These customizable protein muffins are perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a satisfying sweet treat. Packed with protein and naturally sweetened with fruit of your choice, they’re  a nutritious and convenient option. Plus, you can customize it with any protein shake, fruit, or mix-ins to suit your taste and dietary needs.

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Why you’ll love it

• Meal prep friendly: This recipe makes 18 muffins, perfect for prepping ahead for the week. Just grab and go when you need a quick bite.
• Totally customizable: Use your favorite protein shake, fruit, and mix-ins to make each batch uniquely yours.
• Quick and easy: Just one bowl, minimal prep, and 22 minutes in the oven make these muffins a breeze to whip up.
• Great for sharing: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins are a crowd-pleaser.

Are these protein muffins healthy?

Absolutely! These protein muffins offer a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber to keep you feeling full and energized. 

Research highlights the importance of adequate protein intake for muscle maintenance, especially as we age. A 2023 narrative review suggests that consuming higher amounts of high-quality protein—like the combination of Greek yogurt and a protein shake in this recipe—can help support muscle mass and counteract age-related muscle loss.  

Using a zero-sugar cake mix helps reduce added sugars, while fresh or frozen fruit provides natural sweetness, fiber, and essential vitamins to round out these better-for-you muffins.

If using the Pillsbury zero cake mix and a Fairlife 42g strawberry protein shake, each muffin only has 100 calories, 2 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein!

Ingredients you’ll need

Here’s what makes these muffins so special:

• Yellow or white cake mix: The foundation of the muffins. If you can find a zero-sugar version, it’s a great way to keep sugar in check.
• Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and boosts protein while keeping the muffins moist.
• Fairlife shake or vanilla protein shake of your choice: Enhances the protein content and provides the liquid component of the recipe.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and binding the ingredients together.
• Fresh or frozen fruit of choice: Blueberries, raspberries, diced apples, peaches, or cherries all work well. If using frozen fruit, fold it in straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.

How to make these customizable protein muffins

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, protein-packed treat:

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with silicone liners or grease it well.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients until fully combined. Fold in any frozen fruit last to prevent excess moisture.
3. Portion the batter: Divide evenly into muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
4. Bake: Place in the oven for 22-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and enjoy: Let muffins cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Should I serve them warm or cold?

This is really a personal preference! They’re delicious microwaved for 10-15 seconds with a bit of butter or peanut butter on top. However, you can also enjoy them cold or even break them apart over a bowl of yogurt!

Recipe tips and tricks

• Serving suggestions: Enjoy these muffins with a smear of nut butter, alongside a protein-packed smoothie, or with a cup of coffee for a balanced breakfast.
• Troubleshooting: If muffins turn out dense, avoid over-mixing the batter and ensure you’re measuring ingredients correctly.
• Scaling tips: Need more? Simply double the recipe and bake in multiple muffin tins for a larger batch.

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, this one is completely customizable. You get to choose the ingredients that best suit your taste and dietary needs:

• Fruit of your choice: Feel free to use any fruit you like best such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, or apples. Just make sure any fruit you use is about the size of a dime. So for larger fruits, you’ll want to dice them into smaller pieces.
• Protein shake of your choice: There’s tons of protein shakes out there! We often love using a vanilla or strawberry Fairlife shake for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite kind. As a dietitian, I generally recommend choosing a protein shake that’s low in added sugars.

Can I make these protein muffins ahead of time?

Yes! These muffins are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch over the weekend, and you’ll have an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack all week. 

How do I store leftovers?

Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually and freeze for up to three months. 

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

These customizable protein muffins with fruit are the ultimate easy + higher-protein snack. Whether you’re prepping snacks for the week or need a quick and healthy breakfast, this recipe has you covered. Give these protein muffins a try and let me know what fruit you choose to use for them!

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Want more? Try these other healthy baked goods:

• Pistachio Baklava Bites
• Date Apple Cookies
• Higher Protein Strawberry Cookies
• Whole Grain Cinnamon Apple Muffins