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Save money and make your own protein cream at home with this easy chocolate Protein Spread recipe. With just 3 ingredients and no sugar, it comes together in a bowl in under 2 minutes. Sweet and smooth, it’s such a low calorie tasty way to use protein powder!
This chocolate protein spread is perfect for protein pancakes, protein French toast, protein bagels and soft Greek yogurt protein muffins. You should also try it slathered over a moist slice of Greek yogurt banana bread.
Homemade protein spread
Protein creams and peanut butters have become trendy in the fitness niche. Every major health brand and grocery store has them on the shelves, and people love it. They’re usually advertised as healthy and macro-friendly, when in reality they’re not. Added sugars, trans fats and hydrogenated palm oil, artificial sweeteners plus lots of other nasties. Who knows what’s inside, avoid them. Especially if we consider the price – they cost a fortune and come in such a little amount.
Good news is, from today you can let them where they are. With this 3-ingredient easy recipe, you’ll finally be able to make your own protein Nutella at home. There’s no sugar, no oil, no gum and no artificial nasties – just mix protein powder with yogurt and cocoa powder. That’s it, you just made a cheap, healthy and delicious protein cream.
Chocolate protein spread is such a versatile recipe. You can customize it to your likings with different protein flavors or mix-ins, and you can enjoy it however you prefer. It goes well for breakfasts, post-workout snacks, desserts or as a late-night treat to satisfy your cravings guilt-free.
Ingredients
- Protein powder. Whey protein is best for a smooth texture, but also plant protein and casein work. Chocolate flavor is recommended, though vanilla or unflavored can also be used.
- Cocoa powder. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor and zero sugar. Dutch-processed cocoa works too for a milder taste.
- Greek yogurt. Choose plain, sugar-free Greek yogurt with at least 2% fat for a rich and creamy texture. Both nonfat and full-fat options work well, depending on your preference. As a dairy-free alternative, substitute with soy, coconut, or almond yogurt.
How to make protein spread out of protein powder
Step 1 – Mix. In a medium bowl, mix the protein powder and cocoa powder. Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt and stir with a fork or whisk until the mixture starts to come together. Gradually add more Greek yogurt, a little at a time, until you achieve a smooth and thick paste. Depending on the type of protein powder, you may need extra yogurt to get a spreadable consistency.
Step 2 – Use or store. Transfer to a mason jar with lid and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before serving, restore its creamy texture by stirring it with little milk of choice until smooth again.
Dietary adaptations
- Vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder, and swap Greek yogurt for a thick dairy-free alternative like soy, coconut, or almond yogurt. Blended silken tofu works as well.
- Dairy-Free: Choose dairy-free yogurt, such as soy, coconut, or almond, along with a plant-based protein powder.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as the protein powder you use is free from gluten (whey, casein, pea or soy protein). Always check the label to be sure.
- Keto: For keto spread, choose a low-carb protein powder and unsweetened plain Greek yogurt. If you want the fewest carbs, substitute dairy yogurt with soy yogurt and use whey isolate protein.
Flavor variations
- Peanut butter chocolate: Stir in a tablespoon of natural peanut butter for a rich, nutty twist. PB2 or powdered peanut butter mixed with little water can also be used.
- Mint chocolate: Add a drop of peppermint extract plus some sugar-free chocolate chips for a crunchy protein spread.
- Mocha: Mix in half a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder. Using mocha flavored protein powder is also a great option.
- Cinnamon swirl: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg.
- Protein cookie batter: Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, crushed Oreos or protein cookies, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips if desired.
- Crunchy protein spread: Stir in a tablespoon of chocolate chips or cocoa nibs for more texture and flavor.
Recipe tips
- Choose a good protein powder. Whey protein is ideal for this recipe as it mixes smoothly. Avoid protein powders with artificial sweeteners or sugars. Here I am using Dutch chocolate Legion’s whey protein, highly recommended (use MATTSFIT for a discount).
- Use high quality ingredients. Besides protein powder, choose a good brand of Greek yogurt and high-quality unsweetened cocoa for a rich and creamy whey protein spread.
- Adjust consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons of yogurt and gradually add more until you reach the perfect texture. This allows you to control the spread’s thickness based on your protein powder choice.
- Add sweetness. If your protein powder is unflavored or isn’t sweet enough, add a natural sweetener like maple syrup, honey, monk fruit, erythritol or stevia to taste.
Make ahead and storage
To store chocolate protein spread, keep it in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the texture becomes too thick, simply stir in a little milk to bring it back to its original consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and make it less creamy. For the best experience, it’s better to make smaller batches and enjoy it fresh.
Serving ideas
Spread it over protein pancakes, cottage cheese pancakes or protein French toast for a healthy breakfast, swirl it on protein muffins before baking, or use it as a filling. It’s also great for protein cake, cottage cheese bread, and protein bagels, either layered or spread on top. Try it on healthy chocolate banana bread or as a dip for fruit like apple slices, strawberries, and bananas.
More high protein snacks
- Homemade protein bars
- Protein granola bars
- No bake protein balls
- Chocolate protein balls
- Single serving protein cookie
- Cottage cheese pudding
- Cottage cheese cookies
- Cottage cheese brownies
- Greek yogurt protein cookies
Chocolate Protein Spread
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (30 g) chocolate protein powder, whey recommended (see notes*)
- 2 tbsp (15 g) cocoa powder
- 2 to 4 tbsp Greek yogurt, 2% fat or higher recommended
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix protein powder and cocoa powder. Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt and stir with a fork or whisk until the mixture starts to come together. Gradually add more Greek yogurt, a little at a time, until you get a smooth and thick paste. Depending on the type of protein powder, you may need extra yogurt to get a spreadable consistency.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Transfer to a mason jar with lid and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before serving, restore its creamy texture by stirring it with little milk of choice until smooth again.
Notes
Protein Powder Choice
- Chocolate whey protein: My recommended option for a smooth, lump-free spread. Whey protein mixes easily with Greek yogurt, creating the perfect spreadable texture.
- Vegan or casein protein: Both can be used, but these tend to absorb more moisture. You’ll likely need to add more Greek yogurt to achieve the desired consistency.
- Protein powder flavor: I used and recommend chocolate flavored protein powder, but also vanilla, brownie or unflavored work. If using unflavored protein, add extra sweetener to taste.
- Recommendation: I use Legion Dutch chocolate whey protein powder (discount code MATTSFIT).
Sweetness
- If your protein powder is unflavored or not very sweet, I suggest adding little sweetener to taste. A couple teaspoons of maple syrup, honey, monk fruit or erythritol are great options.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder and swap Greek yogurt for a thick dairy-free alternative such as soy, coconut or almond yogurt.
- Dairy-free: Choose dairy-free yogurt (such as soy, coconut, or almond) and a plant-based protein powder.
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided that the protein powder used does not contain any gluten.
- Keto: Opt for a low-carb protein powder and unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt. For fewer carbs, substitute dairy yogurt with plant based alternatives such as soy yogurt.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store protein spread in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before use, stir it with little milk to restore the original texture if necessary.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and make the spread less creamy. It is better to make smaller batches and consume it fresh.
