High Protein Strawberry Protein Parfait Cake

Strawberry parfaits are already a visual and taste delight, but imagine turning that layered goodness into a high-protein cake that’s indulgent, fruity, and satisfying. Yes, I’m talking about a dessert that looks fancy enough to impress guests but is actually functional enough to count toward your macros.

This High Protein Strawberry Protein Parfait Cake is a layered masterpiece with moist protein sponge, creamy protein-rich filling, and fresh strawberry layers. It’s sweet, tangy, fruity, and creamy all at once — basically, the perfect hybrid between a cake and a parfait.

It’s ideal for birthdays, brunches, post-workout treats, or anytime you want to feel fancy without sugar overload.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 12–18g protein per slice
• Fresh, fruity, and creamy
• Light sponge keeps cake from feeling heavy
• Naturally sweetened, but still indulgent
• Looks and tastes gourmet, but surprisingly easy to make

Perfect for showing off in your Instagram feed… and your stomach.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

Protein Sponge Cake

• ¾ cup oat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• ½ scoop (about 2 tablespoons) vanilla whey protein powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Protein Filling

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
• 2–3 tablespoons honey or sweetener
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for slightly thicker filling)

Optional Toppings

• Whipped cream (light or protein-enriched)
• Fresh sliced strawberries
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries for garnish
• Mint leaves

Equipment Needed

• 8-inch round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board for strawberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line your cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. This ensures your sponge lifts cleanly and stays intact for layering.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Oat flour
• Protein powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:

• Eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Maple syrup
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.

4. Combine Wet & Dry

Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gradually.

Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing — sponge should remain airy.

5. Bake the Sponge

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until cake springs back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare Strawberry Protein Filling

In a medium bowl, combine:

• Greek yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Protein powder
• Sweetener
• Vanilla

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Fold in chopped strawberries gently, preserving their shape. If using chia seeds, add now to thicken filling slightly.

Chill filling for 15–20 minutes to help it set.

7. Assemble the Cake

Once sponge is completely cool:

1. Slice cake horizontally into 2 layers (like a simple layer cake).
2. Spread half the strawberry protein filling evenly on bottom layer.
3. Place top sponge layer and spread remaining filling over the top.

Optional: pipe the filling for a decorative finish.

8. Garnish

Top with:

• Fresh sliced strawberries
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
• Mint leaves
• Light protein whipped cream

Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing — this helps the layers hold together.

Texture & Flavor Profile

• Light, moist protein sponge
• Creamy, tangy, protein-packed filling
• Juicy, fresh strawberries
• Subtle sweetness from honey or maple syrup
• Smooth, slightly thick texture

Each bite combines cake, creamy parfait, and fresh fruit — basically a flavor party.

Protein Breakdown (Approximate)

Entire cake: 90–110g protein
Per slice (10 slices): ~12–18g protein

Yes, you’re basically eating a fruity, creamy protein treat disguised as dessert.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Protein Parfait Cake

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

They add natural sweetness and juiciness.

2. Let Cake Cool Completely

Filling will slide off warm cake.

3. Fold Strawberries Gently

Avoid crushing them; keeps filling pretty.

4. Chill Before Serving

Helps cake slices hold together cleanly.

5. Adjust Sweetness to Taste

Strawberries add natural sweetness; taste filling before layering.

Flavor Variations

Mixed Berry

Substitute or add blueberries and raspberries.

Chocolate Strawberry

Add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder to sponge; drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Citrus Berry

Add a teaspoon of orange zest to filling.

Nutty Layer

Fold in 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or almonds into filling.

Vanilla Cream Only

Skip berries, just layer vanilla protein cream for a classic look.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate up to 3–4 days in airtight container
• Assemble fresh for best texture
• Can prep sponge 1 day ahead, store in fridge
• Freezing is not ideal due to fresh strawberries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using warm cake → filling will slide
• Overmixing sponge → dense texture
• Cutting strawberries too small → mushy filling
• Skipping chilling → messy slices
• Overfilling → filling squeezes out

Serving Ideas

• Slice thick for breakfast with coffee
• Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert
• Top with protein whipped cream for a brunch treat
• Perfect for birthdays or weekend gatherings
• Pair with fresh berries on side

It’s versatile enough to suit multiple occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — oat flour or gluten-free flour blend works perfectly.

Can I use plant-based protein?
Yes — use a mild or vanilla-flavored powder and adjust milk for batter consistency.

Can I swap Greek yogurt for cream cheese?
You can, but Greek yogurt adds tang and keeps filling lighter.

Can I prepare ahead?
Yes — bake sponge a day ahead; assemble when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Thaw and drain excess liquid; otherwise, filling may become watery.

When to Make This

• Special brunch or breakfast
• Birthday or celebration dessert
• Post-workout sweet treat
• Summer gatherings or picnic dessert
• Weekend baking project

It’s light, fruity, creamy, and protein-packed — perfect anytime.

Final Thoughts

High Protein Strawberry Protein Parfait Cake proves you can have elegance, flavor, and nutrition all in one.

Layers of soft sponge.
Creamy, protein-rich strawberry filling.
Fresh fruit.
Beautiful presentation.

Slice it thick, savor every bite, and feel good knowing this dessert actually works for your goals.

It’s like a classic strawberry parfait got a smart, protein-powered upgrade — and it’s just as fun to eat.