Protein Mug Cake – Satisfy 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.

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.

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.

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.
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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.

Protein Mug Cake
- Coffee Mug or Ramekins
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons almond milk, unsweetened
- 3 tablespoons almond flour, blanched
- 2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Monk Fruit sweetener
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons Lily's Chocolate Chips sugar-free, plus more for garnish.
- 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.
- 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.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
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.