As an ADHD woman raising multiple ADHD kids, I’m always looking for ways to support brain health. Dietary protein is a simple and effective way to improve lagging levels of dopamine in the ADHD brain.
Increasing protein, and specifically foods high in tyrosine, can increase levels of dopamine in the brain. Including high-quality protein at every meal is important. However, there are times when you’ve gotta hit your sweet tooth.
So, here’s one of my go-to high-protein chocolate cake recipes that I eat almost every single day. Hope you and your ADHD family enjoy it!
Ingredients High Protein Cake for the ADHD Brain
Ok, Friend. Here are the ingredients I use to make my chocolate protein cakes. Yum!
Base Ingredients
- Sports Research Dutch Chocolate Protein Powder
- Second Choice: Nutricost Chocolate Protein
- 1/2 Banana
- 2 eggs
- Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
- Must be dark chocolate
- 1-2 Tbsp Dark Chocolate Chips
Optional Add-Ons
- Cottage Cheese
- I love the salty flavor and the added protein.
- Greek Yogurt
- I usually add strawberry or vanilla Greek Yogurt to make it creamy.
- Berries
- One or two tablespoons of canned pumpkin
How to Make My ADHD High-Protein Cake
Here’s how I make this chocolate protein cake. And, yes. I eat it almost every day as a part of my routine. My kids enjoy it as well. Especially, one of my teenage daughters.
Step 1: Wet Ingredients
- Mash 1/2-1 full banana and mix it with 2 eggs
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
- Add one scoop of Dutch Chocolate Protein Powder and,
- 1-2 tbsps of Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
- Bonus: Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder is high in iron and fiber
- Stir thoroughly
Step 3: Optional Add-Ons
Personally, I add every one of these add-ons if I can. It just tastes so good.
- Add about a 1/4 cup of cottage cheese
- Of course, I eyeball it because I have ADHD. No time to waste for me. 🙂
- 1-2 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips
- Stir thoroughly
Step 4: Quick Cook Time
Once completely stirred, I cook this high-protein ADHD-brain concoction. Plan to cook for about 2 minutes in 15 to 30-second increments.
- With just the base recipe, microwave for 15 seconds at a time, stirring between each interval until done to your liking.
- If you overcook it, the protein cake can get dry and won’t taste as yummy.
- Start with shorter intervals to be safe.
- If you’ve added the cottage cheese, you can cook for approximately 30-second intervals without drying it out.
Step 5: Add Toppings
While this sounds like a long process, it isn’t. It usually takes me about 5 minutes to prep and cook this high-protein chocolate cake. Remember, I have ADHD and time blindness is a real thing. I have zero patience for long cook times.
- Once out of the microwave, I add…
- a scoop of my favorite Greek Yogurt
- and some berries
Then I enjoy my delicious treat without any guilt knowing I’m fueling my ADHD brain!
Recap: High Protein Chocolate Cake for ADHD
For those of us with ADHD, the amino acids found in protein are critical for the production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter often deficient in ADHD.
This quick and delicious high-protein chocolate cake recipe has been a godsend for me and my ADHD family. With between 30-40 grams of protein per cake, you can be assured that you’re supporting your ADHD brain.
So, Friend. Are you going to try it? Do you have a favorite high-protein dessert recipe to hit your family’s ADHD sweet tooth?
About the Author:
Lindsay is a trauma-informed educator with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her mission is to support moms to equip neurodivergent kids (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Anxiety) to thrive as exactly who they’ve been created to be. Wait until you hear the story that led to it all…
Hi, what would you recommend cooking if you don’t use a microwave?
Meg, That’s a great question. I would give the oven a try but cook the chocolate protein cake in small increments so as to not dry it out. I’m definitely not a food blogger or professional baker at all so I’m winging it with you, My ADHD Friend. Ha!