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Protein muffins meal prep saved my morning snack habit.

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And probably saved me 15 pounds.

I used to be a vending machine addict. Every single morning at 10am, like clockwork, I’d get hungry. Would walk to the break room. Would stare at the vending machine for 30 seconds pretending I’d choose something healthy.

Then I’d buy a muffin. Or a candy bar. Or chips. Sometimes all three if it was a bad day.

Did this for two years. Spent thousands of dollars. The vending machine lady knew me by name. That’s how bad it was.

I’d eat 400-500 empty calories at 10am. Feel terrible by 11am. Be starving again by noon. Overeat at lunch trying to compensate.

Then my coworker brought homemade muffins to the office. “They’re protein muffins,” she said. “I make them every Sunday for the week.”

I tried one. It was incredible. Tasted like a regular muffin. But she said it had 15g of protein and only 180 calories.

I asked for the recipe. Made a batch that Sunday. Changed everything.

These 12 protein muffins meal prep recipes became my Sunday routine. Each batch makes 12-24 muffins. Each takes 30-40 minutes total. Each muffin has 12-20g protein.

I stopped going to the vending machine. Stopped the mid-morning energy crashes. Lost 15 pounds over six months without changing anything else.

Let me show you these protein muffins meal prep recipes that broke my vending machine addiction.

12 Best Protein Muffins Meal Prep Recipes

Recipe 1: Classic Blueberry Protein Muffins

Blueberry protein muffins golden tops 12g protein meal prep breakfast

⏱️ Prep: 10 min | Bake: 20 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 165 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 12g

The recipe that started everything.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour (or blended oats)
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix dry ingredients: oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, salt.

Whisk wet ingredients: eggs, Greek yogurt, honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla.

Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in blueberries gently.

Divide batter among 12 muffin cups (fill about ¾ full).

Bake 18-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean and tops are golden.

Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Store in airtight container: Fridge 5 days, freezer 3 months.

Why This Works:

The protein powder and Greek yogurt combine to provide 12g protein per muffin. Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrates that high-protein snacks significantly improve satiety between meals and reduce overall calorie intake compared to carbohydrate-based snacks.

These protein muffins meal prep recipes keep you full without the sugar crash.

My Experience:

This was my first attempt at protein muffins. I was skeptical. How could they taste good and have that much protein?

They taste like regular blueberry muffins. Maybe even better because they’re not overly sweet.

I’ve made this recipe at least 50 times now. It’s my default Sunday baking.

For more protein breakfast ideas, check high protein breakfast.

Recipe 2: Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

Chocolate chip protein muffins stacked 13g protein healthy snack

⏱️ Prep: 10 min | Bake: 20 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 185 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 13g

Tastes like dessert. Works like protein.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry: oat flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt.

Whisk wet: eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla.

Combine wet and dry. Fold in chocolate chips (save some for topping).

Fill muffin cups ¾ full. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top.

Bake 18-20 minutes until set.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

This is my “I need chocolate” protein muffins meal prep recipe.

Tastes like chocolate muffins from a bakery. But has 13g protein and way less sugar.

I make these when I know I’ll have chocolate cravings during the week. Satisfies the craving without derailing my goals.

Recipe 3: Banana Nut Protein Muffins

Banana nut protein muffins walnut topping 12g protein make ahead

⏱️ Prep: 10 min | Bake: 22 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 175 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 12g

Uses up those overripe bananas.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed banana (about 3 bananas)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients.

Whisk wet ingredients (include mashed banana).

Combine. Fold in walnuts.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 20-22 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

This is my “what do I do with these brown bananas” recipe.

The bananas add natural sweetness so you need less honey. The walnuts add healthy fats and crunch.

Perfect protein muffins meal prep when you have bananas going bad.

For more banana recipes, see high protein make ahead breakfast.

Recipe 4: Pumpkin Spice Protein Muffins

Pumpkin spice protein muffins fall flavor 13g protein autumn baking

⏱️ Prep: 10 min | Bake: 20 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 170 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 13g

Fall in a muffin.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients.

Whisk wet ingredients (include pumpkin puree).

Combine.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 18-20 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

I make these September through November. Can’t help myself.

The pumpkin adds moisture and vitamins without adding calories. The spices make your kitchen smell amazing.

Great protein muffins meal prep for fall cravings.

Recipe 5: Lemon Poppy Seed Protein Muffins

Lemon poppy seed protein muffins fresh bright 12g protein spring recipe

⏱️ Prep: 12 min | Bake: 20 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 160 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 12g

Bright and fresh.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients including poppy seeds.

Whisk wet ingredients including lemon zest and juice.

Combine.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 18-20 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

These are my spring/summer protein muffins meal prep.

The lemon makes them taste light and fresh. Perfect when you’re tired of chocolate and banana flavors.

