This quick and easy protein powder mug cake is healthy, loaded with protein, and tastes like a gooey piece of chocolate cake. Top with a little whip cream and some berries for a perfect little treat.
Protein powder mug cake is the perfect way to get some added protein into your day while curbing that sweet tooth. It can easily be made gluten free or vegan depending on which protein, flour and egg you use.
If you find yourself looking for some other healthier recipes you should also try my chocolate peanut butter protein shake. I love topping it with some of my easy almond coconut granola. Or you could try my banana carrot muffins, that are loaded with fruit and veggies.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS
QUICK & EASY- This mug cake can be made in about 2-3 minutes time with just a little bit of mixing.
LOADED WITH PROTEIN- You can find yourself extra full with with over 30 grams of protein.
NO OVEN OR MIXING BOWLS REQUIRED- I love that all this takes is a large mug and a microwave to enjoy a delicious treat!
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Milk- I like to use cashew milk for this, but you are welcome to use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
- Egg- I use one regular egg, or sometimes just egg whites, but flax egg can also be used to make it vegan.
- Protein Powder- I always use Clean Simple Eats protein powder, which is a whey protein. Use whatever you like or have on hand.
- Sugar- You can use any sugar or sugar substitute.
- Flour- I use coconut flour for this, but most flours should be okay.
- Chocolate Chips- Not necessary, but highly recommended.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
STEP ONE: Wet Ingredients. In a microwave safe large mug or cereal bowl whisk together milk, egg and vanilla until blended.
STEP TWO: Dry Ingredients. Add protein powder, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt and mix again until no large clumps are left. Add chocolate chips if desired.
STEP THREE: Cook. Microwave for 50-60 seconds, depending on your microwave. I watch mine and stop it about 50 seconds, when it is starting to reach maximum height. You can put it back in for another 10 seconds, until just the top still looks a little wet in the middle. Allow to cool slightly.
EXPERT TIPS
This can be made with all different flavors of protein powder. You can also add different extracts to give it a boost of flavors.
Feel free to add more or less sugar depending on how sweet your protein powder is and your preference. You can also sub in alternative sugars.
When in doubt, err on the side of undercooking your mug cake. You don't want to dry it out and it will continue to cook and set as it cools.
FAQ
I used a whey protein, but most all should work. Just watch for any dietary restrictions when needed.
It could be because your mug was too small to hold all the ingredients. Make sure that before cooking the mug is no more than half full with batter.
Yes! The egg and flour is fine being cooked in the microwave, just make sure that it isn't too gooey.
HOW TO STORE
A protein powder mug cake is best eaten when fresh, the day of. If you want to save some, store it covered in the fridge, and then reheat in the microwave just until warm.
OTHER CHOCOLATE RECIPES TO TRY
Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies
For more yummy treats follow me on instagram @thesaltedsweets. And be sure to tag me and comment below if you make them and love them as much as I do.
Make sure to leave a star review below!
Protein Powder Mug Cake
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (61 g) milk I use cashew
- 1 large egg can also use 46g egg whites or flax egg
- splash of vanilla
- 1 scoop protein powder (30ish grams) I use clean simple eats chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute
- 1 tablespoon flour I use coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- In a microwave safe large mug or cereal bowl whisk together milk, egg and vanilla until blended.
- Add protein powder, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt and mix again until no large clumps are left.
- Top with chocolate chips if desired.
- Microwave for 50-60 seconds, depending on your microwave. I watch mine and stop it about 50 seconds, when it is starting to reach maximum height. You can put it back in for another 10 seconds, until just the top still looks a little wet in the middle.
- Allow to cool slightly before topping.
Amy Gerber
How can I bake this if I don’t have a microwave?
brooke
I haven't tried it in the oven, but I would say 350 for about 10-14 minutes. Just make sure you do it in something oven safe and check it with a toothpick.
T. W.
Soooo good! Thanks for sharing! It is also very entertaining to watch it grow in the mug:)
brooke
Thank You!! And I totally agree. Its crazy how much it grows!
Michelle
Do you think it’s ok to leave out the protein powder for kids? What can I sub?
Natalie
So easy and SO GOOD. Adjusted for ingredients I had on hand: skim milk, Clean Simple Eats S'mores protein powder, omitted cocoa powder. Used self-rising flour and therefore omitted baking powder. Drizzled with runny almond butter, topped with blueberries and nonfat Redi Whip. Thanks for an easy treat, can't wait to try every variation I can think of!
brooke
I'm so glad you loved it!! Thanks for sharing how you changed it for others to see as well!
Kelly
The best protein mug cake I’ve tried!! My experience with mug cakes has been mediocre, at best. They’re too eggy, too dry, or too bland. These were perfect and decadent. We used Clean Simple Eats S’mores protein and Peanut butter chocolate protein powder. This will be made on repeat!
Kathy
Brooke does it again! Delicious! Topped w some lite Cool whip, chocolate sprinkles and diced strawberries. This may be my new nightly treat!
brooke
Yay!! Its definitely a good staple for a nightly treat Thanks Kathy!
Laura
Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe! I have tried a few protein mug cakes and they were honestly inedible. This one was truly amazing and enjoyable! So filling and feels like a treat. Can’t wait to make it again!
brooke
I am so happy to hear that!! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a review also!
Kim
Exactly what I was looking for!! Used liquid egg white, and a mix of chocolate protein and bad athletics coconut- plus jet black cacoa powder! Only used one tablespoon of the jet black and no added sweetener. SO GOOD and with those adjustments closer to 200 cal and more room for toppings!
brooke
Love those tweaks to make it even lighter! Thanks for coming back to review and share that!
DiBe
Do you think I could use Casein protein powder? It's sort of a different animal. It failed in a proven waffle recipe that I had previously used Whey protein in. I'm trying to duplicate a study that uses 40g of Casein before bedtime for older people to grow and heal muscle as they sleep...I hate to waste ingredients. I just can't drink it in a shake form...just awful!!! What do you think? Thank you.
brooke
I sorry.. I haven't tried before, so I'm not sure.
Cheryl
Oh my goodness! This was absolutely delicious!! I used Lactaid milk as I was too lazy to go downstairs for almond milk. I used cappuccino flavored protein powder that I use in my morning coffee. I used almond flour as well. I did have some leftover mini chocolate chips from protein balls I made earlier. This recipe was so easy and the instructions were spot on. Came out perfectly. Will definitely make again. Thank you!!!
bailey
the perfect guilt free dessert. I make these all the time! so yummy!