3 Ingredient Chocolate Protein Mug Cake

This 3 Ingredient Chocolate Protein Mug cake is the perfect sweet treat to make the next time you have a chocolate craving but also want to hit your protein goals. It whips up in around 2 minutes and is made with simple ingredients you already have on hand, so you can enjoy a healthy dessert as soon as the craving strikes! It's the perfect post-workout snack or healthier dessert option.

For those days where you absolutely require a sweet treat but want to stay on track with your healthy & fitness goals, making this chocolate protein mug cake is a perfectly healthy way to enjoy a decadent dessert. Not only is this the perfect protein-packed dessert, but it is also a dairy free and gluten free mug cake recipe, so it's perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

If you're looking for more ways to use your favorite protein powder to make the perfect protein-packed treat, then you'd love this Protein Mug Brownie, Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Mug Cake, these decadent Protein Monster Cookies, or these small batch Cookie Dough Protein Donuts. If you justs happen to love mug cakes, try this 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Mug Cake, Funfetti Mug Cake, or 3 Ingredient Chocolate Banana Mug Cake the next time you're craving a cupcake (you can add protein to it, too!)

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is simple. With no special equipment required, only a microwave-safe mug, a small whisk or fork & a microwave, anyone with a sweet tooth can whip up this recipe in just a couple of minutes.

• It is a healthy mug cake recipe. Since it uses just a few ingredients, this recipe can be made easy to digest, dairy free, gluten free & even refined sugar free to help you reach your goals & feel your best.

• It is delicious! This chocolate mug cake is a delicious, nutritious dessert.

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​Chocolate Protein Mug Cake Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Chocolate Protein Powder. This recipe works best with pea protein or whey protein powder. I tested this recipe using a grass fed beef isolate protein powder & that would be the only protein powder I do not recommend using. If you don't have a favorite protein powder, you can check out this helpful guide to find one that's right for you. If you're looking for an easy to digest pea protein powder, I used this chocolate protein from TumLove. KIMBERLY15 will save you 15% off of your first order! It is also important to note that you should use a protein powder that you actually enjoy the taste of, or you will not enjoy this recipe.
• ​Egg. You will need one large egg. This recipe has not been tested using flax eggs or any egg alternatives.
• Milk of choice. You may use almond milk, whole milk, oat milk, soy milk or whatever milk you prefer for this protein mug cake recipe. I do not recommend using canned coconut milk. I tested this recipe using whole milk & non-dairy milk and both options worked well.

Optional Ingredients

• Maple Syrup. If you'd like to add a touch of sweetness, adding a bit of real maple syrup or even a teaspoon of coconut sugar goes a long way. If you don't love the taste of your protein powder, this could help with making it more flavorful in a pinch.

• Cocoa Powder. Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder will really help increase the richness of the chocolate cake. 

Add-Ins

• Add dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate for an extra delicious chocolate protein cake.
• Top it with a little vanilla ice cream if you're feeling fancy!
• Add peanut butter powders and melted chocolate chips for a chocolate peanut butter version.
• Substitute the chocolate protein powder for vanilla protein powder to make a vanilla protein mug cake. Then top it with fresh fruit, sprinkles or nut butter!

Step By Step Instructions

1. Build the mug cake. Add the chocolate protein powder to a lightly greased mug or ramekin, then add the egg & milk. If you're using it, you may also add the maple syrup and cocoa powder here.

2. Mix. Using a fork or a small whisk, mix the cake batter until smooth & there are no clumps of protein powder remaining. The texture should resemble a thick chocolate mousse. If you're adding chocolate chips, fold them in now.

3. Microwave. Place the mug in the microwave and microwave for 30 seconds. If the mug cake is not fully set, microwave for another 10 seconds. Do not exceed 50 seconds as most protein powders will get a rubbery texture after that point.

Chocolate Protein Mug Cake Tips, Tricks & FAQs

When is the best time to eat a chocolate protein mug cake?

You can enjoy this healthy dessert any time! It makes for the perfect post-workout snack, healthier dessert or can even be enjoyed in the morning topped with some greek yogurt if your sweet tooth is really calling!

What type of protein powder works best for a protein mug cake?

I tested this recipe using several types of protein powder and found that pea protein & whey protein powder work the best. I do not recommend using a grass fed beef isolate protein as this type of protein powder will not work at all. If you only have this type of protein powder on hand, you can add ⅓ cup of almond flour or oat flour to the recipe.

What if the mug cake is too liquidy?

Occasionally, depending on your microwave, you may find that your protein mug cake hasn’t fully cooked through after following the instructions and is still a bit liquidy on the inside. If this happens, simply place the mug back in the microwave and cook in short 5 second intervals until a cake-like texture is achieved.

How to store chocolate protein mug cake

Mug cakes are best eaten right away. I do not recommend making this recipe ahead of time & storing for later for best results. Since it whips up in under 2 minutes, it's an easy recipe to make, grab & go!

If you enjoyed this recipe you might also like

• Protein Ice Cream Bars
• 3 Ingredient Chocolate Protein Mousse
• 4 Ingredient Edible Protein Cookie Dough
• 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Mug Cake

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!