One of the amazing things about protein powder is that you can use it to gain weight and you can use it to lose weight. You can also use them to get more protein into your diet if you are working out a lot or have food restrictions.
You have a lot of options of how to use them as well. On the go, the popular choice is a shake or a smoothie, but you can also get the benefits by baking with protein powder.
Add it or use it as a substitute in your favorite recipes for that portable protein punch during the day or whenever you need it. let’s take a closer look at baking with protein powder.
What is Protein Powder?
The three main protein powders are whey, casein, and soy. The most popular one is whey, as it is a water-soluble milk protein. It is also a complete protein, so that is an advantage. it means it has all the nine amino acids we need in our diet.
largely associated with people who workout a lot, bodybuilders and athletes, it can be a real dietary boost for those on special or self-imposed food restrictions, like following a meat-free diet.
It is also used for people recovering from injuries, people who are anemic, or if you just want to boost your protein intake.
The powder itself is a dehydrated and concentrated form of the whey removed from milk during the cheesemaking process. There are other types, hemp, soy, rice, egg and some fruit and vegetable.
Baking With Protein Powder
Your first few attempts at baking with protein powder make have a few ‘nice try’ accolades but you will find the whey. Or soy. You can make breakfasts, treats, and fancy desserts using protein powder as a base. Here are some great ideas to bake with protein powder.
Pancakes
You can add what you like and try different types of protein powder. You can also use flavored powder to use instead. You can use different types of flour or oatmeal.
You can also make waffles, crepes and breakfast cookies or breakfast burritos and just add all your favorite fruits or fillings to them.
Muffins
You can find ways around all your favorite muffins and make them so much healthier. Muffins are a great way to get your protein on the go and baking with protein powder will enhance them even more.
Oatmeal
Adding protein powder to your oatmeal with your favorite or seasonal fruit can make it feel more like a treat than a healthy breakfast.
Main Meals
Here is another area you can get baking with protein powder. Just adding it to your regular dishes will boost it up.
Pizza Crust
Even bad pizza is still good pizza and using protein powder for your pizza crust is a smart move. No one even needs to know it’s healthy.
Try using pea or hemp protein powder for this food, as it will work very well and add a nice flavor to it, as well.
Different types of protein powder will react differently when baking, and react differently to baking temperatures.
Bread
Bread is a staple we all have and love, and it could be something you are cutting out of your diet. Making your own bread is sometimes time-consuming, but always worth it.
Sourdough bread, wheat bread, even banana bread can all be made baking with protein powder. It is a great way to reintroduce bread to your diet and still enjoy fresh bread without the worries of carbs or gluten.
Baking Tips
You may run into trouble with your baked goods if you use all protein powder instead of flour.
Try using up to 1/3 of the flour you normally would. Replacing the white flour with oat flour or another type will work well, but you will need to add a riser to it, like baking soda or powder.
Replace the white flour with wheat flour if that works better for you.
You can try nut-based flours and meal to replace the flour but you need to add the rising agent. Nut flours are very nice for cakes, cookies, and breads.
Coconut flour is another reliable substitute to use but you shouldn’t replace all of the flour. it’s better mixed with another type of flour.
Flavors
You can use black beans as a replacement in something like brownies, for a low carb, gluten-free brownie.
if you are cutting out sugars you can try to use flavored soy, nut or rice milk instead of plain milk or even try using fruit juices for those recipes you use that take sugar.
Another great tip is to steep tea in your plain or nut milk to add flavor yourself. If you are making a cake or muffins, a chia tea or even just orange pekoe will make a big difference.
For the sweet tooth replacement, try applesauce, banana or honey for sweet without the refined sugar.
Fats
We know the fat is what makes it so delicious and so naughty. You need some type of fat in your baking to make it work, so there are great substitutes to use that will work great with the protein powder.
Use avocado instead of butter. Avocado is a fabulous pinch hitter for mayonnaise, as well. It is full of the healthy fats and adds moisture and flavor.
You can replace oils with healthier versions, like oil or coconut oil, or you can use greek yogurt instead of oil altogether
Heating Up
There are many variables involved in regular baking and baking with protein powder will have its own concerns, but it is a great way to get more protein in your diet and get fewer carbs and gluten.
Homemade baking is always better anyhow and it is something you can do to prepare for the week ahead, a fun activity to share with the kids or family members.
Make ahead treats for your kid’s lunches is a great way to know they are eating right. There is plenty of information about protein powder for you to expand your own knowledge.