Skip to Content

Protein Mug Cake

Protein Mug CakeSatisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy chocolate protein mug cake; the dessert combines protein powder, wholesome ingredients, and natural sweeteners for convenient, single-serve mug cakes that are a perfect on-the-go treat for a busy lifestyle.

A scoop of protein mug cake over the mug.

Indulge in our chocolate mug cake for any meal of the day, be it dessert, breakfast, or even as a post-workout snack. This delightful treat is packed with protein (24 grams), the amount of which varies based on the protein powder you choose. Plus, it’s sugar-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil to prevent the cake from sticking to the mug.
  • Egg: Along with protein, eggs provide structure and bind the ingredients together.
  • Almond Milk: Add to the overall nuttiness by including almond milk. The milk provides moisture since almond flour doesn’t absorb like traditional flour.
  • Almond Flour: For best results, use blanched almond flour, which uses almonds that have had the skins removed; I like them for baking because they produce a lighter batter.
  • Chocolate Protein Powder: Flavor the cake with chocolate protein powder; Truvani Plant Based Protein Powder is the one I use.
  • Cocoa Powder: Add color and rich, decadent flavor using cocoa powder.
  • Monk Fruit: I prefer Monk Fruit for a few reasons; we always have it in our pantry, and it’s the only sweetener that doesn’t leave a strange aftertaste.
  • Baking Powder: Baking powder adds lift to the batter, so the cake isn’t so dense, giving it a fluffy, cake-like texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Dark yummy chocolate and fewer carbs- what’s not to love?

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

Customize your chocolate mug cake with protein and other ingredients to meet your macros and dietary preference.

  • Protein: I use this plant-based protein powder because of allergies, but use what you have. And you can change up the flavor of the cake depending on the protein powder you use.
  •  Sweetener: Naturally sweeten the cake with banana, or use brown sugar, stevia, coconut sugar, or allulose.
  •  Milk: You can use almond milk, water, or other milk, like dairy, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
  •  Eggs: Make the recipe vegan using apple sauce, banana, or nut butter instead of eggs.

HOW TO MAKE A PROTEIN CAKE IN A MUG

The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Warm coconut oil in a mug or ramekin until it’s melted (but don’t let it get hot) for 20-30 seconds.

Coconut oil melted in a mug.

Stir the egg and almond milk into the mug.

Wet ingredients combined in a mug.

Then, add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Dry ingredients added to wet ingredients in a mug.

Top the cake with a few more chocolate chips and microwave for 60-80 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave.

Batter combined in a mug and topped with chocolate chips.

EXPERT TIPS

  • Use a large microwave-safe mug because the batter will expand in the microwave.
  • Prepare the cake in a coffee mug or divide the batter into two ramekins for sharing
  • Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and that the batter is smooth.
  • Microwave in intervals for 60-80 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave.
  • Use a toothpick or a fork to check if the mug cake is done. If it comes out clean, the mug cake is ready.

SEARCHING FOR MORE LIKE THIS? 

If you love this recipe, try one of these healthy desserts!  

A close up view of our protein mug cake.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS 

Take your dessert game to the next level! We finish our protein mug cake with a shower of chocolate chips, but the real fun begins with toppings and mix-ins! Indulge in the creamy goodness of whipped cream, drizzle warm chocolate over the top, or add a spoonful of decadent nut butter. Mix things up by using butterscotch, caramel, or white chocolate chips, and try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for textural variation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Is protein mug cake healthy?

Protein mug cakes combine wholesome ingredients like protein powder, almond flour, almond milk, and natural sweeteners- a healthy alternative to traditional cakes. Protein mug cakes also provide a high protein, portion-controlled snack or dessert high to meet your macros and satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and cook it for 10-15 minutes. I suggest preparing the protein mug cake in two ramekins if you decide to using the air fryer.

⭐️ Rate the Recipe 

Feedback is Valuable – It helps us improve and update our recipes, so we can provide delicious meals you love. Consider leaving a comment or rating below the recipe card, and feel free to share your adaptations or ask any questions. We cannot wait to hear about what you’ve made. 

A scoop of protein mug cake over the mug.

Protein Mug Cake

Tressa Jamil
Indulge in a healthy sweet treat with our chocolate protein mug cake; this single-serving cake is the perfect on-the-go snack.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Mug Cake
Calories 396 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
  
Instructions
 
  • Warm coconut oil in a mug or ramekin until it's melted (but don't let it get hot) for 20-30 seconds.
  • Stir the egg and almond milk into the mug. Then, add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Top the cake with a few more chocolate chips and microwave for 60-80 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave.
Notes
Expert Tips: 
  • Use a large microwave-safe mug because the batter will expand in the microwave.
  • Prepare the cake in a coffee mug or divide the batter into two ramekins for sharing
  • Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and that the batter is smooth.
  • Microwave in intervals for 60-80 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave.
  • Use a toothpick or a fork to check if the mug cake is done. If it comes out clean, the mug cake is ready.
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Mug Cake | Calories: 396 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 30 g | Sodium: 413 mg | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 3 g
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!
Recipe Rating




Alex

Friday 26th of May 2023

Highly recommended! Great for your gym goals.

Tressa Jamil

Saturday 27th of May 2023

That's what we use it for too. Wishing you will on your health journey!

Emily Thompson

Friday 26th of May 2023

This protein mug cake is a guilt-free treat. The protein powder and natural sweeteners make it a healthier alternative, and the single-serving size is perfect.

Tressa Jamil

Saturday 27th of May 2023

I am happy this recipe worked out for you, enjoy!

Rick

Monday 13th of February 2023

This was an easy and delicious way to prepare a pre-workout breakfast. Thank you.

Tressa Jamil

Monday 13th of February 2023

Never tried it as a pre-workout breakfast; may have you try it.