Start your day off right with these easy protein muffins. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and 12g of protein per serving. And plenty of chocolatey goodness too!
If you follow me regularly, you know I have a deep and abiding love for keto muffins. I love creating the recipes and I love eating the results!
And these chocolate protein muffins are easily among my new favorites. They are fluffy and moist, with a rich chocolate flavor. And the added protein gives me the boost I need to tackle a tough workout or a long run.
It’s a healthy keto breakfast or snack that tastes like a cupcake. How can you say no to that?
Why you need to try them
These muffins are perfect for people looking to get more protein into their keto diet. The keto diet has evolved over the past few years and it’s no longer ALL about the fat. And it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Many people, especially women, find they do better with a little less fat and a little more protein. As we age, our bodies process protein less efficiently, so we need more of it to maintain muscle mass.
But sometimes a high protein meal like meat feels like too much work or just too heavy. So protein snacks that are easy to grab can fill that void. You can make a big batch of these keto protein muffins and sock them in the fridge or freezer.
They have 12g of protein per muffin, only 1.6g net carbs, and no added sugar. Oh and did I mention that they’re fudgy and delicious? That certainly doesn’t hurt either!
Ingredients you need:
- Nut butter: I used pecan butter for this recipe but you can really use any nut or seed butter you like best.
- Sweetener: I like Swerve Brown for these protein muffins, as it deepens the flavor. But they don’t rely on a specific sweetener for consistency so you should be able to use your favorite. Do keep in mind that allulose may make them extra soft.
- Chocolate collagen protein: You can’t have protein muffins without protein! I found that collagen protein worked best for consistency and also provides a better protein content. Whey protein works as well but they tend to be more dry. See the expert tips section for more information.
- Cocoa powder: Dutched cocoa powder gives these muffins a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- Sugar free chocolate chips: I used the dark chocolate chips from ChocZero.
- Kitchen staples: Vanilla, eggs, baking powder, salt
Step by Step Directions
1. Combine the wet ingredients: Place the nut butter in a large bowl and stir well to mix in the oils. Whisk in the sweetener and vanilla extract until well combined, then whisk in the eggs until smooth.
2. Add the dry ingredients: Add the collagen, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt and stir until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Bake the muffins: Divide the mixture evenly among parchment or silicone-lined muffin cups. Bake in a 350ºF oven for 18 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins have risen and are just firm to the touch on top.
Expert Tips
I used pecan butter for this recipe only because I had some to use up. But really any nut or seed butter will work in these protein muffins. Consider almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even peanut butter (yum!). The carb count may change somewhat depending on what you use.
I highly recommend collagen protein powder (aka collagen peptides) for these muffins. It combines really well with the nut butter and makes them both moist and fluffy.
I’ve tried whey protein but it’s not quite the same and they dry out more easily. If you do decide to go with another kind of protein, you may need to add a little liquid to thin out the batter and make it scoopable. 2 to 4 tablespoons of water or coffee should suffice. Make sure to remove them from the oven the moment they seem firm to the touch so that you don’t over bake them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Protein powder is actually very useful in keto baking, as it helps the consistency of many cakes and muffin recipes. It mimics the protein in gluten, so the baked goods rise better and become more fluffy. Check out my Keto Cake Recipes to see how it works.
Conventional chocolate muffins can have upwards of 30g of carbs per serving. Yikes, that’s a blood sugar spike waiting to happen. However, these Chocolate Protein Muffins have 5.2g of carbs and 3.6g of fiber, so they have only 1.6g net carbs per serving.
Animal protein such as fish, meat, poultry, and eggs is the most bio-available source of protein for the keto diet. So that should be the focus of much of your meals. However, easy snacks that contain added protein can help too. These protein muffins make a fabulous grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Chocolate Protein Muffin Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup (256 g) pecan butter, (or any nut/seed butter)
- 1/2 cup (91 g) Swerve Brown
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (54 g) chocolate collagen protein
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) salt
- 1/3 cup (60 g) dark chocolate chips, sugar-free
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with 12 silicone or parchment paper liners.
- Place the nut butter in a large bowl and stir well to mix in the oils. If it is very stiff, you can microwave it or heat it gently in a pan until it is more liquid.
