Healthy Chocolate Orange Protein Loaf [gluten-free + no added sugar]

This healthy chocolate orange protein loaf is soft, chocolatey, and packed with protein. Made with oat flour, orange cream protein powder, cocoa, orange juice, and fresh zest.

Healthy Chocolate Orange Protein Loaf

Chocolate and orange are one of those combinations that just work.

The rich chocolate flavor pairs with bright, citrusy orange to make this healthy chocolate-orange protein loaf taste like something you’d find in a bakery, except this version is packed with protein and made with simple ingredients.

Fresh orange zest and juice give the loaf plenty of citrus flavor, while orange cream protein powder takes the combination even further. Cocoa powder brings the deep chocolate flavor, and applesauce and Greek yogurt help keep the loaf soft and tender.

Add some dark chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra. Honestly, I support it.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Orange Protein Loaf

This loaf is:

• High in protein
• Rich and chocolatey
• Flavored with fresh orange
• Made with oat flour
• Soft and tender
• Easy to make
• Perfect for breakfast or dessert
• Customizable with dairy-free or vegan ingredients

Ingredients

Oat Flour

Oat flour creates a soft, tender crumb while keeping the loaf simple and approachable. You can use store-bought oat flour or blend old-fashioned oats into a fine powder.

Orange Cream Protein Powder

Orange cream soy protein powder adds protein and reinforces the citrus flavor.

Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the loaf its rich chocolate base.

Applesauce And Greek Yogurt

This combination adds moisture without requiring a large amount of oil or butter. Greek yogurt also adds additional protein.

Eggs

Eggs help bind everything together and give the loaf structure. For a vegan version, you can use flax eggs.

Orange

Fresh orange zest and juice are key here. The zest contains concentrated citrus oils, so don’t skip it if you want that bright orange flavor to really shine.

Date Syrup

Date syrup adds sweetness and a little extra depth. Honey or maple syrup can also be used.

Dark Chocolate Chips

Completely optional, but highly recommended if you’re a chocolate person.

How To Make Chocolate Orange Protein Loaf

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, orange cream protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, date syrup, orange zest, and orange juice.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the finished loaf dense.

If you’re using dark chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Cool completely before slicing.

Nutritional Information (per slice, yields about 8 slices):

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: ~12g
• Carbs: ~20g
• Fat: ~4g
• Sugar: ~5g

How To Serve Chocolate Orange Protein Loaf

Slice it and enjoy as-is, or add a little Greek yogurt, nut butter, or melted dark chocolate on top.

It’s also delicious slightly warmed, especially when those chocolate chips get a little melty.

For an extra pop of orange flavor, add a little fresh orange zest over each slice.

How To Store Chocolate Orange Protein Loaf

Store the loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.

Individual slices can also be frozen. Wrap them well and thaw as needed for an easy grab-and-go snack.

How To Make This Loaf Vegan

To make this loaf vegan, use dairy-free yogurt and replace the eggs with flax eggs. Make sure your protein powder and chocolate chips are also vegan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make My Own Oat Flour?

Absolutely. Simply blend old-fashioned oats in a high-speed blender or food processor until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency.

Can I Use Another Protein Powder?

You can, although the flavor and texture may vary depending on the protein powder you use. An orange or vanilla protein powder would work particularly well.

Can I Leave Out The Chocolate Chips?

Yes. The loaf is still plenty chocolatey without them. But if you’re asking me, I’d keep them.

Final Thoughts

This chocolate-orange protein loaf is for people who want their afternoon snack to taste like dessert.

It’s rich, citrusy, chocolatey, soft, and packed with protein. Basically, chocolate cake energy with a little more staying power.

Talk soon,