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High-Protein Dirt Cake

Prep Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • Chocolate protein pudding or high-protein chocolate pudding mix
  • Milk or high-protein milk alternative
  • Plain Greek yogurt high-protein
  • Cream cheese softened
  • Protein powder chocolate or vanilla
  • Chocolate sandwich cookies crushed
  • Chocolate cake or chocolate cake mix optional layer
  • Cocoa powder optional
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sweetener of choice optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Food processor or zip-top bag with rolling pin
  • Glass baking dish (9×13 recommended)
  • Offset spatula or spoon for spreading
  • Plastic wrap or lid for storage

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chocolate protein pudding according to package instructions using milk or a high-protein milk alternative. Whisk until thick and smooth, then refrigerate for 5–10 minutes to fully set.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Add Greek yogurt to the cream cheese and mix until fully combined and creamy.
  4. Add protein powder, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder (if using). Mix on low speed until smooth. Taste and add sweetener if needed.
  5. Gently fold the prepared protein pudding into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Mix until fully incorporated without overmixing.
  6. If using cake, prepare it according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely. Cut or crumble into even pieces.
  7. Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies using a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  8. In a glass baking dish, begin layering. Start with a thin layer of pudding mixture.
  9. Add a layer of cake pieces (if using), followed by a layer of crushed cookies.
  10. Spread another layer of the pudding mixture evenly over the cookies.
  11. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of pudding on top.
  12. Sprinkle the remaining crushed cookies generously over the top to create the “dirt” effect.
  13. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to blend and layers to set.

Notes

Nutritional Facts and Total Calories

(Approximate per serving, based on 10 servings)
  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 20–25 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g