessert. 
• Quick and easy recipe: As simple as mixing all ingredients in a bowl before freezing. No need for cooking or baking. 
• Best taste: This homemade frozen yogurt has the flavor of a rich chocolate dessert. But healthy, low calorie and high in protein!

The ingredients

I promise, it was not another clickbait. When I say that this chocolate protein dessert recipe requires just 3 ingredients, I mean it. Here’s the proof, the list of all you need to make a delicious frozen treat at home.

• Greek yogurt: This recipe works best with thick Greek yogurt, either nonfat or full-fat. Besides having the perfect texture, it adds plenty of protein to the dish. You can substitute with Skyr, quark, thick coconut yogurt or any thick dairy-free alternative.
• Protein powder: I recommend flavored whey protein powder because it gives a smoother and creamier texture without tasting grainy. You can however still use vegan protein powder or casein, but the recipe my require small adaptations.
• Cocoa powder: In combination with flavored protein powder, this ingredient will give the frozen protein dessert a rich chocolate flavor. For a healthier option I recommend unsweetened cocoa powder.

Depending on your protein powder choices, however, this recipe may require two additional ingredients. Don’t worry, as you will see they are basic foods that you should already have at home.

• Milk of choice: The use of plant based protein powders or casein may require the addition of milk; dairy or dairy-free. My recommendations are unsweetened soy milk, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk or semi-skimmed milk.
• Sweetener of choice: If using unflavored protein powder, you may need to adjust the dessert taste with additional sweeteners. From honey to calorie-free sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia, pick and choose the one you like the most.

Choosing the best protein powder

You can make this frozen yogurt with any type of protein powder, but my recommendation is whey. More specifically, I used chocolate flavored whey protein powder.

Differently from other options, whey protein powder produces a smoother and creamier yogurt dessert without grains. The reason is that it mixes very well and does not absorb plenty of moisture. Conversely, plant based protein powders and casein are highly absorbent and may lead to a dry, powdery consistency.

Don’t worry if you only have vegan protein powder or casein. These products will still work, but you may need to fix the consistency of your frozen dessert with some milk.

In terms of flavor, my tip is to opt for flavored protein powders: vanilla and chocolate are the best. For a more natural taste you can also use unflavored products. If this is the case, make sure to fix the taste with about one tablespoon of your favorite sweetener.

Adapt the recipe to your diet

Do you follow any particular diet or lifestyle? Here is how to adapt this recipe to your dietary needs and preferences:

• Vegan protein dessert: Replace Greek yogurt with a thick plant based yogurt of your choice (it must be extra firm), and use vegan protein powder.
• Gluten-free protein yogurt: Make sure you use a certified gluten-free protein powder; whey, casein, soy and pea protein powders should be okay.
• Keto frozen dessert: This recipe is already low in carbohydrates; if you want to cut the carbs even further look for a keto-friendly yogurt.
• Sugar-free protein dessert: This recipe is already free from sugars, provided that the protein powder does not contain any.

How to make frozen protein dessert

Add to a medium bowl the Greek yogurt with protein powder and cocoa powder. If you are using unflavored protein powder, adjust the sweetness with about a tablespoon of your favorite sweetener. Stir very well, until all ingredients are combined. If the mixture is too dry and powdery, fix the texture with a drop of milk until it gets smooth yet still thick.

Line a bowl of about 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter with plastic food wrap, lightly greased. This step will make it easier to extract the protein dessert. When ready, transfer the batter onto the lined bowl and freeze for at least 2 hours. Before serving, remove from the plastic wrap and place in a plate.

Serving tips and storage information

Once you have mixed all ingredients, the chocolate dessert needs to be frozen for at least two hours before it’s good to serve. For the best taste and texture, eat it the same day it’s prepared. As it has almost no fats, it tends to become icy if kept for too long in the freezer.

This being said, nothing holds you from freezing it for longer. Mine was just a suggestion for the absolute best result. Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to a week. In case the protein frozen yogurt is too thick, make sure you remove it from the freezer and place in the fridge for about 10 – 15 minutes.

When to eat protein dessert?

Healthy and macro-friendly, this chocolate protein dessert is perfect for many occasions. Here are a few suggestions:

• Post-workout snack: As it is packed with fast absorbing protein, it is perfect after a workout; it can help replenish your energy levels and support muscle recovery.
• Dessert: A low calorie alternative to sugary treats, this is a great recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt.
• Snack: If you are looking for ways to make Greek yogurt less boring, you need to try this frozen yogurt recipe.
• Pre-bedtime snack: Studies show that eating slow-releasing amino acids before bed supports muscle growth. So why not ending the day with a rich chocolate treat?

More protein desserts

• Low calorie protein brownies
• Protein chocolate cake
• Chocolate protein muffins
• Moist protein banana bread
• Greek yogurt protein brownies
• Protein ice cream
• Greek yogurt protein cheesecake
• Fudgy flourless protein brownies
• Chocolate protein donuts
• Protein chocolate ice cream