50g Protein Mocha Crunch Bowl
Active Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional chill time)
Difficulty: Easy | Category: Breakfast, Post-Workout, High-Protein
Servings: 1 | Author: [Your Website/Brand Name]
Description: Meet your new morning powerhouse or recovery hero. This 50g Protein Mocha Crunch Bowl is a decadent-tasting, textural dream that fuels your body without sacrificing flavor. We blend rich coffee and cacao with creamy Greek yogurt and protein powder to create a thick, mousse-like base, then top it with a symphony of crunchy elements for the perfect bite every time. It’s a balanced, satisfying meal that tastes like dessert but performs like premium fuel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Massive Protein Hit: A full 50 grams to support muscle repair, keep you full for hours, and kickstart your metabolism.
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Coffee Lover’s Delight: Get your morning caffeine and protein in one delicious scoop.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the base the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast.
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Endlessly Customizable: Swap toppings based on what you have or your nutritional goals.
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No Cooking Required: Just blend, scoop, and top!
Ingredients
For the Mocha Base:
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1 cup (250g) plain 2% or 5% Greek yogurt (for maximum creaminess)
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1 scoop (30-35g) chocolate or mocha-flavored whey protein powder (or plant-based alternative)
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1 tablespoon (5g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (or ½ shot of cooled espresso)
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1-2 tablespoons milk of choice (as needed for blending)
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Sweetener to taste: 1 tsp maple syrup, honey, or a few drops of liquid stevia (optional, depending on protein powder sweetness)
For the Crunch Topping:
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2 tablespoons rolled oats (toasted if desired)
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1 tablespoon chia seeds or hemp hearts
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1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
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1 tablespoon crushed almonds or walnuts
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A pinch of flaky sea salt (elevates all the flavors!)
Optional Garnish:
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A few raspberries or sliced banana
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A light drizzle of almond butter
Equipment
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Medium mixing bowl
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Whisk or fork
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Serving bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Build the Base
In your mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, protein powder, cocoa powder, and instant espresso powder. Start whisking vigorously. The mixture will be very thick initially. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, thick, but spoonable consistency—like a luxurious chocolate mousse. Taste and add a touch of sweetener if desired.
Chef’s Tip: If using a plant-based yogurt, it may be thinner. You can use slightly less milk or add a teaspoon of chia seeds to the base to help it thicken.
Step 2: Layer and Top
Scoop the entire mocha yogurt base into your serving bowl. Using the back of your spoon, create a slight well in the center for the toppings. Now, artfully arrange your crunch components in sections or layers: sprinkle the oats, then the chia seeds, chocolate chips, and crushed nuts. Finish with that essential pinch of flaky sea salt right over the top.
Step 3: Serve Immediately or Chill
For the best crunchy texture, dive in right away! If you prefer a parfait-style bowl where the toppings soften slightly and the flavors meld, or if you’re prepping ahead, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours (or overnight).
Notes & Variations
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Dairy-Free: Use a high-protein plant-based yogurt (like soy or coconut) and a vegan protein powder. Ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
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Nut-Free: Substitute seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) for the crushed almonds.
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Lower Carb: Omit the oats, use cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips, and choose a zero-carb protein powder.
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Flavor Twists:
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Mint Mocha: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the base.
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Berry Mocha: Swap the chocolate chips for a handful of mixed berries.
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Tropical Mocha: Use toasted coconut flakes and macadamia nuts as toppings.
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Nutrition Information
(Approximate values, calculated using 2% Greek yogurt and standard ingredients)
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Calories: ~520
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Total Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 70mg
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Sodium: 280mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 38g
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Dietary Fiber: 10g
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Total Sugars: 18g (includes natural lactose from yogurt)
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Protein: 50g
Key Nutrient Highlights:
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50g Protein: Essential for muscle synthesis, satiety, and metabolic health.
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10g Fiber: Supports digestive health and provides sustained energy release.
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Rich in Calcium & Probiotics: From the Greek yogurt, supporting bone and gut health.
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Healthy Fats & Antioxidants: From nuts, seeds, and dark cocoa.
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and measurements used