Ready in under 5 minutes, this decadent chocolate high protein mug cake will crush your hunger and your cravings. The best single serving post-workout snack or dessert!
Single serve desserts are truly a god send when I just NEED something sweet after dinner. Sometimes you don't feel like baking a full batch of brownies, but still want some dessert.
I believe in the importance of honoring your cravings, but I also like prioritizing snacks or desserts that are satiating both physically and emotionally. For me, this might look like choosing a higher-protein dessert that keeps me full! Still, you shouldn't feel pressured to only eat high protein desserts. Enjoying both balanced desserts and the classic versions can absolutely be parts of a healthy diet.
With all that being said, you need to try this protein mug cake. Decadent and full of chocolately goodness, it's perfect for a quick late night sweet treat or afternoon pick-me-up. The extra bit of protein even makes it a pretty good post-workout snack! Best part- it only takes 5 minutes to make.
Ingredients
- Coconut oil
- Maple syrup
- Milk of choice
- Chocolate protein powder
- Flour of choice
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil and maple syrup. Add in the milk. Add chocolate protein, flour, baking powder and salt and stir well.
Mix in chocolate chips.
Grease a microwave safe mug or ceramic dish and pour in the cake batter. Top with additional chocolate if desired. Microwave on high for 1 minute and 15 seconds to start.
Continue microwaving in 15 second increments until mug cake is fully cooked and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Mine typically takes about 1 minute and 45 seconds total. Top with powdered sugar if desired!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: Choose a gluten-free flour option (all-purpose gluten-free flour, almond flour, or gluten-free oat flour). Note that almond and oat flour will not rise quite as much, and the cake will be much denser.
To make vegan: Choose a non-dairy milk, vegan protein powder, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Missing an ingredient? Try these:
- Coconut oil: Sub for a neutral tasting oil or butter
- Protein powder: Want to skip the protein? Don't worry! I recommend using 3 tablespoon of flour total and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for this chocolate mug cake instead (however it will no longer be a protein mug cake)!
This protein mug cake is pretty customizable. You can swap out the chocolate chips for chopped Skor pieces, white chocolate chips, nuts, etc. For the ultimate chocolate caramel treat, top with my 5 minute vegan caramel sauce.
Equipment
- Microwave
Storage
This protein mug cake is best enjoyed fresh.
Top Tip
As all microwaves are different, carefully watch after the first 1 minute and 15 seconds to ensure your mug cake does not overflow. Cook time may also vary based on how deep your mug is. For best results, try to choose a mug that is more shallow and wide for even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
I love Nuzest (code NOURSHEDBYNIC for $ off)! For another vegan option, I go for Organika's chocolate collagen (code NOURISHEDBYNIC30).
Yes! I recommend baking at 350F for about 12 minutes in the air fryer and 20 minutes in the oven. Make sure you are using an oven-safe mug or ramekin.
More Single Serve Desserts
If you enjoyed this protein mug cake, here are some other easy single serve desserts!
- 10-Minute Vegan Single Serve Cookie
- Air Fryer Apple Crisp
- Easy Microwave Berry Crumble
- Microwave Cinnamon Rolls
📖 Recipe
Chocolate High Protein Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted (or runny peanut butter!)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoon milk of choice
- 3 tablespoon chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon flour of choice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoon chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil and maple syrup. Add in the milk. Add chocolate protein, flour, baking powder and salt and stir well. Mix in chocolate chips.
- Grease a microwave safe mug or ceramic dish and pour in the cake batter. Top with additional chocolate if desired.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 15 seconds to start. Continue microwaving in 15 second increments until mug cake is fully cooked (a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Mine typically takes about 1 minute and 45 seconds total. Top with powdered sugar if desired!
Victoria says
Nice chocolatey taste! Lovely consistency, put a little squirt of whipped cream on top!
L says
I’ve tried a couple times with almond butter and coconut sugar and the batter is extremely thin. Are you measuring the protein powder and flour by weight or are you scooping it out of the bags with the measuring spoons?
Nicole Addison says
Hi there! Hmmm I'm sorry this one isn't a hit for you, let's try to troubleshoot what might be going wrong! The batter is liquid but it shouldn't be as thin as water. What type of flour are you using? When measuring I always make sure to sift it into measuring cups to ensure the proper amount is used. I find protein powders can be a little finicky when baking- it may be the type of protein powder you are using. Regardless this has a quick fix- just add a little additional protein powder/ flour until you. have a batter-like consistency and pop it in the microwave!
Sumer says
My first SUCCESSFUL mug cake! I’ve just done the most irresponsible thing, food-related, I’ve ever done; the stuff children dream of - I had this for supper. The world is falling apart. This made me happy anyway. Thanks!
Brendan says
Was looking for something to make after the gym or when I’m craving something sweet. Easy to make and delicious. This receipt comes together real quick and fills those cravings. Fun to experiment with different flavors. I’ve made this multiple times!
Jaime says
so easy and so yummy!! Such a great way to get protein in while satisfying a sweet tooth! I make this about once a week and it always turns out amazing! #nourishedspring
Nicole Addison says
Hi Jamie,
I am SO glad you enjoyed this mug cake- it's a staple for me too!!