Healthier Texas Sheet Cake with Protein Powder

This healthier Texas Sheet Cake with protein powder recipe is perfect for any celebration! Made with chocolate protein powder, a butter swap, and just the right amount of sweetness, you won’t believe how indulgent this cake tastes while being better for you. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Healthier Texas Sheet Cake with Protein Powder

• Healthier Swaps: Replacing one stick of butter with applesauce and adding protein powder makes this cake a better-for-you version of the classic.
• Perfect for Celebrations: This cake was made to celebrate my husband Daron’s birthday—it’s delicious, festive, and full of love!
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this sheet cake comes together quickly for any event.

Ingredients for Healthier Texas Sheet Cake

For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup monk fruit sweetener (you can also use brown sugar*)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I recommend She Activates Milk Chocolate Protein Powder)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
6 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 13×18-inch jelly roll pan.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, monk fruit sweetener, salt, cocoa powder, and protein powder. Set aside.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the applesauce and water, stirring until smooth. Heat until the mixture just starts to simmer, then remove from heat.

Mix Batter: Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir this mixture into the batter until fully combined.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder, protein powder, and milk, then simmer gently. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Fold in pecans if desired.

Frost and Decorate: Once the cake is out of the oven, pour the warm frosting evenly over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread it out, then add sprinkles for a festive touch.

Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Making Healthier Texas Sheet Cake with Protein Powder

• Protein Boost: Using chocolate protein powder adds flavor and nutrients without compromising texture.
• Butter Swap: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the cake moist while cutting down on fat.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container for convenience.

Food for Thought – Celebrating Life and God’s Goodness

In our home, we try to celebrate as often as possible. Whether it’s big milestones or the small, everyday victories, we’ve realized that celebrating is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to cultivate joy in our lives. Birthdays, in particular, are a perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the people we love and the blessings God has given us.

Today, we’re celebrating Daron’s birthday, and I couldn’t be more thankful for him. He’s a constant source of love, strength, and laughter in our family. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This verse reminds me that every day is a gift, but special moments like birthdays are a chance to rejoice in an even deeper way, celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness.

As I’ve gotten older (shhh, let’s not dwell on numbers!), I’ve started to embrace each season of life for the gift that it is. With this shift in perspective, I’ve also learned to prioritize my health and the well-being of my family. Small changes, like adding protein to recipes or cutting back on sugar and butter, make me feel good about the treats we enjoy together. It’s not about perfection but about finding balance and joy in the little things.

This cake is more than just dessert—it’s a reflection of love, joy, and God’s abundant blessings. And of course, in our house, sprinkles are always required because they’re a reminder that life is meant to be colorful and sweet. So today, we rejoice, we celebrate, and we give thanks for the wonderful man we’re blessed to call husband and dad. Happy Birthday, Daron! 🎉

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for great results.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I use a different protein powder?

Absolutely! Any chocolate protein powder will work, but I recommend a high-quality one like She Activates for the best flavor.

You May Also Love:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Ooey Gooey Nutella Chocolate Chip Bars

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Print and Save This Recipe

Bookmark this healthier Texas Sheet Cake recipe for your next celebration—it’s a hit every time! Let me know in the comments if you tried it or made your own twist.

Happy celebrating!

Recipe

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Healthier Texas Sheet Cake with Protein Powder

Created by: Brooke Farmer

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

12

This healthier Texas Sheet Cake recipe is perfect for any celebration! Made with chocolate protein powder, a butter swap, and just the right amount of sweetness, you won’t believe how indulgent this cake tastes while being better for you. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion!

Ingredients

 

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup monk fruit sweetner can use brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder I love She Activates Milk Chocolate Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/2 stick
• 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tbsp milk dairy or non-dairy
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder I love She Activates Milk Chocolate Protein Powder
• optional chopped pecans or sprinkles for topping

Instructions

For the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 13x18-inch jelly roll pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, monk fruit sweetener, salt, cocoa powder, and protein powder.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the applesauce and water, and stir until well combined. Heat until the mixture just starts to simmer.
• Pour the warm butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir this mixture into the batter until fully combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For the Frosting:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add cocoa powder, protein powder and milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and then remove from heat.Stir in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, whisking until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans if desired.
• Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake, spreading evenly with a spatula. Add sprinkles for decoration.

Notes

Protein: 9.6g
Carbohydrates: 58.8g
Fat: 13.9g

*denotes nutrition info will change if using other ingredients

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