Never shying away from a challenge or funny innuendos, fitness entertainer Will Tennyson has won the hearts (and appetites) of 2.5 million YouTube subscribers with his eating agendas, off-topic adventures, 24-hour torture tests, and training collabs, to name a few of his ambitious endeavors.
Tennyson appears safe and sound in his kitchen, where he’s rustling up some of the most delectable “fit” treats to satisfy the protein needs of his fellow gym bros and broettes. So grab your chef’s tools, pick a dessert recipe, or why not YOLO with all three? Delight yourself in a guilt-free confection!
Author’s note: Most, if not all, of these ingredients should be available in any big chain grocery store like Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, or overseas equivalents.
Tennyson recommends a quality vanilla whey casein protein powder for best baking results. Avoid using a whey-only powder.
Strawberry Protein “Shorty” Cake
“Sometimes I’m in the bath feeling kind of fruity, and I need to satisfy that urge.” Tennyson isn’t a fan of fruit in cakes, but there are always exceptions to the rule. “Would you put cheese in a margarita? I don’t think so”.
Thankfully, many of us would never share his same sentiment, so we’re not offended either way.
Here’s what you’ll need for the “shorty” cake:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour (Tennyson blends two cups of oats in a food processor)
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¼ cup sweetener of choice
- 90 grams whey casein protein powder
- 3 tbsp baking powder
- pinch of salt
Note: We recommend using natural-based sweeteners such as Stevia (No other added ingredients), erythritol, or monk fruit in crystallized form. Avoid artificial sweeteners if possible as they can alter the intended flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 140 grams egg whites
- 150 grams Greek yogurt
- 1.5 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- Roughly 1 tbsp honey (Raw Manuka or natural/avoid cheap artificial-tasting honey)
- ¼ cup milk/milk substitute
Combine all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
“You could probably kill someone with this batter,” said Tennyson, suggesting how dense the recipe felt as it poured it into the bakeware.
Disclaimer: This thick mixture may cause you to get a pump.
Spread the mixture evenly on the dish or pan then bake it for 20-25 minutes, depending on the oven. When it’s done, let cool for a few minutes, then cut into your desired portion sizes.
Tennyson spreads a thin layer of sugar-free jam, tops it with fresh strawberries, and then swirls on some low-calorie coconut whipped cream from a can. Garnish the top with a few more berries of your choice.
“If you show up to the family crib with this for Easter brunch, it’s going to be their taste buds that are resurrected,” said Tennyson, indulging in his culinary masterpiece. “I know why it’s called a shortcake because one bite and the rest of the cake is not lasting long.”
Tennyson fancied his concoction so much he wouldn’t mind it as a wedding cake. Perhaps an option for power couples?
Protein French Toast Bagels
The shorty cake may be in a league of its own, but French toast bagels will hit differently after a night of fasting.
“That probably is one of the better recipes I have ever made, seriously,” said Tennyson.
Here’s what you’ll need for these sinful French toast bagels:
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- ½ cup emphasized self-rising flour, “not regular flour.”
- ½ cup whey casein protein powder
- Cinnamon for “French toast vibes”
- Raisins (optional)
Topping
- 1-2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1-2 tbsp brown sugar (Swerve)
- 1 tsp vanilla
Follow these instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix all bagel ingredients to form a large dough ball. Add a little flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Place four smaller, same-sized dough balls on the baking tray.
- Create donut holes with a shot glass, rolling pin, or whatever works for you. Tip: Dip the end of your shot glass with flour before making holes.
- Mix the topping ingredients, then drizzle the mixture onto the bagels.
- Stick the bagels in the oven for 15-20 minutes, and check on them frequently.
Take the bagels out, let them sit for a few minutes, then spread your favorite dairy-free or low-fat cream cheese, and welcome to Flavorcity! Tennyson emphasized using a whey casein protein powder to get that perfect cakey and moist texture.
“If you were to make these bagels with a whey or isolate without the casein (protein powder), they would be drier than a towel.”
Protein Banana Fritters
The last dessert is a stovetop recipe with just four ingredients, not including coconut oil for frying. For banana fritters, you’ll need:
- 2 large bananas mashed
- 2 tbsp Whey/casein Protein Powder
- 3 tbsp coconut flour
- pinch of salt
Mix all ingredients, then pan-fry in a little coconut oil until golden and crispy on both sides. Pro chef’s tip: Make sure to add enough banana. Otherwise, the coconut flour batter will fall apart in the pan.
Finally, top your fritters with sugar-free ice cream, sugar-free syrup, and peanut butter powder (In that order) to enter tastebuds heaven.
“These look like Michelin star desserts,” proudly proclaimed the muscle cook.
Featured image: @willtenny on Instagram