Rice Cake Chocolate Cake - High Protein, Sugar Free

Rice Cake Chocolate Cake is an game-changer with 48g protein for anyone seeking healthy treat. It's a no bake chocolate cake made with rice cakes, protein powder and 2 more ingredients; No sugar, but just as delicious.

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Forget complicated baking - our no bake chocolate protein cake is unbelievably simple to make, packed with protein, and tastes like a dream.

Okay to be honest, I got the idea for this recipe when I did a little brainstorming on what rice cake dessert recipes I could try after seeing how much people loved the rice cake tiramisu recipe I put up on my blog sometime last year.

So going off of that same concept I came up with this, but made it a pure protein packed chocolate indulgence made with rice cakes! How protein packed you ask? I was genuinely not expecting it, but when I calculated the nutrition last night it turned out to be 48g protein in one serving!

Ingredients for Rice Cake Chocolate Cake

Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, this is the perfect sugar free chocolate rice cake dessert that fits perfectly into your high-protein, low-calorie lifestyle. And its also gluten free and easily dairy free/vegan if you need it!

Chocolate Rice Cakes; or even regular ones, make sure they are unsalted

Whey Chocolate Protein Powder; This is the source of sweetness to make a sugar-free rice cake chocolate cake recipe; I recommend American Dream Nut Butter (use my code HAYLSKITCHEN for 10% off) since its really rich in chocolatey flavor. Isopure is another good option.
Unsweetened Almond Milk
Non-fat Plain Greek Yogurt
Optionally, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for dusting.

See recipe card at the bottom of the page for the measurements!

Alternate Ingredients & Swaps

This rice cake chocolate cake recipe is super flexible and allows for easy substitutions to suit your dietary needs or pantry staples:

Rice Cakes: While chocolate rice cakes add an extra depth of chocolatey flavor, you can absolutely use plain unsalted rice cakes. If you're feeling creative, try caramel flavored rice cakes if available!.
Whey Protein Powder: If you don't have whey protein, feel free to use casein or even a whey-casein brand (you might need to add a bit of milk to the frosting portion if it gets too thick).
If you don't have chocolate protein powder, replace it with vanilla, but add a bit of cocoa powder to the mix.
Almond Milk: Any unsweetened milk alternative (soy, oat, cashew) or even regular dairy milk can replace almond milk in the chocolate protein milk soaked cake.
Nonfat Greek Yogurt: Low fat Greek yogurt would work just the same!
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to keep it low sugar. Feel free to leave it out entirely.
Sweetener (Optional): If your protein powder isn't sweet enough, you can add a bit of zero calorie sweetener (stevia, erythritol) to the protein milk and/or frosting.

Vegan & Dairy Free:

Protein Powder: If you're vegan, you can use a plant-based chocolate protein powder, but do add a bit of milk and sweetener to adjust the flavor. I recommend KOS, Truvani or Birdman Chocolate plant protein.
Greek Yogurt: For a dairy-free version of the protein frosting, you can try using a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy Greek-style yogurt). Be sure that it's very thick to achieve a good frosting consistency.

How to Make Your Protein Chocolate Cake Rice Cake

This protein chocolate cake rice cake is not only easy on the eyes, but also easy to get ready!

Prepare the Protein Milk: In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, chocolate whey protein powder, and optional cocoa powder until smooth.
Make the Protein Frosting: In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix the non-fat Greek yogurt, chocolate whey protein powder, and optional cocoa powder. Stir well until it forms a thick, creamy, and lump-free frosting.
This is your frosting for the protein powder chocolate cake rice cakes.
Soak the First Rice Cake: Take one chocolate rice cake and dip it into the prepared protein milk. Let it soak for a few seconds on each side (allowing it to absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy).
Layer the Cake in a Ramekin: Transfer the soaked rice cake into a large ramekin or a small, deep bowl. Spread half of the protein frosting evenly over the top, smoothing it out with the back of a spatula or spoon.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the dipping process with the second rice cake, place it on top of the first frosted layer. Spread the remaining protein frosting over the second rice cake.
Refrigerate: Cover the ramekin with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best texture and flavor, keep it for 3 hours.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the fridge, and dust with a little extra cocoa powder (using a sieve for an even coat) and add some sprinkles if desired. Dig in!

Tips for Success

Taste the Frosting and Milk! Depending on your protein powder, the protein frosting and/or milk might or might not be sweet enough. Taste a little and add a bit of sweetener (0 calorie recommended) and a tiny bit of vanilla extract if needed.
Don't Over-Soak: While you want the rice cakes to absorb the milk, soaking them for too long can make them soggy and mushy. The texture won't turn out well and the rice cakes will be hard to handle too. Just a few seconds per side is usually enough.
Adjust Frosting Thickness: If your protein frosting is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or water. If it's too thin, add a tiny bit more protein powder or Greek yogurt.
Chilling is Key: The refrigeration time is very important. It allows the rice cakes to fully soften and the flavors to meld, transforming it into a proper "cake" texture.
Serve Cold: This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, right from the fridge!

Can you store Healthy Rice Cake Chocolate Cake?

This healthy rice cake chocolate cake recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container, and is great for making ahead.

You can also meal-prep it in containers and keep for a quick dessert during the week. Be sure to serve it chilled for the best flavor!

FAQs

Can I use different flavored rice cakes?

Absolutely! While chocolate rice cakes give an extra chocolatey flavor, plain or even caramel rice cakes work well too. Just be aware it might slightly alter the overall chocolate intensity.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based chocolate rice cakes, unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or soy), and a vegan chocolate protein powder. For the frosting, ensure you use a thick, unsweetened plant-based Greek-style yogurt or coconut yogurt.

Are rice cakes with chocolate good for you?

This recipe has an impressive 48g of protein per serving and is made with simple and wholesome ingredients, so definitely a good dessert or post-workout treat.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe perfect for meal prep! Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I add toppings?

Definitely! Get creative with toppings. A sprinkle of sugar-free chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or fresh berries would be delicious additions on top of this cake.

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Did you try this recipe? I'd LOVE to know!
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