Can you believe that Galentine’s Day — and Valentine’s Day — are already here? For many people, this is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats and to share them with loved ones. It’s a universal way of saying “I care about you” or “I love you.”
This year, we encourage you to do something different and try something new. Stay away from packaged treats and make your own desserts. We promise that homemade treats taste much better and that the effort will show your bestie and/or significant other how much you love him or her.
So we have created five incredibly delicious recipes you can choose from (or try them all!) to wow that special person in your life. And best of all, each is made with Performance Inspired’s protein powder, so not only do you get the mouth-watering taste of a sweet treat, but you can get the boost of protein your body needs.
Protein Chocolate Lava Cake (For Two)
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops PI’s chocolate protein powder (any variety)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/4 cup unflavored milk (almond, rice, or regular)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Large dark chocolate square or chocolate chips (to taste)
- Powdered sugar (to taste)
Instructions:
Stir together all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips or the dark chocolate square. The batter should be thick (if you need to thicken it, add more protein powder).
Coat two ramekins or coffee mugs with nonstick cooking spray and fill them about halfway. Add the chocolate square/chocolate chips and press lightly into batter. Cover with additional batter.
Microwave each ramekin/mug on high for 45-80 seconds (depending on microwave). Don’t overcook, as you want a nice gooey center. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Protein Chocolate Mousse (For Two)
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops PI’s chocolate protein powder (any variety)
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Strawberries or raspberries (cut and to taste)
Instructions:
Add first three ingredients to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer and blend everything on medium until the mixture is light and fluffy (it may take a few minutes).
Spoon mousse mixture into either a bowl or two ramekins. Top with strawberries or raspberries. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
Protein Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Bark
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 scoops PI’s chocolate protein powder (any variety)
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 cups cut strawberries
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine protein powder, Greek yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir well.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly on it.
Add coconut oil and chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted, stirring occasionally.
Add a cup of the diced strawberries to the melted chocolate mixture and stir well. Then spread this on top of the Greek yogurt mixture on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining strawberries on top.
Freeze for four to five hours until hardened. Break into pieces or cut into sections.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop PI’s chocolate protein powder (any variety)
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Add cupcake liners to a mini cupcake pan and set aside.
Combine the protein powder, the peanut butter, and the water and stir until the mixture is smooth.
Microwave the chocolate chips until they are melted; don’t overcook. Add the almond milk and stir until blended.
Add some of the chocolate mixture to each cupcake liner (how much is up to you, but don’t make it too thick). Allow the chocolate to sit and harden for about 15 minutes.
Add the peanut butter mixture to the top of the hardened chocolate in each muffin liner. Top with the remaining chocolate on each.
Let harden in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop PI’s chocolate or vanilla protein powder (any variety)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Combine the protein powder, the Greek yogurt, the vanilla, the maple syrup, and the strawberries and stir well.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Drop large spoonfuls of the Greek yogurt mixture onto the cookie sheet. Freeze until solid. It should take about two hours.
Once the clusters have set, melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil in the microwave. Don’t overcook.
Remove the clusters from the freezer and dip them one by one into the melted chocolate. Coat thoroughly. Return them to the cookie pan. Once all are coated, place the cookie pan back in the freezer and freeze until the chocolate is hardened.
This Gal- or Valentine’s Day, show how much you care. Taking time and effort to do something kind is the perfect way to tell someone that they matter to you. Happy Valentine’s Day!