The poppy seeds add texture and omega-3s.

Recipe 6: Apple Cinnamon Protein Muffins

Apple cinnamon protein muffins chunks visible 12g protein cozy breakfast

⏱️ Prep: 12 min | Bake: 22 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 180 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 12g

Like eating apple pie for breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1½ cups diced apples (about 2 apples)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients.

Whisk wet ingredients.

Combine. Fold in diced apples.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 20-22 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

This is my fall comfort food protein muffins meal prep.

The apples add natural sweetness and fiber. The cinnamon makes them smell incredible.

Tastes like apple pie but keeps you full for hours.

Recipe 7: Strawberry Protein Muffins

Strawberry protein muffins berry pieces 12g protein summer meal prep

⏱️ Prep: 12 min | Bake: 20 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 165 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 12g

Summer berries year-round.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1½ cups diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients.

Whisk wet ingredients.

Combine. Gently fold in strawberries.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 18-20 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

I use frozen strawberries year-round for these protein muffins meal prep.

The strawberries get jammy in the oven creating pockets of flavor. Tastes like strawberry shortcake.

Perfect when you want something fruity and sweet.

Recipe 8: Peanut Butter Protein Muffins

Peanut butter protein muffins high protein 15g dense texture meal prep

⏱️ Prep: 10 min | Bake: 20 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 195 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 15g

Maximum protein, maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients.

Whisk wet ingredients (peanut butter blends in with wet ingredients).

Combine.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 18-20 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

These have 15g protein per muffin. Highest of all my recipes.

The peanut butter makes them extra filling. One muffin actually satisfies me.

Essential protein muffins meal prep when you need maximum protein.

Recipe 9: Carrot Cake Protein Muffins

Carrot cake protein muffins vegetables hidden 13g protein healthy snack

⏱️ Prep: 15 min | Bake: 22 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 185 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 13g

Vegetables for breakfast that taste like dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1½ cups grated carrots
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients.

Whisk wet ingredients.

Combine. Fold in carrots, raisins, walnuts.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 20-22 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

This is how I sneak vegetables into my breakfast.

Tastes exactly like carrot cake. The carrots add moisture and vitamins. The walnuts add crunch.

Proof that protein muffins meal prep can include vegetables.

Recipe 10: Double Chocolate Protein Muffins

Double chocolate protein muffins intense flavor 14g protein dessert style

⏱️ Prep: 10 min | Bake: 20 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 190 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 14g

For serious chocolate cravings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients (including cocoa powder).

Whisk wet ingredients.

Combine. Fold in chocolate chips.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 18-20 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

These are intensely chocolate. Like brownie bites but with 14g protein.

I make these when I know chocolate cravings will hit hard during the week.

Satisfies any chocolate craving without the guilt.

Recipe 11: Zucchini Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

Double chocolate protein muffins intense flavor 14g protein dessert style

⏱️ Prep: 15 min | Bake: 22 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 175 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 12g

Hidden vegetables that taste amazing.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1½ cups grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
  • ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Grate zucchini. Squeeze out excess water using paper towels.

Mix dry ingredients.

Whisk wet ingredients.

Combine. Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 20-22 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

This is my “use up the zucchini” protein muffins meal prep recipe.

The zucchini adds moisture and vegetables without affecting taste. You can’t taste it at all.

The chocolate chips make them taste like treats.

Recipe 12: Cranberry Orange Protein Muffins

Zucchini chocolate chip protein muffins hidden vegetables 12g protein

⏱️ Prep: 12 min | Bake: 20 min | Makes: 12 muffins
🔥 Calories: 170 per muffin | 💪 Protein: 12g

Holiday flavors year-round.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin.

Mix dry ingredients.

Whisk wet ingredients including orange zest and juice.

Combine. Fold in cranberries.

Fill muffin cups.

Bake 18-20 minutes.

Cool and store.

My Experience:

I make these around Thanksgiving. The cranberries and orange remind me of holidays.

The tartness of cranberries balances the sweetness perfectly.

Great protein muffins meal prep for when you want something different.

For more meal prep ideas, see high protein meal prep and high protein low calorie meal prep.

Why Protein Muffins Meal Prep Changed My Life

Before protein muffins, I was a vending machine slave.

Every morning at 10am like clockwork. $2-3 per day. $10-15 per week. $600-800 per year on vending machine junk.

And I was gaining weight. Feeling terrible. Stuck in a cycle.

What Changed:

I started making protein muffins every Sunday. One batch. 12 muffins. Takes 30 minutes total.

That batch gave me breakfast or snacks for the entire week.

