Before I forget, just a quick reminder of the Three Sisters Cereal giveaway. Ok, back to regular programming…
As you know, I was in NY for a few days with big plans to cook my heart out in an apartment filled with natural light (something our condo is unfortunately lacking). Aside from baking cookies galore and trying new and old Russian recipes, I also wanted to try baking with protein powder again. So far I’ve made delicious protein cookies and rubbery banana muffins. I think with further trials this weekend I realized protein powder’s limitations.
Here is how it went down…
I went to my trusty protein expert – Janetha and found a yummy sounding recipe for an apple cinnamon protein coffee cake. I followed the recipe exactly, except that I used real sugar and an 8×8 pan. Here, come with me!
Isn’t it pretty?
The thing is… it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great. It tasted like it had some alien ingredient in it. Yeah, like protein powder! It wasn’t really rubbery like my banana muffins (I mean, I did follow an expert’s recipe instead of making a rookie mistake and trying to wing it) but I just didn’t love it.
Here is my conclusion – protein powder alters muffins’ and cakes’ texture for the worse. This was definitely edible (I think my sister had it for breakfast for the next few days) and I did use a pan that was larger than Janetha’s (so it was more flat than hers) but I think I’ve given up on serious baking with p/p.
Protein pancakes, however, I’m a fan of. I’ve tried Cara’s protein pumpkin pancakes before (unpictured) and yesterday morning whipped up a batch of Emily’s yamcakes.
You see, in pancakes, protein powder adds cheesecake-like consistency. It’s still not your diner’s pancakes but I like them. The extra protein keeps the hunger at bay a bit longer. That’s a good way to start your day! 
My take away- don’t use it in anything that requires long baking time but for simple things like protein shakes, pancakes and protein bars that require either no cooking at all or a very quick trip to the oven, it’s a great way to boost up the protein content of food. 
If you’ve ever used protein powder, how was your experience?
The cake looks good. I’d probably like it. I enjoy baking with protein powder. It’s tough though, you have to get the ratio of powder to liquid exact.
Do you have any recipes for baking, or cooking with Greek Yogurt? I add that in my banana bread, and its really good.
I definitely think there is a specific texture that comes from baking with PP.. and you either love it or hate it. At least you gave it a shot!
Thanks for the link up! I’m a tad bit jealous at all the cooking you’ve been doing, I’ve been so busy that I just haven’t been able to pull together anything too remarkable. Oh well, in time. I still would like to try experimenting more with protein in baked goods but I agree with you that it will never be quite the same.
Hey!
Thanks for stopping by
Love your apron- very cute. Love the baking too. I never got on with protein powder and never baked with it so cant comment on that I am afraid
I’ll occasionally bake buffed up chocolate chip cookies with protein powder and cottage cheese… as soon as I stopped expecting them to taste like actual chocolate chip cookies, it was all good.
i kind of came to the same conclusion that you did
oh well! i’m ok with more greek yogurt 
Once I made a batch of cookies with a little too much protein powder and they tasted so weird and spongey – it definitely works great in pancakes and oatmeal though!
[...] the content protein food . If you’ve ever used protein powder, which is my experience; Protein Powder – Google Blog Search by Jimee, Jackie, Tom & Asha Related news: Taste: The perfect Christmas cookie This easy [...]
Such an amazing photo of the pancakes!!! Your photos are always so beautiful. And thanks for the ideas..
Hi! Thanks for stopping by. I’ve never cooked with protein powder, but I’ve definitely thought about it. I might try your cookie recipe out soon.
You never know unless you try! At least it wasn’t completely a bust!
Sounds like pancakes are the way to go then! I need to be better about my protein intake since I’ve been lifting more often – I’ll have to try these!
[...] last time’s cookie baking extravaganza, rice crispie treats, sugar-free brownie dough balls, and baking with protein powder? Those are my favorite pictures from the [...]