If you’re trying to get more protein into your day, desserts might not be the first place you look—but it’s certainly a fun way to add protein! Whether you’re trying to keep blood sugar steady, build strength, or just stay fuller longer, protein plays a key role. Here are three high-protein desserts that satisfy a sweet tooth and support your health goals.

1. Greek Yogurt Berry Parfait
This one’s a classic for a reason. Start with plain, full-fat Greek yogurt, which has double the protein of regular yogurt. Layer it with fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries work beautifully), a drizzle of honey  (what I do) or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or granola. You can even add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the yogurt for an extra boost. I like to add fresh stone fruit in season, and because grocery produce has thick skin (for transport) I peel it. Or canned no-sugar orange segments, another good subtitute, especially in winter.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt

• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional, but adds extra protein)

• 1/2 cup fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)

• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or granola

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with protein powder until smooth.

2. Layer yogurt, berries, and honey in a glass.

3. Top with a sprinkling of nuts or granola for crunch.

4. Serve chilled.

Protein per serving: 15–25 grams

2. Chocolate Chickpea Brownies
Don’t wrinkle your nose—chickpeas make these fudgy and rich without tasting like beans. You blend them with cocoa powder, maple syrup, a touch of nut butter, eggs, and protein powder if you like. Bake like regular brownies and prepare to be amazed. Bonus: they’re naturally gluten-free and full of fiber, too.

Ingredients (Makes 9 brownies):

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder

• Optional: dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8 baking dish.

2. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

3. Pour into pan and smooth out.

4. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired.

5. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

6. Cool completely before cutting.

Protein per brownie: 8–12 grams

3. Cottage Cheese “Ice Cream”
It sounds weird, but it works. Blend cottage cheese with frozen fruit (like bananas or mango), a splash of vanilla, and a spoonful of nut butter or honey. Pop it in the freezer for a few hours and you’ve got a protein-packed frozen dessert that tastes indulgent but is actually good for you.

A protein-packed, creamy frozen treat you can customize any way you like.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best flavor)

• 1 banana, sliced and frozen

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup

• Optional: dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.

3. Pour into a freezer-safe container.

4. Freeze 2–3 hours or until scoopable.

5. Let sit for 5 minutes at room temp before scooping.

Protein per serving: 15–20 grams

Protein doesn’t have to mean dry chicken breast or endless eggs. It can show up in the sweet, satisfying bites that cap off your day. So go ahead—enjoy dessert and nourish your body at the same time.

Do you have a favorite healthy-ish dessert? I’d love to hear what’s on your spoon.