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    Home » Chocolate

    Protein Mug Cake

    October 14, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

    124 shares
    protein mug cake pin

    Three ingredient protein mug cake - microwave recipe! This easy protein mug cake with no flour and no banana is a simple, protein-packed dessert or post-workout snack that’s ready in 2 minutes! And for more protein-packed goodies, try my Protein Baked Oats for One or my Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie!

    protein mug cake topped with chocolate chips
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    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Three Ingredient Protein Mug Cake - Microwave Recipe

    You'll only need three ingredients for this easy protein mug cake: no flour and no banana, only protein powder, egg, and baking powder! That's all you'll need! It's even easier than my Apple Mug Cake recipe! If you like, you can add in a few optional ingredients to boost the sweetness and chocolatey goodness.

    Can I have a protein shake for dessert?

    This protein mug cake is the best of both worlds! It gives you all the protein of a shake or smoothie, but with a light cake texture that you'll love! Because it's mostly protein, it's definitely got a denser, spongier texture than most cakes, but it's still such a delicious indulgence that you can feel great about!

    protein mug cake ingredients

    Protein Mug Cake Ingredients

    See below in the recipe card for the full ingredients and quantities, but here's a look at the basic ingredients you'll need:

    • protein powder - use your favorite brand of protein powder for this recipe -- any flavor you like! I used chocolate protein powder. It's important to pick a protein powder that has a flavor that you enjoy, since it's the main ingredient in this easy protein mug cake!
    • egg - we'll add a large egg to give this protein mug cake more richness and a bit of a lift. Your egg should ideally be room temperature before adding it in to this healthy mug cake recipe.
    • baking powder - helps to provide a bit more lift to our mug cake!
    • water - add in a few splashes of water (or unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or other non-dairy milk) to thin out the batter.
    • sweetener - this is optional, but you can add in a bit of sweetener to taste. It can be white sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or any no calorie sweetener you like!
    • cocoa powder - optional, to feed your chocolate cravings and add a more fluffy texture. And for an even more chocolatey treat, try my Mini Chocolate Cake or my Keto Chocolate Mousse for Two!
    • vanilla extract - optional, to deepen the vanilla flavor in this delicious mug cake!
    three ingredient protein mug cake closeup

    Equipment

    This recipe is incredibly simple, so you won't need a lot of special tools to make this protein mug cake: microwave-safe mug or ramekin to make sure the cake will fit after it rises in the microwave, and I also like to use a mini whisk to help whip up the batter. But if you don't have one a fork will do just fine. If you like, you can mix the batter in a mixing bowl, but I usually just whip it all up directly in the mug.

    How do you bake with protein powder?

    This three ingredient protein mug cake is as easy as mixing in the mug and popping in the microwave! Here are the steps for this recipe:

    protein mug cake step 1

    Whisk together dry ingredients in your mug.

    protein mug cake recipe step 2

    Stir in egg until smooth.

    three ingredient protein mug cake step 3

    Add water to thin out to consistency of wet batter.

    protein mug cake microwave step 4

    Microwave, then add chocolate chips if you like and enjoy warm!

    Hint: Watch your mug cake as it cooks in the microwave, checking it after 30 seconds so that it doesn't overcook and create a rubbery texture!

    2 ingredient protein mug cake closeup

    Variations

    This three ingredient protein mug cake recipe is so easy to switch up according to your preference!

    • Change the flavor - use any flavor of protein powder you like to give this easy protein mug cake a vanilla, caramel, strawberry, or cinnamon flavor!
    • Add ins - add semisweet or white chocolate chips, fresh or freeze-dried berries, or a dollop of peanut butter!
    • À la Mode - add vanilla ice cream or my Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce on top to really feed your sweet tooth!
    • Birthday Cake - use vanilla protein powder and add sprinkles and whipped cream.

    See my Mango Kale Smoothie with Collagen for another high protein sweet treat full of fruit flavors!

    protein mug cake microwave

    Storage

    You most likely won't need to store this single serving dessert, but you can store it in the mug in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a substitute for milk in a mug cake?

    In this mug cake, we're substituting water for milk to thin out the consistency of the batter. You can also use any dairy milk or plant milk that you like!

    How many calories are in a protein mug cake?

    This three ingredient protein mug cake recipe has 197 calories and 4 net carbs per serving, excluding any toppings or add-ins. See the recipe card below for full nutritional information.