- Whisk in the sweetener and vanilla extract until well combined, then whisk in the eggs until smooth.
- Add the collagen, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt and stir until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups and bake 18 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins have risen and are just firm to the touch on top.
- Remove and let cool in the pan.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.
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These are delicious! I had to substitute the collagen with a chocolate whey powder- but I followed the instructions exactly. I probably could’ve pulled them out of the oven a few minutes earlier to make them fudgier. Even my super picky 8 yo loved them. A great after school snack! Thank you for your great recipes!
Hi, can another sugar be used besides the brown Swerve? I don’t know if I’ll be able to get before I need to make these for a friend. I have granulated Swerve, Splenda and Stevia granulated. Thanks!
Please read the Ingredients You Need section.
I love these muffins! They are fudgy, super yummy and beautifully rounded on top. The surprising thing is that they satisfy my hunger and sweet cravings at the same time! I found that when I didn’t have time to make a meal, I just ate one of these muffins; and I felt like I had eaten a small meal. Thank you, Carolyn, for sharing this wonderful recipe. I can’t wait to see what other protein-packed treats you are going to share next.
These muffins are so yummy, and they keep you feeling full! My whole family enjoys these muffins.
I have a question….can I substitute the collagen powder for a natural whey protein powder that only sweetened with stevia instead? are these 2 interchangeable when baking? or does it change the chemistry of the recipe?
Please read the Expert Tips section as I discuss using whey.
Oh my word. These muffins are Devine. I used natural peanut butter and unflavoured collagen peptides. I added 1 extra tbsp cocoa powder as per recommendations. The batter was thick, thick, thick. So, I added about 5-6 tbsp water to thin it out a bit. It was still a really thick batter but I loaded up my parchment lined baking cups. They are one of the best muffins I’ve ever made (and I make a lot). Thank you so much for this amazing recipe. The texture is spot on.
Thank you for your comment . I was going to ask about using unflavored collagen , that is what I have . I also only have peanut butter.
I just made these a couple of days ago. Oh my, they are so good. I will definitely be making these again.
I made the recipe exactly as you wrote it. I did add 4 extra chocolate chips to the tops of each one before I baked them. Yum!!!!
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks Carolyn!
Just made these and my teenage son ate three of them saying that they tasted like brownies! I’m not a big chocolate person, but I ate a bite and thought they were delicious as well. I used homemade almond butter, Lily’s semisweet chips, and added a few drops of chocolate flavored liquid stevia. Easy and quick!
What would be a good alternative to use instead of a nut butter? I have kids that are not so keen on anything that smells or taste like peanut butter.
You need a nut butter for this recipe. But almond butter does not smell or taste like peanut butter.
What they don’t know, won’t hurt them. Unless, of course, they are allergic!
I just made these for my Valentines Day treat. I subbed sunflower butter, used plain collagen with extra cocoa like you suggested. They were delicious 😋 Thanks for creating this protein packed, tasty recipe!!
Hello, these muffins look delicious and I really want to try them. I’m sure they’ll be as delicious as your other recipes that I love! Unfortunately though I can’t do collagen due to beef allergies. Is there an acceptable alternative? Thank you!
Also meant to add that whet is out as well due to dairy allergy.
I am sorry, those are your two best options for these muffins.
Thank you for responding.
I just saw marine collagen at Costco yesterday! I wonder if that can be an option for you.
These are delicious. Thank you for all your hard work.
Made with seed butter and chocolate protein powder.
I made these today with natural peanut butter. They came out perfect. Almost could be called brownies. Perfection!
Hey there. Would I be able to substitute the sweetener with sugar or will that change the consistency too much?
Kind regards,
Lani
Should be fine! I don’t bake with sugar so I can’t guarantee it but in the end, you will have something tasty… even if they are too soft or something. 🙂
My daughter made these and they were wonderful! We both love to bake (she’s only 10). I’m on Keto to manage pre- diabetes and pre-menopause hormone issues. I love your cookbook and your recipes have enriched my family’s life . I hope you’ll develop some more high protein muffin recipes. I’m trying to focus more on muscle building. Thanks for your work.
OMG – these are so good! I used natural peanut butter instead of the pecan butter. What a wonderful treat! Thank you, Carolyn, for yet another great recipe. This is my new favorite!