This healthy protein cornbread is soft, fluffy, sugar-free, and low-fat, made with cornmeal, whey protein, and applesauce for an easy, high-protein comfort food recipe.

The Best Ever Healthy Protein Cornbread [Sugar-Free & Low-Fat]

If cornbread had a glow-up, this would be it. This healthy protein cornbread is soft, lightly sweet, perfectly sliceable, and secretly packed with protein, without added sugar or excess fat. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well next to chili as it does warmed up for breakfast with a little nut butter. Comfort food energy with macros that make sense.

Made with cornmeal for that classic cornbread flavor, vanilla whey isolate for a protein boost, and applesauce to keep things moist and low-fat, this is one of those “how is this healthy?” recipes you’ll keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Protein Cornbread

This isn’t dry, crumbly, or weirdly eggy like some high-protein baked goods. It’s fluffy but sturdy, subtly sweet without tasting like dessert, and easy enough for a weeknight bake. Plus, it’s sugar-free, low-fat, and high-protein, making it perfect for meal prep, balanced dinners, or post-workout carbs that actually taste good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cornmeal brings that classic texture and flavor
Vanilla whey isolate adds protein without heaviness
Coconut flour helps absorb moisture and keeps slices sturdy
Liquid egg whites keep it low-fat and light
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness
Monkfruit sweetener keeps things sugar-free
Almond milk keeps the batter smooth and pourable

How to Make High-Protein Cornbread

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line an 8×8-inch pan for thicker slices or a 9×16-inch pan for thinner pieces with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, protein powder, coconut flour, baking powder, salt, and monkfruit sweetener.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg whites, almond milk, and applesauce until completely smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and gently fold just until combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of almond milk.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

The Best Ever Healthy Protein Cornbread

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Author: Healthy Helper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 9 squares
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

125 grams cornmeal
60 grams True Nutrition Vanilla Whey Isolate (code HEALTHYHELPER saves!)
3 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1/2 cup liquid egg whites (100 grams)
½ cup unsweetened almond milk (96 ml)
2 single-serve unsweetened applesauce cups (228 grams)
1/4 cup coconut flour (34 grams)
¼ cup (30 grams) granulated monkfruit sweetener (code HEALTHYHELPER saves!)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line an 8×8-inch pan for thicker slices or a 9×16-inch pan for thinner pieces with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, protein powder, coconut flour, baking powder, salt, and monkfruit sweetener.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg whites, almond milk, and applesauce until completely smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and gently fold just until combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of almond milk.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Results

Let it cool fully before slicing for the cleanest edges.
For a more savory version, reduce the monkfruit slightly and add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped jalapeños.
This cornbread stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for easy meal prep.

How to Serve This Healthy Cornbread

Pair it with chili, soups, or stews for a cozy, balanced meal. Toast a slice and top with nut butter or sugar-free jam for breakfast. Or enjoy it plain, because honestly, it’s that good.

This is proof that healthy cornbread can still be fluffy, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy. Once you try it, the boxed mix might never stand a chance.