    Top tip

    Be sure to use a protein powder that has a flavor you love! Since this protein powder mug cake is made with just protein powder and a few other ingredients, it makes up most of the flavors in the recipe.

    protein mug cake topped with chocolate chips

    Protein Mug Cake - Microwave Recipe

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Three ingredient protein mug cake - microwave recipe! This easy protein mug cake with no flour and no banana is a simple, protein-packed dessert or post-workout snack that’s ready in 2 minutes!
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 1 mug cake
    Calories: 197kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • 16 oz mug microwave safe
    • mini whisk
    • measuring cups and spoons

    Ingredients

    • 1 scoop protein powder - chocolate, vanilla, or any flavor you like
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder - optional
    • 1-2 teaspoon sweetener of your choice - optional; if you want it a bit sweeter
    • 1 large egg
    • 1-2 teaspoon water - to loosen consistency; you can also use the milk of your choice instead of water
    • Toppings of your choice

    Instructions

    • In a microwave safe mug, whisk together protein powder and baking powder. Stir in cocoa powder and sweetener, if using.
      1 scoop protein powder, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1-2 teaspoon sweetener of your choice
    • Stir in egg until mixture is smooth.
      1 large egg
    • Add water as needed to thin out consistency and stir to combine.
      1-2 teaspoon water
    • Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds, adding time in 5-second increments until top of cake is mostly dry.
    • Add toppings and enjoy warm.
      Toppings of your choice

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 mug cake | Calories: 197 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 32 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 0.02 g | Cholesterol: 236 mg | Sodium: 329 mg | Potassium: 190 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 350 IU | Calcium: 246 mg | Iron: 3 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: 2 ingredient protein mug cake, 4 ingredient protein mug cake, easy protein mug cake, protein mug cake low calorie, protein mug cake microwave, protein mug cake no baking powder, protein mug cake no banana, protein mug cake no egg, protein mug cake no flour, protein mug cake vanilla, protein mug cake with banana, three ingredient protein mug cake
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

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    124 shares

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    1. Alysha

      March 09, 2023 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      Decided I'd make a mug cake with Diesel Cake Batter protein powder and this recipe was WONDERFUL. I added 2-3 tsp of water and definitely overcooked it a bit at 1 min 30, so I'd recommend doing MAX a minute. Texture is like a dense sponge cake, and the taste is very subtle which is amazing. Topped with frozen berries and whipped cream and I'm in love honestly.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 15, 2023 at 2:26 pm

        So glad you like it! Microwave times can vary slightly, so I'm glad you found a time that works for yours! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Emily

      January 05, 2023 at 7:49 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious. I used chocolate whey protein powder and no cocoa. Tasted like light and airy chocolate cake!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 10, 2023 at 6:16 pm

        I'm so glad you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Andrea

      December 07, 2022 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      I love the idea of adding protein powder to this delicious mug cake. It sounds incredible.

      Reply
    4. Mindy

      December 07, 2022 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      This is my go to recipe when I'm craving for something sweet yet not super bad for me. Easy to make as well!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        December 07, 2022 at 12:53 pm

        Thank you for the feedback! It's such a great option!

        Reply
    5. Beth

      December 07, 2022 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      This is such a delicious quick snack after my workout. Thanks!

      Reply
      • H

        March 06, 2023 at 12:25 pm

        5 stars
        Loved this after my workout. Used a splash of fairlife chocolate milk instead of water and pure maple syrup for sweetener. Thank you.

        Reply
        • Chenée Lewis

          March 07, 2023 at 12:08 am

          Wonderful! Glad it was a great post-workout snack for you!

    6. Dana

      December 07, 2022 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      I couldn't wait to dig into this while it was baking away in the microwave! It smelled SO good and wow, it did NOT disappoint 🙂

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        December 10, 2022 at 7:19 pm

        I'm so glad that you liked it! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Aimee Mars

      October 19, 2022 at 5:08 am

      5 stars
      Oh, Chenée you've done it again! This looks too good to resist. I LOVE mug cakes because they make the perfect evening dessert and I have all the ingredients for this one. I can't wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 20, 2022 at 1:22 am

        Thank you so much!Hope you love it!

        Reply
    8. Katherine

      October 19, 2022 at 4:49 am

      5 stars
      I love that this is such a high protein treat! Sooo good and so easy to make too.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 20, 2022 at 1:22 am

        Thank you! It couldn't be easier!

        Reply
    9. Dannii

      October 19, 2022 at 4:09 am

      5 stars
      We love a mug cake for a quick and easy dessert and this protein version sounds amazing.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 21, 2022 at 12:04 am

        So glad you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      October 19, 2022 at 2:46 am

      5 stars
      This is perfect for a quick fix when you just need pure comfort. What a great idea for winter evenings.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 25, 2022 at 12:15 am

        You're so right! I love this quick little protein cake!

        Reply
    11. Ieva

      October 19, 2022 at 1:32 am

      5 stars
      I love a good microwave recipe, especially when it tastes like an indulgent dessert and is packed with protein! This mug cake was great! Will definitely use the recipe again to curb my cravings for cake!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 20, 2022 at 1:22 am

        Thanks! It's perfect for those cravings!

        Reply

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    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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