What do you do when you’re craving cake but don’t want to commit to baking a whole one, and you’re still trying to hit your protein goals? Enter this protein mug cake! It’s become my go-to whenever I’m in the mood for something sweet, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent.
This healthy chocolate protein mug cake is exactly what it sounds like. It’s made with simple, everyday ingredients, lightly sweetened, and (bonus!) I even snuck a veggie in there. You would never guess there’s pumpkin puree hiding inside, but it keeps the cake perfectly moist and tender.
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The best part about mug cakes is that you only need one mug and a microwave. Just mix, heat, and enjoy. It’s the easiest “baking” you’ll ever do, and since it’s single-serve, there’s no need to worry about tempting leftovers staring at you from the counter. Enjoy this protein powder mug cake as a dessert, post-workout, or a sweet snack.
Why you’ll love this protein mug cake recipe
- made with simple ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.
- packed with 20 grams of protein
- macro-friendly and balanced – a good ratio of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber for balanced blood sugar and to avoid those spikes and crashes that traditional pieces of cake can cause.
What is a mug cake?
A mug cake is a single serving dessert where all the ingredients are whisked together in a mug and then microwaved to “bake” it. They are easy to make and a quick and convenient option for dessert without having to do any baking.
Ingredients
- pumpkin puree
- egg
- milk – use your milk of choice!
- maple syrup – for some sweetness.
- vanilla bean paste
- plant-based chocolate protein powder – plant-based works best as it’s thicker and helps act as a “flour”.
- unsweetened cocoa powder – for even more chocolate flavor!
- baking powder
- salt – to help bring out the flavors.
- mini chocolate chips
How to make a protein mug cake
- Mix the mug cake. Add pumpkin puree, egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste to a large mug or small bowl and whisk until combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Make sure ingredients are thoroughly combined, especially towards the bottom of the mug. Using a whisk helps. Stir half of the chocolate chips into the batter, and then sprinkle the rest on top.
- Microwave for 1:45.
- Enjoy! Let cool for a minute or 2 (it will be hot!) and enjoy!
Can I use another protein powder?
This recipe works best with plant-based protein powder. Protein powders vary by consistency and how dense they are, and using different ones will yield different results. I have not tried this recipe with whey protein powder and am not sure if it will work.
Storage
Since this is a single-serve dessert, you likely will not need to store leftovers, but if you don’t eat it all, cover your mug in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave if desired.
Substitutions
- pumpkin puree – brown banana or mashed sweet potato should work instead, but I haven’t tried either one.
- egg – I haven’t tried an egg substitute, so I’m not sure if they will work. Eggs also bump up the protein content, so that would change the nutritional breakdown if you switch it out.
- milk – any kind of milk should work (dairy or non-dairy milk).
- maple syrup – any kind of liquid sweetener will work the same (honey, agave…). I have not tried a granulated sugar (cane sugar, coconut sugar…), but I think a small amount of it would work. You don’t want too much, or it will change the texture of the cake.
- vanilla bean paste – vanilla extract will work the same.
- chocolate protein powder – vanilla protein powder, or really any flavor of protein powder will work! I suggest a flavored one as it adds some sweetness. Also, a plant-based protein works best as the consistency works well to help absorb the liquid. I am not sure if whey protein powder or collagen will work as I have not tried them.
- unsweetened cocoa powder – cacao powder will work the same.
- baking powder – this is needed to help it rise.
- mini chocolate chips – I like using minis for more chocolate, but regular-size ones will work. Milk or dark chocolate chips work as well. Use dairy or dairy-free ones, depending on your preferences.
More healthy protein dessert recipes
- creamy protein chia pudding
- high protein hot chocolate
- protein peanut butter cups
- chocolate chia pudding
- protein pudding with cottage cheese
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Protein Mug Cake
equipment
- mug
ingredients
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (61 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 3 tablespoons plant-based chocolate protein powder (20 grams)
- 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- optional toppings – flaky sea salt, cinnamon, nut butter…
instructions
- Mix the mug cake. Add pumpkin puree, egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste to a large microwave-safe mug or small bowl and whisk until combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Make sure ingredients are thoroughly combined, especially towards the bottom of the mug. Using a whisk helps. Stir half of the chocolate chips into the batter, and then sprinkle the rest on top.
- Microwave for 1:45.
- Enjoy! Let cool for a minute or 2 (it will be hot!) and enjoy!
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Recipe by Kelly Nardo, Eat the Gains | Photography by Sierra Inn
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I switched mine up just a bit according to what I had.. I used 1/3 cup pumpkin puree and 1 tbsp PB. So so good and satisfied my sweet tooth!
Oh yum, I love that idea of pumpkin puree! Glad you liked it Meghan and thanks for trying it!
Hi!
I loved the look of this recipe, so I went to check it out. But every time I try to open the link I get the following notification:
“This site can’t be reached
http://www.puretasterecipes.com took too long to respond.”
What can I do?
Kind regards
Ah, sorry about that! I just added the recipe to the post itself – it is in the recipe card. Let me know if you have any questions!