Easy 3 ingredient protein powder mug cake recipe in the microwave! This 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!
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And for more goodies, try my Protein Baked Oats for One, my Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie, and my 40 Biscoff Recipes You Need to Try!
3 Ingredient Protein Powder 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 like a higher protein version of my Hot Chocolate Mug Cake, and 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.
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Can I have a protein shake for dessert?
This 3 ingredient protein powder 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
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, my Chocolate Blueberry Cake, or my Pinecone Brownie Recipe!
- vanilla extract - optional, to deepen the vanilla flavor in this delicious mug cake!
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.
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:
Whisk together dry ingredients in your mug.
Stir in egg until smooth.
Add water to thin out to consistency of wet batter.
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!
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, or try this Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream for another easy high-protein recipe!
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
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!
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.
If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
- 16 oz mug microwave safe
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 tablespoon 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 tablespoon 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
Last Updated on March 29, 2025 by Chenée Lewis
Pat D says
Good lo cal, hi protein dessert, and quick!! Let it stay more moist than dry on top to keep from drying out the cake. Added whipped cream to remoisten.
Chenée Lewis says
Wonderful! Glad you liked it!
Janet says
Mine came out dry too. I used Whey Chocolate Protein Powder and it didn't need any water. Would 1 teaspoon of safflower oil help?
Chenée Lewis says
Yes a bit of oil would definitely help! I wanted to keep this recipe super simple, but a bit of oil will definitely add moisture.
Bree says
Holy moly- this was so good! I was overzealous and did the 2x recipe at first and accidentally overcooked it slightly but even then it was still great. Simple. Thank you for this!
Chenée Lewis says
That's great to hear! Thank you!
Kari says
I tried two different recipes and two different protein powders before I followed this recipe. It’s super simple and I found that using Orgain protein powder actually worked. When I used whey protein powder it kept turning out rubbery. It was so fluffy and delicious this time. Thank you!!
Chenée Lewis says
That's great to hear, Kari! The type and flavor quality of the protein powder definitely makes a big difference. Thanks for the feedback!
Jeremy says
WAY better than expected (I've tried a couple similar recipes before and was pretty underwhelmed with them). This one is actually really good, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Chenée Lewis says
So glad to hear it! Thanks!
Farjana says
This was even better than normal non-protein mug cakes?!??! How?!
I overcooked it the tiniest bit but it was still no where near rubbery as normal mug cakes.
Helped me during my sweet cravings from my pcos. Defo saving this and coming back for more ❤
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad to hear that it helped you!! Thanks for the feedback!
Kushigalu says
Love this 3 ingredient mug cake. Simple and delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Kathleen says
Love that there's protein in this delicious, chocolatey treat. Now I can have chocolate for breakfast!
Kate says
This is such a fun and tasty way to pack in the protein! Sooo easy.
Gigi says
I tried making it 2 times and it tasted quite dry. I reduced the cook time to see if that would help but it turned out the same. Could the baking powder being the cause?
Chenée Lewis says
It's hard to say because there may be some variation in the protein powder you used. If you try it again, I would add some additional liquid to the mixture.
Alysha says
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.
Chenée Lewis says
So glad you like it! Microwave times can vary slightly, so I'm glad you found a time that works for yours! 🙂
Nikkie says
G R O S S! Toon two bites and spit out the second bite & dumped it into the trash. It was look eating a wanna be chocolate egg cooked in a microwave.
Emily says
Delicious. I used chocolate whey protein powder and no cocoa. Tasted like light and airy chocolate cake!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad you like it! 🙂
Andrea says
I love the idea of adding protein powder to this delicious mug cake. It sounds incredible.
Mindy says
This is my go to recipe when I'm craving for something sweet yet not super bad for me. Easy to make as well!
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you for the feedback! It's such a great option!
Beth says
This is such a delicious quick snack after my workout. Thanks!
H says
Loved this after my workout. Used a splash of fairlife chocolate milk instead of water and pure maple syrup for sweetener. Thank you.
Chenée Lewis says
Wonderful! Glad it was a great post-workout snack for you!
Dana says
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 🙂
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad that you liked it! 🙂
Aimee Mars says
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.
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you so much!Hope you love it!
Katherine says
I love that this is such a high protein treat! Sooo good and so easy to make too.
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you! It couldn't be easier!
Dannii says
We love a mug cake for a quick and easy dessert and this protein version sounds amazing.
Chenée Lewis says
So glad you like it! 🙂
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
This is perfect for a quick fix when you just need pure comfort. What a great idea for winter evenings.
Chenée Lewis says
You're so right! I love this quick little protein cake!
Ieva says
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!
Chenée Lewis says
Thanks! It's perfect for those cravings!