The Results:

Week 1:

  • Made first batch of blueberry protein muffins
  • Brought 5 muffins to work for the week
  • Didn’t visit vending machine once
  • Saved $15

Month 1:

  • Made 4 batches (different flavors each week)
  • Zero vending machine visits
  • Saved $60
  • Lost 2 pounds

Month 3:

  • Protein muffins meal prep became automatic
  • Saved $180 total
  • Lost 6 pounds
  • Co-workers asking for recipes

Month 6:

  • Saved $360 total
  • Lost 15 pounds
  • Started a Sunday baking routine I actually enjoy
  • Vending machine lady asked if I was okay

These muffins didn’t just save money. They broke a two-year bad habit and helped me lose weight.

My Protein Muffins Meal Prep Strategy

Every Sunday:

3:00pm – Pick which flavor to make this week
3:10pm – Get out all ingredients
3:15pm – Mix batter (takes 10 minutes max)
3:25pm – Pour into muffin tin, put in oven
3:45pm – Muffins done, cooling on rack
4:00pm – Muffins cool enough to store
4:05pm – Done

Total time: About 30-40 minutes including baking

Weekly Rotation:

I rotate flavors so I don’t get bored:

Week 1: Blueberry
Week 2: Chocolate chip
Week 3: Banana nut
Week 4: Pumpkin spice (if fall) or Lemon poppy seed (if spring/summer)

Sometimes I make two batches if I’m feeling ambitious. Freeze one batch for later.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Best Storage:

Counter: 2 days (in airtight container)
Fridge: 5 days (in airtight container)
Freezer: 3 months (individually wrapped)

My System:

Sunday: Make 12 muffins
Take 5 to work for the week
Keep 4 at home for breakfast
Freeze 3 for emergencies

To Freeze:

Let muffins cool completely.

Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.

Place wrapped muffins in freezer bag.

Label with flavor and date.

To Thaw:

Overnight in fridge, then microwave 15 seconds.

Or microwave from frozen for 45-60 seconds.

Reheating:

From fridge: Microwave 15-20 seconds
From freezer: Microwave 45-60 seconds
Or let thaw at room temp 30 minutes

Common Protein Muffin Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using Too Much Liquid

First batch I made was like soup. Muffins didn’t rise. Were dense and wet.

The Fix: Follow liquid measurements exactly. Protein powder absorbs more liquid than regular flour.

Mistake 2: Overmixing the Batter

Mixed too long trying to get it smooth. Muffins turned out tough and rubbery.

The Fix: Mix just until combined. Some lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten making muffins tough.

Mistake 3: Wrong Protein Powder

Used unflavored protein powder. Muffins tasted chalky and weird.

The Fix: Use flavored protein powder (vanilla or chocolate). Makes huge difference in taste.

Mistake 4: Overbaking

Left them in too long. Muffins were dry and crumbly.

The Fix: Check at 18 minutes. Toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.

Mistake 5: Not Letting Them Cool

Tried to eat them hot from the oven. Fell apart. Made a mess.

The Fix: Let cool in pan 5 minutes. Then transfer to wire rack. They firm up as they cool.

Quick Questions About Protein Muffins Meal Prep

Do they really taste good?

Yes. If you use good ingredients and don’t overbake them, they taste like regular muffins. Sometimes better because they’re not overly sweet.

How much protein do they actually have?

12-15g per muffin depending on the recipe. Way more than regular muffins which have maybe 3-4g.

Can I make them without protein powder?

You can, but they won’t have as much protein. The protein powder is what makes them protein muffins.

Are they good for weight loss?

They worked for me. The protein keeps you full so you’re less likely to overeat later. But you still need to watch overall calories.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). Use plant-based protein powder and yogurt.

How long do they really last?

5 days in the fridge is my max. After that they start to dry out. But frozen they last months.

Want more breakfast options? Check low calorie breakfast ideas and high protein breakfast no eggs.

More Meal Prep Resources

Looking for more meal prep breakfast? Try high protein make ahead breakfast.

Want variety? Browse cottage cheese recipes high protein.

Need dinner ideas? See quick healthy dinners for weight loss and 30 minute high protein dinners.

The Truth About Protein Muffins

The fitness industry wants you to believe you need their expensive protein muffin mixes, their special ingredients, their complicated recipes.

It’s not true.

Protein muffins meal prep is simple. Oat flour. Protein powder. Greek yogurt. Eggs. Whatever fruit you like. Mix. Bake. Done.

I went from spending $600+ yearly on vending machine junk to spending maybe $15 monthly on ingredients for homemade protein muffins.

Lost 15 pounds. Broke a two-year bad habit. Made Sunday baking something I actually enjoy.

Using basic ingredients from any grocery store.

You don’t need special mixes. You don’t need expensive ingredients. You just need good recipes and 30 minutes on Sunday.

Start this Sunday. Pick one recipe from this list. Make it.

Within a week, you’ll understand why protein muffins meal prep changed my life and can change yours too.

Real ingredients. Real easy. Real results.

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