High Protein Pineapple Upside Down Muffins

These high protein pineapple upside down muffins are delicious, citrusy, and are the perfect brunch recipe! 

These healthy high protein pineapple upside down muffins are a delicious way to add a little more fiber to your diet. This recipe is made with whey protein powder, greek yogurt, and oat flour making them high in protein and packed with healthy carbs. They are naturally sweetened with monk fruit and stevia make them the perfect balance between sweet and citrusy. 

If you are looking for a brunch idea look no further than these quick and easy protein muffins. These muffins not only satiate any sweet tooth but they will also help you stay on track for your new years goals. The muffins are so hearty they are sure to keep your hunger at bay. I’ve found baking with whey protein it’s really important to counterbalance the whey texture. Full fat greek yogurt is amazing at elevating your protein desserts. I like the Greek Gods brand but Siggi’s is also one of my go-tos. Greek yogurt is high in protein and has probiotics which are great for digestion. It also has calcium which is great for bone health. 

So let’s make the pineapple upside down muffins!

Here are a few ingredients you will need to make high protein pineapple upside down muffins!:

• Vanilla whey protein powder:  Protein powder is the main ingredient in this recipe. It is the ingredient that adds all the protein to this recipe. I used Ascent brand vanilla whey protein. Whey protein is also low in calories and helps you feel fuller longer which is why it’s a powerhouse for building muscles.  

• Oat Flour: Oat flour is the flour I chose to use  in this recipe. It’s used for the muffin base which makes these muffins hearty and offers a slow release of energy. Oat flour is one of the closest alternative flours to non purpose flour I’ve found for baking in terms of consistency. It also has so many amazing health benefits including its lowering cholesterol, antioxidants, and is great for gut health.

• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is high in protein and has healthy probiotics which are great for digestion. The high calcium content is great for bone health. I personally like full fat greek yogurt because it’s a great way to add healthy fats to a diet. 

• Pineapple: Pineapple is one of the sources of sweetness in this recipe. I typically don’t like my dessert super sweet but if you do feel free to double the monk fruit in this recipe or add more monk fruit to the muffin batter. Pineapple contains bromelain which is crucial to glowy complexion and improve skin texture.  

• Milk: Milk is a crucial ingredient in this recipe. That being said I know how picky people can be when it comes to milks so choose your favorite. My personal favorite is soy milk. I like that it’s high in protein and relatively lower in calories. 

Recipe Tips:

• Use a silicone muffin sheet. These muffins don’t have a lot of oil in them so they will stick to the pan. I highly recommend generously greasing your pan with cooking spray, or using a high quality non-stick pan, a silicon pan, or lining your pan with parchment paper or muffin liners. 

• Chop your pineapple. I chopped it into small chunks but feel free to chop it however you prefer. I bet these would also be delicious if the pineapple was chopped into small rings. 

• Don’t over cook your muffins. Baking with protein powder is challenging and over cooking it can cause the bars to become dry and rubbery. Make sure to check on the bars periodically to ensure they aren’t overcooking. 

Recipe variations:

• Use vegan protein powder: this recipe can be made vegan by using vegan protein powder instead of whey protein. 

• Use vegan yogurt instead of greek yogurt: To make the muffins vegan try using a vegan yogurt instead of greek yogurt. Depending on the yogurt you use you may need to adjust the amount of monk fruit and stevia you add. 

• Incorporate your favorite spices: The options are endless for the variety of spice flavors you could add to these muffins. My personal favorite is cinnamon but I bet they would be delicious with ginger as well. 

If you love high protein dessert recipes be sure to check out my high protein pumpkin brownies and the best vanilla chia seed pudding recipe you’ll ever have. What’s your favorite dessert? Comment below and attempt to make a healthy version. 

• Author: Summer Montgomery
• Cook Time: 25 minutes 
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 10 Muffins

Ingredients

• ½ cup pineapple, diced 
• 1/2 cup whey vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup oat flour
• ½ cup chickpea flour
• 3 TBSP Monk Fruit Sweetener
• ⅛ tsp Stevia
• 1  tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Cinnamon 
• 1 cup full fat greek yogurt
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp Butter flavor

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 F 

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

In a smaller mixing bowl, combine the greek yogurt, milk, vanilla, and butter flavor. 

Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient.  

Layer the pineapple in each of the muffin pans sections. Spoon the batter over the pineapple in the silicone muffin pan. The batter will make about 12 muffins. 

Bake for 22 minutes. Once 22 minutes is up check to see if the muffins are firm, if not cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Store in the refrigerator